R50 Realignment Draft Environmental Impact Report

63 Wessel Road, Rivonia, 2128 PO Box 2597, Rivonia, 2128 South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 11 803 5726 Fax: +27 (0) 11 803 5745 Web: www.gcs-sa.biz

R50 Road Realignment Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report

MDARDLEA ref: 1/3/1/16/1N-47

Version – Draft for Public and Authority Review 21 September 2016– 21 October 2016

Exxaro Leeuwpan GCS Project Number: 15-070 Client Reference: R50 Road Realignment

GCS (Pty) Ltd. Reg No: 2004/000765/07 Est. 1987 Offices: Durban Johannesburg Lusaka Ostrava Pretoria Windhoek Directors: AC Johnstone (Managing) PF Labuschagne AWC Marais S Pilane (HR) W Sherriff (Financial) www.gcs-sa.biz Non-Executive Director: B Wilson-Jones Exxaro Leeuwpan R50 Road Realignment

Report Version – Draft for Public and Authority Review

21 September 2016– 21 October 2016

Exxaro Leeuwpan

15-070

DOCUMENT ISSUE STATUS

Report Issue Draft for public and authority review

GCS Reference Number GCS Ref - 15-070

Client Reference R50 Road Realignment

Title R50 Road Realignment Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report

Name Signature Date

Matthew Muller Author 21 September 2016 Samantha Munro

Document Reviewer Riana Panaino 21 September 2016

Renee Janse van Unit Manager 21 September 2016 Rensburg

Director Pieter Labuschagne 21 September 2016

LEGAL NOTICE

This report or any proportion thereof and any associated documentation remain the property of GCS until the mandatory effects payment of all fees and disbursements due to GCS in terms of the GCS Conditions of Contract and Project Acceptance Form. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, any reproduction, duplication, copying, adaptation, editing, change, disclosure, publication, distribution, incorporation, modification, lending, transfer, sending, delivering, serving or broadcasting must be authorised in writing by GCS.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Description

Leeuwpan wishes to extend its mining operations onto portions 1 and 2 on Farm Rietkuil 249 and portion 3 of Farm Moabsvelden 248, referred to as Block OI. These areas fall within the current mining right area owned by Leeuwpan, and an application to the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land & Environmental Affairs (MDARDLEA), formerly Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (MDEDET) (reference number: 17/2/3N-180), and the Department Mineral Resources (DMR) (reference number: MP 30/5/1/2/2/171 MR) has been submitted. The mining of Block OI would mean that the current R50 road to the south of the current operations will need to be realigned around the proposed mining block (Figure 1-1). The mining of this block would also remove the current access road to Thaba Chueu Mining (TCM) (formerly Samquarz). A new access road to this mine would therefore be required.

Environmental Authorization Processes The environmental processes involved with the project will be undertaken in two (2) parallel processes namely the NEMA process for all the associated listed activities, and the NWA process regarding the water uses that will be associated with the proposed development. The following documents will be submitted to the indicated competent authorities:  EIA/EMP under NEMA: Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (hereinafter referred to as “MDARDLEA”); and  IWULA under NWA: Department of Water and Sanitation (hereinafter referred to as “DWS”).

Public Participation The Public Participation Process (PPP) has been initiated as part of the requirements of the NEMA and NWA. A Background Information Document (BID) was sent to all stakeholders and Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs) on the existing Leeuwpan database and the identified stakeholders as per the requirements of the NEMA. The database is being updated continuously as new stakeholders and/or IAPs register for the project. Advertisements regarding the project background and the assessment process being followed were placed in the following newspapers:  The Citizen; and  Streeknuus. Site notices regarding the project background and the assessment process being followed were also put up around the project site.

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Specialist Studies conducted  Soils, Land Use and Land Capability Assessment;  Biodiversity Assessment including both Flora and Fauna Assessments;  Hydrology Report;  Wetlands Assessment;  Air Quality Assessment;  Historical Assessment;  Noise Assessment;  Social Impact Assessment; and  Traffic Assessment.

Environmental Impacts and Mitigation: The main activities which will create impacts during the different phases were assessed during the EIA and mitigation and management measures developed thereto. The main activities are:  Construction Phase Activities: o Removal of topsoil o Road construction o Wind exposure o River/wetland bridge construction o vegetation removal o Heavy machinery movement o Poaching, illegal collection or harvesting o Hydrocarbon fuel spillage o Influx of job seekers  Operational Phase Activities: o Road Operation o Vehicle and machinery movement o Hydrocarbon spills o Poor maintenance The majority of the impacts will have a Low to Medium significance after mitigation. Activities that remain with a high impact significance are the permanent loss of sections of soils structure, land capability and Grass owl habitat.

Motivation for the Project

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The extension of the current mining operations at Leeuwpan as is proposed with the mining of Block OI will extend the Life of Mine (LOM) by an extra 16 years. The LOM extension will ensure:  Employment opportunities for a further 16 years. With the increase in job cuts in the mining sector at present, job security is of vital importance;

 Continued positive impact on the local economy and surrounding area through spinoff job creation;

 Continued coal supply to Eskom for power generation during a time when Eskom is struggling to meet the electricity demand; and

 Conservation and rehabilitation of wetlands and natural habitats through the implementation of off-set plans.

EAP Recommendations

 A Soil Management Plan (SMP) is recommended to ensure the protection of soils and maintenance of the terrain of the R50 re-alignment project during Construction.  Ensure the Northern road for access to TCM is constructed on already impacted areas and not in functioning wetland boundary areas of the Bronkhorstspruit.  Construction areas should be demarcated and fenced off using a 5 strand cattle fence prior to the commencement of vegetation clearing or earthmoving activities. No construction activities should happen beyond the demarcated area, and clear signage of “Wetlands” should be displayed on fences at wetland areas.  The current Wetland Rehabilitation and Offset plan being developed for Leeuwpan mine should be amended to account for further loss of wetland habitat and fauna due to the construction of the new roads.  The Grass owl (Tyto capensis) breeding pair should be relocated to another area of suitable habitat.  A Search and Rescue study should be conducted for protected faunal species and Red Data flora, prior to the start of construction. These species should then be relocated according to a relocation plan compiled by the competent specialist in that field 0f study.  Ongoing wetland, soils, biodiversity and surface water monitoring should be conducted from the start of construction until the mitigation and management measures are found to be successful by competent specialists in that field of study. Should it be found that the mitigation and management measures are not successful, a rectification plan should be compiled and implemented.

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Impact statement The EAPs and environmental consultants responsible for the compilation of this document, and PPP feel that the project should be approved, on condition that the mine implements all identified management measures, implements the monitoring plan, as well as address all identified information gaps.

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CONTENTS PAGE

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 BACKGROUND ...... 1 1.2 BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 1 1.3 LOCATION OF THE ACTIVITY ...... 2 1.4 DETAILS OF THE APPLICANT ...... 5 1.5 DETAILS OF THE EAP ...... 5 1.6 LEGISLATIVE GUIDELINES ...... 5 The National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) ...... 5 National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA) ...... 8 1.7 SCOPE OF WORK ...... 8 2 DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 10 2.1 INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS ...... 10 Provincial Road ...... 10 Design details ...... 10 Design for Stormwater Drainage ...... 11 3 ALTERNATIVES ...... 12 3.1 ALTERNATIVE ROAD LAYOUT...... 12 R50 Road ...... 12 North Access Gravel Road ...... 13 3.2 CONSTRUCTION ALTERNATIVES (PREFERRED TECHNOLOGY) ...... 13 3.3 NO-GO OPTION ...... 13 4 MOTIVATION ...... 14 5 NEED AND DESIRABILITY OF THE PROJECT ...... 15 6 METHODOLOGY ...... 15 6.1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 15 6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS OBJECTIVES ...... 17 6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING ...... 17 Environmental Impact Assessment ...... 17 Environmental Impact Assessment Report ...... 18 Environmental Management Programme ...... 25 Reporting Structure (EIA/EMP) ...... 26 7 DETAILED ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION ...... 28 7.1 GEOLOGY ...... 28 7.2 TOPOGRAPHY ...... 29 7.3 CLIMATE ...... 30 7.4 RAINFALL ...... 31 7.5 EVAPORATION ...... 31 7.6 SOILS, LAND USE AND LAND CAPABILITY ...... 33 Soil forms ...... 33 Soil chemical conditions of the study area ...... 37 Agricultural potential ...... 38 Land use and surrounding land use ...... 38 Land capability ...... 40 7.7 HYDROLOGY ...... 41 Site Visit ...... 41 Floodlines ...... 43 Conceptual Storm Water Management Plan ...... 45 Water Quality analysis ...... 3 7.8 WETLANDS ...... 1

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Wetland Delineation and Classification ...... 1 Northern Access Road ...... 2 R50 Realignment ...... 3 Present Ecological Status (PES) Assessment ...... 4 Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) Assessment ...... 5 7.9 BIODIVERSITY ...... 6 Flora Component ...... 6 Fauna Component...... 3 7.10 TRAFFIC ...... 7 7.11 AIR QUALITY ...... 8 Wind direction ...... 8 Air quality...... 9 7.12 NOISE...... 10 7.13 HERITAGE SITES ...... 12 7.14 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ...... 15 Regional context ...... 15 Local context ...... 16 Services and infrastructure profile ...... 20 8 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ...... 23 8.1 IDENTIFICATION OF I&APS ...... 23 8.2 NOTIFICATION OF I&APS ...... 23 Background Information Documents (BID) ...... 23 Site Notices ...... 23 Media advertisements ...... 24 Public Meeting ...... 24 Document Review ...... 25 Issues Trail ...... 25 8.3 COMMENTS AND RESPONSES OF I&APS...... 25 9 IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACTS AND CONCERNS WITH MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND ACTION PLANS ...... 25 9.1 SUMMARY OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS...... 25 Soils, Land Use and Land Use Capability ...... 25 Hydrology ...... 27 Wetlands ...... 28 Biodiversity ...... 30 Traffic ...... 32 Air Quality ...... 32 Noise ...... 36 Heritage ...... 36 Socio-Economic ...... 37 9.2 DETAILED IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 38 Construction Phase ...... 38 Operations Phase ...... 45 Residual Impacts ...... 48 Cumulative Impacts ...... 50 10 SPECIALIST RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 51 10.1 SOILS, LAND USE AND LAND CAPABILITY ...... 51 10.2 HYDROLOGY ...... 51 10.3 WETLANDS ...... 53 10.4 BIODIVERSITY ...... 55 Flora ...... 55 Fauna ...... 56 10.5 TRAFFIC ...... 58

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10.6 AIR QUALITY ...... 58 10.7 NOISE...... 59 10.8 HERITAGE SITES ...... 59 10.9 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ...... 60 11 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ...... 66 11.1 ASSUMPTIONS ...... 66 Soils, Land Use, Land Capability ...... 66 Hydrology ...... 66 Wetlands ...... 66 Biodiversity ...... 67 Traffic ...... 67 Air Quality ...... 67 Noise ...... 67 Heritage ...... 67 Social Assessment ...... 68 11.2 LIMITATIONS ...... 69 Soils, Land Use, Land Capability ...... 69 Hydrology ...... 69 Wetlands ...... 69 Biodiversity ...... 69 Traffic ...... 70 Air Quality ...... 70 Noise ...... 70 Heritage ...... 70 Social Assessment ...... 70 11.3 EAP RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 71 12 ENVIRONMETAL IMPACT STATEMENT ...... 72 13 CONCLUSIONS ...... 73 14 UNDERTAKING ...... 76 15 REFERENCES ...... 77

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1. Location of Proposed Roads in Relation to Proposed OI Mining Block. A 500m buffer zone has been added to the south of the proposed route for the R50 in case changes to the layout are decided on...... 2 Figure 1-2. Farm Portions affected by and adjacent to the Proposed Project Area...... 4 Figure 7-1 Geology of the Leeuwpan Area...... 29 Figure 7-2. Topography of the Leeuwpan Area...... 30 Figure 7-3. Average Temperature of the Leeuwpan Area ...... 31 Figure 7-4. Rainfall Distribution of the Leeuwpan Area ...... 32 Figure 7-5. S-Pan Evaporation at Leeuwpan ...... 32 Figure 7-6. Soil forms associated with the Northern TCM road ...... 33 Figure 7-7. Soil forms associated with the Southern R50 road ...... 34 Figure 7-8. Land use map of the R50 Alignment Project (North Road) ...... 39 Figure 7-9. Land use map of the R50 Alignment Project (South Road) ...... 40 Figure 7-10. Land capability map of the R50 Project (North and South Roads) ...... 41 Figure 7-11. Leeuwpan Realignment Catchment Delineation ...... 43 Figure 7-12. Extent of the 1:50-year and 1:100-year flood lines at the Leeuwpan R50 Realignment ...... 45 Figure 7-13 Storm Water Measurements for the Realignments ...... 46 Figure 7-14. Conceptual SWMP for the North Road ...... 2 Figure 7-15. Conceptual SWMP for the South Road ...... 3

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Figure 7-16: Location of wetlands in relation to proposed development...... 2 Figure 7-17: Delineated Wetlands along the Northern and Southern proposed routes...... 3 Figure 7-18: Results of the PES assessments for wetlands on site...... 5 Figure 7-19: Results of the EIS Assessment ...... 6 Figure 7-20: Distribution and extent of the local vegetation communities within Leeuwpan Coal Mine boundaryNorth Road ...... 1 Figure 7-21: A map illustrating the broad-scale habitat types along the two proposed road alignments (according to EkoInfo CC & Ass 2013) ...... 4 Figure 7-22: A map illustrating suitable habitat for bird species of conservation concern corresponding to the proposed road alignments (according to EkoInfo CC & Ass 2013) ...... 6 Figure 7-23. Existing intersection and geometry control...... 7 Figure 7-24. Period and diurnal wind roses of the Leeuwpan Area...... 9 Figure 7-25. Grave site found in the current project area ...... 14 Figure 7-26 Population group (2011) ...... 17 Figure 7-27 Age (2011) ...... 18 Figure 7-28 Education level (2011) ...... 19 Figure 7-29 Economic status (2011) ...... 20 Figure 7-30 Type of dwelling (2011) ...... 21 Figure 7-31 Type of energy (2011) ...... 22 Figure 7-32 Type of water source (2011) ...... 22 Figure 8-1: Site Notice Locations...... 24 Figure 10-1. SWMP for the South Road (R50 realignment) ...... 52

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1-1: Land Ownership for the Proposed Route Realignments...... 3 Table 1-2. Corridor co-ordinates of proposed roads ...... 4 Table 1-3: Name and Address of Applicant...... 5 Table 1-4: Name and Address of Environmental Assessment Practitioner...... 5 Table 1-5. Listed activities triggered under GN R983 ...... 7 Table 1-6. Listed activities triggered under GN R984 ...... 8 Table 6-1: Impact Assessment Ratings...... 15 Table 6-2: Impact Rankings...... 16 Table 6-3. Requirements for the EIA Report ...... 19 Table 7-1 Summary of the design peak flows calculated ...... 44 Table 7-1 Area contributing runoff to the sumps ...... 46 Table 7-2 Required PCD Capacities ...... 47 Table 7-3 Channel Characteristics and Results ...... 1 Table 7-5 Water Quality Results for Leeuwpan Coal Mine ...... 5 Table 7-1: Classification System for Wetlands and other Aquatic Ecosystems in South Africa (Ollis et al. 2013) as applied to the wetlands of the study area ...... 1 Table 7-2. Weekday AM Peak Hour Capacity...... 8 Table 7-3. Weekday PM Peak Hour Capacity ...... 8 Table 7-4. Noise levels along the mine boundaries...... 11 Table 7-5. Noise levels at intervals for the different road surfaces...... 11 Table 7-6. Response from people should the ambient noise level be exceeded...... 12

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX A – FIGURES ...... 78 APPENDIX B – PROOF OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ...... 79 APPENDIX C – CURRICULUM VITAE ...... 80 APPENDIX D – EMP’S ...... 81 APPENDIX E – SPECIALIST STUDIES ...... 82

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CHECKLIST IN TERMS OF REGULATION 31(2) OF THE GNR543 OF NEMA

This report has been structured to comply with the information requirements as set out under Appendix 3(3) of the GNR982. For ease of reference the checklist below has been provided.

ASPECT SECTION a) Details of – Section 1.3 i. The EAP who prepared the report; and ii. The expertise of the EAP, including curriculum vitae; b) The location of the activity, including: Section 1.2 i. The 21 digit Surveyor General code of each cadastral land parcel; ii. Where available the physical address and farm name; and iii. Where the required information in terms of (i) and (ii) is not available, the coordinates of the boundary of the property or properties; c) A plan which locates the proposed activity or activities applied for as well as Section 1.2 the associated structures and infrastructure at an appropriate scale, or, if it is – i. A linear activity, a description and coordinates of the corridor in which the proposed activity or activities is to be undertaken; ii. On land where the property has not been defined, the coordinates within which the activity is to be undertaken; d) A description of the scope of the proposed activity, including – Section 1.1 i. All listed and specified activities triggered and being applied for; and & Section ii. A description of the associated structures and infrastructure related to 2.2 the development; e) A description of the policy and legislative context within which the development Section 2.2 is located and an explanation of how the proposed development complies with and responds to the legislation and policy context; f) A motivation for the need and desirability for the proposed development, Section 3 including the need and desirability of the activity in the context of the preferred location; g) A motivation for the preferred development footprint within the approved site; Section 3

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ASPECT SECTION h) A full description of the process followed to reach the proposed development Section 4 footprint within the approved site, including: Section 5 i. Details of the development footprint alternatives considered; Section 6 ii. Details of the public participation process undertaken in terms of Section 7 regulation 41 of the Regulations, including copies of the supporting Section 8 documents and inputs; iii. A summary of the issues raised by the interested and affected parties, and an indication of the manner in which the issues were incorporated, or the reasons for not including them; iv. The environmental attributes associated with the development footprint alternatives focusing on the geographical, physical, biological, social, economic, heritage and cultural aspects; v. The impacts and risks identified including the nature, significance, consequence, extent, duration and probability of the impacts, including the degree to which these impacts – aa) can be reversed; bb) may cause irreplaceable loss of resources; and cc) can be avoided, managed or mitigated; vi. The methodology used in determining and ranking the nature, significance, consequences, extent, duration and probability of potential environmental impacts and risks; vii. Positive and negative impacts that the proposed activity and alternatives will have on the environment and on the community that may be affected focusing on the geographical physical biological, social, economic, heritage and cultural aspects; viii. The possible mitigation measures that could be applied and the level of residual risk; ix. The possible mitigation measures that could be applied and the level of residual risk; x. If no alternative development locations for the activity were investigated, the motivation for not considering such; and xi. A concluding statement indicating the preferred alternative development location within the approved site; i) A full description of the process undertaken to identify, assess and rank the Section 5 impacts the activity and associated structures and infrastructure will impose on the preferred location through the life of the activity, including – i. A description of all environmental issues and risks that were identified during the environmental impact assessment process; and ii. An assessment of the significance of each issue and risk and an indication of the extent to which the issue and risk could be avoided or addressed by the adoption of mitigation measures; j) An assessment of each identified potentially significant impact and risk, Section 8 including – i. Cumulative impacts; ii. The nature, significance and consequence of the impact and risk; iii. The extent and duration of the impact and risk; iv. The probability of the impact and risk occurring; v. The degree to which the impact and risk can be reversed; vi. The degree to which the impact and risk may cause irreplaceable loss of resources; and vii. The degree to which the impact and risk can be mitigated; k) Where applicable, a summary of the findings and recommendations of any Section 9 specialist report complying with Appendix 6 to these Regulations and an indication as to how these findings and recommendations have been included in the final assessment report;

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ASPECT SECTION l) An environmental impact statement which contains – Section 8.4 i. A summary of the key findings of the environmental impact assessment; ii. A map at an appropriate scale which superimposes the proposed activity and its associated structures and infrastructure on the environmental sensitivities of the preferred site indicating any areas that should be avoided, including buffers; and iii. A summary of the positive and negative impacts and risks of the proposed activity and identified alternatives; m) Based on the assessment, and where applicable, recommendations from Section 9 specialist reports, the recording of proposed impact management objectives, and the impact management outcomes for the development for inclusion in the EMPr as well as for inclusion as conditions of authorisation; n) The final proposed alternatives which respond to the impact management measures, avoidance, and mitigation measures identified through the assessment; o) Any aspects which were conditional to the findings of the assessment either by Section 9.3 the EAP or specialist which are to be included as conditions of authorisation; p) A description of any assumption, uncertainties and gaps in knowledge which Section 10 relate to the assessment and mitigation measures proposed; q) A reasoned opinion as to whether the proposed activity should or should not be Section authorised, and if the opinion is that it should be authorised, any conditions 10.3 that should be made in respect of that authorisation; r) Where the proposed activity does not include operational aspects,, the period for which the environmental authorisation is required and the date on which the activity will be concluded and the post construction monitoring requirements finalised; s) An undertaking under oath or affirmation by the EAP in relation to: Section 11 i. The correctness of the information provided in the reports; ii. The inclusion of comments and inputs from stakeholders and I&APs; iii. The inclusion of inputs and recommendations from the specialist reports where relevant and iv. Any information provided by the EAP to interested and affected parties and any responses by the EAP to comments or inputs made by interested or affected parties; t) Where applicable, details of any financial provisions for the rehabilitation, closure, and ongoing post decommissioning management of negative environmental impacts; u) An indication of any deviation from the approved scoping report, including the N/A plan of study, including – i. Any deviation from the methodology used in determining the significance of potential environmental impacts and risks; and ii. A motivation for the deviation; v) Any specific information that may be required by the competent authority and N/A w) Any other matters required in terms of section 24(4)(a) and (b) of the Act. N/A

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Exxaro Leeuwpan Coal Mine (Leeuwpan) began as an Iscor Mine in 1991, which undertook extensive exploration and the construction of the first box-cut in 1992. Leeuwpan is an operational mine, and became known as Exxaro Leeuwpan Coal Mine in 2007.

1.2 Brief Project Description The proposed project will consist of two main activities. The first activity involves the existing R50 road running from the east of the town Delmas to Pretoria in the North West which will have to be re-aligned. This is necessary to accommodate the location of proposed mining pit, Block OI, on the farm Rietkuil 249. The road in its current location will be mined out.

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The second activity will see the current gravel road used as access road by the adjacent operation of TCM also being mined out. A new gravel access road will need to be constructed to provide access to this mine. The proposed road would run in a northerly direction from the mine before turning in a south westerly direction to join the Road 1 to Goedgedatch.

1.3 Location of the activity The proposed project is located approximately 5km south east of Delmas, in the Victor Khanye Local Municipality. It further falls under the Nkangala District Municipality in the Mpumalanga Province.

The district forms part of the Highveld maize production area of Mpumalanga, and is mainly used as cultivated farm land except for those areas not suitable, which are utilized for grazing.

There are a number of operating farms which border the mine. Table 1-1 details the farm portions which the proposed development will occur on. Figure 1-2 shows the location of these farms.

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Table 1-1: Land Ownership for the Proposed Route Realignments.

REGISTRATION MAGISTERIAL LAND OWNER FARM PORTION SG CODE DIVISION DISTRICT Exxaro Coal Pty IR Kenbar 257 Victor Khanye 0 T0IR00000000025700000 Ltd Exxaro Coal Pty Leeuwpan IR Victor Khanye 3 T0IR00000000024600003 Ltd 246 Exxaro Coal Pty Moabsvelden IR Victor Khanye 2 T0IR00000000024800002 Ltd 248 Phillem Moabsvelden Beleggings Pty IR Victor Khanye 4 T0IR00000000024800004 248 Ltd Exxaro Coal Pty Moabsvelden IR Victor Khanye 12 T0IR00000000024800012 Ltd 248 Exxaro Coal Pty Moabsvelden IR Victor Khanye 13 T0IR00000000024800013 Ltd 248 Exxaro Coal Pty Moabsvelden IR Victor Khanye 16 T0IR00000000024800016 Ltd 248 Hannes Potgieter IR Rietkuil 249 Victor Khanye 0 T0IR00000000024900000 Trustfonds Hannes Potgieter IR Rietkuil 249 Victor Khanye 1 T0IR00000000024900001 Trustfonds Hannes Potgieter IR Rietkuil 249 Victor Khanye 2 T0IR00000000024900002 Trustfonds Klaprops 93 CC IR Rietkuil 249 Victor Khanye 8 T0IR00000000024900008 Hannes Potgieter IR Rietkuil 249 Victor Khanye 13 T0IR00000000024900013 Trustfonds Klaprops 93 CC IR Rietkuil 249 Victor Khanye 14 T0IR00000000024900014 Exxaro Coal Pty Weltevreden IR Victor Khanye 9 T0IR00000000022700009 Ltd 227 Willem Stefanus De Denne Jacobus IR Victor Khanye 0 T0IR00000000025600000 256 Joubert Goedgedacht Ehlerskroon CC IR Victor Khanye RE 9 T0IR00000000022800000 228 Goedgedacht IR Victor Khanye 1 T0IR00000000022800001 228 Chang Hong Goedgedacht Marketing IR Victor Khanye 36 T0IR00000000022800036 228 Group Pty Ltd

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Figure 1-2. Farm Portions affected by and adjacent to the Proposed Project Area.

The co-ordinates for the proposed routes are given in Table 1-2.

Table 1-2. Corridor co-ordinates of proposed roads. NORTH ROAD: GRAVEL ACCESS ROAD Number South East Start 26° 9'50.79" 28°44'5.66" Middle 26° 9'13.83" 28°45'10.80" End 26° 9'48.28" 28°46'3.26" SOUTH ROAD: R50 TARRED ROAD Number South East Start 26°11'14.61" 28°43'53.23"E Middle 26°11'45.69" 28°45'33.92" End 26°11'33.94" 28°47'0.81"

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1.4 Details of the Applicant The details of the applicant are provided in Table 1-3.

Table 1-3: Name and Address of Applicant. ITEM COMPANY CONTACT DETAILS Company Name: Exxaro Leeuwpan Coal Company Representative: Stephen Badenhorst Telephone No.: (013) 665 9023 Facsimile No.: (013) 665 7630 E-mail Address: [email protected] Postal Address: PO Box 9229, Pretoria, 0001

1.5 Details of the EAP GCS Water and Environment (Pty) Ltd (GCS) have been appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAP) to undertake the environmental processes required to obtain approval for the proposed listed activities, as requested by the relevant competent authorities. The contact details of the EAP are provided in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4: Name and Address of Environmental Assessment Practitioner.

ITEM COMPANY CONTACT DETAILS Company Name: GCS Water and Environment (Pty) Ltd Company Representative: Ms Riana Panaino Telephone No.: +27 (0)11 803 5726 Facsimile No.: +27 (0)11 803 5745 E-mail Address: [email protected] Postal Address: PO Box 2597, Rivonia, 2128

The curriculum vitae (CV) of Ms Riana Panaino is provided for in Appendix C.

1.6 Legislative Guidelines Available guideline documents developed in terms of the legislation listed in Section 1.6.1 to Section 1.6.2 were utilised by the project team in the development of the EIA/EMP reports as well as the associated specialist studies. Furthermore, cognisance was also given to available standards and best practise documents.

The National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) The NEMA provides the framework legislation for environmental protection and establishes an integrated environmental management system for South Africa. It aims to prevent pollution and degradation of South Africa’s natural environments while at the same time promoting sustainable economic and social development. The NEMA sets out the following:

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 The fundamental principles that need to be incorporated in the environmental decision making process;  The principles that are necessary to achieve sustainable development;  Provision for duty of care to prevent, control and rehabilitate the effect of significant pollution and environmental degradation; and  Provision for the prosecution of environmental crimes.

Section 24 of NEMA provides for listed activities which need to have an impact assessment conducted. These activities cannot be conducted without prior authorisation from the Minister. These listed activities were promulgated under Regulations R983, R984, and R985 on 4 December 2014. The impacts of the listed activities must be investigated, assessed and reported to the competent authority. The process also has to comply with the public participation process set out in Section 54 of the Act.

The listed activities identified for the proposed project are shown in Table 1.5 and Table 1.6. Activities listed under Regulation R983 require a Basic Assessment (BA) while activities listed under Regulation R984 require a full scoping and environment impact assessment. As the proposed project triggers a listed activity under regulation R984 a full scoping and environmental impact assessment will need to be conducted.

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Table 1-5. Listed activities triggered under GN R983.

Activity No (s) (in terms of the Description of project activity relevant or notice):and date Listed activity: that triggers listed activity of the relevant notice: National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2010 GN R983, 4 December 2014, The development of- The realignment of the R50 Activity 12 road will include the (iii) bridges exceeding 100 construction of a new section of square metres in size; road of more than 100m2, and it (xii) infrastructure or structures will cross the Bronkhorstspruit with a physical footprint of 100 River. square metres or more; where such development occurs- (a) within a watercourse; (b) in front of a development setback; or (c) if no development setback exists, within 32 metres of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse; - excluding- (ee) where such development occurs within existing roads or road reserves.” GN R983, 4 December 2014, The infilling or depositing of This activity is triggered due to Activity 19 any material of more than 5 the proposed construction cubic meters into, or the activities at the dredging, excavation, removal Bronkhorstspruit crossing; i.e. or moving of soil, sand, shells, excavation, removal or moving shell grit, pebbles or rock of of soil, sand and/or rock from a more than 5 cubic meters from- watercourse. (i) a watercourse; GN R983, 4 December 2014, The development of- With reference to the Activity 24 realignment of the R50 road, (ii) a road with a reserve wider kindly refer to the than 13,5 meters, or where no abovementioned exclusions and reserve exists where the road is Activity 27 of Listing Notice 2, wider than 8 metres; discussed below. In respect of the construction of the new access road, this activity is likely to be triggered. GN R983, 4 December 2014, The decommissioning of The decommissioning of the old Activity 31 existing facilities, structures or portion of the R50 road, for infrastructure for- purposes of mining, which will subsequently lead to the (i) any development and realignment of the road. related operation activity or activities listed in this Notice, Listing Notice 2 of 2014 or Listing Notice 3 of 2014;

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Table 1-6. Listed activities triggered under GN R984.

National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA)

The NWA provides the framework legislation for protection use of the water resources of South Africa. The Act is based on the principles of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and seeks to achieve a balance between water use and protection of the water resources. The three main pillars the act is founded on are equity, sustainability and efficiency.

Section 21 of the NWA regulates activities which may impact on the water resources of South Africa. Any activity which triggers one of the listed water uses requires a water use license before the activity can commence.

The proposed project area is located in an area where a number of wetlands are present. The proposed roads will cross a number of these wetlands which will therefore require an Integrated Water Use License (IWUL) in terms of Section 21 of the NWA. The following water uses have been identified for the proposed activities:  Section 21(c) - impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; and  Section 21(i) - altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse.

1.7 Scope of Work The aim of this environmental impact assessment report is to:  determine the policy and legislative context within which the activity is located and document how the proposed activity complies with and responds to the policy and legislative context;

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 describe the need and desirability of the proposed activity, including the need and desirability of the activity in the context of the preferred location;  identify the location of the development footprint within the preferred site based on an impact and risk assessment process inclusive of cumulative impacts and a ranking process of all the identified development footprint alternatives focusing on the geographical, physical, biological, social, economic, heritage and cultural aspects of the environment;  determine the-- o nature, significance, consequence, extent, duration and probability of the impacts occurring to inform identified preferred alternatives; and o degree to which these impacts- . can be reversed; . may cause irreplaceable loss of resources, and . can be avoided, managed or mitigated;  identify the most ideal location for the activity within the preferred site based on the lowest level of environmental sensitivity identified during the assessment;  identify, assess, and rank the impacts the activity will impose on the preferred location through the life of the activity;  identify suitable measures to avoid, manage or mitigate identified impacts; and  identify residual risks that need to be managed and monitored.

The scope of work for the proposed activity is twofold. The first activity involves the existing R50 road. Leeuwpan is planning to extend their mining operations within the approved mining right areas by means of a new box cut and opencast mining area (Block OI) on Portion 1 and 2 of the farm Rietkuil 249 JS (existing authorisation reference number: 17/2/3N-180; DMR reference number: MP 30/5/1/2/2/171 MR). The R50 road currently traverses the area which will be mined out. The R50 will have to be re-aligned to accommodate the location of proposed mining pits on the existing Leeuwpan Coal area.

The second proposed activity will involve the current gravel road which is used as an access road by the adjacent operation of TCM. Leeuwpan plans to mine out this area as well (also part of Block OI) and a new gravel access road to TCM will therefore need to be constructed.

The scope of work is therefore:  The realignment of the R50 around the proposed new area of construction (Block OI); and  The construction of a new gravel access road to service the operations to TCM on a daily basis.

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2 DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 Infrastructure Requirements Provincial Road P131-1 (R50): 6.020 km The re-alignment of Road P131/1 (R50) starts just east of the intersection of R50 and the access to Leeuwpan Coal mine on the northern side and Road R548 to Devon on the southern side. From here the road curves to the right with a radius of 1 500m and a curve length of 774m. This is followed with a long straight of 1 661m, slightly moved southwards. The road then curves to the left with a radius of 1 600m and a curve length of 1 594m long followed by a straight of 199m. The road then curves to the right with a radius of 1 200m and a curve length of 1 511m long and then ties into the existing alignment on a long straight.

At approximately km 4.159 an access road is provided on the southern side to Road D1222 which is an existing district gravel road.

The total length of the road is 6.020 km. From km 4.7 to km 5.96 the route crosses the flood plain of a tributary of the Bronkhorstspruit River. This is an environmentally sensitive area and provision is made for twelve large culverts so that the natural flow of the spruit is not impeded. The existing culverts (small bridges) which are partially silted up will have to be cleaned during the construction phase to improve the natural flow of the spruit.

The majority of the road is situated on a relatively flat area with gradients that vary between 0.5% and 2.048%. The exception is between km 4.260 and km 4.560 where the slope is 3.688%.

D1222: 0.260 km The existing gravel road D1222’s intersection with road P131/1 (R50), is relocated from the existing alignment of P131/1 (R50) to the proposed revised alignment of road P131/1 (R50), at km 4.159. This is achieved with a slight curve to the left, from the existing road D1222, followed with a straight section to join the proposed road P131/1 (R50).

Design details Road P131/1 The revised detail design of the alignment is based upon a classification of a single carriageway road class T(iii) with a high standard section, as the level of service will exceed service level B. The design speed used is 100km/h, standard requirement from the Department. Operating speed in the area is 80km/h. The following main design parameters/standards were used:  The proposed road reserve width is 40m, high standard section.

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 A standard surfaced width of 8,6m (3,7m lanes, surfacing to extend 0,6m) with two 2,4m wide unpaved shoulders.  Guardrail sections, paved shoulder of 2.1m with a kerb channel combination.  Minimum horizontal curve radii of 350m.  The maximum super-elevation on the curves is 6%.  Maximum longitudinal slope of 7% and a minimum of 0.5%.  Flood frequency for the design of culverts is 1:25 years.

Basic Pavement Structure A heavy, Class VI, pavement was proposed in the Prelim Report, for the expected 13.5 million 80kN Axles/lane. This was based on an estimated E80’s/hv of between 2.85 and 3.30, and an E80 growth rate of less than 4%, over the 20year design period

The following road pavement structure for road P131/1, Class VI, was used for detail design purposes:  Surfacing: 40mm Asphalt  Base: 150mm Crushed Stone Base (G1)  Upper Subbase: 150mm Stabilised Gravel Upper Subbase (C3)  Lower Subbase: 150mm Stabilised Gravel Lower Subbase (C3)  Upper Selected: 150mm Natural Gravel Upper Selected Layer (G6)  Lower Selected: 150mm Natural Gravel Lower Selected Layer (G7)  Upper Subgrade: 150mm Natural Gravel, in-situ (G9)  Lower Subgrade: 150mm in-situ roadbed preparation (G10)  Minimum (G10) quality fill material as required

Design for Stormwater Drainage

The alignment crosses four environmentally sensitive areas.  Between km 0.600 to km 1.000, a wetland area exists just north of the road. Extra culverts were added at this point in order not to disrupt the natural flow of the surface water.  Between km 1.600 to km 1.900, a category 4 wetland exists, and culverts were added not to disrupt the natural flow of the water.  Between km 2.700 to km 3.400, Hillslope seepage exists. Culverts were placed at regular intervals, and a rockfill layer will be placed on top of the natural ground, as not to prevent the water from seeping through the bottom fill layers of the road.  The existing land is predominantly farming from km 4.650 to km 5.3, the alignment crosses a drainage area of a tributary of the Bronkhorstspruit River. Over this area 12

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sets of 2 x (2.4m x 1.2m) box culverts will be required. These culverts were placed at regular intervals in order to maintain the natural flow of the Bronkhorstspruit.

Erosion is generally found where water velocities are high and the direction of flow changes rapidly. All the culverts envisaged have conventional inlets with wing-walls. Stone pitching is provided over a distance of twice the vertical dimension upstream of the culvert inlet (or upstream of the concrete slab between the wing-walls), with stones 200mm in size.

Allowance is also made for effective energy dissipation and erosion protection downstream of the culvert, with stone pitching over a distance of twice the vertical dimension downstream of the culvert outlet (or downstream of the concrete slab between the wing- walls), with stones 200mm in size.

The slope (angle) of the culverts cannot be at the same level for the inlet and outlet of the culvert as the retardation in flow will cause the deposition of sediment, and acceleration may cause scour. Therefore deposition should be prevented, as it may lead to the reduction in the culvert capacity.

Water velocities should be altered as little as possible. Flow velocities through culverts should therefore not be lower than 1m/s, and the slope (angle) of a culvert should accordingly not be less than 1%. A minimum slope (angle) of 0.5% was used for all the culverts, in order to minimise the risk of possible sedimentation and to lower the maintenance frequency thereof.

Discharge from the upstream and downstream side of the culverts, will be reduced by means of widening the inlet and outlet with gabions / stone pitching to reduce the velocity of the discharge.

3 ALTERNATIVES

3.1 Alternative road layout R50 Road

The alternatives that were considered for the proposed realignment of the R50 road included different routes as well as leaving the road as it currently lies.

The different routes aimed to ensure the realignment of the R50 did not cross the boundaries of properties that are not owned by Exxaro. The initial design had the realigned road running along the same trajectory about 100 meters (m) further north. The challenge with this layout was that there was not enough of a buffer area between the proposed new layout of the road

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and the proposed high wall of the pit on block OI. The road was therefore moved 100m further south and now crosses a small portion of the Farm De Denne 256 (owned by Willem Stefanus Jacobus Joubert).

Some of specialist scoping studies highlighted a number of sensitive areas intersected by the R50 road as it is currently proposed. Exxaro is in the process of assessing the feasibility of changing the layout of the road to avoid some of these areas. The major problem with changing the proposed layout is that it will intersect a number of non-Exxaro owned properties, specifically portion 15 of Farm Rietkuil 249 (owned by Vanggatfontein Beleggings Pty Ltd) and portions 17, 23 and remainder of Farm Rietkuil 249 (owned by Hannes Potgieter Trustfonds). As such the proposed layout has been left as is.

North Access Gravel Road

The proposed layout of the gravel haul road to the north of the mining operations has the gravel road traveling in a northerly direction from the TCM operations. The road was designed to run along the buffer zone of an un-channeled valley bottom. The road then turns and runs in a south westerly direction along the top of the Leeuwpan mining rights area until it joins with the Road 1 to Goedgedacht.

No alternatives have been suggested for this road as it already runs along the border of the un-channelled valley bottom on rehabilitated mine areas, thus making the area an already disturbed area. It has been designed to avoid sensitive areas as much as possible. Although it will be a public access road it is expected that the road will be used almost exclusively for mining personnel from TCM and Leeuwpan. The road will be located almost entirely on property owned by Leeuwpan.

3.2 Construction Alternatives (preferred technology) The road standards comply with the minimum standard, as prescribed by Mpumalanga Department of Roads and Transport and therefore no alternatives are suggested for the construction and design of the road.

3.3 No-go option If the no-go principle is applied, then the area in which the proposed extension to the Leeuwpan mining activity is located would continue with the land use and activities that are currently in place, namely ad-hoc agriculture activities. This would not be the most economically viable alternative with regards to job security in the area as well as continuation of mining with economical and continuation of employment as spin-offs.

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The continuation of agriculture activities currently taking place would ensure that the current status quo in terms of revenue, economic contributions, employment and housing would continue. The potential expansion of these agriculture enterprises would be limited to the areas currently being utilised for commercial agriculture. However, the potential job creation benefit of the project would not materialise. In addition there is the potential loss of contribution to economic development in the project area due to the loss of secondary job creation. The no-go option would therefore have a negative impact on job security in the area.

If the no-go option is selected it would mean the coal resources would need to be accessed via underground mining as opposed to the proposed opencast mining, or alternatively Block OI would be divided into three separate pits, each requiring a separate boxcut, and sterilizing approximately 74.4% of the coal resources. This is not economically viable and would more likely lead to the early closure of the mine, and subsequent job losses.

The no-go option would ensure that there would be significantly less environmental impacts in the area as a result of mining operations. Impacts would only be related to the existing mining operations within the project area as no new mining-related impacts would be applicable. Potential environmental impacts would still occur as a result of the agricultural practices in the area (i.e. liberation of dust, impact on fauna/flora communities, impact on surface and groundwater resources, etc.).

The proposed mining will ensure Leeuwpan continues to provide coal to ESKOM for power generation. The no-go alternative would therefore reduce the amount of coal ESKOM has available for power generation, further hampering its ability to meet the energy demands of the country. As recent media reports have shown, the inability to meet energy demand has had negative impacts on the economic growth in South Africa. The no-go alternative would therefore place further pressure on ESKOM’s ability to meet the electricity demands of South Africa.

Should the mining go ahead a wetland offset and rehabilitation plan will be put in place, creating and conserving more natural habitat, which would not happen should farming continue.

4 MOTIVATION

The extension of the current mining operations at Leeuwpan as is proposed with the mining of Block OI will extend the Life of Mine (LOM) for a further 16 years. The LOM extension will ensure:

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 Employment opportunities for a further 16 years. With the increase in job cuts in the mining sector at present, job security is of vital importance;

 Continued positive impact on the local economy and surrounding area through spinoff job creation;

 Continued coal supply to Eskom for power generation during a time when Eskom is struggling to meet the electricity demand; and

 Conservation and rehabilitation of wetlands and natural habitats through the implementation of off-set plans.

5 NEED AND DESIRABILITY OF THE PROJECT

Kusile Power station is being built in the area. It will require a large amount of coal for electricity generation. Furthermore, the extension of the mine and accompanying extension of employment and skills development will add to a positive impact on the local economy and livelihood.

According to the 2011/12-2015/16 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the Nkangla District Municipality (NDM) the mining activities within the NDM should be enhanced to contribute to job creation for poor, unskilled workers. The regeneration of old power stations as well as the development of the Kusile Power Station could serve as catalyst to increased demand for coal reserves in the NDM area.

6 METHODOLOGY

6.1 Impact Assessment To ensure uniformity, the assessment of impacts will be addressed in a standard manner by all specialists so that the wide range of impacts is comparable. For this reason a clearly defined rating (Table 6-1) and ranking (Table 6-2) scales with criteria was provided to each specialist in order to assess the impacts associated with the proposed activities. The impacts identified by each specialist study will then be combined into a single impact rating table for ease of assessment.

Each impact identified will be rated according the expected magnitude, duration, scale and probability of the impact (Table 6-1).

Table 6-1: Impact Assessment Ratings.

Status of Impact

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+: Positive (A benefit to the receiving environment) N: Neutral (No cost or benefit to the receiving environment) -: Negative (A cost to the receiving environment) Magnitude:=M Duration:=D 10: Very high/don’t know 5: Permanent 8: High 4: Long-term (ceases with the operational life) 6: Moderate 3: Medium-term (5-15 years) 4: Low 2: Short-term (0-5 years) 2: Minor 1: Immediate 0: Not applicable/none/negligible 0: Not applicable/none/negligible Scale:=S Probability:=P 5: International 5: Definite/don’t know 4: National 4: Highly probable 3: Regional 3: Medium probability 2: Local 2: Low probability 1: Site only 1: Improbable 0: Not applicable/none/negligible 0: Not applicable/none/negligible

Using the impact rating values, the following formula will be used to determine the overall impact ranking for each impact.

퐼푚푝푎푐푡 푅푎푛푘푖푛푔 = 푀 + 퐷 + 푆 ∗ 푃

The values derived from this formula then determined the Impact Rating shown in Table 6-2.

Table 6-2: Impact Rankings. Significance Environmental Significance Points Colour Code High (positive) >60 H Medium (positive) 30 to 60 M Low (positive) <30 L Neutral 0 N Low (negative) >-30 L Medium (negative) -30 to -60 M High (negative) <-60 H The proposed activities will be grouped (construction and operation phase) after the initial baseline studies have been completed. This will help assess what impacts can be expected during each phase of the project. Each specialist study will also be required to provide mitigation measures for each predicted impact. The impact post mitigation measures will then be assessed using the aforementioned method to compare the effectiveness of the mitigation measure.

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6.2 Environmental Process Objectives In order to mitigate potentially negative impacts and to identify any potential fatal flaws which may render the project environmentally unacceptable, GCS has adopted an integrated, step-by-step process to identify issues of concern and to thoroughly investigate these issues. To ensure that the negative impacts are identified and mitigated in the early stages of the project, and that the positive impacts are maximised, it will be necessary for the environmental study to meet the following aims:  Follow the guideline process as outlined by the NEMA;  Provide input in the feasibility phases to ensure that the most technically feasible, and environmentally sound options are selected;  Ensure that impacts are identified early through investigations to minimize environmental damage and maximise benefits;  Conduct thorough special investigations that will allow the project team to develop an adequate understanding of the issues to be dealt with;  Compile an EIA that will identify, evaluate and address the potential impacts;  Provide ongoing environmental input into the project planning and development;  Compile an EMP that will limit the significance of the negative impacts and maximise the positive aspects;  Ensure that all relevant Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) are consulted and involved throughout the project; and  Ensure that an open and transparent communication structure is in place during the operation of the project.

Strong emphasis will be placed on the NEMA processes to ensure that the processes will be able to run concurrently, and will easily be comparable with no confusion between the different processes. The environmental process is being undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the NEMA.

6.3 Environmental Reporting Based on the outcome of the Environmental Scoping Phase, an EIA and an EMP Report must be submitted to the MDARDLEA for consideration and approval. Environmental Impact Assessment The EIA Report must determine the nature, extent, duration, probability and significance of the environmental, social and cultural impacts of the project, the reasonable alternatives and the required mitigation measures for each impact during the life of the mine. It is the role of the relevant environmental authorities to make a decision on whether the project should proceed or not, based on the information provided in the EIA. The EAP does, as is

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required of them, make a recommendation on whether the project should proceed or not, based on the findings of specialist assessments, the needs and desirability of the project and on the impact assessment findings.

Regulation 23 of Government Notice R982 of the NEMA Regulations stipulates that an EIA Report must contain all necessary information to enable the competent authority to consider the application and to reach a decision.

Furthermore, the criteria which the competent authority will apply, when considering applications in terms of the provisions of NEMA, is enunciated in Regulation 18 of Government Notice R982 of the Regulations. The latter regulation states that consideration must be had for Section 24O, Section 24(4), as well as the need and desirability of the activity. The activities identified in the provisions of NEMA and the Regulations thereto pertain to activities which may have a detrimental impact on the environment.

The criteria to be taken into account by the competent authority when considering applications as set out in Section 24O and 24(4) of NEMA includes, inter alia, the following relevant factors:  Any pollution, environmental impacts or environmental degradation likely to be caused if the application is approved or refused;  Measures taken to protect the environment from harm as a result of the activity which is the subject of the application;  Measures taken to prevent, control, abate or mitigate any pollution, substantially detrimental environmental impacts or environmental degradation;  The ability of the applicant to implement mitigation measures and to comply with any conditions subject to which the application may be granted;  Where appropriate, any feasible and reasonable alternatives to the activity which is the subject of the application and any feasible and reasonable modifications or changes to the activity that may minimise harm to the environment; and  Any comments received from organs of state that have jurisdiction over any aspect of the activity which is the subject of the application. Environmental Impact Assessment Report

The Environmental Impact Assessment Report must be structured to comply with the information requirements as set out under Appendix 3(3) of the GNR982, and is detailed in Table 6-3.

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Table 6-3. Requirements for the EIA Report. ASPECT SECTION a) Details of – Section 1.3 i. The EAP who prepared the report; and ii. The expertise of the EAP, including curriculum vitae; b) The location of the activity, including: Section 1.2 i. The 21 digit Surveyor General code of each cadastral land parcel; ii. Where available the physical address and farm name; and iii. Where the required information in terms of (i) and (ii) is not available, the coordinates of the boundary of the property or properties; c) A plan which locates the proposed activity or activities applied for as well as Section 1.2 the associated structures and infrastructure at an appropriate scale, or, if it is – i. A linear activity, a description and coordinates of the corridor in which the proposed activity or activities is to be undertaken; ii. On land where the property has not been defined, the coordinates within which the activity is to be undertaken; d) A description of the scope of the proposed activity, including – Section 1.1 i. All listed and specified activities triggered and being applied for; and & Section ii. A description of the associated structures and infrastructure related to 2.2 the development; e) A description of the policy and legislative context within which the development Section 2.2 is located and an explanation of how the proposed development complies with and responds to the legislation and policy context; f) A motivation for the need and desirability for the proposed development, Section 3 including the need and desirability of the activity in the context of the preferred location; g) A motivation for the preferred development footprint within the approved site; Section 3 h) A full description of the process followed to reach the proposed development Section 4 footprint within the approved site, including: Section 5 i. Details of the development footprint alternatives considered; Section 6 ii. Details of the public participation process undertaken in terms of Section 7 regulation 41 of the Regulations, including copies of the supporting Section 8 documents and inputs; iii. A summary of the issues raised by the interested and affected parties, and an indication of the manner in which the issues were incorporated, or the reasons for not including them; iv. The environmental attributes associated with the development footprint alternatives focusing on the geographical, physical, biological, social, economic, heritage and cultural aspects; v. The impacts and risks identified including the nature, significance, consequence, extent, duration and probability of the impacts, including the degree to which these impacts – aa) can be reversed; bb) may cause irreplaceable loss of resources; and cc) can be avoided, managed or mitigated; vi. The methodology used in determining and ranking the nature, significance, consequences, extent, duration and probability of potential environmental impacts and risks; vii. Positive and negative impacts that the proposed activity and alternatives will have on the environment and on the community that may be affected focusing on the geographical physical biological, social, economic, heritage and cultural aspects; viii. The possible mitigation measures that could be applied and the level of residual risk; ix. The possible mitigation measures that could be applied and the level of residual risk; x. If no alternative development locations for the activity were investigated, the motivation for not considering such; and xi. A concluding statement indicating the preferred alternative development location within the approved site;

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ASPECT SECTION i) A full description of the process undertaken to identify, assess and rank the Section 5 impacts the activity and associated structures and infrastructure will impose on the preferred location through the life of the activity, including – i. A description of all environmental issues and risks that were identified during the environmental impact assessment process; and ii. An assessment of the significance of each issue and risk and an indication of the extent to which the issue and risk could be avoided or addressed by the adoption of mitigation measures; j) An assessment of each identified potentially significant impact and risk, Section 8 including – i. Cumulative impacts; ii. The nature, significance and consequence of the impact and risk; iii. The extent and duration of the impact and risk; iv. The probability of the impact and risk occurring; v. The degree to which the impact and risk can be reversed; vi. The degree to which the impact and risk may cause irreplaceable loss of resources; and vii. The degree to which the impact and risk can be mitigated; k) Where applicable, a summary of the findings and recommendations of any Section 9 specialist report complying with Appendix 6 to these Regulations and an indication as to how these findings and recommendations have been included in the final assessment report; l) An environmental impact statement which contains – Section 8.4 i. A summary of the key findings of the environmental impact assessment; ii. A map at an appropriate scale which superimposes the proposed activity and its associated structures and infrastructure on the environmental sensitivities of the preferred site indicating any areas that should be avoided, including buffers; and iii. A summary of the positive and negative impacts and risks of the proposed activity and identified alternatives; m) Based on the assessment, and where applicable, recommendations from Section 9 specialist reports, the recording of proposed impact management objectives, and the impact management outcomes for the development for inclusion in the EMPr as well as for inclusion as conditions of authorisation; n) The final proposed alternatives which respond to the impact management Section3 measures, avoidance, and mitigation measures identified through the assessment; o) Any aspects which were conditional to the findings of the assessment either by Section 9.3 the EAP or specialist which are to be included as conditions of authorisation; p) A description of any assumption, uncertainties and gaps in knowledge which Section 10 relate to the assessment and mitigation measures proposed; q) A reasoned opinion as to whether the proposed activity should or should not be Section authorised, and if the opinion is that it should be authorised, any conditions 10.3 that should be made in respect of that authorisation; r) Where the proposed activity does not include operational aspects,, the period N/A for which the environmental authorisation is required and the date on which the activity will be concluded and the post construction monitoring requirements finalised; s) An undertaking under oath or affirmation by the EAP in relation to: Section 11 i. The correctness of the information provided in the reports; ii. The inclusion of comments and inputs from stakeholders and I&APs; iii. The inclusion of inputs and recommendations from the specialist reports where relevant and iv. Any information provided by the EAP to interested and affected parties and any responses by the EAP to comments or inputs made by interested or affected parties; t) Where applicable, details of any financial provisions for the rehabilitation, N/A closure, and ongoing post decommissioning management of negative environmental impacts;

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ASPECT SECTION u) An indication of any deviation from the approved scoping report, including the N/A plan of study, including – i. Any deviation from the methodology used in determining the significance of potential environmental impacts and risks; and ii. A motivation for the deviation; v) Any specific information that may be required by the competent authority and N/A w) Any other matters required in terms of section 24(4)(a) and (b) of the Act. N/A

6.3.2.1 Specialist Studies The following specialist studies were conducted for the EIA.

Hydrology The hydrological assessment involved the determination of the flood lines to help understand the flow regime at the proposed R50 Road/Bronkhorstspruit River crossing and provide guidance in the implementation of the proposed roadwork approach and a conceptual Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP). The plan of assessment was as follows:  Phase 1: o Site visit; and o Desktop assessment.  Phase 2: o Hydrological assessment, including catchment characterisation and delineation, meteorological analysis, flood regimes, and run-off calculations; and o Conceptual SWMP development, including delineation of clean/dirty water catchments, identification of impacts on Mean Annual Runoff (MAR), determination of stormwater flows and volumes, indication and explanation of berms, channels and culverts, and conceptual designs.

Air Quality The plan of study for the noise impact assessment was as follows:  Phase 1: o Site visit; and o Desktop assessment.  Phase 2:

o The baseline scenario will reflect air emissions resulting from mining operations for the five year period 2012-2016 (Scenario 1 in the study by Bornman and Kornelius, 2013), updated to reflect traffic emissions from the existing R50 and TCM gravel access roads.

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o The project scenario will reflect air emissions resulting from mining operations for the five year period 2020-2024 (Scenario 2 in the study by Bornman and Kornelius, 2013), updated to reflect traffic emissions from the proposed R50 and TCM gravel access roads. o Dispersion models will be updated with the existing and proposed roads, ground level concentrations will be simulated (using 3 years of meteorological data) and the significance of the potential air quality impacts assessed. o The Air Quality Management Plan for Leeuwpan Coal Mine will be updated accordingly.

Noise The plan of study for the noise impact assessment was as follows:  Phase 1: o Site visit; and o Desktop assessment.  Phase 2: o Determine the land use zoning of surrounding land and identify all potential noise sensitive receptors that could be impacted upon by activities relating to operation of the proposed sand mine and ancillary activities; o Identify all noise sources relating to the activities of the mine during construction phase and operation phase that could potentially result in a noise impact at the identified noise sensitive receptors; o Determine the sound emission, operating cycle and nature of the sound emission from each of the identified noise sources; o Calculate the combined sound power level due to the sound emissions of the individual noise sources; o Calculate the expected rating level of sound at the identified noise sensitive receptors from the combined sound power level emanating from identified noise sources; o Determine the existing ambient levels of noise at identified noise sensitive sites by conducting representative sound measurements; o Determine the typical rating level for noise at the identified noise sensitive receptors; o Calculate the noise impact at identified noise sensitive receptors; o Assess the noise impact at identified noise sensitive sites in terms of SANS 10103; the Noise Control Regulations; the World Health Organisation;

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o Investigate alternative noise mitigation procedures, if required, in collaboration with the design engineers of the mine and estimate the impact of noise upon implementation of such procedures; o Environmental Impact Assessment; and o Environmental Management Programme, including an outline of mitigation and monitoring measures.

Social The plan of study for the social baseline assessment was as follows:  Phase 1: o Site visit; and o Desktop assessment.  Phase 2: o Social baseline assessment utilising Census data; o Environmental Impact Assessment; and o Environmental Management Programme, including an outline of mitigation and monitoring measures.

Biodiversity The plan of study for the biodiversity impact assessment was as follows:  Phase 1: o Site visit; and o Detailed baseline assessment report.  Phase 2: o The identification of occurring flora and fauna (i.e. mammals, birds, herpetofauna and arthropoda of concern) species; o The identification of Red Data, protected and endemic species; o A list of threatened species that occur on the potential list, but not found during site visits together with a qualified opinion of the likelihood of that species occurring on site or not and the reason for the opinion provided; o A map indicating vegetation communities; o A map indicating sensitive areas on the property including the delineation of a buffer zone around any terrestrial sensitive areas; o A list of alien/exotic/invasive species occurring on the property; o Environmental Impact Assessment; and o Environmental Management Programme, including an outline of mitigation and monitoring measures.

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Soils, land use, land capability The plan of study for the soil, land use and land capability impact assessment was as follows:  Phase 1: o Site visit and soil survey (sampling); and o Desktop assessment.  Phase 2: o Determine soil texture, depth of soil, soil structure, organic matter content and slope of the area; o Describe soils using the S.A. Soil Classification Taxonomic System (Soil Classification Working Group, 1991) published as memoirs on the Agricultural Natural Resources of South Africa No.15; o Determine the capability and land use using the information obtained during the soil investigation; o Describe the economic and ecological implications of the road realignment construction and operation as well as the steps that need to be followed for rehabilitation; o Environmental Impact Assessment; and o Environmental Management Programme, including an outline of mitigation and monitoring measures.

Wetland and aquatics The plan of study for the wetland impact assessment was as follows:  Phase 1: o Site visit; and o Desktop assessment using aerial imagery to delineate wetland units.  Phase 2: o Functional wetland assessment; o Present Ecological Status (PES); o Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) assessment; and o Impact Assessment and Mitigation.

Heritage The plan of study for the heritage impact assessment was as follows:  Phase 1: o Site visit; and o Desktop assessment.  Phase 2: o Environmental Impact Assessment; and

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o Environmental Management Programme, including an outline of mitigation and monitoring measures.

Traffic The plan of study for the traffic impact assessment was as follows:  Phase 1: o Site visit; and o Desktop assessment.  Phase 2: o Environmental Impact Assessment; and o Environmental Management Programme, including an outline of mitigation and monitoring measures.

Environmental Management Programme

Each specialist was required to identify means of avoiding, mitigating and/or managing the negative impacts in his/her particular aspect of the investigation. The recommended management strategies are synthesised in this report by GCS to formulate the EMP for the proposed listed activities and the operation as a whole. Management strategies are based on the recommendations by specialists in their specific field of study and on best practise guidelines where applicable. The management measures will be incorporated into the mine systems to avoid, or appropriately manage impacts from the outset.

A draft EMP must include details of the person who prepared the EMP and the expertise of that person to prepare an EMP. The draft EMP must, furthermore, include information on any proposed management or mitigation measures that will be taken to address the environmental impacts that have been identified, including environmental impacts or objectives in respect of –  Planning and design: o Pre-construction and construction activities; o Operation or undertaking of the activity; o Rehabilitation of the environment; and o Closure, where relevant.  A detailed description of the aspects of the activity that are covered by the draft EMP;  An identification of the persons who will be responsible for the implementation of the mitigating measures;  Where appropriate, time periods within which the measures contemplated in the draft EMP must be implemented; and

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 Proposed mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the environmental management plan and reporting thereon.

The EIA ensures that the needs of the environment (biophysical and socio-economic) are identified. The EMP in turn provides a tool for meeting the objective to reduce or avoid negative environmental impacts associated with a project within a certain environment by providing detailed mitigation measures and management commitments. All of these sections will become legally binding on the approval of this report.

Reporting Structure (EIA/EMP)

The EIA/EMP Report has been compiled to identify the impacts associated with the Road realignment activities and to determine the management measures that need to be implemented.

Chapter 1: Introduction and Background This chapter provides a description of the location and the land ownership of the proposed project site, as well as details of the applicant and the EAP. It also includes a review of applicable legislation reviewed during the compilation of this report as well as the scope of the report.

Chapter 2: Detailed Project Description This chapter provides a description of the proposed operation and the infrastructure requirements.

Chapter 3: Project Alternatives This chapter provides a description of the project alternatives considered and a motivation for why the preferred alternative was selected.

Chapter 4: Motivation This chapter discusses the motivation for applying for this Environmental Authorisation.

Chapter 5: Need and Desirability This chapter describes why this project is required to continue

Chapter 6: Methodology This chapter provides the purpose, approach and methodology followed for the completion of this project.

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Chapter 7: Detailed Environmental Description This chapter provides a description of the baseline biophysical and socio-economic conditions of the project area prior to commencement of the proposed project. The information in this chapter has been obtained from the specialist studies undertaken as well as various desktop sources.

Chapter 8: Public Participation Process This chapter details the process undertaken for stakeholder engagement and provides a discussion on the issues raised and how these have been addressed.

Chapter 9: Identification of Impacts and Concerns with Management Measures and Action Plans This chapter assesses and rates the potential impacts on the environment, prior to the consideration of mitigation measures, as well as the potential impacts after the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures. It furthermore provides management measures per impact identified and details specific actions plans that are required.

Chapter 10: Specialist Recommendations List of specialist recommendations which are appended to this document.

Chapter 11: Assumptions and Limitations This chapter outlines the assumptions made during the specialist studies and environmental impact assessment, the adequacy of underlying assumptions, the uncertainties in the information provided, as well as recommendations to improve the accuracy of the information used to compile this report and the relevant appendices. It also outlines further assessments that may be required

Chapter 12: Environmental Impact Statement The chapter details whether the project should or should not be granted approval by the competent authority in the opinion of the EAP.

Chapter 13: Conclusion The conclusion provides a brief discussion on the findings in the report.

Chapter 14: Undertaking This chapter provides an undertaken to be signed by the applicant.

Chapter 15: References

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A list of references to studies used in this report.

7 DETAILED ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION

Detailed Specialist Studies are shown in Appendix E. Below is a summary of the main findings of these specialist studies.

7.1 Geology The OI mining block is similar in geology to that of the Witklip and Kenbar Sections of the existing Leeuwpan mine area. The proposed R50 realignment area is thus underlain by a sedimentary rock succession of the Vryheid Formation, Ecca Group (Karoo sediments underlain by Transvaal sediments) (Figure 7-1). The Karoo sediments are developed in the south-eastern portion of the existing Leeuwpan area. The general characteristics are as follows:  Karoo sediments have been deposited - Highly variable in thickness, varying from 0 to 60m; attributed to the uneven paleo floor on which the Karoo sediments have been deposited;  The top portion of the Karoo sediments consists of highly weathered Ecca material. Weathering extends into the coal seam. This weathering is the result of water and oxygen movement through the Ecca sediments during infiltration of rainwater; and  Underlying this highly weathered horizon is a thick accumulation of coal as well as some development of carbonaceous shale. The coal and shale vary in thickness between 0 - 30m.

The coal seams in the Vryheid Formation lie conformably on the Dwyka formation. Erosion has removed the uppermost parts of the Vryheid formation. The thin layer of Dwyka tillite underlying the Karoo sediments is characterized by its pebbly nature in a medium to fine matrix. The colour of the matrix is usually dark greyish-brown, the latter indicating a high clay content.

The dolomitic sequence underlies the Karoo sediments. The characteristics of the dolomitic sequence are as follows:  The top of the dolomitic sequence is marked by a sporadic accumulation of chert pebbles that may, in places, be well cemented by calcareous material. In other areas, the chert appears to be vuggy (pore space that is not interparticle), with the result that groundwater can be transmitted with ease along this horizon. This layer represents an erosion landscape that originated after the deposition of the dolomites and before that of the Dwyka tillite;

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 Underneath the pebbly chert layer lies proper dolomite of unknown thickness. The stratigrafic relationship between the chert and the dolomite is unclear; and  Dolerite intrusions in the form of dykes and sills are widespread in both the Karoo Supergroup as well as the Malmani Subgroup, and are often found in the Leeuwpan area. A dolerite sill or dyke is known to sub-outcrop immediately to the south of the existing Leeuwpan’s operations area.

(Not to scale, please refer to Appendix A for an enlarged Map)

Figure 7-1 Geology of the Leeuwpan Area.

7.2 Topography The topography of the greater area is characterized as generally flat with gently undulating areas, plains, slopes and several scattered hillcrests (Figure 7-2). The average surface elevation is 1580 meters above mean sea level (mamsl) and the area is mostly characterized by plains with some small rocky hills (DWAF, 2007). The area is also characterized by a number of depressions and pans.

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(Not to scale, please refer to Appendix A for an enlarged Map)

Figure 7-2. Topography of the Leeuwpan Area.

7.3 Climate The area in which the Leeuwpan mine is situated is typical of the Mpumalanga Highveld region. The climate is described as a temperate climate with a wet summer rainfall region and dry winter season. In summer the average temperatures range between 13°C and 24ºC while the average winter temperatures range between 1ºC and 16°C (Figure 7-3).

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Figure 7-3. Average Temperature of the Leeuwpan Area.

7.4 Rainfall The Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) for the Leeuwpan site is 668 mm. The distribution of this rainfall is indicated in Figure 7-4. The rainfall characteristics typify wet summers and dry winters.

7.5 Evaporation According to WR2012, mean annual evaporation of 1677 mm is typical of the Leeuwpan area and its distribution can be seen in Figure 7-5. The summer months see higher rates of evaporation than the winter months.

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Rainfall Distribution 200.0

180.0

160.0

140.0

120.0

100.0

80.0 Monthly Rainfall Monthly 60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep E10 122.6 164.0 166.2 176.1 147.1 134.7 91.7 43.2 16.9 15.6 19.7 44.5 E30 80.9 122.0 128.0 135.1 110.0 90.1 48.9 18.6 7.7 2.4 5.9 23.7 E50 60.4 99.0 105.2 108.4 84.8 70.4 33.6 9.4 2.6 0.1 0.9 11.6 E70 43.6 73.6 83.1 88.4 64.0 49.6 19.6 2.9 0.0 0.0 0.1 3.4 E90 24.9 43.5 54.8 68.1 45.0 30.0 5.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 E30 represents a value that is likely to be exceeded in 30% of years, etc.

Figure 7-4. Rainfall Distribution of the Leeuwpan Area.

Average Monthly Symons Pan Evaporation 200

180

160

140

120

100

Monthly Evaporation [mm] Evaporation Monthly 60

0 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep S-Pan 181.1 176 184.7 183 153.8 146.2 116.7 98.3 84.2 87.4 115.7 149.9

Figure 7-5. S-Pan Evaporation at Leeuwpan.

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7.6 Soils, Land Use and Land Capability Soil forms Ten (10) different soil forms were identified within the study area (Figure 7-6, Figure 7-7). Below follows a description of each of these soil forms:

Figure 7-6. Soil forms associated with the Northern TCM road.

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Figure 7-7. Soil forms associated with the Southern R50 road.

7.6.1.1 Hutton soil form (Hu) (13.2 ha or 47.48 % of the TCM access road study area) The Hutton soil forms consist of an orthic A horizon on a red apedal B horizon overlying unspecified material. The red apedal soils B1-horizon has more or less uniform "red" soil colours in both the moist and dry states and has weak structure or is structureless in the moist state.

Soil depths of the Hutton profiles surveyed on site ranged between 600mm and 1200mm with restrictive layers of rock or unspecified material without signs of wetness. Hutton soils with no restrictions shallower than 500mm are generally good for crop production. All Hutton profiles are structureless or have very weakly developed structure. The high quality orthic A and red apedal B-horizons make it a suitable soil form for annual crop production (good rooting medium) and use as ‘topsoil’, having favourable structure (weak blocky to apedal) and consistence (slightly firm to friable). These topsoils are ideal for stripping and stockpiling for rehabilitation purposes for they are deep and have a favourable structure.

7.6.1.2 Katspruit form (Ka) (3.8 ha or 13.67 % of the TCM access road study area) The Katspruit soil form consists of an orthic A horizon on a G horizon. The A horizon has a very dark greyish-brown colour with medium faint grey and/or olive mottles. The texture is a medium sandy loam. The G horizon is saturated with water for long periods and is

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dominated by grey, low chroma matrix colours often with blue or green tints. This soil form is associated with wetland land capability and usually indicates the presence of seasonal or permanent wetlands.

7.6.1.3 Rensburg form (Rg) (63.4 ha or 18.09 % of the R50 re-alignment study area) The Rensburg soil form is one of the two vertic soils in the South African classification system. It consists of a vertic A horizon underlain by a gleyed subsoil or G horizon. Vertic soils have an extremely strong structure, a strong tendency to shrink and swell with changes in water content, slickensides and the capacity to self-mulch and to develop extensive and deep cracks. Although agricultural and engineering uses of these soils are beset with difficulties they can be very productive, especially when irrigated. These soils have been considered to have only a low to moderate erosion hazard in their undisturbed state. Once disturbed and where rill or gully erosion have started, the self-mulching property can result into rapid collapse.

7.6.1.4 Glencoe form (Gc) (110.1 ha or 31.42 % of the R50 re-alignment study area) The Glencoe soil form consists of an orthic A horizon, overlying a yellow brown apedal B horizon on a hard plinthic B. The Glencoe soil form differs from Avalon form only on the basis that the soft plinthic horizon of the Avalon form is replaced by a hard plinthic horizon.

Glencoe soil has a moderately high degree of weathering, depletion of bases and no significant acidity, a sandy loam structure and a morphology which indicates a fluctuating water table. Available phosphorous (P) is very low. The soil is suited to dryland crop production if the plinthic layer is deeper than 60 cm and appropriate fertilization is done.

7.6.1.5 Tukulu form (Tu) (131.9 ha or 37.64 % of the R50 re-alignment study area) The Tukulu soil form consists of an orthic A horizon, overlying a neocutanic B horizon on unspecified material with signs of wetness. Soils of the Tukulu soil form are deep and generally highly suited to cultivation. It has signs of wetness beneath the neocutanic horizon which may require careful management in irrigated soils but which generally favours dryland farming with deeper rooted crops.

7.6.1.6 Lichtenburg form (Li) (31.3 ha or 8.93 % of the R50 re-alignment study area) The Lichtenburg soil form consists of an orthic A horizon on a red apedal B horizon overlying a hard plinthic horizon. The surface horizon is typically poorly structured and becomes easily degraded by cultivation. Low organic matter content and lack of iron oxides can lead to poor water infiltration and hard setting problems which call for judicious tillage and careful management of crop residues. Where the hard plinthic horizon occurs at sufficient depth the

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soil form is suitable for summer crop production on the Highveld because the upper solum drains freely while the plinthic horizon dams water within the lower part of the profile from where it can be tapped by crop roots during dry spells.

7.6.1.7 Clovelly form (Cv) (1.3 ha or 4.68 % of the TCM access road study area) The Clovelly soil forms consist of a sandy -loam orthic A horizon on a well-drained yellow- brown apedal B horizon overlying unspecified material where limited pedogenesis has taken place. Soil depths of the Clovelly profiles surveyed on site was deeper than 1500 mm. Manganese concretions were observed in less than 5 % of the profile from 1500 mm. Clovelly soils with no restrictions shallower than 500mm are generally good for crop production. The high quality orthic A and yellow-brown apedal B-horizons make it a suitable soil form for annual crop production

7.6.1.8 Witbank form (Wb) (8.9 ha or 32 % of the TCM access road study area) In South Africa there is currently only one soil form that caters for the anthropic group according to the Soil Classification Working Group (1991), namely Witbank soil form. Anthropic soils are those soils that have been so profoundly affected by human disturbance that their natural genetic character (i.e. their link to the natural factors of soil formation) has largely been destroyed or has had insufficient time to express itself. In South Africa the most extensive areas of anthropic soils belong to the technic Witbank form, created as a result of the rehabilitation of mined land. The thickness of the orthic A horizon on this site is generally more than 500 mm and the ‘new soil’ in this case is a capping of mixed A and B horizons of the original soil overlying compacted mine spoil.

7.6.1.9 Longlands form (Lo) (5.3 ha or 1.51 % of the R50 re-alignment study area) The Longlands soil form consists of an orthic A horizon (30 cm) overlying an E horizon that is underlain by a soft plinthic B horizon. A fluctuating water table has resulted in the accumulation of ferric oxides sufficient to form a soft plinthic B horizon in the lower part of what would otherwise have been a thick E horizon. This soil form is therefore associated with wetland land capability.

The Longlands soil form has a moderately high degree of weathering, depletion of bases and moderate acidity and a sandy loam texture. The soil needs lime and broad-spectrum fertilising for crop production but low buffer capacity will lead to rapid acidification if nitrogen is applied to generously. Groundwater vulnerability would be high in the case of pollution. Lateral discharge through the E and B horizons would result in the toe slope reception area being affected by a plume of polluted water.

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The soil on the study site belonging to the Longlands soil form has a depth of 120 cm and will thus not present problems with rooting depth and periodic waterlogging for crops like maize.

7.6.1.10 Wasbank form (Wa) (8.4 ha or 2.4 % of the R50 re-alignment study area) The Wasbank soil form consists of an orthic A horizon overlying an E horizon that is underlain by a hard plinthic B horizon. The Wasbank soil form differs from the Longlands soil form only as far as the less permeable B horizon which underlay the E horizon is concerned. Longlands has a soft plinthic B horizon and Wasbank a hard plinthic B horizon.

A temporary build-up of water above the B horizon takes place after rain and discharge occurs in a predominantly lateral direction. The soil form is associated with wetland land capability

Soil chemical conditions of the study area

7.6.2.1 Soil fertility The pH of the analyzed soil samples in the study area ranges from 4.3 (extremely acid) to 5.32 (strongly acid). For successful crop production, a pH of between 5.8 and 7.5 is optimum and crops produced in soils with lower pH may suffer aluminium (Al) toxicities if toxic levels of Al are present. The danger of Al toxicity in maize only exists when the pH (KCl) is lower than 4.5. Even under these low pH levels, Al toxicity may not prevail. The pH of the soil can be improved by the addition of dolomitic lime or gypsum. However, this process is costly and adds to production costs of crops.

Phosphorus levels were as low as expected in soils which are strongly acid (ranging between 1 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg P). In two topsoil samples the levels were 17 mg/kg P probably because of fertilization on adjacent crop fields. For crop production optimum extractable P levels in the soil according to Bray 1 are 33.5 mg/kg for sandy soils such as the Hutton and Clovelly soil forms and < 30 mg/kg for soils with a clay percentage of > 15 % such as of the Rensburg soil form. The calcium and magnesium and potassium levels are higher than what is adequate for crop plants but is not considered as toxic and the balance between these three cations could be corrected with chemical fertilizer.

The soil chemistry of the samples analysed indicate that soil at the project site has the chemical suitability for crop production since the addition of dolomitic lime or gypsum to improve low pH is standard practice in most crop production areas. Intensive annual crop production would however require proper fertilization as soil nutrients should be balanced and will get depleted. No serious soil chemical issues such as soil salinity or sodicity occur on site.

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Agricultural potential

7.6.3.1 Irrigated crop production potential Both the proposed R50 road re-alignment buffer zone and the study area where the access road for TCM will be constructed are situated directly next to center pivot irrigation systems. The soil and climate is suitable for irrigated crop production. According to a report by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy maize under irrigation has a potential yield of 11 to 15 tons per hectare in the Delmas District. The site currently has definitely irrigation potential if enough water is available.

7.6.3.2 Rain fed crop production potential Crop fields were identified on site where the commercial farmers cultivates maize and soya beans. These fields were found where Hutton, Tukulu, Lichtenburg and Clovelly soil forms are present. The soil groups identified are highly suitable for crop production and the rainfall in the area is also sufficient and there are no restrictions to large scale crop production. Soils of the Katspruit soil form are wetland soils and not suitable for crop production. Most Rensburg soils on site have medium to high agricultural potential. Crop production on these soils may require irrigation although cracks after the dry season make it possible for the soil to “tank up” with spring rain and sustain crops like wheat irrigation.

7.6.3.3 Cattle and game farming potential The grazing capacity of a specified area for domestic herbivores is given either in large animal unit per hectare or in hectares per large animal unit. One large animal unit is regarded as a steer of 450kg whose weight increases by 500g per day on veld with a mean energy digestibility of 55%.

The grazing capacity of the veld in the study area is 2 hectares per large animal unit or large stock unit (LSU) according to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (2012). Natural pastures provide the grazing in summer time and combined maize fields provide grazing in winter time. Some of the most palatable, nutritious (sweet) grazing occurs on vertic soils like the Rensburg soil form. Soil of the Witbank soil form can be ameliorated with fertilizer and planted with pastures and incorporated into a cattle farming enterprise.

Land use after decommissioning of the proposed new gravel access road to TCM should aim to re-establish the cattle farming potential of the land.

Land use and surrounding land use

The entire subject property and its immediate surrounds falls into the Grassland Biome. The land use on entire subject property and its immediate surrounds can be broadly defined as

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agriculture producing crops which is mainly maize, soybeans and sunflower, livestock (cattle and sheep) and mining. There are also areas where crops are produced under irrigation directly adjacent to the study area. The R50 road is a public road of significant importance and the gravel access road is of great importance to Thaba Chueu mining.

Figure 7-8. Land use map of the R50 Alignment Project (North Road).

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Figure 7-9. Land use map of the R50 Alignment Project (South Road).

Land capability

Following the classification system above in Section 6.4, the soil and land types identified in the study area could all be classified into four different land capability classes. Deeper soils of the Clovelly, Hutton, Glencoe, Tukulu, Lichtenburg and Rensburg soil forms have arable land capability and are also suitable for irrigated crop production should irrigation water be available. However, the tendency of vertic soils (Rensburg soil form) to alternate from being either too dry and hard or excessively wet and sticky means that the workable period is often very short, and in some years almost non-existent. Difficulties in their agricultural management has meant that many areas of vertic soils are used for extensive grazing where the soils produce sweet veld that allows year-round grazing potential. Areas where the depth of the topsoil is less than 600 mm in plinthic soils such as the Glencoe and Lichtenburg soil forms have a grazing land capability. The Katspruit, Longlands and Wasbank soil forms has a wetland land capability. Because of the high bulk density of rehabilitated mine soils that restricts root penetration and have poor water holding capacity and drainage, the Witbank soil form is limited to wilderness potential and should only be grazed at very low livestock density.

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Figure 7-10. Land capability map of the R50 Project (North and South Roads).

7.7 Hydrology Site Visit

A site visit was undertaken on the 28th of July 2015. The Farm Portions where the R50 Road Realignment is proposed as well as the North access road were inspected. The R50 Road Realignment results in the new road crossing the Bronkhorstspruit River approximately 250m to the south of the original location of the R50 Road. As the new road progresses it passes through a wetland area or pan just before it re-joins the original R50 Road. The proposed North Access Road does not intersect the Bronkhorstspruit River but it runs parallel to it for about 2km before the road curves towards Leeuwpan 246IR.

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Photograph 7.1 The Bronkhorstspruit upstream of the R50 Realignment.

Photograph 7.2 The Bronkhorstspruit downstream of the R50 Realignment.

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Floodlines

The flood line was calculated on the Bronkhorstspruit River. The river and delineated catchments can be seen in Figure 7-11. The delineation of these flood lines were calculated using LiDAR data provided by the client.

7.7.2.1 Catchment delineations The delineation of the area draining to the stream was based on the topography of the area. One sub-catchment was delineated, the area of which is 126km2, and is shown in Figure 7-11.

(not to scale, please refer to Appendix A for an enlarged Map)

Figure 7-11. Leeuwpan Realignment Catchment Delineation.

7.7.2.2 Design Flood Peaks Peak flows for 1:50-year and 1:100-year storm events were calculated for the delineated catchment. Calculations were based on current conditions at the project site. The calculated peak flows can be seen in Table 7-1.

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Table 7-1 Summary of the design peak flows calculated. Method

RM3 SDF MIPI Catchment 1:50 1:100 1:50 1:100 1:50 1:100 (m3/s) Catchment 1 209 291 395 503 245 310

The SDF and MIPI methods are higher than the RM3. The use of the MIPI method was important to check the orders of magnitude obtained from the SDF and Alternative Rational methods. The RM3 was considered to under-estimate flood peaks for this site when compared to the other two methods. After deliberation, the SDF method was chosen. The SDF flood peaks are the highest calculated, making their use a conservative approach, and this method is designed for South African conditions and is one of the most widely used and accepted methods in South Africa (SANRAL, 2013).

7.7.2.3 Flood Line Results The flood levels for the 1:50-year and 1:100-year flood peaks were determined and plotted in Figure 7-12. The Leeuwpan R50 Realignment is situated within the 1:50 and 1:100-year flood line. It is therefore recommended that the construction of the Realignment be conducted above the flood heights.

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(Not to scale, please refer to Appendix A for an enlarged Map)

Figure 7-12. Extent of the 1:50-year and 1:100-year flood lines at the Leeuwpan R50 Realignment.

Conceptual Storm Water Management Plan

A conceptual SWMP was developed for the R50 Leeuwpan Realignments.

7.7.3.1 Delineation of Clean and Dirty Water Catchments

South Road

The South Road Realignment (R50) was categorised as a clean water catchment as this road will be used by the public therefore a SWMP does not need to be modelled for the Realignment.

North Road

The North Road Realignment (access) was also categorised as a clean water catchment as this road will be used as access roads to transport silica

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7.7.3.2 Proposed SWMP measures South Road

Water generated on the South road can be discharged to the surrounding environments using a series of drains as shown in Figure 7-15. As shown in Figure 7-15, it is recommended that a culvert be constructed in the middle of S2 of the South Road to allow for natural drainage towards the Bronkhorstspruit to occur.

North Road

The storm water management measures suggested for the North Road are drains located next to the Realignment as shown in Figure 7-13 and sumps which are proposed at the lowest elevation point of the route. The drains along the Realignment will direct runoff generated on the Realignment to the sumps to attenuate the increase runoff. The water collected in the sumps can be left in the sump to evaporate or it can be drained. The conceptual SWMP and location of the storm water management measures can be seen in Figure 7-14.

Figure 7-13 Storm Water Measurements for the Realignments.

It is recommended that the sumps and drains be constantly maintained to remove any debris trapped in the sump. It is further recommended that silt traps be placed at both the sumps to capture silt draining towards them.

Table 7-2 Area contributing runoff to the sumps. Subcatchment Area (ha) Sump S1 0.7 Sump 1 S2 2 Sump 2

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7.7.3.3 SWMP Simulation The PCSWMM model was set up for the site and used to size the conveyance structures. The assumed parameters used in the PCSWMM model are summarized below:  The dirty water catchments included the North road. This area has been classified as dirty, thus the surface water runoff generated from these catchments will have to be captured.  Manning’s ‘n’ coefficients used in the model for the impervious areas were 0.15 (SANRAL, 2007)

Conceptual Channel Sizes

Channels are proposed on either side of the Realignment. All diversion channels have been sized to capture the runoff from the 50-year and 100-year return period flood peak. The Manning’s roughness assumed for the channels were 0.015 (concrete lined channels) (Chow, 1959) (Hick and Mason, 1991). The results from the analysis are shown in Table 7-4.

Conceptual Sump Sizes

The construction of two sumps is proposed for the North road. The purpose of the sumps will attenuate all flood water generated on the Realignment. The sumps were sized to contain all runoff from the Realignment during the 24-hour, 1 in 50-year and 1 in 100-year recurrence interval storm event. The required capacities for the sumps can be seen in Table 7-3.

Table 7-3 Required PCD Capacities. PCD Description 50yr Flood Capacity (m3) 100yr Flood Capacity (m3) Sump 1 Dirty 989 1162 Sump 2 Dirty 2809 3302

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Table 7-4 Channel Characteristics and Results. 24-hour, 1 in 50 year Recurrence Interval Storm Event

Name Descr. Length (m) Roughness Cross-Section Height (m) Width (m) Left Slope (1:H) Right Slope (1:H) Slope (m/m) Max. Flow (m³/s) Max. Velocity (m/s)

S1_1 Right Channel 1205 0.015 Trapezoidal 0.3 0.5 2 2 0.00913 0.205 2.23 S1_2 Left Channel 1208 0.015 Trapezoidal 0.3 0.5 2 2 0.0091 0.204 2.23 S2_1 Right Channel 3389 0.015 Trapezoidal 0.3 0.5 2 2 0.00826 0.405 2.51 S2_2 Left Channel 3388 0.015 Trapezoidal 0.3 0.5 2 2 0.00826 0.405 2.52 24-hour, 1 in 100 year Recurrence Interval Storm Event S1_1 Right Channel 1205 0.015 Trapezoidal 0.3 0.5 2 2 0.00913 0.244 2.35 S1_2 Left Channel 1208 0.015 Trapezoidal 0.3 0.5 2 2 0.0091 0.243 2.34 S2_1 Right Channel 3389 0.015 Trapezoidal 0.35 0.5 2 2 0.00826 0.486 2.64 S2_2 Left Channel 3388 0.015 Trapezoidal 0.35 0.5 2 2 0.00826 0.486 2.64

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(Not to scale, please refer to Appendix A for an enlarged Map)

Figure 7-14. Conceptual SWMP for the North Road.

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(not to scale, please refer to Appendix A for an enlarged Map)

Figure 7-15. Conceptual SWMP for the South Road.

Water Quality analysis

Water quality analysis and monitoring are fundamental in the management of freshwater resources to ensure minimal or no pollution from point and non-point pollution sources. The term ‘water quality’ is used to describe the physical, chemical, biological and aesthetic properties of water that determine its fitness for a variety of uses and for the protection of aquatic ecosystems (DWAF, 1996).

Laboratory results of analysed samples compared with SANS Drinking Water Standards and DWA target values are listed in Table 8.1. The water quality at both sample points (SW1 and SW2) exceeded some of the most stringent DWA target values, especially with respect to metals and cations. The values in green are indicative of the above limit concentrations. It should be noted, however, that although these concentrations exceed the DWA standards, they are still within the SANS drinking water standards, except for aluminium. Aluminium concentration for sample point SW1 is 0.489mg/L a value which is greater than the SANS standard of ≤ 0.3 mg/L.

Metallic concentrations top the list of parameters that exceed stipulated standards. Electrical Conductivity (EC) for SW1 which was analysed to be 40.4mS/m slightly exceeds the irrigation

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standard ideal value of ≤ 40mS/m. With respect to anions, water at SW1 and SW2 sample points is within both the SANS standards and the most stringent DWA target values.

It can be seen from Table 7-5 that water at sample point SW1 has a higher concentration of dissolved ions (both cations and anions) than at sample point SW2. This was expected since at point SW1 the water was not flowing during the time of sampling. Livestock animals were also frequenting the place to drink water. As such, the higher ionic concentrations may be attributed to animal refuse as well as to excessive evaporation of the ponded water, unlike at point SW2 where the water was flowing.

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Table 7-5 Water Quality Results for Leeuwpan Coal Mine. PARAMETERS SAMPLES HYDROCHEMISTRY RESULTS SANS WATER STANDARDS & DWA TARGET VALUES SANS 241-1: 2015 Drinking DWA TV Domestic DWA TV Aquatic DWA TV Livestock DWA TV Units are mg/L unless specified SW1 SW2 Water Use Ecosystem Watering Irrigation Physical Parameters pH (ºC) 7.7 8 ≥ 5 to ≤ 9,7 6-9 NS NS 6.5-8.4 Electrical Conductivity, EC (mS/m) 40.4 32.6 ≤ 170 <70 NS NS <40 Total Dissolved Solids, TDS 254 188 ≤ 1 200 <450 NS <1000 NS Turbidity, NTU 1269 4.7 ≤ 1 ≤ 1 NS NS NS Cations and Metals Aluminium, Al 0.489 0.26 ≤ 0.300 <0.00015 <0.01 <0.005 <0.005 Arsenic, As 0.0094 <0.01 ≤ 0.00001 ≤ 0.00001 <0.0003 <0.001 <0.0001 Antimony,Sb <0.01 <0.01 ≤ 0.02 NS NS NS NS Cadmium, Cd 0.001 0.001 ≤ 0.003 <0.000005 <00015 <0.00001 <0.00001 Cobalt, Co 0.001 0.002 <0.0005 NS NS <0.001 <0.00005 Chromium, Cr 0.005 0.003 <0.00005 ≤ 0.00005 0.000007 <0.001 <0.0001 Copper, Cu 0.023 0.02 ≤ 0.002 <0.001 <0.0003 <0.0005 <0.0002 Iron, Fe 0.28 0.0019 ≤ 0.002 <0.00001 NS <0.01 <0.005 Manganese, Mn 0.011 0.06 ≤ 0.0004 <0.00005 <0.18 <0.01 <0.00002 Nickel, Ni 0.013 0.013 ≤ 0.00007 NS NS <0.001 <0.0002 Lead, Pb <0.01 <0.01 ≤ 0.00001 <0.00001 <0.0002 <0.0001 <0.0002 Antimony,Sb <0.01 <0.01 ≤ 0.00002 NS NS NS NS Selenium, Se <0.011 <0.01 ≤ 0.00004 <0.00002 <0.002 <0.00005 <0.00002 Mercury, Hg <1.0 <1.0 ≤ 0.000006 <0.000001 0.00004 <0.001 NS Vanadium, V 0.031 0.029 NS <0.0001 NS <0.001 <0.0001 Sodium, Na 45 17.5 ≤ 200 <100 NS <2000 <70 Zinc, Zn 0.05 <0.005 ≤ 5 <3 <0.002 <20 <1 Anions Ammonia as N <0.1 <0.1 ≤ 1,5 NS NS NS NS Flouride, F -1 0.4 0.3 ≤ 1,5 <1 <0.75 <2 <2 Chloride, Cl -1 20 17.2 ≤ 300 <100 NS <1500 <100

Nitrite, NO2 as N <0.1 <0.1 ≤0,9 6 NS NS 10

Nitrate, NO3 as N 0.9 <0.1 ≤11 6 NS NS 100

Sulphate, SO4 48 34 ≤ 500 <200 NS <1000 NS Cyanide, Cn <10 <10 ≤ 200 NS NS NS NS

Exceeds least stringent standard or only available standard Exceeds most stringent standard All parameters as mg/l unless specified NS = No standard TV = Target Value

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7.8 Wetlands According to the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas project (NFEPA), the Bronkhorstspruit wetland system has been classified as a wetland Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA) (Figure 7-16). FEPA have been identified as strategic spatial priorities for conserving South Africa’s freshwater ecosystems and supporting sustainable use of water resources. Both proposed new roads will impact on this wetland system. Both proposed new roads will impact on this wetland system.

Wetland Delineation and Classification

The wetlands of the study area are dominated by the large valley bottom wetland associated with the Bronkhorstspruit, which flows through the area roughly south to north. Three different wetland types were identified along the two proposed routes, namely:  Unchannelled valley bottom wetlands;  Pan/depression wetlands; and  Hillslope seepage wetlands. In addition, several small dams occur within the wetlands on site. In terms of the Classification System for Wetlands and other Aquatic Ecosystems in South Africa (Ollis et al., 2013), these wetlands are classified as detailed in Table 7-6.

Table 7-6: Classification System for Wetlands and other Aquatic Ecosystems in South Africa (Ollis et al. 2013) as applied to the wetlands of the study area. Level 1: Level 2: Regional Setting Level 3: Level 4A: Hydro- System Landscape Unit geomorphic Unit Inland Systems Slope Channelled valley DWAF Level 1 Ecosregion: bottom Highveld Seep/Hillslope Seepage NFEPA WetVeg: Mesic Bench Depression/Pan Highveld Grassland Group 4 Seep/Hillslope Seepage Valley Floor River/Channel Unchannelled Valley bottom

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(Not to scale, please refer to Appendix A for an enlarged Map)

Figure 7-16: Location of wetlands in relation to proposed development.

Northern Access Road

In the extreme west of the northern route the remnant of a large pan/depression wetland was identified and delineated. This wetland has been significantly impacted by opencast mining activity and the construction of a rail loop through the wetland. The proposed North Route (TCM Access) will cross this wetland along an existing gravel road.

The central portions of the North Route cross extensive cultivated fields were no wetlands occur.

The eastern end of the North Route runs roughly north/south along the edge of the Bronkhorstspruit wetland system. Roughly 1.8 km of the route falls within wetland habitat, both hillslope seepage wetland and unchannelled valley bottom wetland. The Bronkhorstspruit valley bottom wetland consists of a broad, mostly unchannelled system characterised by vertic clay soils. The upper catchment as well as the upper reach of the wetland on site is utilised agriculturally, with livestockgrazing the main activity within the wetland. On site, mining takes place on either side of the wetland and includes the Thaba Chueu Mine that extends significantly into the wetland. A dam (breached) as well as several

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berms have been constructed within this reach of the wetland to control flows through the mining area. At the time of the site visit the unchannelled valley bottom wetland associated with the Bronkhorstspruit was burnt, though this section of the wetland is known to be characterised by extensive stands of Typha capensis near the haul road, with a grass sedge meadow characterising the valley bottom near Thaba Chueu Mine.

A narrow hillslope seepage wetland dominated by typical seasonal indicator species on sandy soils such as Imperata cylindrica fringes the valley bottom wetland and will be crossed by the proposed North Route. The habitat associated with this seep has also been disturbed by numerous activities, including a gravel road, security fence and pipeline.

R50 Realignment

The current proposed R50 road passes through an area of intensive cultivation, which includes a number of centre pivot irrigation fields. Several small seasonal pans occur within the area, one of which might be directly impacted by the proposed re-alignment, though it must be pointed out that this pan is also already affected by the existing R50 road (Figure 7-17).

Figure 7-17: Delineated Wetlands along the Northern and Southern proposed routes.

Several highly temporary hillslope seepage wetlands also occur within these cultivated fields and will be crossed by the re-aligned road. Most of these hillslope seepage wetlands are

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currently cultivated in their entirety or are characterised by planted Eragrostis (Cane Grass) pastures.

The re-aligned road will link up with the existing R50 route at the crossing over the Bronkhorstspruit unchannelled valley bottom wetland. In this area the wetland is characterised by a broad unchannelled reach dominated by Eragrostis plana (Love Grass), though heavy grazing pressure has resulted in the increased presence of Berkheya spp. (Purple Berkheya) in some areas. The existing road, which crosses the wetland via a series of box culverts, has resulted in some localised erosion and channel incision.

Present Ecological Status (PES) Assessment

The wetlands on site exist within a landscape currently dominated by agricultural (cultivation, grazing) and mining activities, and these land uses have had an influence on the current extent and condition of the majority of the wetlands within the study area. Many of the wetlands and their catchments are currently, or have historically been, cultivated, or lie in close proximity to active mining activities, disturbances that have had an influence on the vegetation composition, geomorphology and hydrology of the wetlands.

No pristine wetlands were found to occur within the study area, and the majority of the wetlands were found to be Moderately Modified (C). Almost 19 % of wetlands within the Leeuwpan MRA were classified as seriously modified (E), consisting mostly of hillslope seepage wetlands cultivated in their entirety, as well as a number of heavily impacted pans. This is especially the case in the area traversed by the proposed South Road (R50 realignment).

The results of the Present Ecological State (PES) assessments are displayed in Figure 7-18 below. For specific wetlands, the overall PES score was adjusted upwards (by one level) when one of three modules assessed received a score over 8 (F).

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Figure 7-18: Results of the PES assessments for wetlands on site.

Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) Assessment The wetlands within the study area all form part of the Olifants River Primary catchment which is a heavily utilised and economically important catchment. Wetlands and rivers within the Olifants River Catchment upstream of Loskop Dam have been greatly impacted upon by various activities, which include mining, power stations, water abstraction, urbanization, agriculture etc. As a result of these impacts serious water quality concerns and also water quantity concerns have been raised within the catchment. The Wilge River sub-catchment, which includes the Leeuwpan MRA and also drains into Loskop Dam, currently still plays an important role in diluting the poor quality water in the Olifants River. Given this situation, and the fact that wetlands can support functions such as water purification and stream flow regulation, a high importance and conservation value is placed on all wetlands and rivers within the catchment that have as yet not been seriously modified.

An EIS assessment was conducted for every hydro-geomorphic wetland unit identified within the study area. The results of the assessment and rankings of the wetlands are illustrated in Figure 7-19.

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Figure 7-19: Results of the EIS Assessment.

7.9 Biodiversity Flora Component 7.9.1.1 Ecosystem Diversity Five vegetation communities are present within the remaining natural vegetation within the extent of the mine boundary (Figure 7-20). These five communities are: 1. Sourveld climax grassland associated with large boulders on crests with very coarse textured soils; 2. Climax grassland close to the crests on very shallow, well-drained, coarse textured soils ; 3. Temporary and seasonally coarse textured, moist grassland on midslopes and footslopes; and 4. Seasonally and permanently fine textured, wet grassland on footslopes and valley bottoms.

It is evident that these remaining patches of natural vegetation are due to them being either shallow or rocky or to wet to be cultivated (EkoInfo CC & Ass 2013).

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Figure 7-20: Distribution and extent of the local vegetation communities within Leeuwpan Coal Mine boundary North Road.

The north road transects two of the four communities, namely: 1. Community 3 – Temporary and seasonally coarse textured, moist grassland on midslopes and footslopes 2. Community 4 - Seasonally and permanently fine textured, wet grassland on footslopes and valley bottoms Based on a 40 m servitude, the north road contains 8 ha (58%) transformed areas and 6 ha (42%) natural vegetation consisting of 3 ha (26%) of community 3 and 2 ha (17%) of community 4.

7.9.1.2 South Road The south road transects two of the four communities, namely: 1. Community 3 – Temporary and seasonally coarse textured, moist grassland on midslopes and footslopes 2. Community 4 - Seasonally and permanently fine textured, wet grassland on footslopes and valley bottoms Based on a 40 m servitude, the south road contains 18 ha (90%) transformed areas and 2 ha (10%) natural vegetation consisting of 0.5 ha (2%) of community 3 and 2 ha (8%) of community 4.

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7.9.1.3 Species Diversity

Species Richness A minimum of 73 species were recorded in community three and a minimum of 94 species in community four, which represents 35% and 45% of the species recorded within the Leeuwpan Coal Mine area. However these two communities have a low Beta diversity in comparison to the area they cover, which is typical for wetland areas, as few species are adapted to survive in waterlogged conditions. These two communities are associated with moist/ waterlogged environments.

Species of Concern No nationally protected plants in terms of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act had been recorded within these two communities. On a provincial level the following protected species had been recorded 1. Crinum bulbispermum 2. Boophone disticha It should be noted that if the mine does not own the land on which these species occur a permit is required for their destruction.

In terms of threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, Critical Endangered) Red Data plants, none were recorded in terms of the 2009 and the more recent 2015 lists within these two communities.

The following species with medicinal properties (Van Wyk, Van Oudtshoorn & Gericke 2000) had been recorded within community 3 and 4: Berula erecta, Centella asiatica, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Rumex lanceolatus, Scabiosa columbaria, Typha capensis, Vernonia oligocephala.

The following two declared alien invasive species in terms of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act had been recorded within community 3 and 4, namely: 1. Cirsium vulgare 2. Xanthium spinosum Both these species are Category 1 and therefore have to be controlled. They are also classified as category 1b in terms of the alien invasive species regulations of NEMBA, and therefore require an invasive species management plan.

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Fauna Component

7.9.2.1 Ecosystem Diversity The two proposed road alignments coincide with three broad-scale habitat types, of which a major part of the habitat along the alignments are transformed. A brief account of each habitat type and its (avi-) faunal importance is presented below (Figure 7-21):

7.9.2.2 Temporary and seasonally moist grassland This habitat unit is localised and scattered along the proposed road alignments where it is concentrated along the edge of seasonally wet grassland. It is essentially a wetland community that is concentrated on coarse textured soils on midslopes and footslopes. It is mainly confined to hillslope seepages although it is often located along a channelled valley bottom seep wherever it coincided with the Bronkhorstspruit floodplain systems (along the eastern section of the proposed South Road). Typical plant species include Nidorella anomala, Eragrostis curvula, Imperata cylindrica, Agrostis lachnantha and Themeda triandra – the latter grass species is very prevalent on areas where cattle are absent.

The dense and rank patches of Imperata cylindrica grassland that are associated with this habitat are one of a few habitat types in the region that provide optimal breeding and roosting habitat for the threatened African Grass-owl (Tyto capensi) – an important breeding habitat of T. capensis occurs near the western section of the proposed South Road. Apart from providing habitat for many unspecialised grassland species (e.g. Cisticola spp., Macronyx spp. and Euplectes weavers), it is the preferred habitat of Pale-crowned Cisticola Cisticola cinnamomeus an obligate wetland bird species that was historically overlooked in the area.

7.9.2.3 Permanent and seasonally wet grassland This unit is a wetland community that is concentrated on fine textured soils on footslopes and valley bottom. It is restricted to unchanneled valley bottom wetlands and comprehends a large percentage of the Bronkhorstspruit floodplain and its tributaries. A large part of the proposed South Road traverses this habitat, which also occur along the eastern boundary of the proposed North Road. This unit experiences elevated periods of inundation which is responsible for the dominance of obligate wetland plant species such as Leersia hexandra, Pycreus nitidus, Eleocharis dregeana, Typha capensis and in some instances even Phragmites australis.

Large tracts of this grassland, especially the section on the South Road have suffered from grazing and trampling by cattle, which is responsible for the proliferation of the increaser grass E. plana, Centella asiatica and Ranunculus multifidus. This wetland unit is undoubtedly of a high conservation priority since it provides refuge for large numbers of waterfowl and

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bird species that are not often associated with dryland habitat types. It is also an important foraging habitat for threatened taxa (e.g. the African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus), while the Typha-dominated reedbeds hold shy and skulking species such as rails, flufftails and crakes (in particular the inconspicuous and diminutive Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla and Red-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa).

7.9.2.4 Transformed: mining infrastructure, pastures and agricultural land A large section of the habitat along the proposed road alignments has been lost or is converted to agricultural land or by coal mining activities.

Figure 7-21: A map illustrating the broad-scale habitat types along the two proposed road alignments (according to EkoInfo CC & Ass 2013).

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7.9.2.5 Species Diversity

North Road

When inundated, the seasonal wet grassland adjacent to the proposed North Road (to the east) provides habitat for three nationally near threatened bird species (c. Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa, Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber and Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni) (Figure 7-22). However, the occurrence of these species is highly ephemeral and is dependent on high inundation levels.

This area is confined to the Leeupan mine and subjected to frequent levels of mine-associated disturbance. Therefore, these species are highly adaptable to high ambient noise levels, although their presence is controlled by surface water levels as opposed to mining-related disturbance regimes. In other words, these species, being opportunistic and often nomadic (except for the pratincole which is a non-breeding summer visitor), often colonise ephemeral resources as long as these disturbance regimes do not directly “threatened” the species at the individual level.

When inundated, the wetland system to the east of the proposed road also contain suitable habitat for the Cape Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis, a mammal species of which its conservation status was elevated to the near threatened category. The change in its global conservation status was based on the widespread habitat alteration and pollution (Jacques et al., 2015) of its preferred habitat. Although considered to be occupying a large distribution range in Africa, recent evidence suggests that the spatial size of its occupied habitat has declined significantly, possibly because of the effects of climate change and human conflict for resources such as water and prey (Jacques et al., 2015). In addition, much of its habitat in South Africa is subjected to habitat degradation, industrial effluent and poor sanitary infrastructure that resulted in water pollution.

South Road

Two significant faunal areas are present along the proposed South Road alignment. The first occurs near the eastern section of the alignment and comprehends part of the Bronkhorstspruit floodplain system. When inundated, the flooded grassland holds important congregation habitat for waterbird species, in particular in particular members of the Anatidae (ducks & geese represented by 10 species), Scolopacidae (mainly Palaearctic migrant waders representing six species) and Recurvirostridae (represented by the Black- winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus). Of more importance are the significant concentrations of Black-winged Stilt H. himantopus, Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha, Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos (an uncommon species on the highveld) and Ruff Philomachus pugnax

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consisting of flocks numbering well over 1 000 individuals during optimal (flooded) conditions. The “blind” channel system pertaining to the floodplain is also often used as foraging habitat for the nationally endangered Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis. It is also occasionally used as foraging habitat by the African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus (pers. obs.)

More importantly, the western section of the southern road is also located in close proximity (67 m) to the breeding habitat (c. Imperata cylindrica) of the vulnerable African Grass-owl Tyto capensis. This species was observed breeding in the same locality during 2013 (Figure 7-22), and was observed again at approximately the same locality during a recent site visit (July 2015). It is recommended that the proposed road-alignment be revised with the aim to protect potential Grass-owl habitat and to reduce the possible risk of habitat transformation caused by changes to the hydrological regime (e.g. increased storm water) which could alter the floristic composition of the area. This area is also important foraging habitat for the near threatened Serval Leptailurus serval.

Figure 7-22: A map illustrating suitable habitat for bird species of conservation concern corresponding to the proposed road alignments (according to EkoInfo CC & Ass 2013).

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7.10 Traffic The existing R50 road is a class two provincial road that is surfaced and has one lane per direction. It connects Pretoria with Standerton via Delmas.

All other analysed roads intersecting with the R50 are surfaced roads with one lane per direction, except for Road 3 towards Vlakpan which is gravel. Part of Road 2 towards TCM is surfaced and another part is gravel. The Leeuwpan mine gain access from R50/R548 intersection (Figure 7-23).

Figure 7-23. Existing intersection and geometry control.

The AM Peak (0:00 to 11:59) was found to be from 06:30 to 07:30 (Table 7-7) and the PM Peak (12:00 to 23:59) hour was recorded at 16:00 to 17:00 (Table 7-8). Heavy vehicles account for 36% of all vehicles counted and light vehicles were 64%.

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Table 7-7. Weekday AM Peak Hour Capacity.

Table 7-8. Weekday PM Peak Hour Capacity.

7.11 Air Quality Wind direction

Period, day-time and night-time wind roses for the study site are depicted in Figure 7-24. Wind roses comprise 16 spokes which represent the directions from which winds blew during the period. The colours reflected the different categories of wind speeds; the blue area for example, representing winds of 1 m/s to 2 m/s. The dotted circles provide information regarding the frequency of occurrence of wind speed and direction categories. The figure given for calm conditions represents the frequency with which the calms occurred, i.e. periods during which the wind speed was below 1 m/s.

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The period wind rose (Figure 7-24) depicts the predominance of winds from the north-western and northern sectors, with a strong component from the easterly sector. Wind speeds exceeding 5 m/s occurred with a frequency of 14%. The north-westerly wind flow increased during day-time conditions and easterly wind flow increased during the night.

Figure 7-24. Period and diurnal wind roses of the Leeuwpan Area.

Air quality

The Mpumalanga Highveld has frequently been the focus of air pollution studies for two reasons. Firstly, elevated air pollution concentrations have been noted to occur in the region itself. Secondly, various elevated sources of emissions located in this region have been associated with long-range transportation of pollutants and with the potential for impacting on the air quality of adjacent and more distant regions (Piketh, Annegarn, & Kneen, 1996). The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism therefore declared the HPA on 23 November 2007 (Highveld Priority Area Air Quality Baseline Assessment, 2010).

Leeuwpan Coal Mine is located in the local municipality of Delmas, which falls within the HPA. According to the HPA Baseline Assessment Delmas falls outside a modelled ambient

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“hotspot” area for PM10, but falls inside a “hotspot” area for SO2. (A hotspot may be defined as an area where ambient air quality is poor and where ambient air concentrations generally exceed air quality standards). The air quality hotspots result mostly from a combination of emissions from industrial sectors and domestic fuel burning; other sources are motor vehicle emissions, mining and cross-boundary transport of pollutants into the HPA.

Local source contributors to ambient PM10, SO2 and NO2 concentrations in the vicinity of the study site are:  Mining activities – Stuart Coal Mine and TCM (previously SamQuarz Silica Mine) and Leeuwpan Coal Mine (directly adjacent to the project site);  Domestic fuel burning in residential areas (Delmas town to the northwest, Botleng and Mandela Village to the north and the informal settlement to the southwest of the mine);  Agricultural activities on the surrounding cultivated farm lands;  Biomass burning; and  Traffic-related emissions.

Long-range transport of particulates, emitted from remote tall stacks and from large-scale biomass burning in countries to the north of South Africa, has also been found to contribute significantly to background fine particulate concentrations over the interior.

7.12 Noise The noise levels along the current mine boundaries are given in Table 7-9.

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Table 7-9. Noise levels along the mine boundaries.

The comparison between the different asphalt roads surfaces are given in Table 7-10.

Table 7-10. Noise levels at intervals for the different road surfaces.

The response by groups and/or individuals when the ambient noise level is exceeded can be seen in Table 7-11 (which is Table 5 in SANS 10103 of 2008). The local noise regulations make

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provision for the ambient noise level to be exceeded by 7.0dBA, before a noise disturbance is created.

Table 7-11. Response from people should the ambient noise level be exceeded.

The above-mentioned reactions may differ from person to person and may depend on various factors such as where the noise is experienced i.e. inside a very quiet area and/or at a distance from the source.

The human perception of sound may be influenced by the acoustical characteristics of the noise (whether it has audible tones or other characteristics that may annoy the receptor) and how much louder the propagated sound is above the prevailing ambient noise level. The perception of the noise is furthermore influenced by the attitude towards the noise source. One person may find the singing of birds in the morning delightful whereas another person may find the sound aggravating. If a person has a negative attitude towards a noise source is much more likely to view the new noise itself negatively however low it is. The difference between the actual noise and the ambient noise level will determine how people will respond to sound.

The prevailing and calculated noise levels at the different residential areas will indicate if there will be an increase in the prevailing noise levels along the boundaries of each of the noise sensitive areas.

7.13 Heritage sites This geographical area is not well-known as one containing many prehistoric sites. One however has to realize that this most likely only indicates that not much research has been done here before. On the existing SAHRA Database no such sites are indicated here.

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The closest Stone Age occurrence found to the Delmas area is the Late Stone Age site at Fort Troje, close to Cullinan (Bergh 1999: 4). This probably only indicates a lack of research as the area definitely is suitable for human occupation.

The environment is such that it does not provide much natural shelter and therefore it is possible that Stone Age people did not settle here for long periods of time. They would have however been lured to the area due to an abundance of wild life as the natural vegetation would have provided ample grazing and there are plenty natural water sources. One may therefore find small sites or occasional stone tools.

Bergh (1999: 7) does indicate that Late Iron Age sites have been identified in the Delmas area, but gives no additional detail. Other known Iron Age occurrences to the surveyed area are Late Iron Age sites that have been identified to the west of Bronkhorstspruit and in the vicinity of Bethal (Bergh 1999: 7). These all are dated to the Late Iron Age. Sites such as these are known for extensive stone building forming settlement complexes. No indication of metal smelting was identified at any of these sites (Bergh 1999: 7-8).

During the Difaquane (1832) the Zulu moved through this area in order to attack the Ndebele (Bergh 1999: 11). This indicates that Iron Age people probably utilized this environment in the past.

The good grazing and access water in the area would have provided a good environment for Iron Age people although building material seem to be reasonably scarce. However the area has been changed by recent human interventions such as farming and mining and such sites may therefore have been destroyed.

The first early traveller who visited this area was Robert Scoon who passed through during 1836. In 1847 Dr. David Livingstone also visited the area during his travels. The parties of the Voortrekkers Louis Trichardt and Hans van Rensburg also moved through here during 1836 (Bergh 1999: 13-14). White farmers only settled in the study area between 1841 and 1850 (Bergh 1999: 15).

Delmas was laid out in 1907 on the farm Witklip (‘white stone’) which was divided into 192 residential stands, 48 smallholdings of 4 ha each and a commonage of 138ha. The farm belonged to Frank Dumat who originated from France where his grandfather had a small farm. He named the town Delmas which is derived from ‘mas’ which means a small farm in a southern dialect of French. In 1909 the government added another 5 500 ha to Frank Dumat’s original rural settlement (Pistorius 2007: 18).

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One may therefore expect sites associated with the first white farmers. However again the interventions mentioned earlier may already have destroyed such sites. Such a building complex was identified by Pistorius (2007: 29-30) as well as some houses (Pistorius 2007: 31- 33).

Many grave sites, dating from the last 100 years, have however been found on neighbouring farms (Archaetnos database). One can therefore expect to also find such graves here. During an assessment in 2006, Van Schalkwyk indeed identified two grave sites on the farm Moabsvelden (Van Schalkwyk 2006: 16). In 2007 Pistorius found five graveyards. One of these were next to the R555, one on the farm Moabsvelden (which may be one of those found by Van Schalkwyk) and two on the farm Rietkuil where the location of the fifth site is indicated in a blue gum plantation (Pistorius 2007: 24-28). Graves found during the most recent survey is illustrated in Figure 7-25.

(Not to scale, please refer to Appendix A for an enlarged Map)

Figure 7-25. Grave site found in the current project area.

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7.14 Socio-Economic Conditions Regional context

Mpumalanga lies in eastern South Africa, north of KwaZulu-Natal and bordering Swaziland and Mozambique. In the north it borders on Limpopo, to the west Gauteng, to the southwest the Free State and to the south KwaZulu-Natal. The capital is Nelspruit (recently renamed to Mbombela).

Mpumalanga Province is divided into three municipal districts, which are further subdivided into 18 local municipalities:

District Municipalities

 Gert Sibande DM;  Nkangala DM; and  Ehlanzeni DM.

The Nkangala DM consists of the following LMs:

Local Municipalities

 Emalahleni LM  Thembisile Hani LM  Dr JS Moroka LM  Steve Tshwete LM  Victor Khanye LM  Emakhazeni LM

Victor Khanye LM (formerly Delmas Local Municipality) is located in the Western Highveld of the Nkangala DM. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (MM), in the Gauteng Province, borders the municipality to the west. It is bordered to the north by the Kungwini LM, to the south by the Victor Khanye and Lesedi LMs (http://www.delmasmunic.co.za/).

The Victor Khanye LM’s boasts a growing economy, with the trade sector, agriculture and mining sector forming the cornerstones of the economy. Mining activities within the LM are currently concentrated on coal and silica. Agriculture is, however, the main source of employment in the area and is growing constantly.

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The Victor Khanye LM consist the following main places, which are listed below:

Victor Khanye LM

 Delmas  Botleng  Eloff  Sundra

Delmas was laid out in 1907 on the farm Witklip. The farm was owned by a Frenchman Frank Campbell Dumat, who decided to call the town "de le mas" (of the small farm) after his grandfather’s farm in France. The town is located some 19 km north-east of Springs and 73 km south-east of Pretoria

Local context 7.14.2.1 Demographic profile

Population and household profile The total population of Victor Khanye LM is approximately 75 452 persons, which amounts to 5.8% of the total Nkangala DM population of 1 308 129 and 1,8% of the Mpumalanga province population of 4 039 939. The average household size in Nkangala DM and Victor Khanye LM is 3.5 and 3.6 respectively.

Population group Figure 7-26 indicates that the Victor Khanye LM population in 2011 were composed of mostly Black African persons (82.3%) followed by 16% White persons. Both the percentage of Black African’s, as well as White people has increased, whilst the percentage of Coloured people residing in the LM has decreased since 2010.

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Source: StatsSA Figure 7-26 Population group (StatsSA, 2011).

Age It is important to assess the age distribution of persons in order to determine both the current and future needs of an area. Age is an important indicator as it relates to education, skills and dependency. A young population may require an improved educational system, whereas an older society may need an accented focus on healthcare.

The Victor Khanye LM population has a large adolescent population with 28.2% of the population being younger than 15 years of age (Figure 7-27), indicating that they do not form part of the Economically Active Population (EAP) of the area. A bit more than two thirds (67.1%) of the Victor Khanye LM population falls within the EAP (16 to 64 year) age band. These persons normally have more work experience and usually fall within the higher skilled and higher salary bracket. One can clearly note that the population starts decreasing from the age of 29 years, leaving fewer economically active individuals. The elderly population (65 years and older) is very small (4.7%), which means that less burden is placed on the EAP to support persons that are no longer economically active.

The Nkangala DM has a similar age group division of people residing in the DM with 28.5% of the population being younger than 15 years of age, 66.5% fall within the 16-64 years of age band and 5% being 65 years or older.

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Source: StatsSA Figure 7-27 Age (StatsSA, 2011).

Education The largest percentage of people in the Nkangala DM has finalised matric (29.4%), 11.5% of the residents in the DM have no schooling at all and 10.2% have higher education. (The Local Government Handbook, 2015)

The largest percentage of people in the Victor Khanye LM have some primary education (41.6%), 6.5% have completed their primary education. 32.8% of the people in the LM have some secondary education, 12.9% have completed their secondary education. 4.1% of the residents of the LM have no schooling and 1.3% have higher education levels (Figure 7-28).

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Source: StatsSA Figure 7-28 Education level (StatsSA, 2011).

7.14.2.2 Economic profile This section provides a delineation of the study area and a brief economic status quo pertaining to employment and labour profile.

Employment and labour profile The employment status of the population has a variety of important implications. Economically active and employed persons can contribute to the overall welfare of a specific community by paying their taxes, looking after the youth and aged and by stimulating the economy. However, should a community have a large number of economically inactive and / or unemployed persons, the burden on the EAP of that community are amplified.

The unemployment rate in both the Ngkangala DM, as well as the Victor Khanye LM are high, 30% and 28.2% respectively. Youth unemployment levels are even higher for the DM and LM, 39.6% and 35.8% respectively (Figure 7-29).

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Source: StatsSA Figure 7-29 Economic status (StatsSA, 2011).

The main economic sectors in the Nkagala DM are: mining, manufacturing, energy and agriculture.

Regarding the Victor Khanye LM, farming is the most dominant economic activity occupying approximately 60% of the total physical area. However, in terms of output and proportional contribution to the local economy, the largest sector is trade, followed by agriculture and mining sectors.

Services and infrastructure profile

Social service delivery centres on the provision of health, education and community development facilities and services. The concept of service delivery also comprises various elements such as affordability, quality, efficiency and access.

This indicator therefore examines the level of service provision in the study area. Services assessed include sanitation, water, housing and electrification. There are three priority services (water, sanitation and electricity) for the promotion of health, convenience and quality of life.

Housing The majority of households within the Nkangala DM reside in formal dwellings (82.8%) and 58.9% of the people are house owners. The figures for the Victor Khanye LM are similar, with

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79.2% of the households residing in formal dwellings and 53.7% of the households own their homes. 21.7% of the residents in the LM stay on farms (Figure 7-30).

Source: StatsSA Figure 7-30 Type of dwelling (StatsSA, 2011).

Energy use In the Nkangala DM 85.7% of the households make use of electricity for lighting. In the Victor Khanye LM this figure is similar with 84.9% of the households using electricity for lighting. 13.1% of the households use candles for lighting.

For cooking the majority of the households make use of electricity (63.5%), followed by the use of coal (18.7%), paraffin (8.2%), wood (5.6%) and gas (3.4%). For heating the trend is similar with the majority of the households using electricity for heating (43.9%), followed by the use of coal (31.6%), wood (6.9%), gas (2.7%) and paraffin (2.3%). 12.2% of the households don’t heat their dwellings (Figure 7-31).

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Source: StatsSA Figure 7-31 Type of energy (StatsSA, 2011).

Water 40.6% of the households in the Nkangala DM have access to piped water in their dwelling. Most households in the Victor Khanye LM (48.4%) have access to piped water in their dwelling, with 34.8% of the households having access to piped water in their yard. Only 4.3% of the households do not have access to piped water (Figure 7-32).

Source: StatsSA Figure 7-32 Type of water source (StatsSA, 2011).

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Healthcare HIV/AIDS in South Africa has increased rapidly over the past decade. The social and economic consequences of the disease are far reaching and affect every facet of life in South Africa. Despite South Africa creating a progressive and far-sighted policy and legislative environment for dealing with HIV/AIDS, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS continues to increase. This indicates that policies and laws have not been adequately implemented and have not impacted significantly on the ground.

Mpumalanga is one of the three (3) Provinces with the highest infection rates of HIV/AIDS. The latest statistics from Census 2011 for the Province reveal that Victor Khanye LM has an increased infection rate; as measured in pregnant women tested, of 55%, the 3rd highest in the province. With respect to HIV prevalence, excluding pregnant women the trend reflected a decrease to 23.0% (Victor Khanye IDP, 2014/2015).

8 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

This section of the report documents the process, which were followed to date with respect to consultation of I&APs, stakeholders and the Government Authorities (Refer to Appendix B).

8.1 Identification of I&APs There was an existing database I&APs for this project. However, site notices and advertisements were placed calling for any other I&APs to register. As such the database for this project is continuing to be updated as more I&APs/Stakeholders learn about the project.

The current project database is provided in Appendix B.

8.2 Notification of I&APs Background Information Documents (BID)

Background Information Documents (BIDs) were distributed to all affected surrounding landowners on 28 July 2015. The BID provided details on the proposed project and called for the landowners to register as I&APs.

Site Notices

Eight (8) site notices (four (4) in Afrikaans and four (4) in English) were placed on 30 March 2016. Photographic proof of site notice locations is presented visually in (Not to scale, please refer to Appendix A for an enlarged Map) Figure 8-1.

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(Not to scale, please refer to Appendix A for an enlarged Map) Figure 8-1: Site Notice Locations.

Media advertisements

Two (2) English and two (2) Afrikaans advertisements, according to Regulation 41 of GN R982, were placed in the Streeknuus and the Citizen on 01 April 2016. The adverts summarised the project background and the assessment process being followed as well as advertising the first public meeting and the availability of the draft Scoping Report.

Availability of the Draft EIA for Public review will be advertised in Afrikaans and English in both newspapers mentioned previously.

Refer to Appendix B for proof of placement and details regarding content of the advertisements.

Public Meeting

A public Open Day was held on 14 April 2016 during the Draft Scoping Report review period. The attendance register and comments raised during this Open Day can be found in Appendix B

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A public meeting / Open day will be scheduled during the EIA Report review period. Document Review

The Draft ESR was made available for a public review period of 30 calendar days (from 4 April 2016 – 4 May 2016). All comments received on the Draft ESR was incorporated into the Final version for submission to the Authorities for review and comment.

Issues and responses received to date are attached as Appendix B and summarised in the Draft IRR (Appendix B). The comments received are addressed in detail in the Draft and Final EIA reports.

Issues Trail

Issues will be raised throughout the environmental authorisation through various consultation activities. This is an ongoing process and the issues trail in the IRR will therefore be updated as comments and responses from the authorities and public are made regarding specific issues about the project. All issues and comments will be formally addressed in the EIA/EMP reports as well as in the IRR.

8.3 Comments and Responses of I&APs No comments and responses were received during the Scoping Phase of the project.

9 IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACTS AND CONCERNS WITH MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND ACTION PLANS

9.1 Summary of Identified impacts The potential environmental impacts for the proposed study have been identified below, based on the specialist studies and their findings. Section 9.2 also lists detailed impact assessments and action plans for each phase, including residual and cumulative impacts. The proposed project will commence with the construction phase in line with the approved environmental authorisations.

Due to these being permanent Provincial and access roads, replacing existing roads, there will be no Closure and Decommissioning phase.

Soils, Land Use and Capability

9.1.1.1 Construction Phase During the construction phase, all infrastructure and activities required for the operational phase will be established. The main envisaged activities and their impacts include the following:

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 Transport of materials and labour with buses, trucks and construction vehicles will compact the soil. This is a permanent impact that will be localised within the site boundary with medium consequence and significance;  Clearing of vegetation from the surface, stripping topsoil and stockpiling are disruptive to natural soil horizon distribution and will impact on the current soil hydrological properties and functionality of soil. It will also change the current land use as well as land capability in areas where activities occur and infrastructure is constructed. The current land capability and land use will be lost permanently in small areas along the route;  The handling and storage of road construction materials and different kinds of waste also have the potential to result in soil pollution when not properly managed;  There will be permanent measurable deterioration of original soil profiles and horizon sequences of these profiles during earthworks as it is impossible to re-create original soil profile distribution;  Fuel and oil spills from vehicles and machinery may result in soil chemical pollution. This can be mitigated to a low risk with proper waste management and immediate clean-up.  Permanent soil erosion by both water and wind is also anticipated due to vegetation clearance. There will be a reduction in soil quality from the loss of nutrient rich upper layers of the soil and reduced water-holding capacity of severely eroded soils. The off-site indirect impacts of soil erosion include the disruption of riparian ecosystems and sedimentation. With proper mitigation measures and the embedded controls as recommended in the Soil Management Plan, it is anticipated that the significance of this impact can be reduced to low.

9.1.1.2 Operational Phase The operational phase includes normal traffic on the R50 and the access road and the maintenance of the roads and the road reserves. The main envisaged operational activities that will impact on soil, land use and land capability include the following:  Soil chemical pollution from debris thrown out of vehicles, exhaust emissions and hydrocarbon spills will have a localized, medium impact on the deterioration of the soil resource;  Daily traffic on roads (movement of vehicles and machinery) will lead to a measurable deterioration in the soils as a result of soil compaction. This is a permanent impact that will be localised within the road reserve with medium significance in the mitigated scenario;  Topsoil stockpiles as well as gravel roads and the road reserves of tarred roads will still be susceptible to erosion; it is anticipated that the significance of this impact

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will remain medium even with mitigation due to the relatively high rainfall in the area and the accumulation of water on compacted and impermeable surfaces;  The current land capability and land use of areas within the road reserve of the R50 will be lost permanently. However, the land capability and land use of areas where infrastructure will be decommissioned like the gravel access road can be restored through rehabilitation techniques; and  Poor maintenance of the road reserve could cause erosion and pollution.

Hydrology

9.1.2.1 Construction Phase  Topsoil evacuation: Moving vehicles and machinery increase soil erodibility by overland flow which can lead to siltation of Bronkhorstspruit River and other nearby watercourses.  Flooding: Possible flooding during construction can threaten human life, especially at the intersection of Bronkhorstspruit River and the proposed R50 Road Realignment.  Destruction of aquatic habitats: Increased sediment loading can affect aquatic life's spawning/breeding activities.  Destruction of wetland / pan: Proposed route crosses a local wetland/pan. Wetlands, marshes and pans are classified as sensitive areas within which no development is allowed. This is because they play an important role in flood attenuation as well as contributing base flow into nearby rivers. These areas are also regarded as high biodiversity environments whose disturbance would mean reduction of biodiversity and loss of micro/macro habitats.  Reduction of water quality: Potential spills including grease, oils and other chemicals that directly enter the river or are washed into the river through overland flow can pollute the river both at the proposed site and downstream thereof.

9.1.2.2 Operational phase  Overtopping: The Bridge may overtop at the point of intersection of the Bronkhorstspruit River and the proposed R50 Road diversion may occur if extreme rainfall events occur and this may threaten human and animal life and cause damages that are expensive to repair.  Changes in river hydraulics: This occurs upstream, downstream and around the bridge or culvert resulting in restricted flow and subsequent increases in flow velocities at the crossing site. Increased flow velocities can cause erosion at the base of the culvert resulting in bridge instability. Restriction of flow will increase the backwater effect upstream of the river thus widening the upstream floodplain. Restricted flow

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releases to the downstream side of the culvert will cause narrowing of the floodplain and alteration of riparian habitats within the downstream reaches.

Wetlands

9.1.3.1 Construction Phase Impacts expected during the construction phase include:  Loss of wetland habitat: All wetland habitats within the direct footprint of the road will be lost, with construction activities likely to also cause disturbances to the immediate adjacent areas. Disturbed areas will be at increased risk of erosion and will likely be colonised by alien and weedy species;  Concentration of flows: Poorly designed crossings and poorly placed culverts could lead to concentration of flows and increased flow velocities, leading to erosion. Channel incision within wetlands will lower the local water table, lead to partial desiccation of the wetland habitat and reduced wetland integrity. Where the proposed roads cross hillslope seepage wetlands roughly perpendicular to the direction of flow, flows within the wetlands are likely to be conveyed underneath the road using culverts. This will lead to the concentration of flows, as well as resulting in surface flows. Such concentration of flow will likely cause erosion within the seepage wetlands. Erosion of gullies through the hillslope seepage wetlands will result in the partial drying out of the wetland through a lowering of the local perched water table, leading to changes in vegetation structure and composition. Eroded sediment will also be transported into downstream wetlands and water resources, leading to further impacts. Where the roads cross seepage wetlands diagonal or parallel to the direction of flow, preferential flow paths could develop along the sides of the road, resulting in similar impacts to those described above. In the case of the Bronkhorstspruit crossing, the proposed culverts will as a minimum mirror culverts already in place on the existing crossing and should ensure that no further flow concentration occurs. However, during the construction process, it is still possible that temporary concentration of flows will occur;  Impoundment of flows: The proposed roads will cross a number of wetland systems. Poorly designed crossings and poorly placed culverts could lead to impoundment of flows upslope of the wetland. Increased wetness in these areas will lead to changes in species composition and increased sediment deposition, with deposited sediments likely to be colonised by pioneer reeds such as Typha capensis;  Interception of subsurface flows: In the case of the many hillslope seepage wetlands located along the routes, the crossing of the wetlands by the proposed roads could result in the interception of the perched water table that maintains these wetlands. Intercepted subsurface water is likely to be converted to concentrated surface water

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flow through the culverts conveying flows underneath the roads. The wetland extent downslope of the road is thus likely to received reduce flows, resulting in partial desiccation of the wetland and resultant changes in species composition, with an increase in terrestrial species likely; o This impact is only expected to be applicable to the South Road as hillslope seepage wetlands upslope of the North Road will be mined out and interflow from these areas will be lost as a result.  Increased risk of erosion: Disturbance of vegetation and soil during the construction process will significantly increase the risk of erosion. The compaction of soil surfaces will increase the volumes and velocities of surface run-off, further increasing erosion risk. Use of heavy machinery on site is also likely to result in the formation of well- worn tracks and ruts that act as preferential flows paths to surface run-off. Concentrated surface run-off will lead to erosion, with gully formation likely;  Increased sedimentation: As a consequence of the increased erosion described above, increased sediment is likely to be transported into the downslope and adjacent wetlands. This will lead to increased turbidity within the receiving water resources, while deposited sediment will lead to changes to the vegetation within the receiving environment;  Water quality deterioration: Use of potentially polluting substances during the construction process (e.g. oil, diesel, cement etc.) could lead to the pollution of water resources through spillages, leakages, accidents or incorrect disposal of used containers and waste. Deterioration in water quality will likely have deleterious effects on aquatic biodiversity and will make the water less fit for use for downstream water users;  Habitat fragmentation: Construction of a road across the wetland systems along the routes will lead to habitat fragmentation as the road will pose an obstacle to movement of species associated with the wetlands. Especially longitudinal systems such as valley bottom wetlands and rivers act as important ecological corridors. The extensive disturbance to the wetlands on site, including the habitat fragmentation that has already occurred will limit the significance of this impact.

9.1.3.2 Operational Phase Impacts expected during the operational phase include:  Water quality deterioration: During the operational phase of the proposed roads, stormwater runoff from the road surface will lead to water quality deterioration within the receiving wetlands and water resources. Stormwater runoff is expected to contain various contaminants, including hydrocarbons and metals, derived from regular use of the road by motor vehicles (e.g. oil leaks etc.). Spills of hazardous

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substances during road accidents present a further source of pollutants to adjacent wetlands and water resources. It is however important to remember that the proposed routes roads are re-alignments of existing roads and should thus be seen as the displacement of an existing pollution source rather than the creation of an entirely new pollution source.  Flow obstruction and concentration: During operation the trapping of debris in road culverts could result in flow obstruction leading to concentration of flows or impoundment of flows upstream of the obstruction. Concentrated flows lead to an increase in erosion risk, while impoundment of flows will lead to deposition of sediments, with deposited sediments likely to be colonised by pioneer species or reeds, resulting in changes to the wetland habitat.

Biodiversity

9.1.4.1 Construction Phase Impacts expected during the construction phase include:  Habitat loss and fragmentation of sensitive habitat (high fauna sensitivity): habitat fragmentation results in the loss of habitat and an increase in the number of habitat fragments on both sides of the road, thereby resulting in the isolation and decline of populations and also affecting biological diversity at the population level. In addition, transformation will result in larger areas of unsuitable habitat that needs to be traversed, for example when searching for food or a potential mate. Habitat transformation will also put pressure on neighbouring individuals, which each have to defend an ever-decreasing territory, which eventually will lead to increased conflict and intra-specific competition for resources between individuals. Good examples of taxa to be affected include large bird species (e.g. water bird and African Grass-owl) or habitat specialists. Competition is further exuberated by habitat transformation when such territories are fenced, as per the study site. There will also be possible skewed bird compositions and increased competition due to the creation of atypical or artificial habitat caused by changes to the surface hydrology.  Roads also result in barriers, which will prevent these species from breeding, thereby leading to isolation, and eventually the populations will face a genetic bottleneck due to constrained gene flow.  Impact from traffic noise leading to the displacement of birds and other fauna is likely to be less severe, since the current traffic on the existing R 50 is already high, and most of the residing animals in the region have become accustomed to the noise and will avoid the proximity of the road where possible. Such avoidance and displacement will lead to increased, albeit in an indirect way, to the fragmentation of animal populations. Increased traffic (e.g the north road) will invariably deter

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animals from crossing these roads, especially when traffic is anticipated to run for seven days a week and 24 hours a day.  Low-frequency noise will also generate a significant amount of vibration, which will be detected by smaller ground-dwelling animals such as reptiles and invertebrates. Most of these animals depend on the detection of vibrations to escape predation since they have poor hearing. However, increased traffic noise and vibration will interfere with their ability to detect potential predators or to escape predation. For example, the potential displacement of waterbirds and African Grass-owls (at the individuals levels) caused by construction and operational impacts (e.g. noise generation);  Any animal attempting to cross a road risk being killed by vehicles. Animals at risk will include those with poor hearing, poor vision or nocturnal animals that are blinded by the headlamps of oncoming traffic (e.g. owls). In addition, many smaller animals, especially ectothermic taxa (e.g. scorpions), will be attracted to the warmer road surfaces at night (the roads have a higher potential to absorb solar heat during the day), making them vulnerable to road mortalities. Other animals that are at risk includes scavengers and nocturnal hunters that are attracted to the road kills or foraging prey such as mice – this guild is well defined and prominent on the study site (e.g. jackals, civets and owls). Since nearly 50 % of the mammalian community on the study area are nocturnal, road mortalities are probably significant. The foraging African-Grass-owls are especially at risk.  Changes to the community composition: The linear gap created between the road servitude and neighbouring natural vegetation introduces a microclimate, which differ in physical conditions (e.g. temperature and humidity) to the natural vegetation (Spellerberg & Morrison, 1998). This artificial habitat often provides “nurseries” for edge species that are generally absent from the natural floristic communities. Most of these species are-selected or atypical in the region, although having the ability to outcompete other plant species that occur naturally in the surrounding landscape.  Spread of alien and invasive species: Road servitudes invariably provide habitat for alien and invasive plant species. Many of the haul vehicles that will use the roads could act as dispersal agents for alien plant species. Once established, these species are difficult to eradicate while also contributing to edge effects and serve as an effective dispersal berried for native species that occur in the surrounding landscape.

9.1.4.2 Operational Phase Impacts expected during the operational phase are the same as listed in the construction phase.

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Traffic Both geometric aspects (sight distance, intersection spacing, travel time and road safety) and the capacity of the road were examined for the proposed R50 re-alignment.

9.1.5.1 Construction Phase No impacts are foreseen during the construction of the R50 realignment, as the new road will be completed before the existing road is decommissioned. This eliminates the need for stop- and-goes and other traffic disruptions.

9.1.5.2 Operational Phase  Sight distances: Currently the R50 road and all intersections along it meet the minimum sight distance requirements for provincial roads, therefore it should be ensured that during the detailed designing process of the proposed re-aligned R50 the shoulder sight distance on all intersections should be at least 300m.If the required standards are meet, it is foreseen that no safety issues are envisaged in respect of sight distance provided normal road rules are obeyed by the motorists;  Intersection space: As per the proposed realignment designs, the minimum access spacing along provincial roads is adhered to and is 600m and no impacts are predicted;  In terms of travel time the R50 Road re-alignment will have a positive impact on the travel time when compared to the current travel time. Based on AA rates, vehicles will save R396.00 per annum. The reduction in distance (400m) will save the general public approximately R1.7 million per annum and approximately R371 000per annum on time. Therefore the general public will save approximately R2 million per annum in time, fuel and maintenance.  Intersection Capacity Analysis: The road capacity analysis shows that once the traffic is re-directed the v/c ratio will still be well below the maximum acceptable thresholds of 0.95 and therefore no impacts in terms of intersection capacity analysis are predicted.  Road link capacity: From the road link capacity analysis the R50 (existing and the portion of the R50 that will be realigned) is expected to accommodate the existing and future traffic demand without requiring additional road upgrades.

Air Quality 9.1.6.1 Construction Phase  Atmospheric Emissions  Due to its temporary nature, the assessment of impacts from the road construction phase is mainly of a qualitative nature.

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 The construction and commissioning of the R50 and TCM access roads is scheduled to take 2 years (from the project schedule provided). PM dust emissions from road construction activities are a function of area disturbed during construction. An emission factor was developed for PM10, with 50% mitigation, namely 1.88 megagrams (Mg) PM10/hectare (ha)-month. The unmitigated emission factor is therefore estimated to be 3.76 Mg PM10/ha-month. The land area allocated to roads was estimated via on-screen digitizing as 14.3 ha. The calculated monthly TSP and PM10 emissions due to mitigated road construction are thus in the range of 53.9 tonnes per month (tpm) and 26.9 tpm respectively (under the assumption that the TSP fraction is ~200% of the PM10 emission factor).  Analysis of Impact on Human Health A detailed construction plan is required to quantitatively assess the impacts from this phase. Due to the lack of detailed information and the relatively short duration of most of the activities associated with the construction phase, no dispersion simulations were undertaken and a qualitative assessment was done. The main pollutant of concern from construction operations is particulate matter, including PM10, PM2.5 and TSP. From the proposed operations, the main construction activities likely to result in noticeable impacts of PM10, PM2.5 and TSP include the demolition of existing structures, land clearing, excavations and grading and the operation of construction vehicles and material hauling. The impacts due to construction activities are likely to be localised and will depend on the dispersion potential of the site and the extent of the construction operations.

9.1.6.2 Operational Phase  Atmospheric Emissions: The operational phase is assessed quantitatively. o Particulate Emissions Emissions inventories provide the source input required for the simulation of ambient air concentrations. In the quantification of particulate releases due to vehicle entrainment on the paved public roads (R50 and Road 1) and the unpaved road (Road 2), use was made of the predictive emission factors published by the US EPA (US EPA, 2011; US EPA, 2006), since no local emission factors are available.  Analysis of Impact on Human Health The simulated highest daily and annual average PM10 and PM2.5 ground level concentrations due to the proposed Project operations were assessed for compliance with NAAQS. Maximum daily dust deposition levels were assessed with respect to the NDCR. Simulated highest hourly average CO, SO2 and NO2 ground level

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concentrations were assessed for compliance with NAAQS. Simulated annual average DPM ground level concentrations were screened against the US EPA RfC. o Inhalable Particulate Matter of less than 10 μm (PM10) The simulated incremental PM10 GLC’s at all of the sensitive receptors (due to the R50 Road Project only) fall within the daily and annual average PM10 NAAQS for both the baseline and project scenarios. Maximum off-site concentrations due to incremental operations were predicted alongside the TCM gravel access road (existing and proposed). The simulated cumulative PM10 GLC’s at all of the sensitive receptors (due to both the R50 Road Project and Leeuwpan Coal Mining operations) fall within the daily and annual average PM10 NAAQS for the baseline scenario (2015). The simulated cumulative PM10 GLC at the informal settlement exceeds the daily average PM10 NAAQS for the project scenario (2020). Maximum off-site concentrations due to cumulative operations were predicted alongside the TCM gravel access road (existing and proposed). The proposed operations are located within the Highveld Priority Area. Background PM10 concentrations, as measured at the ESKOM Phola monitoring station during the period 2011 to 2014, were found to be elevated. Literature states that adding the peak model concentrations to the background concentrations can result in severe overestimation of the source contribution and that a more realistic method is to add twice the annual mean background concentrations to the peak (or 99.9th percentile) (MFE, 2001). Based on this information, and taking into consideration the annual average PM10 concentrations for Phola are 76.8 μg/m³, the predicted PM10 concentrations for cumulative impacts may be in non-compliance with NAAQS at the identified nearby sensitive receptors. o Inhalable Particulate Matter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) o Dustfall All simulated dustfall rates due to the baseline and project scenarios were within the NDCR limit for residential areas of 600 mg/m²/day at the identified sensitive receptors. The very low dustfall rates predicted at sensitive receptors are in agreement with the low measured dustfall rates at Witklip, i.e. the Leeuwpan Coal Mine dust bucket closest to the identified sensitive receptors. o CO All simulated CO GLC’s due to the baseline and project scenarios were within the NAAQS at the identified sensitive receptors. Baseline and project GLC’s

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were very similar, with simulated GLC’s due to AM emissions slightly higher than those due to PM emissions.

o SO2

All simulated SO2 GLC’s due to the baseline and project scenarios were within the NAAQS at the identified sensitive receptors. Predicted baseline and project GLC’s were similar, with simulated AM GLC’s slightly higher than PM

GLC’s. Cumulative annual SO2 concentrations due to the project (taking into

consideration that simulated annual average SO2 concentrations at sensitive

receptors were all below 0.1 μg/m³ and the measured annual average SO2 concentrations for Phola are 32.8 μg/m³) are not expected to exceed the annual NAAQS at the identified nearby sensitive receptors.

o NO2 Although simulated NO2 GLC’s due to the baseline and project scenarios exceed the National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) 200 μg/m³ limit value at the identified sensitive receptors the predicted number of exceedances at these receptors were below the allowed 88 (hours). The maximum off-site GLC’s were predicted alongside the R50 (2) road section. However, the predicted

NO2 GLC’s are highly conservative estimates, given that the assumption was

made that 100% of NOx emissions is NO29.

Cumulative annual NO2 concentrations due to the project are not expected to exceed the annual NAAQS at the identified nearby sensitive receptors

(taking into consideration that simulated annual average NO2 concentrations at sensitive receptors were all below 2 μg/m³ and measured annual average

NO2 concentrations for Phola are 21.4 μg/m³). o DPM All simulated DPM GLC’s were very low, and within the US EPA RfC at the identified sensitive receptors.  Analysis of Impact on the Environment (Vegetation and Animals); No national ambient air quality standards or guidelines are available for the protection of animals and vegetation. In the absence of national ambient standards for animals, the standards used for the protection of human beings may be used to assess the impacts on animals; While there is little direct evidence of what the impact of dustfall on vegetation is under a South African context, a review of European studies has shown the potential for reduced growth and photosynthetic activity in Sunflower and Cotton plants exposed to dust fall rates greater than 400 mg/m²/day (Farmer, 1993); and If more detailed information is required on the impact of particulate matter on vegetation and animals, it is recommended that the predicted particulate matter

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concentrations and dust depositions be used in a more detailed biodiversity and/or health risk assessment study.

Noise 9.1.7.1 Construction Phase The construction of the re-alignment and TCM Road will result in an upwards shift in the prevailing noise levels in the vicinity of the roads. The impact on the environment and the noise sensitive areas can however be controlled or minimized by means of the type of road surface, maintenance of the road and the use of safe driving conditions. The prevailing ambient noise levels are already high because of the mine activities, R50 road and feeder roads to which the residents are exposed to on a daily basis.

9.1.7.2 Operational Phase The prevailing ambient noise levels are already high because of the mine activities, R50 road and feeder roads to which the residents are exposed to on a daily basis, and the impact will be negligible when mitigated.

Heritage 9.1.8.1 Construction Phase Three sites of cultural heritage significance were identified during the survey. These are all grave sites. Two possibilities exist in dealing with graves:  The first option would be to fence the graves in and have a management plan drafted for the sustainable preservation thereof. This should be compiled by a heritage expert. This usually is done when the graves are in no danger of being damaged, but where there will be a secondary impact due to the activities of the development.  The second option is to exhume the mortal remains and then to have it relocated. This usually is done when the graves are in the area to be directly affected by the development. For this a specific procedure should be followed which includes social consultation. For graves younger than 60 years only an undertaker is needed. For those older than 60 years and unknown graves an undertaker and archaeologist is needed. Permits should be obtained from the Burial Grounds and Graves unit of SAHRA.

In the case of site no. 2, the graves will not be impacted on directly by the development (South Road, R50). Since there always is a secondary impact due to the activities on site, Option 1 is recommended. However, this site may be relocated should that be the only solution, provided that the correct procedures are followed.

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It is very likely that sites no. 1 (South Road, R50) and 3 (North Road, TCM) will be impacted on directly. Option 2 may be implemented. This has to be motivated to the Burial Grounds and Graves Unit (BGG) of SAHRA.

9.1.8.2 Operational Phase No additional impacts are foreseen during this phase.

Socio-Economic 9.1.9.1 Construction Phase

The expected processes and impacts for the proposed project include:  Demographic Processes such as in migration and the presence of temporary workers  Economic processes such as waged labour opportunities, changes in the standard of living, employment creation and a decrease in unemployment  Geographic processes such as the conversion and diversification of land use as well as enhanced transport and rural accessibility  Institutional and legal processes such as impact equity.  Emancipatory and empowerment processes such as capacity building  Socio-cultural processes such as deviant social behavior, quality of the living environment, actual health and fertility as well as perceived health, aspirations for the future, personal safety, crime and violence and gender relations.

9.1.9.2 Operational Phase No additional impacts are foreseen during this phase.

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9.2 Detailed Impact Assessment Construction Phase

Table 9-1: Construction Phase Impact Assessment POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE ANNUAL APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENTA ACTIVITY BEFORE MITIGATION RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES AFTER MITIGATION ACTION PLAN PHASE PERSON MANAGEMENT AREA

S S L IMPACT L L COST

T T T T T T

A A A A

U U M D S P O SP M D S P O SP

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POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE ANNUAL APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENTA ACTIVITY BEFORE MITIGATION RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES AFTER MITIGATION ACTION PLAN PHASE PERSON MANAGEMENT AREA

S S L IMPACT L L COST

T T T T T T

A A A A

U U M D S P O SP M D S P O SP

ST ST AREAS: 1. New Road Servitude 2. Neighbouring communities 3.TCM Road CONSTRUCTION PHASE ACTIVITIES: 1 Removal of topsoil, 2 Road construction, 3 Wind exposure, 4 River/wetland bridge construction, 5 vegetation removal, 6 Heavy machinery movement, 7 Poaching, illegal collection or harvesting, 8 Hydrocarbon fuel spillage, 9 Influx of job seekers Noise Remedy - Monthly noise No mitigation measures required Included in Environmental 1, 2, 3, 4, monitoring to be done Leeuwpan 1 24 - L Earthworks in the vicinity of dwellings to be restricted 24 - L Construction construction noise impact 5, 6 4 2 2 3 4 2 2 3 through existing during daytime hours only. EO costs seismographs Remedy - Monthly ambient Environmental 1,2,3,4,5, Construction activities at dwellings to be done during 2 30 - M 24 - L noise monitoring to be noise impact 6 6 2 2 3 daytime period only. 4 2 2 3 Included in done Leeuwpan Construction construction Remedy - Monthly ambient Environmental EO costs 3 1,2,3,4,5 30 - M Earthberm to be constructed in the vicinity of dwellings 24 - L noise monitoring to be noise impact 6 2 2 3 4 2 2 3 done Heritage Destruction of Relocation of the graves by Heritage Approximately graves at Grave 1 2, 6 60 - M Avoid destruction of grave sites 22 - L following process Construction 8 5 2 4 4 5 2 2 specialist - R20 000 Site 1 prescribed in SAHRA Damage to Preserve via management Leeuwpan Approximately graves at Graves 3 2, 6 60 - M Avoid damage to grave sites 22 - L Construction 8 5 2 4 4 5 2 2 plan - annual monitoring - R20 000 site 2 EO Destruction of Relocation of the graves by Heritage Approximately graves at Grave 1 2, 6 8 5 2 4 60 - M Avoid destruction of grave sites 4 5 2 2 22 - L following process described Construction specialist - R20 000 site 3 in SAHRA Biodiversity Habitat loss and Control - Erosion Leeuwpan fragmentation of management programme, Site manager Included in Unnecessary removal of natural vegetation should be sensitive habitat 3 1,2,5,6,9 52 - M 27 - L Control - Hydrological Construction Contractor construction 6 5 2 4 avoided 4 4 1 3 (high fauna functionality and integrity ECO costs sensitivity) management programme. Leeuwpan EO Minimize the use of earthmoving equipment that results in noise generation. Ditches/trenches/storm water drainage systems along the haul road should have slopes of less than 45° rather than vertical sides to facilitate the movement of small-bodied animals and to prevent erosion during peak periods of precipitation. Remedy - Biodiversity Where possible, the use of the North Road should be monitoring programme, limited to daytime to prevent road mortalities of nocturnal Remedy - monitor bird animals (many animals are nocturnal and are blinded by distribution and abundance the headlights oncoming traffic at night). Included in Displacement of patterns, Leeuwpan 3 1,2,4,5,6 48 - M All labour or staff should be advised (induction) by means 27 - L Construction construction fauna 6 4 2 4 4 3 2 3 Control - Hydrological of environmental awareness training on the biodiversity EO costs functionality and integrity importance of the area. management programme. Intentional killing of any faunal species (in particular Remedy - Conduct long- snakes) should be avoided by means of awareness term water birds counts. programmes presented to the labour force. Minimize outside lighting at the stockpile sites and relevant surface infrastructure. Any person found deliberately harassing any animal in any way should face disciplinary measures, following the possible dismissal from the site. Limit construction activities to daytime. All rehabilitation (where applicable) should make use of indigenous species, and preferably of species native to the region. The species selected should strive to represent habitat types typical of the ecological landscape prior to Spread of alien Included in 1,2,3,4,5, construction activities. Remedy - Biodiversity Leeuwpan and invasive 2 6 4 1 4 44 - M 4 4 1 3 27 - L Construction construction 6 Rehabilitate disturbed areas as quickly as possible to monitoring programme, species EO costs reduce the establishment of invasive species. Inspect all materials to be used during construction/operation for potential invader species before being transported to the construction/operational area Potential loss of Included in Minimize the area to be cleared during construction Remedy - Biodiversity Leeuwpan waterbird 2 2,4,5,6 6 5 2 4 52 - M 6 4 2 3 36 - M Construction construction activities. monitoring programme, habitat EO costs

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S S L IMPACT L L COST

T T T T T T

A A A A

U U M D S P O SP M D S P O SP

ST ST AREAS: 1. New Road Servitude 2. Neighbouring communities 3.TCM Road CONSTRUCTION PHASE ACTIVITIES: 1 Removal of topsoil, 2 Road construction, 3 Wind exposure, 4 River/wetland bridge construction, 5 vegetation removal, 6 Heavy machinery movement, 7 Poaching, illegal collection or harvesting, 8 Hydrocarbon fuel spillage, 9 Influx of job seekers Care must be taken to prevent an overspill of construction Control - Erosion activities into sensitive areas that are not part of the management programme, proposed alignments. Remedy - monitor bird Unsurfaced roads must be sprayed with water to suppress distribution and abundance dust or should be covered by water-proof tarpaulins. patterns, Control - Hydrological functionality and integrity management programme. Habitat loss and Control - Erosion Leeuwpan fragmentation of management programme, Site manager Included in Unnecessary removal of natural vegetation should be sensitive habitat 1 1,2,5,6,9 75 - H 48 - M Control - Hydrological Construction Contractor construction 8 5 2 5 avoided 6 4 2 4 (high fauna functionality and integrity ECO costs sensitivity) management programme. Leeuwpan EO Apply road calming structures (speed humps) to reduce speed and potential road mortalities near optima Grass-owl habitat. Minimize the use of earthmoving equipment that results in noise generation. Ditches/trenches/storm water drainage systems along the haul road should have slopes of less than 45° rather than Remedy - Biodiversity vertical sides to facilitate the movement of small-bodied monitoring programme, animals and to prevent erosion during peak periods of Remedy - monitor bird precipitation. distribution and abundance Included in Displacement of All labour or staff should be advised (induction) by means patterns, Leeuwpan 1 1,2,4,5,6 48 - M 30 - M Construction construction fauna 6 4 2 4 of environmental awareness training on the biodiversity 4 4 2 3 Control - Hydrological EO costs importance of the area. functionality and integrity Intentional killing of any faunal species (in particular management programme. snakes) should be avoided by means of awareness Remedy - Conduct long- programmes presented to the labour force. term water birds counts. Minimize outside lighting at the stockpile sites and relevant surface infrastructure. Any person found deliberately harassing any animal in any way should face disciplinary measures, following the possible dismissal from the site. Limit construction activities to daytime. All rehabilitation (where applicable) should make use of indigenous species, and preferably of species native to the region. The species selected should strive to represent habitat types typical of the ecological landscape prior to Spread of alien Included in 1,2,3,4,5, construction activities. Remedy - Biodiversity Leeuwpan and invasive 1 6 4 1 4 44 - M 4 4 1 3 27 - L Construction construction 6 Rehabilitate disturbed areas as quickly as possible to monitoring programme, species EO costs reduce the establishment of invasive species. Inspect all materials to be used during construction/operation for potential invader species before being transported to the construction/operational area. Remedy - Biodiversity monitoring programme, Minimize the area to be cleared during construction Control - Erosion Potential loss of activities. management programme, waterbird Care must be taken to prevent an overspill of construction Included in Remedy - monitor bird Leeuwpan habitat and 1 2,4,5,6 10 5 3 4 72 - H activities into sensitive areas that are not part of the 8 4 2 5 70 - H Construction construction distribution and abundance Grass-owl proposed alignments. EO costs patterns, breeding habitat Unsurfaced roads must be sprayed with water to suppress Control - Hydrological dust or should be covered by water-proof tarpaulins. functionality and integrity management programme. Hydrology Siltation of Avoid, Control - Adhere to Leeuwpan Bronkhorstspruit Stabilise impacted soils and keep vehicle movement to SWMP and EMPr. Site manager Included in River and other 1 and 3 1, 2, 6 6 1 2 4 36 - M designated access roads to avoid spreading the impact to 3 1 2 2 12 - L Remedy - Monitoring in Construction Contractor construction nearby wider areas. accordance to approved ECO costs watercourses. IWUL Leeuwpan EO

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S S L IMPACT L L COST

T T T T T T

A A A A

U U M D S P O SP M D S P O SP

15-070 21 September 2016 Page 41 Exxaro Leeuwpan R50 Road Realignment

S S L IMPACT L L COST

T T T T T T

A A A A

U U M D S P O SP M D S P O SP

ST ST AREAS: 1. New Road Servitude 2. Neighbouring communities 3.TCM Road CONSTRUCTION PHASE ACTIVITIES: 1 Removal of topsoil, 2 Road construction, 3 Wind exposure, 4 River/wetland bridge construction, 5 vegetation removal, 6 Heavy machinery movement, 7 Poaching, illegal collection or harvesting, 8 Hydrocarbon fuel spillage, 9 Influx of job seekers mirror the culverts already in place on the existing crossing. Avoid, Control - Ensure that no impoundment of flows occurs upslope of the Development of detailed crossing for regular return storm events up to and including construction method Leeuwpan the 1:10 year storm event. statements to minimise Design and Site manager Included in Impoundment of 1 and 3 4 6 5 1 4 48 - M Crossings should also be regularly monitored throughout 4 5 1 2 20 - L impact planning Contractor construction flows the operational lifespan of the road and any reed beds that Control, Remedy - Develop phase ECO costs develop upslope of wetland crossings and lead to flow and implement a wetland Leeuwpan EO impoundment should be controlled. monitoring and Management plan. Avoid, Control - Minimise the risk of erosion Development of detailed Extent of disturbed vegetation and soil should be kept to a construction method minimum. statements to minimise All construction activity should be contained within this impact demarcated servitude. Avoid - Prior to the Leeuwpan The construction process should be phased so as to limit commencement of Design and Site manager Included in Increased risk of 1, 2, 3, 4, 1 and 3 6 3 2 4 44 - M the extent of exposed areas at any one time, Construction 4 2 1 3 21 - L construction activities that planning Contractor construction erosion 5, 6 activities should take place within the dry season as far as the entire construction phase ECO costs possible.-Following the completion of construction servitude be fenced off Leeuwpan EO activities the disturbed areas should be ripped, scarified, and clearly demarcated. landscaped to the original landscape profile, and re- Control, Remedy - Develop vegetated with suitable indigenous grass species that will and implement a wetland aid in soil stabilisation. monitoring and Management plan. Avoid, Control - Implementation of construction stormwater management plan and sedimentation control measures Avoid - Build fences or other suitable sediment Minimise erosion. barriers should be installed Install erosion prevention measures and sediment barriers downslope of construction prior to the commencement of construction activities; activities to trap any Leeuwpan Minimise the construction footprint within the wetland sediment washed off these Site manager Included in Increased 1, 2, 3, 4, area. 1 and 3 4 3 2 4 36 - M 2 2 1 3 15 - L areas by surface run-off Construction Contractor construction sedimentation 5, 6 Limit cleared areas to as small an area as possible at any Avoid, Control - Clearly ECO costs one time; demarcate the required Leeuwpan EO Make use of existing roads and tracks as far as possible; construction servitude and Re-vegetate and rehabilitate areas as soon as possible after maintain all activities completion of construction within the demarcated area Avoid - Locate all stockpiles, laydown areas and temporary construction infrastructure at least 50m from the edge of delineated wetlands. Ensure that no equipment is washed in the streams and Avoid, Control - wetlands of the area, and if washing facilities are Implementation of provided, that these are placed no closer than 50m from a construction stormwater wetland or water course. Leeuwpan management plan and No abstraction of water from the wetlands should be Site manager Included in Water quality 1, 2, 4, 5, sedimentation control 1 and 3 4 3 2 4 36 - M allowed unless expressly authorized in the IWULA. 2 2 1 2 10 - L Construction Contractor construction deterioration 6, 8 measures No runoff should be introduced into wetlands directly. ECO costs Avoid - Potential Sufficient spill clean-up material must be kept on site at all Leeuwpan EO contaminants used and times to deal with minor spills. stored on site should be Larger spills should be reported to the Environmental stored and prepared on Officer and the relevant authorities (DWA) immediately,

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S S L IMPACT L L COST

T T T T T T

A A A A

U U M D S P O SP M D S P O SP

ST ST AREAS: 1. New Road Servitude 2. Neighbouring communities 3.TCM Road CONSTRUCTION PHASE ACTIVITIES: 1 Removal of topsoil, 2 Road construction, 3 Wind exposure, 4 River/wetland bridge construction, 5 vegetation removal, 6 Heavy machinery movement, 7 Poaching, illegal collection or harvesting, 8 Hydrocarbon fuel spillage, 9 Influx of job seekers with specialists appointed to oversee the clean-up bunded surfaces to contain operations spills and leaks. Remedy - Develop and implement a wetland monitoring and Management plan. Socio-Economic Negative change Employ local or existing labour as far as possible (within a Avoid - Source contract Leeuwpan Included in in social dynamic 20 km radius); 2 2, 4, 9 6 3 2 3 33 - M 4 3 2 3 27 - L workers from local Construction community construction of resident Avoid the establishment of camps, hostels or temporary communities. manager costs communities accommodation for workers; and Avoid - Source contract Leeuwpan Included in Change in living Ensure that local or surrounding people are employed 2 2, 4, 9 4 3 18 + L 33 + M workers from local Construction community construction standards 2 2 where possible 6 3 2 3 communities. manager costs Control - Develop a Recruitment Manual, Establish an employment information desk to assist Skills development opportunities should be granted to with the day to day community members and local job seekers, where needed, management of project taking into consideration Exxaro’s existing vacancy policies related labour issues Increase in Leeuwpan Included in Ensure that local businesses, especially those of Control -Ensure that the waged labour 2 2, 4 4 3 18 + L 33 + M Construction community construction 2 2 Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDI), women and of 6 3 2 3 Labour Relations opportunities manager costs Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) get allocated Amendment Act, 2002 (Act the maximum appropriate share of project related business No. 12 of 2002) as well as opportunities the necessary policies and procedures are taken into consideration to ensure the correct procurement procedures Remedy - Employ local residents and communities Employment It is suggested that non-locals should only be hired when Remedy - Use local Leeuwpan Included in creation and specialist skills, which are not available locally, are 2 2, 4 4 3 3 3 30 + M 6 4 3 3 39 + M construction companies Construction community construction decrease in required and local business providing such skills cannot be whenever possible manager costs unemployment created Remedy - Use local suppliers as far as possible. Educate landowners in terms of their rights and Avoid - Implement an Leeuwpan Included in Change in responsibilities prior to the project going ahead; 1, 3 2, 4 6 4 3 4 52 - M 4 4 3 4 44 - M ongoing stakeholder Construction community construction landuse Develop clear communication lines when consulting with engagement strategy manager costs affected landowners and their employees; Increase in Speed limits on the local roads surrounding the Avoid, Control - Apply Leeuwpan Included in traffic and heavy construction site should be enforced; 1 2, 4, 6 6 4 3 4 52 - M 4 4 3 4 44 - M recommendations made by Construction community construction machinery on Appropriate traffic management measures should be the TIA manager costs roads planned for and implemented; and Remedy - Institute a joint municipal coordinating and Assist the Local Municipality (LM) with the diversification of implementing committee Increase in local the local economy; to support the Leeuwpan Included in economy and 2 2, 4, 9 4 5 3 3 36 - M Emphasise the use of local service providers and SMMEs and 2 4 2 2 16 - L municipality’s local Construction community construction social focus on the development of Local Economic Development economic and social manager costs development (LED) programmes develop needs and requirements, where feasible. Avoid - Implement Negative impacts on the local property owners should be management measures Increase in crime limited as far as possible such as intrusion impacts (dust, from specialists Leeuwpan Included in and intrusion on 2 7, 9 8 4 1 3 39 - M noise, and air pollution). 6 3 1 2 20 - L Avoid, Control - Spot Construction community construction privacy Safety and security measures are critical to avoid any checks at entrance points manager costs increase in criminal activities within the local study area; to site should be implemented

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S S L IMPACT L L COST

T T T T T T

A A A A

U U M D S P O SP M D S P O SP

ST ST AREAS: 1. New Road Servitude 2. Neighbouring communities 3.TCM Road CONSTRUCTION PHASE ACTIVITIES: 1 Removal of topsoil, 2 Road construction, 3 Wind exposure, 4 River/wetland bridge construction, 5 vegetation removal, 6 Heavy machinery movement, 7 Poaching, illegal collection or harvesting, 8 Hydrocarbon fuel spillage, 9 Influx of job seekers Remedy - Mine workers should be clearly identifiable Avoid, Control - Implement AIDS awareness training Avoid, Control - Implement EMP HIV/Aids awareness campaigns should be initiated by management measures Exxaro and provided to all its mine employees on a regular Avoid - Health and safety basis; Overall health training should be provided Leeuwpan Included in Environmental pollution must be limited as far as possible and safety risk of 2 2, 4, 9 6 4 2 4 48 - M 4 4 2 3 30 - M during induction Construction community construction and the requirements of the EMP be implemented to workers Avoid - PPE should be worn manager costs reduce the impact on surrounding landowners; at all times The necessary safety precautions should be taken and first Avoid - Appropriate aid supplies should be made available on site; firefighting equipment should be on site and construction workers should be appropriately trained for firefighting; Continuous consultation with the affected communities Negative feelings should take place to keep them informed; Avoid, Control - Leeuwpan Included in in relation to the 2 2, 4, 7, 9 6 3 2 3 33 - M Consultation with the surrounding residents should take 6 2 2 2 20 - L Implement a stakeholder Construction community construction project place on a continuous basis to understand, assess and engagement strategy manager costs mitigate their concerns where appropriate; Existing community forums must serve as liaison between the affected stakeholders and Exxaro and can discuss traffic, dust, noise and construction related concerns with Avoid, Control - Establish Leeuwpan Included in Negative change them; community forum 2 2, 4, 7, 9 8 4 2 4 56 - M 6 4 2 3 36 - M Construction community construction in sense of place Prevent dust blowing off transported materials by washing Avoid - Enforce speed manager costs vehicles, wheels and covering loads; limits Traffic calming measures should be put in place to minimise traffic noise; The recommendations of the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) should be implemented; Local residents and farmers should be consulted to Loss of natural Avoid - Consult with local Leeuwpan Included in determine any possible heritage sites not identified by the and cultural 1, 3 2, 4, 6 8 5 1 3 42 - M 8 2 1 1 11 - L residents and landowners Construction community construction HIA; and heritage regarding grave locations manager costs Local residents and farmers should inform mitigation measures when addressing any potential impact on cultural heritage sites or graves. Women must have equal employment opportunities; Avoid, Remedy - Training Leeuwpan Included in Gendered 2 2, 4, 9 4 3 3 2 20 + L Salaries of women should be equal to that of men when 6 4 3 3 39 + M and skills development for Construction community construction division of labour undertaking the same job; women; manager costs

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Operations Phase

Table 9-2: Operational Phase Impact Assessment ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANCE ANNUAL APPLICABLE BEFORE MITIGATION ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITY RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES AFTER MITIGATION ACTION PLAN PHASE PERSON MANAGEMENT AREA

IMPACT S COST

M D S P L SP M D S P L US US P

STAT STAT

TOTA TOTA AREAS: 1. New R50 road 2. TCM Road OPERATIONAL PHASE ACTIVITIES: 1. Road Operation 2. Vehicle and machinery movement 3. Hydrocarbon spills 4. Poor maintenance Air Quality Avoid - Wet suppression TCM Site Reduction of Air Operational 2 1, 2, 4 40 - M Reduce excessive dust from road users 24 - L Control - Reduce speed for this Ongoing manager Quality 4 4 2 4 2 4 2 3 costs section of the road TCM EO Leeuwpan Reduction of Air EO Quality (Vehicle Remedy, Control - Adhere to Operational 1, 2 2, 4 2 4 2 3 24 - L Vehicle maintenance to ensure lower emissions 16 - L Ongoing TCM Site exhaust 2 4 2 2 vehicle maintenance schedules costs manager emissions) TCM EO Soil, Land Use and Land Capability TCM Site Soil chemical Avoid - Maintenance of road Operational 1 and 2 3 36 - M Pollution control measures 20 - L Operational manager pollution 6 4 2 3 4 4 2 2 reserves and stormwater structures costs TCM EO TCM Site Operational Soil compaction 1 and 2 2 56 - M Minimise area of compaction 32 - M Control - Road rules enforcement Operational manager 8 5 1 4 4 3 1 4 costs TCM EO Avoid - Maintain vegetation TCM Site Operational Soil erosion 1 and 2 4 6 5 2 4 52 - M Revegetation of denuded areas 4 3 1 2 16 - L Implement erosion control Operational manager costs measures TCM EO Remedy - Implement the TCM Site Loss of Land 1 and 2 1 8 5 1 5 70 - H Implementation of approved rehabilitation plan 8 5 1 5 70 - H rehabilitation plan to attain closure Operational manager N/A Capability goals of grazing and agriculture TCM EO Loss of Land Use 1 and 2 1 8 5 1 5 70 - H Not applicable 8 5 1 5 70 - H Not applicable Operational N/A N/A Traffic Volumes Communication via sign boards and local media to increase Remedy - Communication via sign Provincial Increase in awareness of construction and impact thereof on road users. boards and local media to increase government, 1 and 2 1 10 - L 10 - L N/A N/A Traffic Volumes 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 awareness of road realignment and mine impact thereof on road users. engineer Communication via sign boards and local media to increase Avoid, Remedy - Communication Provincial Increase in awareness of construction and impact thereof on road users. via sign boards and local media to government, 1 and 2 1 10 - L 10 - L N/A N/A Travel Time 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 increase awareness of construction mine and impact thereof on road users. engineer Communication via sign boards and local media to increase Avoid, Remedy - Communication Provincial awareness of construction and impact thereof on road users. via sign boards and local media to Change in Road government, 1 and 2 1 2 1 2 2 10 - L 2 1 2 2 10 - L increase awareness of road N/A N/A Safety mine realignment and impact thereof on engineer road users. Noise Comply with the road safety aspects of the road and keep safe Control - Installation of road safety distance from other vehicles. Leeuwpan Noise increase 1 1, 2, 3 30 - M 24 - L signage Operational 198 000 6 2 2 3 Keep within the road speed along the R50 Road. 4 2 2 3 EO Remedy - Maintenance plan. Road to be maintained in a good, pothole free order at all times. Comply with the road safety aspects of the road and keep safe distance from other vehicles. Control - Installation of road safety Environmental Leeuwpan 2 1, 2, 3 30 - M Keep within the 40km/h speed limit for this road. 24 - L signage Operational 198 000 noise impact 6 2 2 3 4 2 2 3 EO Haul road to be maintained in a good and pothole free order at all Remedy - Maintenance plan. times. Heritage Avoid - Graves to be relocated in Grave site 1 and accordance with SAHRA process. Heritage 1 1 and 2 30 - M Preserve via management plan if not relocated 26 - L Operational R 20 000 3 8 5 2 2 6 5 2 2 Control – Fence of graves where specialist relocation is not required. Avoid - Graves to be relocated in Heritage Graves site 2 2 1 and 2 30 - M Preserve via management plan 26 - L Operational R 20 000 8 5 2 2 6 5 2 2 accordance with SAHRA process. specialist

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ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANCE ANNUAL APPLICABLE BEFORE MITIGATION ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITY RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES AFTER MITIGATION ACTION PLAN PHASE PERSON MANAGEMENT AREA

IMPACT S COST

M D S P L SP M D S P L US US P

STAT STAT

TOTA TOTA AREAS: 1. New R50 road 2. TCM Road OPERATIONAL PHASE ACTIVITIES: 1. Road Operation 2. Vehicle and machinery movement 3. Hydrocarbon spills 4. Poor maintenance Control – Fence of graves where relocation is not required. Biodiversity Remedy - Biodiversity monitoring programme Remedy - Monitor bird distribution and abundance patterns Displacement of Apply road calming structures (speed humps) to reduce speed and Leeuwpan 2 1,2 33 - M 18 - L Remedy - Hydrological Operational N/A fauna and birds 6 4 1 3 potential road mortalities near optima Grass-owl habitat. 4 4 1 2 EO functionality and integrity management programme. Remedy - Conduct long-term waterbirds counts. Remedy - Monitor Grass owl Road mortalities, Apply road calming structures (speed humps) to reduce speed and occurrence, Leeuwpan especially owl 2 1,2,4 36 - M 36 - M Operational N/A 6 4 2 3 potential road mortalities near optima Grass-owl habitat. 6 4 2 3 Control - Create awareness of owls EO mortalities in road users through sign boards. Remedy - Biodiversity monitoring programme Changes to the Remedy - Erosion management fauna programme composition, Control - Hydrological functionality especially bird and integrity management composition, programme. Monitor to detect change and efficacy of water management Leeuwpan floral 2 1,4 8 4 2 3 42 - M 6 4 2 3 36 - M Remedy - Conduct long-term Operational R26 400 structures EO composition and waterbirds counts. habitat structure Remedy - Rehabilitate disturbed due to changes areas as quickly as possible to caused in surface reduce the establishment of hydrology invasive species. Avoid - Erect signage indicating restriction to roads for all vehicles. Remedy - Biodiversity monitoring programme Remedy - Monitor bird distribution Displacement of and abundance patterns fauna and birds Apply road calming structures (speed humps) to reduce speed and Leeuwpan 1 1,2 44 - M 27 - L Remedy - Hydrological Operational N/A due to traffic 6 4 1 4 potential road mortalities near optima Grass-owl habitat. 4 4 1 3 EO functionality and integrity noise management programme. Remedy - Conduct long-term waterbirds counts. Remedy - Monitor Grass owl Road mortalities, Apply road calming structures (speed humps) to reduce speed and occurrence, Leeuwpan especially owl 1 1,2,4 60 - M 36 - M Operational N/A 8 4 3 4 potential road mortalities near optima Grass-owl habitat. 6 4 2 3 Control - Create awareness of owls EO mortalities in road users through sign boards. Remedy - Biodiversity monitoring programme Changes to the Remedy - Erosion management fauna programme composition, Control - Hydrological functionality especially bird and integrity management composition, programme. Monitor to detect change and efficacy of water management Leeuwpan floral 1 1,4 10 5 2 4 68 - H 8 4 2 3 42 - M Remedy - Conduct long-term Operational R26 400 structures EO composition and waterbirds counts. habitat structure Remedy - Rehabilitate disturbed due to changes areas as quickly as possible to caused in surface reduce the establishment of hydrology invasive species. Avoid - Erect signage indicating restriction to roads for all vehicles. Hydrology

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IMPACT S COST

M D S P L SP M D S P L US US P

STAT STAT

TOTA TOTA AREAS: 1. New R50 road 2. TCM Road OPERATIONAL PHASE ACTIVITIES: 1. Road Operation 2. Vehicle and machinery movement 3. Hydrocarbon spills 4. Poor maintenance Clearing of bridge culverts to ensure unimpeded flows. Damage to TCM Site Repairing bridge and abutments of wear and tear over time. Control - Maintain and clean structures and manager Included in 1, 2 4 8 4 5 4 68 - H Include freeboard allowances in bridge dimensions during 4 2 2 3 24 - L culverts regularly, and before the Construction Safety Hazard project costs construction. heavy rain season. Leeuwpan due to floods Educate nearby communities and display warning signs. EO Changes in River Use of gabions upstream of bridge to decrease flow velocities and Control - Maintain and clean Post Leeuwpan Included in 1, 2 4 6 4 3 3 39 - M 4 2 2 2 16 - L Hydraulics strengthen bridge abutments culverts regularly Construction EO project costs Wetlands Options for reducing the source of contaminants (normal vehicular traffic) are limited and not feasible to implement. It is therefore recommended that stormwater off the road surface be discharged Avoid, Control - Implement road Water quality into vegetated swales rather than directly into adjacent wetland or Leeuwpan Included in 1, 2 1, 2, 3 4 5 2 3 33 - M 2 5 1 3 24 - L and stormwater structure Operation deterioration water resources. EO project costs management and maintenance plan Emergency response to spillages of hazardous substances along the route should also be well defined and tested regularly to ensure rapid response. Regular inspections and maintenance of all bridges and culverts Leeuwpan should be undertaken along the route. As a minimum, all culverts Flow obstruction Site should be cleared of debris at the start of the rainy season Avoid, Control - Implement road Included in and 1, 2 4 6 2 2 4 40 - M 2 2 1 2 10 - L Operation manager (September every year) and during the middle of the rainy season and culvert maintenance plan project costs concentration (January). In addition, inspections and, if required, maintenance Leeuwpan should be undertaken after every significant flood event. EO Socio-Economic Identify problem areas and assist with the regular maintenance of Change in traffic the roads frequently used by construction and mine traffic; Leeuwpan Avoid, Control - Maintain roads Included in and traveling 1, 2, 3 1 6 4 3 4 52 - M Appropriate traffic management measures should be planned for 2 4 2 2 16 - L Operation Community Enforce speed limits project costs distance and implemented; and manager Recommendations made by the TIA should be employed.

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Residual Impacts

Table 9-3: Residual Impacts ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL POTENTIAL ANNUAL APPLICABLE SIGNIFICANCE SIGNIFICANCE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITY RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES ACTION PLAN PHASE PERSON MANAGEMENT AREA BEFORE MITIGATION AFTER MITIGATION

IMPACT COST

S S

L L

T T T T T T

A A A A

U U M D S P O SP M D S P O SP

ST ST AREAS: 1. New R50 Road 2. New TCM Road RESIDUAL IMPACTS OF NEW ROADS Air Quality No Residual impact – The current impact the roads have will merely be shifted. Soil, Land Use and Land Capability Destruction of soil 1 and 2 Construction 56 - M Not applicable 56 - M Soil management plan All phases Project manager N/A profiles 8 5 1 4 8 5 1 4 Constr. & Soil management plan. Minimization of Soil compaction 1 and 2 56 - M Minimise footprint 44 - M All phases Project manager N/A operat. 8 5 1 4 6 4 1 4 unnecessary movement by vehicles. Traffic residual Usage of sign boards and local communication All Traffic Volumes impacts of 10 - L Communication Plan 10 - L channels to warn road users of impact caused by N/A Engineer N/A Intersections 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 new roads construction. residual Usage of sign boards and local communication All Travel Time impacts of 10 - L Communication Plan 10 - L channels to warn road users of impact caused by N/A Engineer N/A Intersections 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 new roads construction. residual Usage of sign boards and local communication All Road Safety impacts of 2 1 2 2 10 - L Communication Plan 2 1 2 2 10 - L channels to warn road users of impact caused by N/A Engineer N/A Intersections new roads construction. Noise Mine Engineer, Environmental noise Road maintenance and safety aspects to be 1, 2 30 - M 24 - L Noise monitoring management plan in place. Ongoing Provincial N/A impact 6 2 2 3 adhered to at all times 4 2 2 3 government Heritage No residual impact Biodiversity Biodiversity monitoring programme, erosion management programme, monitor bird residual distribution and abundance patterns, Mine Engineer, Displacement of 1 impacts of 39 - M Ongoing monitoring 20 - L hydrological functionality and integrity Ongoing Provincial N/A fauna 6 4 3 3 4 4 2 2 new roads management programme. Monitor water quality government in accordance with IWULA limits. Conduct long- term water birds counts Hydrology Adhere to proposed water quality monitoring plan; Implement proper waste Change in stream residual management plan; Implement proposed Adhere to proposed mitigation measures, and Environmental Included in characteristics and 1, 2 impacts of 4 4 1 3 27 - L erosion control measures; Stick to 4 2 3 1 9 - L All Phases SWMP as approved in the IWUL. Officer project costs flow patterns new roads designated access roads to minimise soil compaction and subsequent increased runoff. Wetlands Avoid wetlands as far as possible. Two pan wetlands occur in close proximity to and just south of the current South Road alignment. It is recommended that these Optimise design and alignment of road Design and Loss of wetland Residual Environmental 1, 2 65 - H pans be avoided. 24 - L Implement Wetland rehabilitation plan as planning N/A habitat Impacts 6 5 2 5 2 5 1 3 manager Clearly demarcate or fence off servitude. approved by DWS. phase No stockpiling of materials in wetlands. Clearing and management of alien vegetation. Optimise design and alignment of road Design and Habitat Residual Environmental 1, 2 4 5 2 4 44 - M Implement Wetland rehabilitation plan 2 5 1 3 24 - L Implement Wetland rehabilitation plan as planning N/A fragmentation Impacts manager approved by DWS. phase Stormwater off the road surface be discharged into vegetated swales protected Implement Wetland rehabilitation plan, Mine Engineer, Water quality Residual 1, 2 33 - M against erosion rather than directly into 24 - L management and monitoring plan as approved Operation Provincial N/A deterioration Impacts 4 5 2 3 2 5 1 3 adjacent wetland or water resources. by DWS in the IWUL. government Emergency response to spillages of

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hazardous substances along the route should also be well defined and tested regularly. Socio-Economic No residual impact

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Cumulative Impacts

Table 9-4: Cumulative Impacts ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE SIGNIFICANCE ANNUAL POTENTIAL APPLICAB ACTIVITY BEFORE MITIGATION RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES AFTER MITIGATION ACTION PLAN PHASE PERSON MANAGEMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT LE AREA S S COST M D S P M D S P

AL AL

STA STA

TUS TUS TOT P TOT P AREAS: 1. New R50 Road 2. New TCM Road CUMULATIVE IMPACTS: IMPACTS CONSIDERED ON A REGIONAL SCALE Air Quality No increased impact – The current impact the roads have will merely be shifted. Two roads currently in use will be replaced with two new roads at different locations Soil, Land Use and Land Capability No increased impact – The current impact the roads have will merely be shifted. Two roads currently in use will be replaced with two new roads at different locations Traffic No increased impact – The current impact the roads have will merely be shifted. Two roads currently in use will be replaced with two new roads at different locations Noise Monthly noise monitoring to be Environmental noise Adhere to the noise migratory measures for the different project carried out during the 1, 2 All areas 30 - M 24 - L All Mine Engineer 198 000 impact 6 2 2 3 phases. 4 2 2 3 construction and operational phases of the project. Heritage None Biodiversity No increased impact – The current impact the roads have will merely be shifted. Two roads currently in use will be replaced with two new roads at different locations Hydrology No increased impact – The current impact the roads have will merely be shifted. Two roads currently in use will be replaced with two new roads at different locations Wetlands Avoid wetlands as far as possible. Two pan wetlands occur in close proximity to and just south of the Optimise design and current South Road alignment. It is recommended that these pans be alignment of road Water quality Cumulative Environmental 1, 2 33 - M avoided. 20 - L Implement Wetland Operation N/A deterioration impact 4 5 2 3 4 5 1 2 manager Clearly demarcate or fence off servitude. rehabilitation plan as No stockpiling of materials in wetlands. approved by DWS. Clearing and management of alien vegetation. Optimise design and alignment of road Loss of wetland habitat Cumulative Design and Environmental 1, 2 65 - H Implement Wetland rehabilitation plan 32 - M Implement Wetland N/A and function impact 6 5 2 5 2 5 1 4 planning phase manager rehabilitation plan as approved by DWS. Stormwater off the road surface be discharged into vegetated swales Implement Wetland Mine protected against erosion rather than directly into adjacent wetland Cumulative rehabilitation plan, Design and Engineer, Habitat fragmentation 1, 2 4 5 2 4 44 - M or water resources. 2 5 1 3 24 - L N/A impact management and planning phase Provincial Emergency response to spillages of hazardous substances along the monitoring plan government route should also be well defined and tested regularly. Socio-Economic No residual impact

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10 SPECIALIST RECOMMENDATIONS

10.1 Soils, land use and land capability A Soil Management Plan (SMP) is recommended to ensure the protection of soils and maintenance of the terrain of the R50 re-alignment project. It is recommended that measures provided in the SMP be implemented during the construction, operational and decommissioning and closure phases of the proposed project (See Appendix D for reference to the SMP)

10.2 Hydrology Flood lines

It is recommended that the construction of the Realignment be conducted above the flood heights. It is further recommended that the flood lines for the mine be recalculated if extensive development is undertaken within the upstream catchment.

Conceptual SWMP

South Road

It is recommended that a culvert be constructed in the middle of S2 of the South Road to allow for natural drainage towards the Bronkhorstspruit to occur (see Figure 10-1).

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(not to scale, please refer to Appendix A for an enlarged Map)

Figure 10-1. SWMP for the South Road (R50 realignment).

North Road

Water Quality

It is recommended that all water containment facilities on site be monitored for water quality and quantity on a quarterly basis. Streams or natural drainage lines with flowing water within the catchment of the site (zone of impact) should be monitored on a quarterly basis. A biomonitoring programme is recommended for perennial streams.

Risk Assessment

The following mitigation measures were recommended to reduce the surface water impacts identified in the construction and post-construction phase:  Stabilise impacted soils and keep vehicle movement to designated access roads;  Keep track of national and regional flood warning updates;  Stabilise and strengthen river banks;

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 Minimise spills and keep vehicles away from the watercourse and conduct quick clean-ups when spills occur;  Keep construction activities confined to the intersection area to avoid unnecessary disruptions of wider floodplain and riparian zone section;  Reduce sediment loading by applying the suggested erosion reduction mechanisms;  Clearing of bridge culverts to ensure unimpeded flows. Repairing bridge and abutments of wear and tear over time. Include freeboard allowances in bridge dimensions during construction; and  Use of gabions upstream of bridge to decrease flow velocities and strengthen bridge abutments.

10.3 Wetlands In order to minimise the impact of wetland loss and disturbance, it is recommended that wetland habitat be avoided as far as possible. In the case of the section of the North Route falling within the Bronkhorstspruit wetland system, the location of the North Road somewhat further to the west and outside of the wetland habitat should be considered. In an ideal scenario, the road could be adjusted to run across the already disturbed areas of the adjacent mining activities.

Two pan wetlands occur in close proximity to and just south of the current South Road alignment. It is recommended that these pans be avoided.

Detailed method statements must be developed for all wetland crossings and submitted to the DWS for approval. Crossing structures should seek to ensure that flow across the full width of the wetland is maintained and mimics natural conditions as far as possible.

Wetland crossings should be designed and constructed so that no concentration of flows takes place downslope of the crossings. In the case of hillslope seepage wetlands crossed roughly perpendicular to the direction of flow, a sufficient number of suitably sized box culverts should be positioned along the length of the wetland crossings so that low flows through the wetland will still result in wetting of the entire wetness front. All culvert discharge points should be suitably protected against erosion. In the case of hillslope seepage crossings along the North Road, the area immediately upslope of the road will be mined out, making it highly unlikely that significant sub-surface seepage will continue to occur in this area.

Where the roads cross hillslope seepage wetlands diagonal or parallel to the direction of flows, the road verges should be landscaped following the completion of construction activities to ensure that no preferential flow paths exist that might lead to the concentration

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of flows. Where such areas are encountered, the installation of regular low level humps to slow down flows should be considered.

In the case of the Bronkhorstspruit crossing, the proposed culverts should as a minimum mirror the culverts already in place on the existing crossing.

Culverts and bridges utilised for wetland crossings should be of sufficient capacity and number to ensure that no impoundment of flows occurs upslope of the crossing for regular return storm events up to and including the 1:100 year storm event. At the same time, the recommendations regarding the concentration of flows made above should be implemented. Crossings should also be regularly monitored throughout the operational lifespan of the road and any reed beds that develop upslope of wetland crossings and lead to flow impoundment should be controlled.

To minimise the significance of impacts, the following mitigation measures should be strictly enforced:  The extent of disturbance should be limited by limiting all construction activities to the servitude as far as practically possible.  The servitude should be fenced off using a 5 strand cattle fence prior to the commencement of vegetation clearing or earthmoving activities.  No materials should be stockpiled within the wetland areas along the route and driving within the wetland areas should be kept to an absolute minimum. Clearly defined access routes should be used.  As far as possible, existing roads and farm tracks should be used to provide access during construction as this will reduce the extent of the disturbed area along the route.  Post construction all alien invasive vegetation should be removed from site as part of an alien vegetation management plan. This will also require long-term follow up to ensure establishment of natural vegetation in all disturbed areas.  Ideally construction activities within wetlands should take place in winter (during the dry season). Where summer construction is unavoidable, temporary diversions of flows might be required.

To minimise the risk of erosion, the extent of disturbed vegetation and soil should be kept to a minimum. It is recommended that prior to the commencement of construction activities that the entire construction servitude, including lay down areas and stock pile areas etc., be fenced off and clearly demarcated. All construction activity should be contained within this demarcated servitude. Further recommendations include:

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 The construction process should be phased so as to limit the extent of exposed areas at any one time, and so that for any specific area, the time between initial disturbance and completion of construction is as short as possible.  Construction activities should take place within the dry season as far as possible. As construction is likely to extend across more than just one dry season, it is recommended that the wetland crossings be constructed in the dry season and that any work done during the wet season should focus on the terrestrial areas.  Following the completion of construction activities the disturbed areas should be ripped, scarified, landscaped to the original landscape profile, and re-vegetated with suitable indigenous grass species that will aid in soil stabilization.

Limiting erosion will also limit the source of sediments. In addition, bidim fences or other suitable sediment barriers should be installed downslope of construction activities to trap any sediment washed off these areas by surface run-off.  Install erosion prevention measures and sediment barriers prior to the commencement of construction activities;  Minimise the construction footprint within the wetland area. Clearly demarcate the required construction servitude and maintain all activities within the demarcated area;  Limit cleared areas to as small an area as possible at any one time;  Make use of existing roads and tracks as far as possible;  Re-vegetate and rehabilitate areas as soon as possible after completion of construction; and  Locate all stockpiles, laydown areas and temporary construction infrastructure at least 50m from the edge of delineated wetlands.

10.4 Biodiversity Flora Vegetation represents habitat for a variety of fauna species, and in the context of this study has specific relevance to wetland associated avifauna. Therefore the removal does not only reflect loss of habitat for the flora species, but also for fauna species. Habitat loss and – fragmentation are globally recognised as the main drivers of biodiversity loss in conjunction with the spread of alien invasive species, thus the unnecessary removal of natural vegetation should be avoided. It is for this reason that although the extent of vegetation removal along these two route alignments cannot be considered to be significant on either a regional or local scale, it would contribute to unnecessary habitat loss while alternatives exists.

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Along the North Road, the road can be re-aligned along the already transformed areas associated with the opencast mining rather than removing an additional strip of natural vegetation while increasing edge effects with the system, such as the establishment of alien invasive species.

With regards to the South Road, it is the opinion of the specialist that other alternatives exist which will have either less of an impact on the wetland system towards the east of the proposed alignment, by transecting it more perpendicularly than what is currently the case, while transecting mainly transformed areas (cultivated fields).

Fauna In terms of the potential impacts, the following hierarchy of recommendations (including mitigation measures) are proposed:  North Road: It is highly recommended that the road alignment corresponds to recently rehabilitated land. This will limit the significance of the anticipated impacts since the area is already perturbed during mining activities and will lessen disturbances on areas consisting of temporary wet or moist grassland habitat;  South Road: It is highly recommended that the alignment be revised (by moving the alignment in a southerly direction) with the aim to avoid traversing optimal breeding habitat of the African Grass-owl habitat. Where this is not possible, both the Grass- owl habitat and the Bronkhorstspruit floodplain should be spanned by means of span bridges instead of using box culverts; and  As a last outcome, it is proposed that the breeding pair be relocated to another area of suitable habitat. Relocation should only be considered with the emphasis on research and obtaining information on their movements and dispersal abilities. Therefore, a monitoring programme should be implemented whereby satellite tracking devices are fitted to the relocated pair of birds to “trace” their movements and obtain information on their foraging ecology (e.g. frequency of foraging bouts) and dispersal abilities. For the purpose of comparison, a second residing (and breeding) pair of owls should be “tagged” and monitored by means of satellite tracking devices on natural habitat (e.g. on Exxaro’s Matla mine) where disturbance regimes are controlled (e.g. burning and grazing regimes).

General mitigation measures include the following:  Minimize the area to be cleared during construction activities. This includes the area used by personnel and labour during construction activities;  Care must be taken to prevent an overspill of construction activities into sensitive areas that are not part of the proposed alignments;

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 All rehabilitation (where applicable) should make use of indigenous species, and preferably of species native to the region. The species selected should strive to represent habitat types typical of the ecological landscape prior to construction activities;  Limit construction activities to daytime;  Minimize the use of earthmoving equipment that results in noise generation;  Provide adequate ablution facilities;  Ditches/trenches/storm water drainage systems along the haul road should have slopes of less than 45° rather than vertical sides to facilitate the movement of small- bodied animals and to prevent erosion during peak periods of precipitation;  Checks must be carried out at regular intervals to identify areas where erosion is occurring. Appropriate remedial action, including the rehabilitation of the eroded areas, and where necessary, the relocation of the paths causing the erosion, are to be undertaken;  Adhere to standard dust control principles;  Unsurfaced roads must be sprayed with water or surfactant to suppress dust;  Enforce speed restrictions to roads to suppress dust;  Apply road calming structures (speed humps) to reduce speed and potential road mortalities near optima Grass-owl habitat;  Ensure the perforation of roads to facilitate the connectivity and crossing of animals;  Where possible, the use of the North Road should be limited to daytime to prevent road mortalities of nocturnal animals (many animals are nocturnal and are blinded by the headlights oncoming traffic at night);  All labour or staff should be advised (induction) by means of environmental awareness training on the biodiversity importance of the area;  Intentional killing of any faunal species (in particular snakes) should be avoided by means of awareness programmes presented to the labour force. The labour force should be made aware of the conservation issues pertaining to the taxa occurring on the study area;  Minimize outside lighting at the stockpile sites and relevant surface infrastructure. Invertebrates and some migratory (water) bird taxa flying at night are attracted to lights, and these should be kept to a minimum. If possible, outside lighting should be replaced with bulbs of longer wave lengths (550nm), for example low-pressure yellow sodium vapour bulbs or yellow LEDs. Where possible, outside lighting should not make use of fluorescent lights since these emit significant amounts of UV which will attract invertebrates. Apply UV filters to high pressure mercury vapour lamps as an alternative to yellow sodium lamps;

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 Any person found deliberately harassing any animal in any way should face disciplinary measures, following the possible dismissal from the site;  Rehabilitate disturbed areas as quickly as possible to reduce the establishment of invasive species; and  Inspect all materials to be used during construction/operation for potential invader species before being transported to the construction/operational area.

10.5 Traffic Based on the findings of this Traffic Impact Assessment the following recommendations are made:  It is recommended that the re-alignment of the R50 road be favourably considered from a traffic engineering point of view by the relevant regulating authorities;  The proposed measures on the R50/ R548 intersection are required to be implemented by the applicant for the re-alignment of the R50 Road; and  Access spacing of at least 600m and shoulder sight distance of at least 300m should be considered during the detailed design stage.

10.6 Air Quality The proposed operations are located within the HPA. The management plan objectives for this priority area are to minimise impacts on the surrounding environment. It is therefore recommended that air quality management measures be implemented during the construction and operational phases of the project to ensure the lowest possible impacts on the surrounding environment.

Recommended mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction phase include:  Debris handling - wind speed reduction through sheltering and wet suppression;  Truck transport - wet suppression or chemical stabilization of unpaved roads;  Dust entrainment – reduction of unnecessary traffic and strict speed control, require haul trucks to be covered, and ensure material being hauled is wet;  Materials storage, handling and transfer operations - wet suppression;  Earthmoving and dozing operations - wet suppression;  General construction - wind speed reduction, wet suppression and phasing of earthmoving activities to reduce source size; and  Open areas (wind-blown emissions) - early vegetation, compaction and stabilization of disturbed soil and reduction of the frequency of disturbance.

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Recommended mitigation measures to be implemented during the operational phase include regular water sprays preferably combined with chemicals on the TCM gravel access road to ensure at least 75% control efficiency.

Based on the predicted impacts it is recommended that continuous ambient PM2.5 and PM10 monitoring be done on the site boundary (closest to Delmas). It is also recommended that the existing dustfall monitoring program continue for the duration of the operation of the colliery and the R50 realignment project, and that the mine commits to mitigate dust emissions such that dust fallout rates as measured on-site and around the mining operations do not exceed 1 200 mg/m²/day for more than twice a year.

10.7 Noise It is recommended that the following considerations be made for the proposed project:  UTFC 9.5mm asphalt surface to be used along the re-alignment section of the R50 Road;  An earthberm (2.5m high) to be constructed along the boundary of the TCM Road opposite Dwellings – at least 50m on both sides of the residential property;  There must be a smooth gradient and sudden sharp gradients to be avoided;  Construction activities to take place during the daytime periods only (sunrise to sunset);  Blasting (if required during road construction) to be done in terms of the safe blast requirements to ensure that there is no damage to buildings;  Road maintenance to be done according to a maintenance plan;  Safe road use conditions to be adhered to at all times; and  A Noise management plan to be used during the different phases of the project.

10.8 Heritage Sites Three sites of cultural heritage significance were identified during the survey, all of which are grave sites.

There are two possibilities in dealing with the existing graves:  The first option would be to fence the graves in and have a management plan drafted for the sustainable preservation thereof. This should be compiled by a heritage expert. This usually is done when the graves are in no danger of being damaged, but where there will be a secondary impact due to the activities of the development.  The second option is to exhume the mortal remains and then to have them relocated. This usually is done when the graves are in the area to be directly affected by the development. For this a specific procedure should be followed which includes social

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consultation. For graves younger than 60 years only an undertaker is needed. For those older than 60 years and unknown graves an undertaker and archaeologist is needed. Permits should be obtained from the Burial Grounds and Graves unit of SAHRA. This procedure is quite lengthy and involves social consultation.

In the case of site no. 2, the graves will not be impacted on directly by the development (South Road). Since there always is a secondary impact due to the activities on site, Option 1 is recommended. However, this site may be relocated should that be the only solution, provided that the correct procedures are followed.

It is very likely that sites no. 1 (South Road) and 3 (North Road) will be impacted on directly. If at all possible, the proposed routes for the roads should be changed so that a buffer zone of at least 20 m is created. In this case Option 1 should be implemented. However, if not possible to change the plans, Option 2 may be implemented. This has to be motivated to the Burial Grounds and Graves Unit (BGG) of SAHRA.

It is extremely important that the management plans for these sites be drafted as there will be a definite secondary impact on this. In fact, site no. 3 has already been impacted on by mine dust and this needs to be rectified. In cases where grave sites are already fenced in these will need to be maintained.

After implementation of the mitigation measures indicated, the development may continue. Proof of implementation will have to be provided to SAHRA. It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. The state of the environment also makes it possible that not all sites were identified. Care should therefore be taken when development commences that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate the occurrence and adapt this report.

10.9 Socio-Economic Conditions

To mitigate the impacts associated with in-migration of temporary workers the following mitigation measures are proposed:  Employ local or existing labour as far as possible (within a 20 km radius);  Avoid the establishment of camps, hostels or temporary accommodation for workers; and

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 Daily housing allowances should be provided for contract staff (residing outside a 20 km radius) during the construction phase to avoid the establishment of informal settlements, or the assimilation with existing informal settlements.

To ensure that the negative effects and potential conflicts associated with temporary job opportunities and in-migration are minimised throughout all the project phases, and the positive impacts associated with employment opportunities and the standard of living are enhanced, it is also recommended that:  Unskilled and unemployed labour should be sourced from the surrounding local communities as far as possible;  Local residents and communities should be employed, wherever possible;  Non-locals should only be hired when specialist skills are not available locally;  Local construction companies should be used whenever possible, especially for subcontracting work;  All project relevant skills in the area are utilised with the aim to ensure maximum local employment;  The influx of a foreign labour force is minimised whilst still ensuring the effective construction of the roads;  The use of existing skills databases and utilised and include the local councillors and other representative community structures in the process;  An employment information desk is utilised to assist with the day to day management of project related labour issues;  Project contracts between Exxaro and the contractor stipulate the use of local labour for unskilled and semi-skilled positions and tasks;  Local businesses, especially those of Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDI), women and of Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) get allocated the maximum appropriate share of project related business opportunities; and  Ensure that the Labour Relations Amendment Act, 2002 (Act No. 12 of 2002) as well as the necessary policies and procedures are taken into consideration to ensure the correct procurement procedures.

Mitigation measures to reduce negative impacts associated with any changes in land use patterns include:  The education of landowners in terms of their rights and responsibilities prior to the project going ahead;  Developing clear communication lines when consulting with affected landowners and their employees; and

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 Accounting for surrounding land uses and designing post-mining land use options to support and enhance long-term development options.

To mitigate the negative impacts associated with transport, safety and accessibility the following mitigation measures are proposed:  The applicant should, in liaison with the relevant Roads and Traffic Department, identify problem areas and assist with the regular maintenance of the roads frequently used by construction and mine traffic;  A Health and Safety Plan should be implemented and it must be ensured that all managers are trained in First Aid and other relevant safety courses;  Implement safety measures to limit fire hazards and implement fire breaks if possible;  Exxaro should, in conjunction with the property owners, develop and implement emergency procedures;  Operational safety risks should be addressed as part of the OHS Act;  A Fire/Emergency Management Plan should be developed and implemented. It is important that this management plan and associated communication channels are developed at the outset of the project. It would be important to regularly review the functionality and efficiency of such a plan in conjunction with the local emergency teams, mine management and neighbouring landowners;  Appropriate fire fighting equipment should be on site and construction workers should be appropriately trained for fire fighting;  Speed limits on the local roads surrounding the mine works should be enforced; and  Speeding of mine vehicles must be strictly monitored and fined where appropriate.

To enhance capacity building and skills transfer, again it is recommended that where possible, recruit and train local residents to supply unskilled labour during the mine expansion. Further mitigation measures include:  Training should be concentrated on skills that can be readily transferred to other employment opportunities in the local area to avoid persons with trained skills leaving the area for work elsewhere;  A comprehensive program for recruiting, hiring, training, orienting and counselling be established, in line with the SLP. The nature of the training provided does not need to be limited to specific project related tasks and can include financial planning, bookkeeping, general arithmetic etc; and  The employment and training of HDSA and women meet the requirements of the BBSEC.

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It is recommended that the local and district municipalities, as well as any relevant provincial authorities, be consulted during each phase of the project.

With regards to socio-cultural processes and negative impacts associated with unacceptable and deviant social behaviour (including crime and violence) it is strongly recommended that:  The South African Police Department (SAPD), in association with existing Community Based Organisations and Non-Government Organisations be used to monitor and assist with the management of the negative social effects of possible incoming job seekers and strangers;  Exxaro, together with other mines operating in the area, the Delmas Farmers Association, affected businesses and residents associations and the DMR form a Mining Forum to discuss issues (biophysical, social and economical) regarding current and future mining;  A code of conduct for construction workers with strict control measures is established;  Enforce construction personnel to wear identification badges to distinguish them from trespassers or unwanted loiterers;  Liaise with the SAPD in order to implement effective crime prevention strategies; and  Liaise with existing forums in the community and labour forums to communicate information to the community and to assist in the monitoring of compliance and to establish a protocol for ensuring community safety; and  The AgriSA protocol for access to farms should be followed in all instances where access to farmers’ land is required.

To address health and safety measures and personal safety and hazard exposure, the following mitigation measures are proposed:  Environmental pollution must be limited as far as possible and the requirements of the EMP be implemented to reduce the impact on surrounding landowners;  The necessary safety precautions should be taken and first aid supplies should be made available on site;  All contractors should undergo health and safety training on a regular basis;  The general health of employees should be monitored;  The required safety equipment should be provided to employees as well as on site and should be in a good working order; and  Exxaro should strive to abide by the following Acts, in addition to international best practice guidelines: o Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act (Act 85 of 1993); and

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o The Mine Health and Safety Act (Act 29 of 1996).  A Health and Safety Plan should be implemented and it must be ensured that all managers are trained in First Aid and other relevant safety courses;  Implement safety measures to limit fire hazards;  Exxaro should, in conjunction with the property owners, develop and implement emergency procedures;  Operational safety risks should be addressed as part of the OHS Act;  A Fire/Emergency Management Plan should be developed and implemented;  Appropriate firefighting equipment should be on site and construction workers should be appropriately trained for firefighting; and  Speed limits on the local roads surrounding the mine works should be enforced.

To mitigate any negative perceptions regarding the project by community members, it is suggested:  A comprehensive PPP should be implemented to effectively consult and involve the affected landowners and communities;  Continuous consultation with the affected communities should take place to keep them informed; and  Exxaro must be transparent about the areas influenced by the newly proposed roads as well as the methodology that will be used to construct these roads.

Recommendations regarding future aspirations of existing landowners:  It is critical that Exxaro maintain an open and trusting relationship with the affected communities; and  Exxaro must acknowledge the financial impact on affected landowners and consult with the landowner in order to obtain a mutually agreed upon outcome.

To mitigate physical environmental and aesthetic impacts the following measures are proposed:  Existing community forums must serve as liaison between the affected stakeholders and Exxaro and can discuss traffic, dust, noise and construction related concerns with them;  Prepare a noise reduction plan to cover all significant impacts at source and implement noise reduction and screening to limit exposure. Construction activities should be limited to daylight hours when ambient noise levels are highest. A hearing conservation programme must be implemented where noise exceeds 85dB(A) in the mine or must not be more than 7dB(A) above ambient residual noise levels beyond mine boundary or nearest residential community;

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 The maximum acceptable night time noise levels should not be exceeded;  Traffic calming measures should be put in place to minimise traffic noise;  Adequate monitoring of the biophysical impacts should occur in order to address any unnecessary inconveniences to stakeholders;  Implement re-vegetation as levels are abandoned to break the form, reduce colour contrast, dust generation or contaminated runoff; and  Recommendations made in the EMP and EMPr should be adhered to.

To reduce increased pressure on existing infrastructure and improve adequacy and access to existing infrastructure, the following mitigation measures are proposed:  Ensure that the required public services and capital facilities are in place before the peak production occurs;  The relevant authorities, and bodies involved in the supply of bulk services should be informed about the proposed project to ensure that it gets incorporated into their demand projections;  In consultation with the municipality and other mines operating in the area, ensure that the necessary planning for upgrades of social infrastructure, where lacking due to the proposed mine expansion, take place;  Involvement in upliftment programmes should be done according to the priority needs and projects identified as part of the LMs IDP, as well as in consultation with other stakeholders such as the local community representatives, ward committees and youth organisations;  Continuous involvement of the mine would be necessary and should be undertaken in a transparent and supportive manner;  Implement a regular and formalised consultation process with local government to ensure synergy between the mine’s social development and LED focus;  Communication of the projects that Exxaro would be involved in should filter through to all community levels to ensure maximum benefit to the community; and  Community development projects initiated by Exxaro should avoid benefiting only a

selected few but should follow a broad based approach, whilst also taking budgeting constraints into consideration.

To avoid loss of natural and cultural heritage:  The recommendations of the HIA should be implemented;  It is recommended that the road designs are adjusted in such a way that a buffer zone of at least 20 meters from the identified grave sites is created in order to avoid directly impacting on these grave sites and to avoid having to exhume and relocate the graves; and

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 Local residents and farmers should be consulted to determine any possible heritage sites not identified by the HIA.

To prevent gender division of labour:  Women must have equal employment opportunities;  Training and skills development should take place for women; and  Salaries of women should be equal to that of men when undertaking the same job.

11 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

The following section describes the information gaps that presented during the compilation of this EIA/EMP report, as well as the specialist studies undertaken.

Information contained in this EIA/EMP document is based on technical information received from the applicant as well as the outcomes of the specialist studies undertaken. The specialist studies undertaken were done so on the basis of the information available at the time of the assessment.

11.1 Assumptions Soils, Land Use, Land Capability

The following assumptions were made during the assessment and reporting phases:  The project will only consist of the replacement of the R50 in the area that will be mined out and the gravel access road to the Thaba Chueu mining operation that will also be mined out.  Because of the importance of the R50 which is a significant public road and the gravel access road to TCM (which is an important asset to TCM) it is not anticipated that the roads will be decommissioned after the life of Leeuwpan mine.

Hydrology

No additional assumptions.

Wetlands

The field survey for the current study was undertaken on 16 July 2015 in the middle of the dry season at a time where a number of the wetlands had been recently burnt. However, the wetlands in questions have been regularly surveyed by Wetland Consulting Services over a number of years and across both summer and winter seasons. As such the timing of the current survey is not considered to represent a significant shortcoming of the study.

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Biodiversity

It is assumed that the third party information from government institutions is accurate.

Traffic

No additional assumptions.

Air Quality

 The quantification of sources of emission was restricted to the proposed Project activities and Leeuwpan Colliery operations only. Although other background sources were identified, such sources were not quantified;  Information required for the calculation of emissions from fugitive dust sources for the proposed Project operations were provided. The assumption was made that this information was accurate and correct;  Routine emissions from the proposed operations were estimated and modelled. Atmospheric releases occurring as a result of accidents were not accounted for;  An average of the morning and afternoon peak hour number of light and heavy vehicles was used in the calculation of fugitive dust due to vehicle entrainment;  Assumptions were made as to the average weight of light and heavy vehicles in the calculation of fugitive dust due to vehicle entrainment; and  The construction phase was assessed qualitatively due to the temporary nature of these operations, whilst the operational phase was assessed quantitatively.

Noise

No additional assumptions.

Heritage The following conditions and assumptions have a direct bearing on the survey and the resulting report:  Cultural Resources are all non-physical and physical man-made occurrences, as well as natural occurrences associated with human activity. These include all sites, structures and artifacts of importance, either individually or in groups, in the history, architecture and archaeology of human (cultural) development. Graves and cemeteries are included in this.  The significance of the sites, structures and artifacts is determined by means of their historical, social, aesthetic, technological and scientific value in relation to their uniqueness, condition of preservation and research potential. The various aspects are

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not mutually exclusive, and the evaluation of any site is done with reference to any number of these aspects.  Cultural significance is site-specific and relates to the content and context of the site. Sites regarded as having low cultural significance have already been recorded in full and require no further mitigation. Sites with medium cultural significance may or may not require mitigation depending on other factors such as the significance of impacts on the site. Sites with a high cultural significance require further mitigation.  The latitude and longitude of any archaeological or historical site or feature, is to be treated as sensitive information by the developer and should not be disclosed to members of the public.  All recommendations are made with full cognizance of the relevant legislation.  It has to be mentioned that it is almost impossible to locate all the cultural resources in a given area, as it will be very time consuming and would come at a large cost. The heritage report therefore represents merely a sample of the surveyed area and of heritage resources identified there, based on experience of the location of such sites. Developers should however note that this report should make it clear how to handle any other finds that might occur. Should the archaeologists need to visit the site again, a new appointment would therefore be needed.  The density and height of the vegetation cover is the main influence on both the vertical as the horizontal archaeological visibility in surveyed areas. In this case there were certain areas that were inaccessible due to the mining operations as well as areas where the vegetation cover was reasonably dense and the height between medium and high, which had a negative effect on archaeological visibility. It needs to be stated however that these areas are well-disturbed and that the risk of locating heritage resources here are minimal.

Social Assessment

The following assumptions were made as part of the Social Impact Assessment Study:  The construction impacts provided are for the length of the construction period;  The impacts during the operational phase provide an indication of the impact during steady state operations;  It is assumed that the information obtained during the public participation process was accurate enough to inform this study; and  It is assumed that local employment will be a priority for all operations.

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11.2 Limitations Soils, Land Use, Land Capability

The following uncertainties, limitations and gaps exist with regards to the study methodology followed and conclusions derived from it:  Soil profiles were observed using a 1.5m hand-held soil auger or open profiles where there were excavations. A description of the soil characteristics deeper than 1.5m cannot be given.  The study does not include a land contamination assessment to determine contamination before the beginning of the road construction.

Hydrology

 No information is available regarding other developments which might cause cumulative impacts following the construction of the proposed R50 Road realignment project.  Monitoring point SW3 was not accessible during the site visit

Wetlands

Wetland boundaries reflect the ecological boundary where the interaction between water and plants influences the soils, but more importantly the plant communities. The depth to the water table where this begins to influence plant communities is approximately 50 centimeters. This boundary, based on plant species composition, can vary depending on antecedent rainfall conditions, and can introduce a degree of variability in the wetland boundary between years and/or sampling period. The wetlands systems will be mapped from the most recent aerial imagery available at a scale of 1:5000 wherever possible and where the imagery is of sufficient resolution for this purpose. Due to the extent of the area and the mapping scale used, the actual extent of the boundaries of these systems may be underestimated or overestimated in places. This may range from meters to tens of meters but generally is regarded as being of sufficient accuracy for the purposes of this study.

Biodiversity

In order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of terrestrial communities, as well as the status of endemic, rare or threatened species in any area, fauna assessments should always consider investigations at different time scales (across seasons/years) and through replication. However, due to time constraints such long-term studies are not feasible and more often based on instantaneous (a “snapshot”) sampling bouts. In addition, the “walkdown” was conducted during the austral dry (winter) season when most of the wetland habitat types were dry and non-inundated. Therefore, the survey was primarily dedicated

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towards the interpretation of habitat condition or quality. Many of the shorebird and waterbird taxa are Palaearctic wintering (non-breeding) visitor, meaning these taxa were seasonally absent during the period the survey took place.

Traffic

No additional limitations.

Air Quality  Meteorological data: Modelled meteorological data was used due to a lack of measured data in the vicinity of Leeuwpan Colliery.  As no on-site ambient PM2.5 and PM10 baseline measurements were available for the assessment; cumulative impacts were assessed qualitatively (where feasible).

Noise There were no recent noise data available on the prevailing ambient levels of the study area and the formal residential areas.

Heritage The biggest problem is that there is no comprehensive database with information of the history and archaeology of South Africa. The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) has a system, called SAHRIS, where all heritage related reports are being stored. Although this does create some sort of a database it only contains information since 2012. Older information are however gradually being introduced to SAHRIS.

It is impossible to survey an entire area, especially with large developments. It would be extremely costly. Although the aim is to identify as much as possible, a heritage survey therefore always may not identify everything of heritage value in an area.

Social Assessment The SIA report was based on the information that was received relating to planning and design, implementation and infrastructure placement during compilation.

The following assumptions were therefore made:  The construction impacts provided are for the length of the construction period;  The impacts during the operational phase provide an indication of the impact during steady state operations;  The information obtained during the public participation process was accurate enough to inform the study; and

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 Local employment will be a priority for all operations.

11.3 EAP Recommendations  A Soil Management Plan (SMP) is recommended to ensure the protection of soils and maintenance of the terrain of the R50 re-alignment project during Construction.  Ensure the Northern road for access to TCM is constructed on already impacted areas and not in functioning wetland boundary areas of the Bronkhorstspruit.  Construction areas should be demarcated and fenced off using a 5 strand cattle fence prior to the commencement of vegetation clearing or earthmoving activities. No construction activities should happen beyond the demarcated area, and clear signage of “Wetlands” should be displayed on fences at wetland areas.  The current Wetland Rehabilitation and Offset plan being developed for Leeuwpan mine should be amended to account for further loss of wetland habitat and fauna due to the construction of the new roads.  The Grass owl (Tyto capensis) breeding pair should be relocated to another area of suitable habitat.  A Search and Rescue study should be conducted for protected faunal species and Red Data flora, prior to the start of construction. These species should then be relocated according to a relocation plan compiled by the competent specialist in that field 0f study.  Ongoing wetland, soils, biodiversity and surface water monitoring should be conducted from the start of construction until the mitigation and management measures are found to be successful by competent specialists in that field of study. Should it be found that the mitigation and management measures are not successful, a rectification plan should be compiled and implemented.

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12 ENVIRONMETAL IMPACT STATEMENT

The EAPs and environmental consultants responsible for the compilation of this document, and PPP feel that the project should be approved, on condition that the mine implements all identified management measures, implements the monitoring plan, as well as address all identified information gaps.

The downscaling of mining activities in the area in association with the depletion of mineral reserves is a great cause for concern with regards to unemployment and the economic contribution to the area. According to the 2011/12-2015/16 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the Nkangla District Municipality (NDM) the mining activities within the NDM should be enhanced to contribute to job creation for poor, unskilled workers.

It is thus of the opinion that all possible positive impacts resulting from the proposed development would be lost if the project should not go ahead. The overall contribution to the chronic unemployment levels on a national scale, in addition to the economic input makes the ‘No Project’ option unadvisable.

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13 CONCLUSIONS

Project Description

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Motivation for the Project The extension of the current mining operations at Leeuwpan as is proposed with the mining of Block OI will extend the Life of Mine (LOM) by an extra 16 years. The LOM extension will ensure:

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 Employment opportunities for a further 16 years. With the increase in job cuts in the mining sector at present, job security is of vital importance;

 Continued positive impact on the local economy and surrounding area through spinoff job creation;

 Continued coal supply to Eskom for power generation during a time when Eskom is struggling to meet the electricity demand; and

 Conservation and rehabilitation of wetlands and natural habitats through the implementation of off-set plans.

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14 UNDERTAKING

The Environmental Management Programme will, should it comply with the provisions of Act, be approved and become an obligation in terms of the authorisation issued. As part of the proposed Environmental Management Programme, the applicant is required to provide an undertaking that it will be executed as approved and that the provisions of the Act and regulations thereto will be complied with.

Undertaking

Herewith I, the person whose name and identity number is stated below, confirm that I am the Applicant or the person authorised to act as representative of the Applicant and undertake to implement this EIA/EMP and adhere to the proposals set out herein. Full Names and Surname Identity Number

Report Identification

Herewith I, the person whose name and identity number is stated below, confirm that I am the person authorised to act as representative of the applicant in terms of the resolution submitted with the application, and confirm that the above report comprises the EIA compiled in accordance with the NEMA 2014 regulations. Full Names and Surname Identity Number

-END-

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15 REFERENCES

Bergh, J.S. (red.). 1999. Geskiedenisatlas van Suid-Afrika. Die vier noordelike provinsies. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik.

DEA, 2011. The Highveld priority area air quality management plan, Durban: uMoya-NILU Consulting (Pty) Limited.

Jacques, H., Reed-Smith, J. & Somers, M.J. 2015. Aonyx capensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2. http://www.iucnredlist.org/.

Piketh, S., Annegarn, H. & Kneen, M., 1996. Regional scale impacts of biomass burning emissions over southern Africa. In: Biomass Burning and Global Change. Cambridge: MIT Press.

Pistorius, J.C.C., 2007. A phase 1 heritage impact assessment (HIA) study for Moabsvelden 248, Rietkuil 249 and Wolvenfontein 244 near Delmas in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. (Unpublished report, Pretoria).

Van Schalkwyk, J.A., 2006. Cultural Heritage Scoping report for the proposed Leeuwpan mining development, Delmas district, Mpumalanga. (Unpublished report, National Cultural History Museum, Pretoria).

Van Wyk, B-E, Van Oudtshoorn, B. & Gericke, N. 2000. Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Briza, Pretoria.

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APPENDIX A – FIGURES

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APPENDIX B – PROOF OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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APPENDIX C – CURRICULUM VITAE

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APPENDIX D – EMP’S

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APPENDIX E – SPECIALIST STUDIES

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