Vegetation Assessment for the Proposed Olifantsfontein Landfill Waste Management License

Vegetation Assessment for the proposed Olifantsfontein Landfill Waste Management License

September 2020

Ina Venter

Pr.Sci.Nat Botanical Science (400048/08)

M.Sc. Botany

trading as Kyllinga Consulting

53 Oakley Street, Rayton, 1001

[email protected]

Executive Summary

Introduction

Kyllinga Consulting has been appointed by EcoPartners to review the vegetation on the indicated areas on Portion and 41 and a portion of the Farm Olifantsfontein 410, Tembisa. The project includes the review of the vegetation assessment conducted by Natural Scientific Services on site in March 2011 as well as a desktop assessment and site visit to verify whether the assessment is still applicable to the site or whether the situation changed. The purpose of the assessment was to determine any changes to the vegetation since the last vegetation assessment and to provide updated empirical information related to the vegetation on the site.

Methods

The desktop assessment included review of the vegetation report by NSS (2011), various databases and the investigation of aerial photographs of the site, with the identification habitat units. The site visit took place on 8 September 2020 to ground truth the data obtained through the desktop assessment. The vegetation in each habitat unit was recorded along random transect walks. The assessment focused on the grassland unit since this is the most intact vegetation unit, but the vegetation in the disturbed areas dominated by alien species were also recorded. The results of the assessment were compared to the NSS assessment of 2011.

Results

The density of invasive woody species on site has increased since the assessment in 2011 and the site has formally been authorised as a landfill site. In addition, landfill cell construction (cells 1 and 5) on the western portion of the site commenced. A portion of the site has also recently been cleared in preparation of cell 7 of the landfill. The following vegetation units are currently present on site:

• Alien dominated vegetation • Grassland • Disturbed grassland • Historically excavated (opportunistic wetland species)

Several portions of the site have been cleared of vegetation through construction of the authorised landfill cells or roads. These areas are almost completely bare of vegetation and should therefore not be considered to be vegetation units and are of no conservation importance.

The grassland and disturbed grassland units have similar dominant species, but the grassland unit have a much higher species diversity. None of the vegetation units are pristine, but different levels of disturbance are present in the various patches of grassland. The observed species composition of the grassland units on site is very similar to species composition recorded during the 2011 assessment. Several additional species were recorded, while a number of others were not observed. This is mostly due to the season of the assessment. A number of early flowering species were ii

observed during the site visit, but it is likely that several species were still dormant at the time of the 2020 assessment.

Although the identified vegetation units are still fairly similar to the 2011 assessment, the disturbance on site increased significantly. The density of invasive trees is higher and the infestation expanded significantly. The new authorised landfill construction activities also contributed significantly to the disturbances on site. Although remnants of grassland are present none are pristine and the units are largely isolated.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The disturbances on the site increased since the 2011 assessment and the alien dominated woody component took over the alien dominated herbaceous component. The northern portion of the site is therefore now almost completely covered by alien and invasive tree species. The dominant trees include Acacia mearnsii and Acacia decurrens, but a wide variety of other invasive tree, forb and shrub species are also present. This unit is of low conservation importance and is very suitable for use as a landfill as authorised. The control of invasive species in this area is however required to prevent the spread of invasive species from the site to surrounding areas.

Construction of the authorised landfill Cell 5 has commenced on the western portion of the site and the vegetation is completely cleared in this area. The vegetation has also been cleared for cell 7 of the landfill. Various other areas are affected by land clearing, such as roads. All of these areas are of low conservation importance.

Some historical excavations are present across the site and water are accumulating in some of the excavations, resulting in the presence of opportunistic wetland species on site. These areas are not wetland areas and are not of conservation importance.

Some grassland units representing the Egoli Granite Grassland vegetation unit remain in the southern portion of the site. These units are affected by disturbance and are no longer pristine but will improve if sufficient management measures are applied. The units are however small and fairly isolated, representing an ecological cul de sac. The unit is therefore of moderate conservation importance. The disturbance in the surroundings affect the remaining grassland and wetland unit to the south of the site, further isolating the remnant patches on site. Small grassland units are unlikely to persist without sufficient management and connectivity to surrounding areas. The impact of the proposed amendment on the grassland is therefore considered to be of medium significance.

The landfill on site has already been licenced to receive inert waste. Changing the facility to receive general waste will not alter the impact on the environment significantly.

iii

Table of Contents 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Limitations ...... 1 1.2 Details of the Authors ...... 1 1.3 Existing authorisations ...... 1 2 Site ...... 2 2.1 Location and site description ...... 2 3 Desktop information ...... 2 3.1 Gauteng C-Plan and NBA ...... 2 3.2 Vegetation...... 2 3.3 Water resources ...... 2 4 Methods ...... 7 4.1 Vegetation Assessment ...... 7 4.2 Ecological Sensitivity ...... 7 4.3 Impact Assessment ...... 8 5 Results...... 11 5.1 Vegetation...... 11 5.1.1 Description ...... 11 5.1.2 Invasive species ...... 17 5.1.3 Species of conservation importance ...... 18 6 Results of the Environmental Screening Tool ...... 19 7 Sensitivity ...... 20 8 Impact assessment and mitigation recommendations ...... 20 9 Conclusion & Recommendation ...... 23 10 References & further reading ...... 24

List of Figures

Figure 1: Location of the site...... 3 Figure 2: Important areas according to the Gauteng C-Plan...... 4 Figure 3: Terrestrial remnants according to the NBA (2018) database...... 5 Figure 4: Wetland areas according to the National Wetland Map 5...... 6 Figure 5: Vegetation unit identified on site during the site visit...... 9 Figure 6: Vegetation units delineated on site by Natural Scientific Services in 2011...... 10 iv

Figure 7: Photographs of (a) the Alien dominated vegetation, (b) grassland on site, (c) construction activities on site and (d) disturbances to the south of the site...... 12

List of Tables

Table 1: Species observed on site during the 2011 assessment and the review assessment of 2020. 13 Table 2: Invasive species recorded on site during the two assessments...... 17 Table 3: Analysis of the sensitivity of the different vegetation units...... 20 Table 4: Impact assessment table for the impacts on site...... 20

List of Addendums

Addendum A – CV Addendum B – Declaration of Independence

1 Introduction Kyllinga Consulting has been appointed by EcoPartners to review the vegetation on the indicated areas on Portion 41 and a portion of the Farm Olifantsfontein 410, Tembisa. The project includes the review of the vegetation assessment conducted by Natural Scientific Services on site in March 2011 as well as a desktop assessment and site visit to verify whether the assessment is still applicable to the site or whether the situation changed. The purpose of the assessment was to determine any changes to the vegetation since the last vegetation assessment and to provide updated empirical information related to the vegetation on the site.

The following is included in the assessment:

• Review of existing information available for the site, including previous assessments and databases; • Identification of plant communities / habitat types on site; • Compilation of a species list for each community; • Determining if the vegetation is primary or secondary and identify disturbances; • Search for Red Data plant species and species of conservation importance on site; • Determining the sensitivity and conservation importance of the vegetation on site; • Impact assessment and proposed mitigation measures.

1.1 Limitations The vegetation assessment took place in September 2020, when most plant species are still dormant. It is therefore likely that some species were not observed during the site visit. Dormant species likely include annual species and species with bulbs or rhizomes. Several bulb species were however flowering during the site visit and could be identified. The assessment was sufficient to determine whether the communities identified in the assessment by NSS in 2011 is still present and the results are still applicable.

1.2 Details of the Authors Ina Venter has an M.Sc in Botany from the University of Pretoria, focusing on wetland vegetation. She is a registered professional natural scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat) in the fields of Botanical Science and Ecological Science (400048/08). She has working experience in South Africa, Lesotho and Mozambique, and has been involved in several projects in the Gauteng, North-West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State Provinces. Experience includes wetland and vegetation assessments.

1.3 Existing authorisations Two existing authorisations are applicable to the investigated site:

• The original Olifantsfontein Waste Management License was authorised 28 October 2014. • The Mining Permit for the western portion of the site was authorised 13 March 2019.

2 Site 2.1 Location and site description The site is located on the Farm Olifantsfontein in the Tembisa / Midrand area, Gauteng. The site is located to the west of Tswelapele, north of Kaalfontein and east of the Glen Austin agricultural holdings. Main Road is located on the eastern boundary of the site and Olifantsfontein Road is located approximately 1.4km to the north of the site (Figure 1).

The assessment area is indicated in Figure 1 below. The assessment of plant communities focussed on the previously approved waste management licence and mining permit areas. Activities were therefore authorised for the entire assessed area in the past.

3 Desktop information 3.1 Gauteng C-Plan and NBA According to the Gauteng C-Plan the south-eastern and south-western corners of the site are Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) and the rest of the site is an Ecological Support Area (ESA) (Figure 2). The Critical Biodiversity Areas are classified as Important Areas due to the presence of primary vegetation (Compaan 2011).

The C-plan CBA areas overlap the terrestrial remnants in the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) of 2018. These areas are indicated as part of the Egoli Granite Grassland terrestrial ecosystem which is classified as Critically Endangered (Van Deventer et al 2018). This terrestrial ecosystem is listed as Endangered under the NEMBA regulations (GN 1002 of 9 December 2011). The NBA is compiled from all existing information including the CBA and vegmap databases. The C-Plan database therefore affect the NBA database and errors in the older databases are also reflected in the NBA.

3.2 Vegetation The site is located in the Egoli Granite Grassland vegetation type, which is classified as Endangered. This vegetation type occurs on undulating plains and small hills. The vegetation is a tall grassland supporting a high diversity of woody species on the rocky outcrops and rock sheets. The vegetation type typically occurs on shallow leached sandy soils of the Glenrosa soil form (Mucina & Rutherford 2006, updated in 2018). Although the vegetation type is indicated as Critically Endangered in the NBA, the official published status of the vegetation type remain Endangered.

3.3 Water resources According to the National Wetland Map 5 (NWM5) wetland systems are present to the south of the site and flows into the Kaalspruit to the east (Figure 4). Several dams are present in the system to the south of the site. In addition, several historical excavations are present on site where water accumulates.

Figure 1: Location of the site.

Figure 2: Important areas according to the Gauteng C-Plan.

Figure 3: Terrestrial remnants according to the NBA (2018) database.

Figure 4: Wetland areas according to the National Wetland Map 5.

4 Methods 4.1 Vegetation Assessment The desktop assessment included the review of the vegetation report by NSS (2011), investigation of the aerial photographs of the site, as well as the identification of habitat units. The site visit took place on 8 September 2020 and includes the ground truthing of the information obtained through the desktop assessment. The vegetation in each of the identified habitat unit was recorded along random transect walks. The assessment focused on the grassland unit since this is the most intact vegetation unit, but the vegetation in the disturbed areas dominated by alien species were also recorded. The results of the assessment were compared to the NSS assessment of 2011 to determine to what extent the vegetation on site changed in the past 9 years. 4.2 Ecological Sensitivity The sensitivity of the vegetation units was analysed based on several features and received scores between 0 and 4, with 0 being the lowest, most disturbed indicator and 4 being the most pristine or threatened.

Listed ecosystem of conservation importance: Important ecosystem / ecologically important features: • 0 - Not listed; • 2 - Vulnerable; • 0 - Highly modified ecosystem • 3 - Endangered; • 2 - Moderately modified ecosystem • 4 - Critically Endangered • 4 - Wetlands, ridges, primary vegetation

Plant species of conservation importance:

• 0 - None • 1 - Protected species confirmed / threatened species possible but unlikely • 3 - Habitat for threatened species present, species likely to occur • 4 - Threatened species presence confirmed

Alien and invasive species:

• 0 - High density of alien and invasive species • 1 - High density of aliens and moderate density of invasives • 2 - Moderate density of invasive species • 3 - Some alien species, low or none invasives • 4 - No alien or invasive species present

Size of the unit:

• 0 - Small isolated unit (<1ha) • 2 - Moderately sized unit (2-5ha) • 4 - Extensive unit (>20ha)

Connectivity:

• 0 - Isolated unit

• 1 - Poor connectivity / ecological cul de sac • 2 - Moderate connectivity, ecological corridors • 4 - Excellent connectivity

Indigenous species diversity:

• 0 - Low diversity of species, mainly pioneer species • 2 - Moderate diversity of late successional species • 4 - High diversity of late successional species

Sensitivity classes based on the average scores:

• 0-0.9: Low • 1-1.9: Low to Moderate • 2-2.9: Moderate • 3-3.9: High • 4-5: Very High 4.3 Impact Assessment The Impact Assessment took the nature, extent, intensity, duration and probability of the impacts into consideration to determine the significance of the impact. Scores were allocated as follows:

Extent: Intensity:

• Footprint: 1 • Low: 2 • Site: 2 • Low-Medium: 4 • Local: 3 • Medium: 6 • Regional: 4 • Medium-High: 8 • National: 5 • High: 10

Duration: Probability:

• Short term: 1 • Improbable: 1 • Short to Medium term: 2 • Possible: 2 • Medium term: 3 • Likely: 3 • Long term: 4 • Highly likely: 4 • Permanent: 5 • Definite: 5

Significance:

The significance is calculated using the following formula: Significance = (Extent + Duration + Intensity) x Probability. The scoring indicates the significance of the impact as follows:

• 0-9: No Impact • 10-24: Low • 25-49: Medium • 50-74: Medium to High • 75-89: High • 90-100: Extreme

Figure 5: Vegetation unit identified on site during the site visit.

Figure 6: Vegetation units delineated on site by Natural Scientific Services in 2011.

5 Results 5.1 Vegetation 5.1.1 Description The majority of the site was affected by various disturbances in the past, including tracks, excavation, dense infestation by alien and invasive species and dumping.

The following vegetation units were identified in the 2011 assessment:

• Alien dominated woody component • Alien dominated herbaceous / cleared area • Severely disturbed grassland • Open grassland • Waterbodies and associated wetland vegetation

The density of invasive woody species on site has increased since the assessment in 2011 and the site has formally been authorised as a landfill site. In addition, the preparation of landfill cell construction (cell 1 and cell 5) on the western portion of the site commenced. A portion of the site has also recently been cleared in preparation for cell 7 of the landfill. The following vegetation units are currently present on site:

• Alien dominated vegetation • Grassland • Disturbed grassland • Historically excavated (opportunistic wetland species)

Several portions of the site have been cleared of vegetation through construction and excavation activities, clearing in preparation for landfill or roads. These areas are almost completely bare of vegetation and should therefore not be considered as vegetation units and are of no conservation importance.

The alien dominated unit delineated in this assessment contain both units identified in 2011 as alien dominated. The dominant vegetation is currently woody vegetation, mainly Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle) and Acacia decurrens (Green Wattle), although several alien and invasive woody and herbaceous species are present. The woody species spread across the majority of the unit previously defined as Alien dominated herbaceous / cleared area. This change took place to such an extent that it is no longer necessary to distinguish between these two units. Due to the high level of disturbance and the complete transformation of the vegetation, the unit is of low conservation importance.

The grassland and disturbed grassland units have similar dominant species, but the grassland unit have a much higher species diversity. None of the vegetation units are pristine, but different levels of disturbance are present in the various patches of grassland. The grassland units have low to moderate levels of disturbance, while the disturbed grassland have moderate to high levels of disturbance. The grassland units are confined to the southern portions of the site, but grassland and disturbed grassland are also surrounding the majority of the site. Most of the surrounding grassland were however cultivated in the past and is largely modified. Illegal dumping and other disturbances

11 are taking place along the southern boundary of the site, outside the site boundary. The illegal dumping consists mainly of rubble and garden refuse. Although the disturbances along the southern boundary of the site are not currently affecting the grassland units on site, the disturbances are isolating the grassland units from surrounding areas. A wetland unit is located to the south of the boundary as well and is affected by dams and other disturbances.

The observed species composition of the grassland units on site is very similar to the species composition recorded during the 2011 assessment (Table 1). Several additional species were recorded, while a number of others were not observed. This is mostly due to the season of the assessment. This assessment took place in early spring while the previous assessment took place in summer. A number of early flowering species were observed during the site visit, but it is likely that several species were still dormant at the time of the 2020 assessment.

Water accumulates in the historical excavations on site, resulting in the establishment of some wetland species. However, these units are not considered wetland areas and have a low conservation importance.

Although the identified vegetation units are still fairly similar to the 2011 assessment, the disturbance on site increased significantly. The density of invasive trees is higher, and the infestation expanded significantly. The authorised construction and adjacent authorised mining activities also contributed significantly to the disturbances on site. Although remnants of grassland are present none are pristine, and the units are largely isolated.

(a) (b)

Figure 7: Photographs of (a) the Alien dominated vegetation, (b) grassland on site, (c) construction activities on site and (d) disturbances to the south of the site.

Table 1: Species observed on site during the 2011 assessment and the review assessment of 2020.

2011

assessment 2020 assessment

Grassland

Invasive Growth class /

Species form alien West East

Grassland Alien dominated Waterbodies Alien dominated Excavations Acacia dealbata Tree Class 2 x Acacia decurrens Tree Class 2 x x Acacia elata Tree Class 1b x Acacia mearnsii Tree Class 1b x x x Acalypha angustifolia Forb x x Agave americana Succulent Alien x Ailanthus altissima Tree Class 1b x Albuca setosa Bulb x Aloe davyana Succulent x Amaranthus hybridus Forb Alien x Anthospermum rigidum Forb x x Anthricum species Bulb x Araujia sericifera Climber Class 1b x Argemone mexicana Forb Class 1b x Argemone ochroleuca Forb Class 1b x Aristida congesta ssp barbicollis Grass x x x x Aristida congesta ssp congesta Grass x x Arundo donax Grass Class 1b x Asparagus laricinus Shrub x x Asparagus species Shrub x Becium obovatum Forb x Berkheya setifera Forb x Bidens pilosa Forb Alien x x Bulbostylus burchellii Sedge x Campuloclinium macrocephalum Forb Class 1b x Celtis africana Tree x Cestrum laevidatum Shrub Class 1b x Chenopodium album Forb Alien x Chloris virgata Grass x Cortaderia jubata Grass Class 1b x x x Cosmos bipinnata Forb Alien x Cuscuta campestris Forb Class 1b x

2011

assessment 2020 assessment

Grassland

Invasive Growth class /

Species form alien West East

Grassland Alien dominated Waterbodies Alien dominated Excavations Cymbopogon excavatus Grass x x x Cymbopogon pospischilii Grass x x Cynodon dactylon Grass x x x x Datura ferox Shrub Class 1b x x Datura stramonium Shrub Class 1b x Dicoma zeyheri Forb x x x Diheteropogon amplectens Grass x Dipcadi ciliare Bulb x Elionurus muticus Grass x x x Eragrostis chloromelas Grass x Eragrostis curvula Grass x x x x x Eragrostis gummiflua Grass x x x x Eragrostis lehmanniana Grass x Eragrostis plana Grass x Eragrostis racemosa Grass x x x Eragrostis superba Grass x Erigeron bonariensis Forb Alien x x Eucalyptus camaldulensis Tree Class 1b x Felicia muricata Forb x x x x Flaveria bidentis Forb Alien x Fuirena pubescens Sedge x Gazania krebsiana Forb x x Geigeria burkei Forb x x x Gerbera ambigua Forb x Gerbera piloselloides Forb x Gerbera viridifolia Forb x Gladiolus crassifolius Bulb x x Gnidia capitata Forb x x Gomphocarpus fruticosa Shrub x x x Haplocarpa lyrata Forb x Harpochloa falx Grass x Helichrysum chionosphaerum Forb x x Helichrysum coriaceum Forb x Helichrysum nudifolium Forb x x x Helichrysum rugulosum Forb x Hermannia lancifolia Forb x Heteropogon contortis Grass x x

2011

assessment 2020 assessment

Grassland

Invasive Growth class /

Species form alien West East

Grassland Alien dominated Waterbodies Alien dominated Excavations Hibiscus trionum Forb Alien x Hyparrhenia hirta Grass x x x x x Hypoxis hemerocallidea Bulb x Hypoxis interjecta Bulb x Hypoxis irifidolia Bulb x x Hypoxis rigidula Bulb x x x Ipomoea crassipes Forb x x Ipomoea purpurea Climber Class 1b x Juncus effusus Sedge x Juncus oxycarpus Sedge x Kiggelaria africana Tree x Kohautia amatymbica Forb x x Kyllinga erecta Sedge x Lantana camara Shrub Class 1b x Ledebouria ovatifolia Bulb x x Leucas glabrata Forb x Melia azedarach Tree Class 1b x x Melinis repens Grass x x x x Mirabilis jalapa Shrub Class 1b x Nidorella hottentotica Forb x Oxalis obliquifolia Forb x Paspalum dilatatum Grass Alien x x x x Pelargonium luridum Forb x Pennisetum clandestinum Grass Alien x x Phragmites australis Grass x x Phytolacca octandra Shrub Class 1b x Plantago lanceolata Forb Alien x x Plectranthus barbatus Forb Class 1b x Pogonarthria squarrosa Grass x x x Polygalla amatymbica Forb x Populus deltoides Tree Alien x x Prunus persica Tree Alien x Pseugognaphalium luteo-alba Forb Alien x Pyracantha angustifolia Shrub Class 1b x Ricardia brasiliensis Forb Alien x x Ricinus communis Shrub Class 2 x x Scabiosa columbaria Forb x x

2011

assessment 2020 assessment

Grassland

Invasive Growth class /

Species form alien West East

Grassland Alien dominated Waterbodies Alien dominated Excavations Schistostephium crataegifolium Forb x x x Schoenoplectus corymbosus Sedge x Searsia discolor Shrub x Searsia lancea Tree x x Searsia pyroides Tree x x Senecio erubescens Grass x Seripium plumosum Shrub x x x x x Setaria sphacelata Grass x x Schkuhria pinnata Forb Alien x x Schyzachyrium sanguinum Grass x Solanum incanum Shrub Alien x Solanum mauritianum Shrub Class 1b x x Solanum nigrum Forb Alien x Solanum sisymbrifolium Shrub Class 1b x x Sporobolus africanus Grass x x Striga elegans Forb x Tagetes minuta Forb Alien x x Themeda triandra Grass x x x x Tipuana tipu Tree Class 3 x Trachypogon spicatus Grass x x Trichoneura grandiglumis Grass x Typha capensis Forb x Urochloa mosambicensis Grass x x Ursinia nana Forb x x x Vachellia karroo Tree x x Vachellia robusta Tree x Verbena aristigera Forb Alien x Verbena bonariensis Forb Class 1b x x Verbena brasiliensis Forb Class 1b x Verbena officinale Forb Alien x Verbena rigida Forb Class 1b x Vernonia oligocephala Forb x x x Wahlenbergia calendonica Forb x Zinnia peruviana Forb Alien x x Total 140 42 52 11 42 39 50 4 Trees 16 0 10 0 2 0 12 0

2011

assessment 2020 assessment

Grassland

Invasive Growth class /

Species form alien West East

Grassland Alien dominated Waterbodies Alien dominated Excavations Shrubs 16 4 11 0 1 1 9 1 Grasses 33 18 12 6 16 12 12 2 Bulbs 9 6 0 0 1 7 0 0 Succulents 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 Climbers 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 Sedge 6 0 0 5 0 1 0 0 Forbs 56 14 17 0 22 18 15 1 Total alien and invasives 52 0 35 3 6 0 30 1 Invasive class 1b 26 0 17 1 1 0 16 0 Invasive class 2 3 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 Invasive class 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Alien (excluding invasives) 22 0 15 2 4 0 12 1

5.1.2 Invasive species A list of alien and invasive species has been published in the Government Gazette of 1 August 2014 in the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (AIS) under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004). Invasive species are divided into the following four categories:

• “Category 1a: Invasive species which must be combatted and eradicated. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited. • Category 1b: Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited. • Category 2: Invasive species, or species deemed to be potentially invasive, in that a permit is required to carry out a restricted activity. Category 2 species include commercially important species such as pine, wattle and gum trees. Plants in riparian areas are Category 1b. • Category 3: Invasive species which may remain in prescribed areas or provinces. Further planting, propagation or trade, is however prohibited. Plants in riparian areas are Category 1b.”

A total of 30 invasive species were observed on site during the two assessments and are included in Table 2 below. It is the responsibility of the landowner to control these species on the property.

Table 2: Invasive species recorded on site during the two assessments.

Invasive 2011 assessment 2020 assessment Growth class / Alien Alien Species form alien dominated Waterbodies Grassland dominated Acacia dealbata Tree Class 2 x

Invasive 2011 assessment 2020 assessment Growth class / Alien Alien Species form alien dominated Waterbodies Grassland dominated Acacia decurrens Tree Class 2 x x Acacia elata Tree Class 1b x Acacia mearnsii Tree Class 1b x x x Ailanthus altissima Tree Class 1b x Araujia sericifera Climber Class 1b x Argemone mexicana Forb Class 1b x Argemone ochroleuca Forb Class 1b x Arundo donax Grass Class 1b x Campuloclinium macrocephalum Forb Class 1b x Cestrum laevidatum Shrub Class 1b x Cortaderia jubata Grass Class 1b x x x Cuscuta campestris Forb Class 1b x Datura ferox Shrub Class 1b x x Datura stramonium Shrub Class 1b x Eucalyptus camaldulensis Tree Class 1b x Ipomoea purpurea Climber Class 1b x Lantana camara Shrub Class 1b x Melia azedarach Tree Class 1b x x Mirabilis jalapa Shrub Class 1b x Phytolacca octandra Shrub Class 1b x Plectranthus barbatus Forb Class 1b x Pyracantha angustifolia Shrub Class 1b x Ricinus communis Shrub Class 2 x x Solanum mauritianum Shrub Class 1b x x Solanum sisymbrifolium Shrub Class 1b x x Tipuana tipu Tree Class 3 x Verbena bonariensis Forb Class 1b x x Verbena brasiliensis Forb Class 1b x Verbena rigida Forb Class 1b x Total alien and invasives 30 20 1 2 18 Invasive class 1b 26 17 1 1 16 Invasive class 2 3 2 0 1 2 Invasive class 3 1 1 0 0 0

5.1.3 Species of conservation importance During the 2011 assessment, two species of conservation importance were observed on site. Hypoxis hemerocallidea (Star Flower) was classified as declining and protected in Gauteng at the time of the assessment. It is currently classified as Least Concern. No individuals of Hypoxis hemerocallidea were observed on site during the 2020 assessment. It is possible that the species still

remain dormant. Three other Hypoxis species were however observed. Hypoxis hemerocallidea was of concern due to its use as a medicinal species. Other Hypoxis species may also be collected for medicinal use due to misidentification. The species is not considered to be of conservation concern at present. The species can however be collected and transplanted to a suitable habitat if required.

Gladiolus crassifolius (Small Sword) is one of the species protected according to the Nature Conservation Ordinances. The species is however fairly common, and the species is mainly protected to prevent illegal sampling of the species by collectors.

The Grassland unit provide suitable habitat for the Vulnerable species Melolobium subspicatum. The species were not observed on site during either of the site visits and has never been observed in the area. The presence of the species on site is unlikely.

6 Results of the Environmental Screening Tool According to the screening tool for environmental impact assessments the site has the following vegetation based sensitivities:

• Plant species theme: Medium sensitivity due to the possible presence of Melolobium subspicatum. See section 5.1.3 above. • Terrestrial biodiversity theme: Very high sensitivity o Critical Biodiversity Area 2 o Ecological Support Area o Focus area for land-based protected area expansion o Endangered Ecosystem

The area indicated Ecological Support Area is highly transformed and unlikely to serve a significant ecological support function (Figure 2). The remaining grassland areas in the surroundings are more likely to perform an ecological support function.

The Critical Biodiversity Area overlap with the location of the remaining terrestrial areas (NBA 2018) with include the Egoli Granite Grassland vegetation type, which is an Endangered Ecosystem linsted under GN 1002 of December 2011 and listed as Critically Endangered in the NBA. The grassland unit on site is disturbed, but not pristine and therefore still forms part of the Egoli Granite Grassland vegetation type. The grassland unit is however almost completely surrounded by disturbances which significantly lowers the connectivity of the site. The grassland units on site represent an ecological cul de sac, with poor connectivity to the remaining grassland in the surrounding areas. Although the vegetation type is Endangered the size of the remnant patches are small and therefore of lower conservation importance. Conservation efforts should focus on the remaining connected grassland units located to the west and north of the site.

The site is included in the focus areas for land-based protected area expansion due to the presence of an Endangered ecosystem. Extensive development is present in the area and large portions of the remaining grassland areas were cultivated in the past and is therefore highly modified. Illegal dumping, soil excavation and squatting is also taking place in the remaining grassland areas. The area is therefore not ideal for protected area expansion and it is expected that other areas of the Egoli Granite Grassland will have a higher priority to receive protected status.

7 Sensitivity The sensitivity of the different vegetation units is a function of their characteristics, existing impacts, conservation status and ecological importance. The analysis of the ecological importance and sensitivity of the units are included in Table 3 below.

Table 3: Analysis of the sensitivity of the different vegetation units.

Alien Sensitivity assessment Grassland dominated Excavation Listed ecosystem 4 0 0 Important ecosystem / ecologically important features 2 0 0 Plant species of conservation importance 1 0 0 Alien and invasive species 3 0 1 Size of the unit 1 2 1 Connectivity 1 2 0 Indigenous species diversity 2 0 0 Importance Score 2.0 0.6 0.3 Sensitivity Class Moderate Low Low

8 Impact assessment and mitigation recommendations The site is currently registered to accept inert waste and the application is to change the landfill to accept general waste. The change is therefore from one type of waste facility to another. The landfill is currently operational but does not receive large amounts of waste at present. The general waste will include waste that is not inert and will therefore require an appropriate liner system.

Table 4: Impact assessment table for the impacts on site.

Significance Significance without with Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Status mitigation mitigation Loss of primary Highly Medium to Site Permanent Medium Negative Medium grassland likely High Loss of habitat for species of Site Permanent Low Improbable Negative No Impact No Impact conservation importance Loss of protected Highly Footprint Permanent Low Negative Medium Low plant species likely Ecological Site Permanent Low Possible Negative Low Low corridors Infestation by Medium to invasive plant Local Long term High Likely Negative Low High species Erosion and Medium Local Medium Possible Negative Low No Impact Sedimentation term

Loss of primary grassland

Remnants of grassland on the southern portion of the site can still be defined as primary vegetation even though the units are disturbed. These units have a moderate diversity of species present and may recover with sufficient management. The grassland is however largely surrounded by disturbances and represent and ecological cul de sac. Movement of vegetation and most fauna species to and from the grassland areas are limited by the surrounding developments and disturbances. Although the loss of the vegetation in this area represent a loss of a small portion of the Endangered Egoli Granite Grassland vegetation type (Critically Endangered ecosystem according to the NBA), small patches of grassland are unlikely to persist and remain healthy. Based on the current situation in the area, and the lack of formal protection of the vegetation, the situation is likely to degrade.

Mitigation:

• Confine the landfill activities to the indicated footprint. No activities may take place outside the development footprint. • Construct the landfill area as per the relevant guidelines for the management of general waste, adhere to the conditions set by the department and include and effective liner system. • No construction related activities, such as the site camp, storage of materials, temporary roads or ablution facilities may be located outside the site. • Confine vehicle movement to the designated access routes inside the boundary. • Report the illegal dumping to the south of the site to the relevant authority.

Loss of habitat for plant species of conservation importance and loss of protected species

The only species of conservation importance on site are Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Gladiolus crassifolius. Both of these species are fairly common and widespread and are easy to relocate. No threatened species are present on site.

• Individuals of Hypoxis species and Gladiolus crassifolius can be removed from the development footprint and replanted in remaining grassland areas or around administration buildings. • All Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Gladiolus crassifolius individuals are not required to be removed from the development footprint. • Do not remove individuals emerging on site after construction activities were completed. Keep any remaining vegetation intact to reduce the risk of erosion.

Loss of Ecological corridors and connectivity

The remaining grassland on site has poor ecological connectivity and faunal and flora dispersal ability is limited by the disturbances on site and surrounding the site, the presence of road networks, construction activities and cleared areas. Grassland areas are however present to the north and west

of the site. Although the remaining grassland on site is poorly connected, the grassland areas outside the site has moderate ecological connectivity.

Infestation by invasive plant species

Invasive plant species tend to establish in and around disturbed areas. Numerous alien and invasive species were observed on site during the site visit. These species may become established in disturbed areas on site and may spread from the site. Clearance of vegetation in preparation for the landfill site will remove most of the alien and invasive species identified on site. However, the seeds of these species will remain in the soil long after the adult individuals are removed.

Mitigation:

• Compile an alien and invasive species control and monitoring plan as required in the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004). • Populations of invasive species on site must be controlled. • The spread of invasive and weedy species from the site must be prevented. • Several alien and invasive species resemble indigenous species, especially as seedlings. Care must be taken not to control indigenous species during the control of invasive species. • No vehicles should drive through clumps of invasive species, since seeds get stuck in the tires and radiators of the vehicles. The vehicles can spread the seeds along all routes taken by the vehicles. If vehicles are used for the removal of invasive vegetation, the tires etc. must be cleaned of all seeds when leaving the site and before driving around the area. • Erosion and sediment control measures must be in place at all areas cleared of invasive species. Areas bare of vegetation must be prepared for its intended use or revegetated with indigenous vegetation as soon as possible.

Erosion & sedimentation

Clearing of vegetation from the site and increased runoff on site may result in erosion on site. This may potentially cause damage to downslope areas. An increased sediment load in the water on site may result in excess sedimentation in downstream areas, which will result in a change in the vegetation composition. Erosion may take place where areas were cleared of vegetation for any reason, including around storm water infrastructure and areas cleared of invasive plant species.

Mitigation: • Stabilise and re-vegetate all areas bare of vegetation as soon as possible. Authorised landfill cells are not required to be revegetated until final capping took place. • Monitor the entire site for signs of erosion throughout the construction and operational phases of the development. • All erosion features must be rehabilitated as soon as possible. • Implement erosion control measures where necessary. • Implement sediment fences around erosion prone areas.

9 Conclusion & Recommendation The disturbances on the site increased since the 2011 assessment and the alien dominated woody component took over the alien dominated herbaceous component. The northern portion of the site is therefore now almost completely covered by alien and invasive tree species. The dominant trees include Acacia mearnsii and Acacia decurrens, but a wide variety of other invasive tree, forb and shrub species are also present. This unit is of low conservation importance and is very suitable for use as a landfill as authorised. The control of invasive species in this area is however required to prevent the spread of invasive species from the site to surrounding areas.

Construction of the authorised landfill in cell 1 and cell 5 has commenced on the western portion of the site and the vegetation is completely cleared in this area. The vegetation has also been cleared for cell 7 of the authorised landfill. Various other areas are affected by land clearing, such as roads. All of these areas are of low conservation importance.

Some historical excavations are present across the site and water is accumulating in some of the excavations, resulting in the presence of wetland species on site. However, these areas are not wetland areas and are not of conservation importance.

Some grassland units representing the Egoli Granite Grassland vegetation unit remain in the southern portion of the site. These units are affected by disturbance and are no longer pristine but will improve if sufficient management measures are applied. The units are however small and fairly isolated, representing an ecological cul de sac. The unit is therefore of moderate conservation importance. The disturbance in the surroundings affect the remaining grassland and wetland unit to the south of the site, further isolating the remnant patches on site. Small grassland units are unlikely to persist without sufficient management and connectivity to surrounding areas. The impact of the proposed development on the grassland is therefore considered to be of medium significance.

The landfill on site has already been licenced to receive inert waste. Changing the facility to receive general waste will not alter the impact on the vegetation significantly.

10 References & further reading Bromilow, C. 2010. Problem Plants and Alien Weeds of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

Compaan, P.C. 2011. Gauteng Conservation Plan Version 3.3. Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Crouch, N.R.; Klopper, R.R.; Burrows, J.E. & Burrows, S.M. 2011. Ferns of Southern Africa. A Comprehensive Guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town.

Gerber, A.; Ciliers, C.J.; van Ginkel, C. & Glen, R. 2004. Easy identification of Aquatic Plants. A guide for the identification of water pants in and around South African impoundments. Department of Water Affairs, Pretoria.

Gordon-Gray, K.D. 1995. Cyperaceae in Natal. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Strelitzia 2, Pretoria.

Kirby, G. 2013. Wild Flowers of Southeast Botswana. Struik Nature, Cape Town.

Le Roux, A. & Schelpe, E.A.C.L.E. 1981. South African Wild Flower Guide. Namaqualand and Clanwilliam. Botanical Society of South Africa, Pretoria.

Macfarlane, D.; Kotze, D.; Ellery, W.; Walters, D.; Koopman, V.; Goodman, P. & Goge, M. 2009. Wetland Management Series. WET-Health. A technique for rapidly assessing wetland health. WRC report no. TT340/09, Pretoria.

McMurtry, D.; Grobler, L.; Grobler, J. & Burns, S. Field Guide to the Orchids of Northern South Africa and Swaziland. Umdauss Press, Pretoria.

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

Pooley, E. 1998. A Field Guide to Wild Flowers. KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Region. Natal Flora Publications Trust, Duban.

Smit, N. 1999. Guide to the Acacias of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

Van Deventer, H., Smith-Adao, L., Mbona, N., Petersen, C., Skowno, A., Collins, N.B., Grenfell, M., Job, N., Lötter, M., Ollis, D., Scherman, P., Sieben, E. & Snaddon, K. 2018. South African National Biodiversity Assessment 2018: Technical Report. Volume 2a: South African Inventory of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems (SAIIAE). Version 3, final released on 3 October 2019. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI): Pretoria, South Africa. Report Number: CSIR report number CSIR/NRE/ECOS/IR/2018/0001/A; SANBI report number http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12143/5847.

Van Ginkel, C.E.; Glen, R.P.; Gordon-Gray, K.D.; Cilliers, C.J.; Muasya, M. & van Deventer, P.P. 2011. Easy identification of some South African Wetland Plants. WRC report no TT479/10, Pretoria.

Van Oudtshoorn, F. 1999. Guide to Grasses of Southern Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

Van Wyk, B. & Malan, S. 1997. Field Guide to the Wild Flowers of the Highveld. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.

Van Wyk, A.E. & Smith, G. 2001. Regions of Floristic Endemism in Southern Africa. A Review with Emphasis on Succulents. Umdauss Press, Pretoria.

Van Wyk, B. & Smith, G.F. 2014. Guide to the Aloes of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

Van Wyk, B; Van Oudtshoorn, B. & Gericke, N. 1997. Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

Van Wyk, B. & van Wyk, P. 2013. Veldgids tot Bome van Suider-Africa. Struik Nature, Cape Town.

Addendum A – CV CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Catharina Elizabeth Venter trading as Kyllinga Consulting

Position: Senior Ecologist and Wetland Scientist Date of Birth: 29 December 1979

Nationality: South African

Languages: Afrikaans, English

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• M.Sc (Botany), University of Pretoria (2003) • B.Sc Hons (Botany), University of Pretoria (2001) • B.Sc (Environmental Sciences), University of Pretoria (2000). Majored in Geography and Botany • Matriculated, Sasolburg High School (1997) Additional

• Introduction to ArcGIS 1 (2006) • Bringing your data into ArcGIS (2006) • Introduction to ArcView 3.x (2003).

FIELDS OF EXPERTISE

• Ecological Assessment: Ecological Assessments as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment Process

• Wetland Assessment: Wetland Assessments as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment Process and Water Use Applications, as well as rehabilitation plans for wetlands, including planning or the Working for Wetlands programme. Large scale wetland assessments (catchment scale).

• GIS: Compilation of maps for submission as part of Environmental Impact Assessment Process. Creating spatial databases and large scale wetland maps (catchment scale). Projection conversions and matching/overlaying different format GIS maps.

• Environmental Impact Assessment Undertaken numerous Environmental Scoping Reports, as required by the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act 73 of 1989), the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998), as amended and the Development Facilitation Act, 1995 (Act 67 of 1995). Project experience includes the establishment of various housing typologies, golf courses, commercial and industrial projects, infrastructure development (roads), resorts and/or game lodges as well as filling stations.

• Public Participation: Undertaken numerous public participation processes, ranging from basic to extensive, as required by relevant environmental legislation.

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

• Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat) in the fields of Botanical and Ecological Science (Reg no. 400048/08)

• Member of the Botanical Society of South Africa

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY EXPERIENCE

Kyllinga Consulting (July 2015 - present)

Senior Ecologist responsible for wetland and ecological specialist assessments.

Spatial Ecological Consulting (February 2010 – June 2015)

Senior Ecologist responsible for wetland and ecological specialist assessments.

• Wetland Related Assessments More than 40 wetland assessments conducted between 2010 and 2015.

• Vegetation Assessments Approximately 16 vegetation assessments between 2010 and 2015.

• Management Plans Completed two ecological management plans.

MSA Group Services (previously Exigent Environmental CC) (August 2004 – January 2010)

Environmental Scientist responsible for ecological and wetland assessments and the compilation of maps. Also conducted various scoping and EIA applications and EMPRs.

• Ecological Assessments In excess of 50 ecological assessments conducted between 2004 and 2010, including managing the inclusion of the fauna specialist assessments.

• Wetland Assessments More than 60 wetland verification projects, wetland delineations and wetland assessments, completed between 2004 and 2010. • As well as: Rehabilitation Projects; Fatal Flaw / Screening Assessments; National Department of Agriculture Authorisations; Mining Related Assessments; Private, Public Partnership Projects; Resource Management Plans (RMP); Environmental Management Plans; Environmental Management Programme; Environmental Exemption Processes; Basic Assessments; Environmental Impact Assessments

Part-time employment (2002-2004)

Tutor for botany practicals; Assisting Wildlife management students with Braun-Blanquette analysis; Researcher for a project on the vegetation communities and ecology of the Kruger National Park; Research assistant for the analysis of street trees in Tshwane urban forest; Various part time projects related to vegetation and wetlands

COUNTRIES OF WORK EXPERIENCE • South Africa • Lesotho • Botswana • Mozambique

PAPERS AND PUBLICATIONS

Co-author and data contributor to: SIEBEN, E. et al. The vegetation of inland wetlands with salt-tolerant vegetation in South Africa: description, classification and explanatory environmental factors, submitted to the South African Journal of Botany for review in Feb 2015.

Co-author and data contributor to: SIEBEN, E. et al. The herbaceous vegetation of subtropical freshwater wetlands in South Africa: description, classification and explanatory environmental factors, submitted to the South African Journal of Botany for review in Feb 2015.

Co-author and data contributor to: SIEBEN, E. et al. The vegetation of grass lawn wetlands of floodplains and pans in semi-arid regions of South Africa: description, classification and explanatory environmental factors, submitted to the South African Journal of Botany for review in Jan 2015.

Co-author of several vegetation descriptions in: MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C. (eds) 2006. The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

VENTER, C.E. & BREDENKAMP, G.J. In prep. Major plant communities on the Mfabeni swamp, St Lucia. Bothalia.

VENTER, C.E.; BREDENKAMP, G.J. & GRUNDLING, P-L. 2003. Plant community types, and their association with habitat factors as ecosystem driving forces, of Mfabeni swamp. Proceedings of the congress: Environment of the St Lucia Wetland: Processes of Change, Cape Vidal, September 4th- 7th, 2003.

VENTER, C.E.; BREDENKAMP, G.J.; GRUNDLING P-L. 2002. Vegetation change on rehabilitated peatland on Rietvlei Nature Reserve. Kudu 46(1):53-63.

PRESENTATIONS

Venter, C.E.; Bredenkamp, G.J. & Grundling, P-L. 2003. Plant community types, and their association with habitat factors as ecosystem driving forces, of Mfabeni Swamp. Environment of the St Lucia Wetland: Processes of Change, Cape Vidal, September 4th- 7th, 2003.

Poster Presentations

Venter, C.E.; Bredenkamp, G.J.; Grundling P-L. 2002. Baseline vegetation surveys of rehabilitated peatland on Rietvlei Nature Reserve. SAAB Converence. Grahamstown.

Venter, C.E.; Bredenkamp, G.J.; Grundling P-L. 2003. Vegetation change on rehabilitated peatland on Rietvlei Nature Reserve. SAAB Converence. Pretoria.

Addendum B – Declaration of Independence

Specialist: Ina Venter, trading as Kyllinga Consulting Nature of specialist study compiled: Vegetation and Wetland Assessment Contact person: Ina Venter

Postal address: 53 Oakley street, Rayton Postal code: 1001 Cell: 083 370 0850

Telephone: 012 734 5642 Fax:

E-mail: [email protected] Qualifications & relevant M.Sc. Botany experience: Professional South African National Association of Scientific Professions affiliation(s) (if any)

I, CE Venter (Ina) , declare that -

General declaration:

• I act as the independent specialist in this application; • I will perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant; • I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work; • I have expertise in conducting the specialist report relevant to this application, including knowledge of the Act, regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity; • I will comply with the Act, regulations and all other applicable legislation; • I will take into account, to the extent possible, the matters listed in Regulation 8; • I have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity; • I undertake to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing - any decision to be taken with respect to the application by the competent authority; and - the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority; • All the particulars furnished by me in this form are true and correct; and • I realise that a false declaration is an offence in terms of Regulation 71 and is punishable in terms of section 24F of the Act.

Signature of specialist:

Ina Venter, trading as Kyllinga Consulting

Name of company:

14 September 2020

Date: