Potgieter Consultancy CC Environmental Services
BIODIVERSITY STUDY
Springbokwasser: New gate and park management station
Prepared for: SLR and The Ministry of Environment and Tourism
August 2020
Henriette Potgieter MSc (Env Sciences), BSc Honours, BSc, BA e [email protected] +264 81 312-1606 Potgieter Consultancy CC Environmental Services
Biodiversity study: Springbokwasser - new gate and park PROJECT management station
CLIENT SLR
DOCUMENT NAME Report
DOCUMENT # 1
DATE 14 August 2020 Henriette Potgieter Potgieter Consultancy CC AUTHOR PO Box 11867 Klein Windhoek Potgieter Consultancy CC Environmental Services
Disclaimer This document was prepared by Potgieter Consultancy CC with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, utilising resources devoted to the project by agreement with the client. Information contained herein is based on the interpretation of data collected and data provided by the client, accepted in good faith as being accurate and valid.
No warranties or guarantees are expressed or should be inferred by any third parties. This report may not be relied upon by other parties without written consent from Potgieter Consultancy CC. Potgieter Consultancy CC disclaims any responsibility to the client and others regarding any matters outside the agreed terms of reference.
Declaration of independence Potgieter Consultancy CC is an independent third-party body with no connection (monetary or otherwise) to the proponent for whom we are performing this study. We are also independent of any other economic operator having an interest in the business of the proponent and of any competitors of the proponent.
Potgieter Consultancy CC declares that no conflict of interest exists in the execution of the terms of reference of this project and is committed to impartiality and confidentiality.
Expertise of practitioner Henriette Potgieter has an M.Sc in Environmental Sciences from the Northwest University in South Africa and is a member of EAPAN. She has been a practitioner in Namibia since 2015. Her fields of specialisation are biodiversity (baseline studies of vertebrates and plants, as well as biodiversity impact assessments) and tourism (environmental strategy and management). Potgieter Consultancy CC Environmental Services
Table of contents 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 6
1.1 BACKGROUND...... 6 1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE...... 6 1.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ...... 6 1.4 METHODOLOGY ...... 7 1.4.1 Literature sources ...... 7 1.4.2 Site visit...... 7 1.4.3 Habitat categorisation...... 7 1.5 STUDY AREA ...... 7 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 9 2 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT...... 11
2.1 LANDSCAPE DESCRIPTION ...... 11 2.2 HABITAT DESCRIPTION ...... 11 2.2.1 Rocky outcrops...... 12 2.2.2 Gravel plain...... 13 2.2.3 Springbok River ...... 15 2.2.4 Drainage lines ...... 18 2.3 SPECIES ...... 19 2.3.1 Mammals...... 19 2.3.2 Birds ...... 20 2.3.3 Reptiles ...... 20 2.3.4 Amphibians ...... 21 2.3.5 Plants ...... 21 3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 23
3.1 METHODOLOGY ...... 23 3.1.1 Key biodiversity elements ...... 23 3.1.2 Sources of risk ...... 23 3.1.3 Significance...... 23 IMPACT 1. DESTRUCTION OF ORGANISMS AND THEIR HABITATS...... 24 IMPACT 2. DISTURBANCE OF ANIMALS AND INTERFERENCE WITH THEIR BEHAVIOUR ...... 25 IMPACT 3. LIGHT POLLUTION...... 25 IMPACT 4. CONTAMINATION OF SOIL AND GROUNDWATER ...... 26 IMPACT 5. IMPACTS LINKED TO OPERATIONAL PHASE...... 28 4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 29 5 BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 30 Potgieter Consultancy CC Environmental Services
Table of figures Figure 1. Study area for this report, outlined in light blue...... 8 Figure 2. Area for avifauna data search, outlined in white. Study area: light blue rectangle...9 Figure 3. Map showing proposed positions of water and waste water plants and release points...... 9 Figure 4. Proposed layout of the development...... 10 Figure 5. Habitat types in the study area...... 12 Figure 6. Rocky hills northwest of the proposed station...... 13 Figure 7. Invertebrate burrows on the gravel plain...... 14 Figure 8. Gravel plain at project site. The river is visible in background as thin green line....14 Figure 9. Rhino tracks going into the river bed from the gravel plain...... 15 Figure 10. A vegetated area in the Springbok River...... 16 Figure 11. View west along the river bed...... 16 Figure 12. View east along the river bed...... 17 Figure 13. Spring with permanent open water...... 17 Figure 14. Animal path at the spring...... 18 Figure 15. Welwitschia mirabilis in the drainage east of the project site. (The GPS is for scale.) ...... 19 Figure 16. Looking northwest over the project site, showing gravel plain with old Springbok resting places (white spots)...... 21 Figure 17. Substrate at the project site, showing no discernible vegetation...... 22 Figure 18. Suggested potential location for evaporation pond: green circle...... 27
List of tables Table 1. Reptiles of conservation concern with ranges overlapping study area...... 20
ABBREVIATIONS
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism NamParks Namibia National Parks Programme SABAP Southern African Bird Atlas Project Potgieter Consultancy CC Environmental Services
1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) proposes to construct a new access gate and park management station near Springbokwasser in the Kunene Region. The development is part of phase 5 of the Namibia National Parks Programme (NamParks) and is located inside the boundary of the Skeleton Coast National Park.
SLR is doing an EIA in order to obtain Environmental Clearance for the project, and they commissioned Potgieter Consultancy to do a biodiversity study. This report consists of a baseline description of the biodiversity on and around the project site, followed by an impact assessment and mitigation measures.
The Skeleton Coast National Park is part of a contiguous conservation area of almost 25 million ha (MET, 2013) and is an internationally renowned protected wilderness. The Black Rhino is a flagship species of Namibia with a unique population resident in the Park and neighbouring conservancies and concessions. Every possible effort should be made to prevent negative impacts on this animal that currently moves freely through the gravel plains and river where the station will be built. In the light of this, any development by MET will be under close scrutiny and it is important to adhere to the strictest standards of sustainable development.
1.2 Terms of reference Terms of reference were received in two emails from Matthew Hemming, dated 1st and 14th July 2020.
1. Site visit. 2. Baseline description of biodiversity: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and plants. 3. Discussion of impacts on biodiversity. 4. Possible mitigation measures, including adjustment of planned infrastructure layout.
1.3 Assumptions and limitations A one-day site visit is too short for systematic surveys, so information on the taxa that are likely to be found in the area was based largely on existing literature. It is possible that some factors that could affect the persistence of species and/or composition of populations may have been overlooked during the short site visit.
The site visit took place during winter when annual plants are absent, and few plant species were observed on the site.
The locations of the water source and pipeline were not available at the time of the site visit and these aspects were not assessed.
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1.4 Methodology
1.4.1 Literature sources Specialised literature on the various taxa was consulted. Plants: (Mannheimer & Curtis, 2009) Mammals: (Griffin, 2003) (Skinner & Smithers, 1990) Birds: (Hockey, et al., 1992) (Simmons, et al., 2015) Reptiles: (Alexander & Marais, 2007) (Branch, 1998) (Griffin, 2003) (Marais, 2004) Amphibians: (Du Preez & Carruthers, 2009) (Griffin, 2003) Data bases that were perused: Irish, J, 2020. The Namibia Biodiversity Database Curtis & Mannheimer, 2019. Tree Atlas of Namibia The Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2, 2020 (SABAP2)
1.4.2 Site visit A site visit was conducted 6 – 8 September 2019 to examine the nature of the habitats within and adjacent to the project area, and also to look at any ecological factors that might affect the presence of plants and vertebrates. Visible signs of the presence of vertebrate species were recorded, such as spoor, dung, nests, holes/burrows and pathways.
Species of trees, shrubs and forbs were identified on site as far as possible, and notes were made of the vegetation structure and the potential role that vegetation could play in sustaining animal taxa.
The project site and surrounding landscape were traversed in a vehicle where tracks existed, and on foot in an attempt to observe as many ecological features as possible in situ. Visibility and accessibility were both very good.
Mr Joshua Kazeurua, Chief Warden of the Skeleton Coast National Park, was kind enough to act as guide for the entirety of the site inspection and he is thanked for his time and his valuable contribution to potential biodiversity and ecological concerns.
1.4.3 Habitat categorisation Potential habitat types were initially identified by inspecting the project site and the surrounding landscape on Google Earth Pro, and these were then reviewed during the site visit.
Habitats were categorised in terms of their functionality for fauna, as well as the plant communities observed and/or likely to occur. The descriptions of habitat types are based mainly on topography, substrate, floristics and vegetation structure.
1.5 Study area The study area for this report is indicated in Error! Reference source not found..
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The Springbok River was included in this biodiversity study because some taxa that prefer a riverine habitat, especially birds and mammals, might move into the project area to utilise ephemeral resources there, or they might move across it between the river and other drainage lines. In addition, the river is considered an important biodiversity source area in the region.
Figure 1. Study area for this report, outlined in light blue.
When designating a study area for avifaunal data searches, a wider margin around the project site is selected than for other taxa because birds range widely and utilise ephemeral or occasional resources in areas that are far from their central ranges, much more so than other taxa. The area shown in Error! Reference source not found. is the area used for data searches on birds and was chosen to include habitat types that are similar to those in the study area in terms of resources for avifauna.
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Figure 2. Area for avifauna data search, outlined in white. Study area: light blue rectangle.
Project description This section contains images of the layout of the proposed project, received from SLR (Figure 3 and Figure 4). No written project description was available.
Figure 3. Map showing proposed positions of water and waste water plants and release points.
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Figure 4. Proposed layout of the development.
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2 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT 2.1 Landscape description Climatically the study area is classified as a Hot Arid Desert (Kottek, et al., 2006). The median annual rainfall is very low (between 50 and 100 mm) and variable: 90 – 100 % coefficient of variation in annual rainfall (Mendelssohn, et al., 2002). Due to high evaporation rates, the average water deficit in the region is about 1700 - 1900 mm per year (ACACIA, 2011).
The area has warm summers (24 - 26 °C average maximum) and cool winters with average minimum temperatures of 8 - 10 °C (Mendelssohn, et al., 2002).
On a global scale, the study area falls in the Afrotropical Region for all vertebrate taxa (Proches & Ramdhani, 2012) and on the regional scale, in the Namib Desert biome with a Northern Desert vegetation type, dominated by sparse grassland (Mendelssohn, et al., 2002) (ACACIA, 2011).
2.2 Habitat description According to the Skeleton Coast Management Plan (MET, 2013) Springbokwasser falls in the coastal rocky hills habitat, which has a high sensitivity rating (four out of five). For this report, the study area (Error! Reference source not found.) has been further divided into four habitat types: Rocky hills, gravel plain, Springbok River and drainage lines (Error! Reference source not found.).
There is also a small degraded area west of the project site: an old, unrehabilitated borrow pit (white area in Error! Reference source not found.) but it is not discussed further because it is small and will have no bearing on the proposed development. It is noted here only because it is a prominent feature on the map in Error! Reference source not found..
When assigning habitat categories, the following physical characteristics were considered in terms of the opportunities for food and shelter they present to animals, both vertebrates and invertebrates: topography, substrate, vegetation structure and floristics.
Habitats were assigned a sensitivity rating of Highly Sensitive, Sensitive or Least Sensitive. Ratings were based on properties of the habitat itself: nationally or regionally scarce habitats size of habitat, in the context of the total availability of comparable habitats in Namibia and/or the region. exceptionally high diversity and/or abundance of species high level of endemism species of conservation concern are supported key ecological processes contributes disproportionately to ecological function (nutrient and energy flows) provides critical resources restorability after disturbance
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Figure 5. Habitat types in the study area.
2.2.1 Rocky outcrops Rocky outcrops occur in and around the study area (orange in Error! Reference source not found.). They represent areas of higher diversity than the gravel plains from which they rise and support lichen and other plants of conservation value (Error! Reference source not found.).
Two important ecological features of rocky hills are drainage lines, and pockets of plant diversity in the cracks between rocks where water and nutrients get trapped. These pockets of plant material provide sustenance for invertebrates and the vertebrates that feed on them.
No development is currently planned to take place near rocky hills, meaning this habitat is unlikely to be affected, with the caveat that the management measures in the EMP are followed diligently. The most important management measure for the preservation of
12 Potgieter Consultancy CC Environmental Services biodiversity is containment of disturbance to the smallest possible footprint (discussed in Impact 1).
An activity that will affect the rocky outcrops is if a water pipeline is laid up a hill from source to holding tanks. No plans for this existed at the time of writing, but it is a potential impact that should be investigated and mitigated before construction.
The rocky hills are regarded as Highly Sensitive and should be designated no-go areas.
Figure 6. Rocky hills northwest of the proposed station.
2.2.2 Gravel plain A gravel plain constitutes the largest part of the study area and has a substrate of small to medium rocks. This habitat supports annual grasses and associated plains game after rainfall events (Figure 8). The most important ecological feature of the gravel plain is the drainage lines (section 2.2.4) that run across them and drain into the Springbok River.
Gravel plains are highly vulnerable to off-road driving and they provide important habitat for invertebrates (which do not form part of this study, but they are an important part of the ecosystem, particularly as food source for reptiles). The proposed accommodation section of the project is situated north of the road where numerous burrows were observed (Figure 7).
Burrowing reptiles and mammals are the taxa most likely to be supported by this habitat as well as Rüppell’s Korhaan, a gravel plains specialist. Larger mammals cross the gravel plain, notably the Black Rhino (Figure 9), and game paths were observed near the proposed site, as well as Oryx droppings and Ostrich tracks. The project is unlikely to have a significant impact on animal movement because of the small size of the development relative to the size of the surrounding gravel plain.
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The Management Plan (MET, 2013) assigns inland gravel plains a high sensitivity rating: four out of five, because of their associated drainage lines and their visual importance in providing a sense of place.
The gravel plains are highly sensitive to disturbance of the substrate, and activities such as off-road driving and a construction camp would likely result in irreversible damage. It is also mentioned in the Management Plan (MET, 2013) as a visually important landscape that provides a “sense of place”. However, this habitat type is widespread along the edges of the Northern Namib Desert. Provided that collateral damage during construction is prevented, and that subsequent disturbance is limited to the smallest possible footprint, the species in this habitat will be little affected by the project and it is considered Least Sensitive.
Figure 7. Invertebrate burrows on the gravel plain.
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Figure 8. Gravel plain at project site. The river is visible in background as thin green line.
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Figure 9. Rhino tracks going into the river bed from the gravel plain.
2.2.3 Springbok River Drainages and riverine habitats in arid zones present a high ecological value for most taxa, and are mentioned in the Management Plan (MET, 2013) as a priority habitat. They play a large role in supporting diversity, not only directly by providing resources and movement corridors to organisms, but also through the keystone role they play in the transport of nutrients by water. Rivers and vegetated washes serve as important pockets of high diversity in a surrounding landscape that contains relatively fewer resources. Rivers often play a role as refugia for all taxa in times of environmental stress, and they play a large role in supporting diversity by serving as source areas for re-colonisation after disturbances.
A significant feature of the river is a spring with permanent open water, located near the project site (“Spring” in Error! Reference source not found.). The spring and its environs should be designated a no-go area and groundwater usage should be monitored to ensure that it remains available to animals (Figure 14). The various springs and seeps in the westward flowing rivers of the Skeleton Coast National Park are considered a priority habitat (MET, 2013).
The Springbok River contains sparsely distributed mature trees such as Euclea pseudebenus and Tamarix usneoides. One Acacia erioloba was observed in the vicinity, containing old and current White-backed Vulture nests. The most common vegetation type is shrubs and subshrubs, including Salvadora persica, Salsola sp, Calicorema capitata and Combretum watti (Figure 10). The spring is surrounded by Phragmites australis (Figure 13).
There is a sparse understorey of forbs and a ground cover of grass is expected after rainfall events (Figure 12). This somewhat structured habitat potentially supports a diversity of birds, especially insectivores, and is possibly essential for many invertebrate taxa. The variety of substrates in the river provide ideal habitat for reptiles, both burrowing species in
16 Potgieter Consultancy CC Environmental Services the sandy riverbed, and species that need cover in the form of low vegetation and loose rocks (Figure 11).
The Management Plan (MET, 2013) assigns the highest sensitivity rating (five out of five) to ephemeral rivers, and this study also considers the Springbok River to be Highly Sensitive.
Figure 10. A vegetated area in the Springbok River.
Figure 11. View west along the river bed.
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Figure 12. View east along the river bed.
Figure 13. Spring with permanent open water.
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Figure 14. Animal path at the spring.
2.2.4 Drainage lines The gravel plain habitat is intersected by many washes that drain from the hills into the Springbok River. The river is an integral part of the ecological processes and systems that sustain biodiversity in the area, and any disturbance to the flow patterns of surface water in drainage lines in the study area could potentially have a profound effect on the river and its associated ecosystems.
Although they are sparsely vegetated, the drainage lines are still more diverse than the surrounding gravel plains and provide important resources to invertebrates and the vertebrates that feed on them.
The most important feature of the two wide drainage lines in Error! Reference source not found. is the occurrence of Welwitschia mirabilis fields, both north and south of the C39 road (Figure 15). These fields should be treated as no-go areas. If a water pipeline is constructed from the existing borehole (“Borehole” in Error! Reference source not found.) or from anywhere east of the project, it will cross the Welwitschia field. Although there were no plans for such a pipeline at the time of writing, the importance of the Welwitschia fields cannot be overstated. When planning any linear development in future, it should be easy to avoid individual plants because they are spaced far apart.
This habitat is considered Highly Sensitive.
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Figure 15. Welwitschia mirabilis in the drainage east of the project site. (The GPS is for scale.)
2.3 Species On a national scale, the study area is located in a part of Namibia with a very low level of terrestrial diversity and a medium level of overall endemism (Mendelssohn, et al., 2002). Reptiles are in a category of medium-high endemism (17 - 20 species).
Species that are range-restricted endemics, have Threatened IUCN status, or are legally protected in Namibia, are potentially of concern.
2.3.1 Mammals The Black Rhino, a flagship species for the area and indeed Namibia, is resident in the vicinity and fresh tracks to and away from the spring (“Spring” in Error! Reference source not found.) were observed during the site visit.
Although mammal density is expected to be low in this arid zone, some mammal species occur intermittently as resources become available: Oryx, Springbok, Leopard, Cheetah, Giraffe, Spotted Hyena, Black-backed Jackal, Cape Fox, Polecat and Honey badger. These mammals are likely to utilise resources in the study area while moving across it, and they are not expected to be dependent on the habitat in the project area. Meerkat and Ground squirrel are residents of the gravel plain.
Three mammal species that are highly likely to occur in the study area are endemic or near- endemic: the Namibian Pygmy Rock Mouse and Dassie Rat are both rocky outcrop specialists, and the Setzer’s hair-footed Gerbil burrows in dry river washes. Two bat species that are of conservation concern have ranges that overlap the study area: Angolan wing- gland bat (near endemic to Namibia and classified as rare) and Straw-coloured fruit bat (near-threatened migrant), but it is unlikely that their feeding or roosting resources or activities would be affected by the development.
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None of the classified or protected species is expected to rely solely on the resources in the study area and the proposed project is unlikely to increase the risk of survival of any population.
2.3.2 Birds The study area falls in a low ranking for both diversity and endemism of avifauna (Mendelssohn, et al., 2002). A total of 96 bird species have been recorded in the area depicted in Error! Reference source not found..
On the international level, Lappet-faced Vulture and Ludwig’s Bustard are considered Endangered, the Bateleur is ranked Near Threatened and White-backed Vulture is Critically Endangered in the IUCN rankings. Things look similar on the national scale with Bateleur, Ludwig’s Bustard and White-backed Vulture Endangered, and Lappet-faced Vulture considered Vulnerable.
Ruppel’s Korhaan is a gravel plain specialist, but no other bird species is likely to occur on or around the project site, where there is no preferred roosting or nesting habitat, and food is only available in varying numbers according to the season. All the species of conservation concern occur in the surrounding areas, including the Springbok River. Being highly mobile, they are vulnerable to human disturbance. The same is true for all raptors, of which there is a relatively low diversity in the surrounding area.
2.3.3 Reptiles The surrounding region supports at least 14 reptile species that are endemic or near endemic to Namibia. In addition, the Leopard Tortoise is vulnerable and protected in Namibia (Table 1).
The small scale of the project and the widespread nature of gravel plains mean it is unlikely that the risk of survival of any population would be increased, provided management measures are applied strictly, especially ongoing training of station staff during the operational phase.
The national and international assessment of reptiles is almost 15 years old and it is likely that the situation, specifically regarding threatened species, has changed significantly.
Table 1. Reptiles of conservation concern with ranges overlapping study area
Species Common name Colopus kochii Koch's Thick-toed Gecko Cordylosaurus subtessellatus Dwarf plated lizard Dipsina multimaculata Dwarf Beaked Snake Leptotyphlops labialus Damara Worm Snake Meroles anchietae Shovel-snouted desert lizard Meroles reticulatus Reticulated Desert Lizard Pachydactylus bicolor Velvety gecko Pachydactylus sansteynae San Steyn's Thick-toed Gecko Psammophis namibensis Namib Sand Snake
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Species Common name Ptenopus carpi Carp's Barking Gecko Pythonodipsas carinata Western keeled Snake Rhoptropus afer Common Namib Day Gecko Rhoptropus barnardi Barnard's Namib Day Gecko Stigmochelys pardalis Leopard Tortoise Typhlacontias brevipes FitzSimons' Burrowing Skink
2.3.4 Amphibians Only four frog species have distribution ranges that overlap with the study area, and they are likely to occur only in the river, contributing to the sensitivity rating of the River habitat. Two are of conservation concern: The endemic and range restricted Damaraland Sand Frog, and the near-endemic Marbled Rubber Frog. The other two species are Tandy’s Sand Frog and Common Platanna. It is unlikely that any amphibian species or assemblage will be affected by the project.
2.3.5 Plants Other than a field of Welwitschia mirabilis in the drainage line east of the project site (discussed in section 2.2.4), there are no protected trees or shrubs on the gravel plain in the vicinity of the proposed development. Provided the recommended management measures are implemented, especially containment of the footprint and environmental education of staff and their visitors, it is unlikely that the project will endanger any plants.
At the time of the site visit there were no discernible plants on the gravel plain at the proposed development site.
Figure 16. Looking northwest over the project site, showing gravel plain with old Springbok resting places (white spots).
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Figure 17. Substrate at the project site, showing no discernible vegetation.
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3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 3.1 Methodology Potential impacts that may be caused by the proposed project are identified and defined in this chapter. Management and mitigation actions are given for each potential impact.
3.1.1 Key biodiversity elements These are biodiversity features and ecological processes without which the integrity of an ecosystem cannot be maintained. It is an essential aspect of environmental management to ensure that impacts to these aspects are avoided or minimised. Key habitat provided by the Springbok River. Keystone species Black Rhino and Welwitschia mirabilis.
3.1.2 Sources of risk These are actions that could disturb abiotic factors or cause losses of organisms to such an extent that there is an increased risk of extinction for local populations, or a disruption of ecosystem processes causing a decline in habitat quality. Human movement and presence in a previously pristine environment Water extraction for human use Disposal of sewage and waste water Clearing of land and handling and deposition of material cleared from the site Human behaviour, e.g. sanitation practices and illegal collection of plants and animals Driving on gravel plain
3.1.3 Significance The potential significance of an impact is increased when certain ecological factors exist. These are factors that could increase the risk of local extinction of species, communities and populations, or that could affect the functioning of ecosystems. Some of these factors are: Species with restricted ranges (the more restricted its range, the higher the risk), such as Black Rhino and Welwitschia mirabilis Species with disjunctive distributions (i.e. a fragmented range) or small populations, such as Black Rhino and Welwitschia mirabilis Habitat specialist species, such as Black Rhino and Welwitschia mirabilis Species depending on resources with a critical distribution in time or space High-diversity habitats, such as the Springbok River and drainages Species or habitats that contribute greatly to ecosystem services – the Springbok River habitat falls in this category Species or habitats that collectively contribute to ecosystem services
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Impact 1. Destruction of organisms and their habitats SOURCE OF IMPACT During construction Movement of vehicles and machinery. Clearing of land. Building of infrastructure. Laydown areas, water tanks. Accommodation for construction staff. Human activities and vehicle movements. RESULT OF IMPACT Death of animals that are struck by earthmoving equipment, vehicles and machinery. Death of animals due to poaching. Bird nests, nesting habitats and feeding habitats are destroyed, affecting the viability of bird populations. Mammal and reptile burrows, burrow habitats and feeding habitats are destroyed, affecting the viability of the populations of these taxa. Parts of territories and home ranges are destroyed. Loss of plants, most importantly in the Welwitschia mirabilis field. Decline in habitat quality. MANAGEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURES Keep the overall development footprint as small as possible. Close supervision of contractors and their staff is essential to ensure they remain within the demarcated construction site at all times. The extent and location of the construction site should be fenced and all construction activities should take place within the fence. Adherence should be strictly enforced. All roads and tracks must be planned in order to minimise the disturbance of habitats. No traversing of any drainage where Welwitschia mirabilis occurs, neither on foot nor by vehicle. Anti-erosion measures must be taken where roads and tracks cross a drainage. Carefully plan the placement of construction material and mixing areas, ideally in a location that will be used for something during operations, e.g. the future parking lot. Limit construction activities to daytime hours to reduce noise. Educate construction and permanent staff as to their environmental obligations. All contractors should be held responsible for transgressions and significant penalties should be levied in order to ensure compliance. Do not put water tanks, power pylons or any other large infrastructure in the river or washes. No sewerage overflow or French drain may be placed within 100 m of a wash or the Springbok River. Identify nests, dens and other breeding locations, demarcate them and avoid these sites. Reptiles and amphibians that are exposed during ground clearing should be captured for translocation by a qualified expert. No killing of snakes or any reptile should be allowed. No collection of plants should be allowed. No fires should be allowed. All solid waste, including construction rubble, should be removed from the Park and taken to a registered landfill.
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Impact 2. Disturbance of animals and interference with their behaviour SOURCE OF IMPACT During construction and operations Increase in human and vehicle presence and movement. Infrastructure creates obstacles to the directional movement of animals. RESULT OF IMPACT Reptiles, mammals and birds are the taxa most likely to be affected, although on a relatively small scale due to the low densities in which they occur on the development site. Disturbance of the Black Rhinos that rely on the permanent spring in the river is of paramount concern here. The loss of migration corridors causes stress and an increased risk of death to various taxa. Birds and eggs are poached. Animals, particularly birds, are disturbed while going about their daily activities, such as feeding and breeding. MANAGEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURES The extent of the operation should be clearly demarcated on site layout plans, and on the ground it should be either fenced in or marked with clear signposts. Areas outside the demarcated operational sectors should be considered no-go zones. No employees, visitors, vehicles or machinery should be allowed in such zones. No off-road driving or driving next to established roads/tracks should be allowed. No fires should be allowed. No collection of plants for firewood or any other purpose should be allowed. Educate staff, their visitors and tourists as to how their activities and actions could affect the movement and behaviour of black rhinos in the desert.
Impact 3. Light pollution SOURCE OF IMPACT During construction and operations Lights that are visible outdoors. RESULT OF IMPACT Invertebrates that are attracted to the light provide an unnatural food source for taxa such as bats, geckos, nightjars and frogs. These insectivores are attracted to the food and then face conditions where they are more likely to die from causes such as collisions and predation. Invertebrates die every night from exhaustion or predation, potentially disrupting their population numbers and causing disturbances in ecological processes. MANAGEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURES Install motion detectors to limit light use to the minimum possible. Outdoor lights should be directed downwards and not up into the sky. Use yellow or amber outdoor lights because invertebrates don't detect yellow light as well as white. Install insect screens in doors and windows located in buildings that are used at night.
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Impact 4. Contamination of soil and groundwater SOURCE OF IMPACT During construction and operations Sewage and waste water discharge. Hydrocarbon spillage from vehicles, machinery, workshop and maintenance activities. Fat and contaminants from cooking and cleaning. RESULT OF IMPACT Contamination of soil and groundwater. Key ecological processes, i.e. water and nutrient supply, are damaged, negatively affecting all biodiversity. This impact is potentially irreversible. MANAGEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURES Sewerage system should be of sufficient capacity for the number of people, and should consist of a sealed breakdown system and an evaporation pond. No sewage overflow structure may be placed within 100 m of a wash, drainage line or the river. A maintenance programme for the sewerage system is essential, and should be followed diligently. Leaks and faults should be repaired immediately. Monitoring for unpleasant odours should be included in the maintenance programme and once identified, the source of unpleasant odours should be rectified within five days. The location of the sewerage system is discussed after this impact. All fuelling, workshop and parking areas should be designed and built to contain any spillage, and it should provide for the removal of such spillage in an environmentally safe way. Hydrocarbons and cleaning materials should be sealed and stored securely. Used hydrocarbons should be collected and stored in sealed, leak-proof containers and removed from the Park to an official dump site for such materials. All cleaning and washing should take place inside a designated area (e.g. kitchens and laundries) and fat traps should be installed at the drain outlets from these areas. Fat traps should be emptied and maintained according to the manufacturer instructions. All waste water (e.g. from cleaning and washing) should be disposed of into the system and not thrown on the ground. Biodegradable cleaning materials should be used. Staff, their visitors and tourists should be informed as to what is allowed in the sewerage system, and encouraged to use only biodegradable amenities.
Sewerage system The proposed RO brine disposal and waste water disposal units are situated in a drainage and the river respectively (Figure 3). Both of these are unacceptable locations from a biodiversity and ecological viewpoint. It is recommended in the strongest terms possible that the disposal site be moved. A possible alternative site for an evaporation pond is shown in Figure 18. (The green circle indicates a range for location and not size or shape.)
The green circle represents a potential location that is ecologically acceptable: downhill from the development, far enough away to avoid odours (provided the breakdown system is of sufficient capacity), and more than 100 m away from any drainage or river. It is important that the pond be large enough to handle the expected amount of waste water.
An evaporation pond is the preferred method for getting rid of waste water that drains from the breakdown chambers of the sewerage system. The outflow of the Reverse Osmosis system could be combined with the sewerage system overflow, and the brine go into the same pond. Lining the pond with an impermeable layer will ensure that no contaminants reach the groundwater.
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Ideally the pond should be fenced to prevent access to mammals, but that carries other risks to biodiversity, such as an obstacle to the directional movement of animals.
Figure 18. Suggested potential location for evaporation pond: green circle. The smaller red circle indicates the proposed waste water treatment plant from where overflow drains to the pond.
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Impact 5. Impacts linked to operational phase SOURCE OF IMPACT During operational phase Human activities. Movement of vehicles. Poaching and plant collection. Cooking and lighting practices cause fires. Water use in an arid zone with few resources. Solid waste. RESULT OF IMPACT Direct destruction of organisms and habitat. Damage to plants and animal habitats. Water abstraction affects the groundwater. Solid waste pose choking, cutting, entanglement, poisoning and other direct hazards to animals. Solid waste pose physically destructive as well as contamination hazards to plants, soil and habitats. MANAGEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURES To prevent the destruction of organisms and habitat: implement all the management measures of Impact 1, most important of which is containment of footprint and limiting human movement to within the operational area. All inhabitants and visitors in the staff village should receive environmental awareness training, including training on indiscriminate defecation. The operational zone should be fenced and the only access allowed outside the fence should be on the entrance road. No collection of plants or plant material should be allowed. No open fires or flames should be allowed. Gas or electric cooking facilities should be provided. Lights should be electric - no candles or paraffin lamps. Water saving measures should be put in place, e.g. low pressure shower heads and taps; daily checks of pipes and tanks. A maintenance programme for the water reticulation system is essential. Leaks and faults should be repaired immediately. Solid waste should be trucked out of the Park and taken to a registered landfill. No pits should be dug or burning take place within the Park. It is suggested that an agreement be reached with suppliers and delivery transporters to take out rubbish when they deliver goods to the station.
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4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The presence of two keystone species, Black Rhino and Welwitschia mirabilis, contribute greatly to the ecological sensitivity of the study area. The key ecological feature in this landscape, however, is water.
Groundwater plays an integral role in the maintenance of biodiversity in any arid zone and disturbing the groundwater quality or quantity could cause the loss of the spring that is an essential resource, particularly for the Black Rhino. Surface water is also part of this key ecological feature and disrupting the natural flow patterns of surface water would result in soil erosion and habitat disturbance. The washes that drain from the hills into the drainages and from there to the Springbok River are part of the ecological processes that maintain the river vegetation and the cohesion of the river as ecosystem. The placement of buildings, support structures and roads should be such that the natural flow patterns of surface water are preserved.
Gravel plain is a common habitat type in the region and the country, and it is unlikely that the proposed park management station will disturb the ecosystem functions and processes of this habitat to a significant extent, with the very important caveat that management/mitigation measures are strictly applied.
An alternative location is recommended for the disposal of wastewater and sewage. The new location is more than 100 m from drainages and the river.
It is important to keep the project footprint to the absolute smallest size possible and to keep it inside well-defined and clearly demarcated boundaries by fencing the operational area and putting up visible and effective signs to inform staff, their visitors and tourists. Demarcation and signage can be effective only with appropriate environmental training. Awareness raising of personnel, contractors and construction staff should be a priority management action.
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5 BIBLIOGRAPHY
IUCN, 2016. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2016-1. [Online] Available at:
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