Port St Johns Infrastructure Project, Port St John Second Beach,
Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
ECOLOGICAL AND DUNE IMPACT ASSESSMENT
DRAFT
Prepared for: Prepared by:
Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Oceans and Coasts
Environment House 67 African Street 473 Steve Biko PO Box 934 Arcadia Grahamstown Pretoria 6140 South Africa South Africa 0083
May 2017
REVISIONS TRACKING TABLE
This report should be cited as follows: EOH Coastal & Environmental Services, May 2017: Port St Johns Infrastructure Project, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, Botanical and Dune Assessment. EOH CES, Cape-town.
CES Report Revision and Tracking Schedule
Document Title Botanical and Dune Assessment
Client Name & Address
Document Reference DEDEAT Ref: EC154/ORT/LN2/M/16-19 NEAS: ECP/EIA/0000310/2017 Status Draft
Issue Date May 2017
Lead Author (s) Dr Ted Avis and Ms Ayanda EOH Coastal &
Zide Environmental Services
Reviewer EOH Coastal & Dr Ted Avis Environmental Services
Study Leader or Registered Environmental Assessment EOH Coastal & Mr Ted Avis Practitioner Environmental Services Approval Report Distribution Circulated to No. of hard No. copies electronic copies Department of Economic Development, Environmental 1 1 Affairs and Tourism ( Eastern Cape)
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
This document contains intellectual property and propriety information that is protected by copyright in favour of Coastal & Environmental Services and the specialist EOH Coastal& Environmental Services consultants. The document may therefore not 67 African Street be reproduced, used or distributed to any PO Box 943 third party without the prior written consent of Grahamstown EOH Coastal & Environmental Services. This 6140 document is prepared exclusively for [email protected] submission to the Department of Energy www.cesnet.co.za (DoE), and is subject to all confidentiality, Also in Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, East copyright and trade secrets, rules intellectual London Johannesburg and Maputo property law and practices of South Africa.
Ecological Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 7
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCALITY ...... 7 1.2 PROJECT OBJECTIVES: ...... 7 1.3 OBJECTIVES AND TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 10 1.3.1 Ecological Impact Assessment ...... 10 1.3.2 Dune Impact Assessment (incorporating flora and fauna) ...... 10 1.4 APPROACH ...... 10 1.5 LIMITATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS ...... 11 2. RELEVANT LEGISLATION ...... 12 2.1 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT (NO. 107 OF 1998) ...... 12 2.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT (NO. 10 OF 2004) ...... 12 2.3 NATIONAL WATER ACT (NO.36 OF 1998) ...... 13 2.4 NATIONAL FOREST ACT (NO.84 OF 1998) ...... 14 2.5 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN (SCC) ...... 15 2.5.1 National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004) ...... 15 2.5.2 Endangered and Protected Flora in the 1974 Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance (PNCO): ...... 15 2.5.3 1976 List of Protected Trees (Government Gazette No. 9542 Schedule A) in the 1998 National Forest Act (NFA): ...... 15 2.5.4 South African Red Data List ...... 16 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 18 3.1 GEOLOGY AND LANDFORM ...... 18 3.1.1 Topography ...... 18 3.1.2 Geology ...... 18 3.2 CLIMATE ...... 19 3.3 CURRENT LAND USE ...... 19 4. VEGETATION TYPES AND FLORISTICS ...... 20
4.1 REGIONAL CONTEXT ...... 20 4.1.1 SANBI Vegetation Map ...... 20 4.2 CONSERVATION PLANNING TOOLS ...... 22 4.2.1 The Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP, 2007) ...... 22 4.2.2 National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.3 PROTECTED AREAS ...... 23 4.3.1 Protected Areas Expansion strategy ...... 23 4.3.2 National List of Ecosystems that are threatened and in need of Protection (NEMBA, Act 10 of 2004). 24 4.4 SITE SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF VEGETATION/LAND COVER ...... 26 4.5 VEGETATION TYPES FOUND ON SITE ...... 28 4.5.1 Dune Vegetation and Rocky Coastal Areas ...... 28 4.5.2 Coastal Dune Thicket Vegetation ...... 28 4.5.3 Riparian Vegetation ...... 30 4.5.4 Coastal forest ...... 30 4.6 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN ...... 31 4.7 ALIEN SPECIES ...... 32 5. FAUNAL SPECIES AND HABITATS ...... 34
5.1 AMPHIBIANS ...... 34 5.2 REPTILES ...... 34 5.3 BIRDS ...... 34 5.4 MAMMALS ...... 36 6. COASTAL DUNE AND BEACH SYSTEM ...... 38 6.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 38 6.2 BEACH MORPHODYNAMICS ...... 38
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6.3 THE BEACH ECOSYSTEM ...... 39 6.4 DUNE SYSTEMS ...... 39 7. SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT ...... 42
7.1 APPROACH ...... 42 7.2 ASSESSMENT ...... 43 8. IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT ...... 45
8.1 NTRODUCTION ...... 45 8.2 THE CURRENT IMPACTS: THE “NO-GO” SCENARIO ...... 45 8.3 PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE ...... 45 8.4 CONSTRUCTION PHASE ...... 45 8.4.1 Issue 1: Loss of Vegetation communities ...... 45 8.4.2 Issue 2: Loss of Biodiversity ...... 47 8.4.3 Issue 3: Disruption of Ecosystem Function and Process ...... 49 8.4.4 Issue 4: Disturbance to surrounding wildlife and fauna ...... 50 8.4.5 Issue 5: Impacts on the beach and coastal dunes ...... 51 8.5 OPERATIONAL PHASE ...... 52 8.5.1 Issue 1: Disturbance to Vegetation communities ...... 52 8.5.2 Issue 2: Disruption of Ecosystem Function and Process ...... 53 8.6 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ...... 53 9. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 55
9.1 CURRENT STATUS ...... 55 9.2 COMPARISON OF IMPACTS ...... 55 9.3 FINAL CONCLUSIONS ...... 56 10. REFERENCES ...... 57 11. PLANT SPECIES LIST FOUND TO OCCUR IN PROJECT AREA ...... 58
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1: Locality map for the proposed project. 8 Figure 1-2: Proposed Project Layout 9 Figure 4-1: National vegetation classification of the PSJ infrastructure project area (Mucina and Rutherford, 2012) 21 Figure 4-2: Terrestrial CBA Map of the proposed project area 23 Figure 4-3: Aquatic CBA map of the proposed project area (ECBCP, 2007) Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 4-4: NFEPA found within the project area. Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 4-5: The Pondoland Focus area occurs in close proximity to Second Beach. 24 Figure 4-6: Threatened ecosystems found to occur within the project boundary. 25 Figure 4-7: Forest patches which occur within the project boundary. 25 Figure 4-8: Vegetation types and land cover occurring in the proposed PSJ infrastructure project area. 27 Figure 5-1: Important Bird Areas in relation to the site. 35 Figure 6-1: Botanical and Dune Assessment Sensitivity Map 44
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1: NEMBA classes and explanations 15 Table 2-2: South African Red Data List Categories (SANBI, 2013) 17 Table 4-1: SCC species found during the site visit. It is likely that more SCC will be found in the area. 31 Table 4-2 Alien invasive species, their category and the recommended control according to NEM:BA. 33 Table 5-1: Bird species at each site 34 Table 5-2: Mammals at the PSJ region. 36 Table 6-1: Criteria used for the analysis of the sensitivity of the area 42 Table 9-1: Summary of impacts associated with the PSJ infrastructure project pre and post mitigation. The no-go alternative has also been included for comparative purposes. 55
LIST OF PLATES
Plate 3-1: General Topography of the project site, looking south from the elevated position of at Mtumbane Location. Second Beach (arrow) and the mouth of the Bololo (arrow) are visible at sea level. 18 Plate 3-2: Existing infrastructure within the project area. These structures are located within the area earmarked for the revitalised trading area, within coastal dune forest. 19 Plate 4-1: Coastal dune vegetation found to occur in the project area. The dominant species in Sporobolus virginicus. 28 Plate 4-2: Dune species found to occur in project area also included Dimorphotheca fruticosa (left) and Ipomoea pes-caprae (right). 28 Plate 4-3: (A) Coastal Thicket vegetation in the background. (B) Thicket patch at the centre of the site, looking from the proposed location of the tidal pool. 29 Plate 4-4: Groundcover within the Coastal Dune Thicket is dominated by herbaceous species. 29 Plate 4-5: Mtumbane Estuary (left) with riparian thicket on the left, and a reed and sedge meadow to the right. The riparian area of the Bulolo Estuary (right) is dominated by Dune Thicket. 30 Plate 4-6: (A) Reed species Phagmites australis dominates the Riparian vegetation of the Mtumbane estuary. (B) A dilapidated resort is located on the east bank of the Mtumbane estuary, where derelict buildings and large fig trees dominate the landscape. 30 Plate 4-7: Protected tree species which were found to occur within the project area Sideroxylon inerme (foreground) and Mimusops caffra. 32 Plate 4-8: Invasive alien species Lanata camara. 32 Plate 6-1 The mouth of the Bulolo River to the left, and a wide sand sheet to the right. The well vegetated dune system is visible in the background. 40 Plate 6-2 The vegetated dune at the mouth of the Bulolo River has lost climax species and vegetation cover has been reduced due to trampling and wave undercut. It is located immediately west of the tidal pool, and must be fenced and protected from further disturbance. 40 Plate 6-3 The dune thicket along the edge of the Mtumbane Estuary has been severely disturbed, and the ground layer has almost disappeared. 41
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ADU Animal Demography Unit CBA Critical Biodiversity Areas CES Coastal & Environmental Services DEA Department of Environmental Affairs DEDEAT Department of Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism DWS Department of Water and Sanitation EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner ECBCP Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIAR Environmental Impact Assessment Report EMP Environment Management Plan EMPr Environmental Management Programme HA Hectares IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature NEMA National Environmental Management Act NEMBA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas NPA National Protected Area RoD Record of Decision SA South Africa SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute SANParks South African National Parks SANRAL South Africa National Roads agency SCC Species of Conservation Concern SDF Spatial Development Framework STEP Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Project ToR Terms of Reference
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCALITY
Second Beach is a popular recreational swimming and surfing spot near Port St Johns (PSJ), which has the potential to encourage tourist revenue growth in the area. Unfortunately, Port St Johns has experienced an alarming number of shark attacks at Second Beach since 2004 which is reportedly discouraging tourism.
PSJ is located in the OR Tambo Municipal District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, approximately 107km east of Mthatha (Umtata) off the N2 along the R61. Second Beach is 5km south from the town and is the proposed site for the beach infrastructure development (Figure 1-1).
PRDW has appointed EOH Coastal & Environmental Services on behalf of the DEA as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner to undertake the EIA for the Port St Johns Beach Infrastructure.
1.2 PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
Improve safe swimming conditions for visitors to PSJ Second Beach area. Contribute to the tourism related economic prospects of PSJ. Facilitate effective and sustainable shark attach prevention.
The proposed development includes: tidal pool or similar safe swimming activities; beach access point; upgrade of ablutions; upgrade parking lot, landscaping and commercial market area; life guard facilities (club house and garage for equipment);
The proposed layout for the PSJ infrastructure project is shown in Figure 1-2. Further detail is provided in the EIAR.
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Figure 1-1: Locality map for the proposed project.
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Figure 1-2: Proposed Project Layout
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1.3 OBJECTIVES AND TERMS OF REFERENCE
1.3.1 Ecological Impact Assessment
The ecological impact assessment included a desktop study of all available literature on fauna and flora, as well as a confirmatory field survey, focusing on botanical aspects to determine the presence of plant species of special concern on site. It was determined from the desktop work that faunal species on site are typical of the area, and since it is disturbed the occurrence of SCC would be unlikely. The Terms of Reference for this specialist study are as follows:
Identify the main vegetation types and plant communities; Identify and record the main plant species that occur within the project area; Where possible identify any Red Data Book (RDB) flora species and indicate the viability of and estimated population size of the RDB species that are present. In the absence of specific information on RDB species, adopt a habitat approach by identifying areas likely to contain RDB species; Adopt the same approach as above for faunal species; Describe the likelihood of other RDB species or species of conservation concern occurring in the vicinity; Assess the extent of alien plant species over the site, and associated risks of alien invasion as a result of the project; Identify any significant landscape features or rare or important vegetation associations such as seasonal wetlands, seeps or rocky areas that might support rare or important vegetation/faunal associations; Assess the condition of the site in terms of current or previous land uses; Identify (as far as is possible from the data collected) the principal ecological processes evident within the project site and its relative importance in determining the biodiversity characteristics present. Identify potential impacts the project could have on the ecological environment and, where appropriate, suggest mitigation measures to reduce these impacts.
1.3.2 Dune Impact Assessment (incorporating flora and fauna)
The project site is located within the dynamic coastal zone, and will impact on both the beach and dune ecosystems. Consequently, a dune impact assessment was included in the ecological study. The Terms of Reference for this component are as follows:
Describe the dune systems and their important ecological process in the study area. Identify any plant and animal species of special concern that might inhabit these areas. Identify any alien invasive plant species and discuss the implications of these on sand movement and other coastal processes. Describe the main faunal habitats in the area and discuss the ecological importance of these. Provide information on the natural ecological functioning of the dune system, and how this may be altered over time should the development go ahead; Identify and assess the significance of environmental impacts and discuss any mitigation strategies to reduce impact severity. Ensure that the mitigation strategies are underpinned by sound scientific information, are aligned to current policy and legislation (such as the Integrated Coastal Management Act) and are practical and affordable.
1.4 APPROACH
The study site and surrounding areas were initially described from a desktop assessment, in terms of current vegetation classifications and biodiversity programmes and plans, especially:
The South African Vegetation Map (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006)
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Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP)
A site visit was conducted (31 January -1st of February 2017) in order to record site specific information on the vegetation, ecological condition and current land-use, and to identify potential sensitive ecosystems and plant species. The site visit served to inform potential impacts that the proposed project might have, and how significantly it would impact on the vegetation and dune systems found to occur in the area.
1.5 LIMITATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS
This report is based on currently available information and, as a result, the following limitations and assumptions are implicit:
The report focused on assessing a project based on a description taken from design specifications for the proposed Second Beach infrastructure project that has not yet been finalised, and which may undergo iterations and refinements before it can be regarded as definitive; Species of conservation concern are difficult to find and difficult to identify, thus species described in this report do not comprise an exhaustive list. It is however unlikely, given the disturbed nature of the areas to be developed, that additional species of conservation concern will be found during construction. Sampling could only be carried out at one stage in the annual or seasonal cycle. Consequently, some plant species may have gone undetected. However, the data collected is sufficient for the purposes of this assessment.
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2. RELEVANT LEGISLATION
Environmental legislation relevant to the proposed activity is summarised below. Biodiversity Plans and Programmes are discussed in Chapter 4, where they are used to describe the ecological conditions.
2.1 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT (NO. 107 OF 1998)
Relevant Sections of the Act: Section 2, 23, 24, 24-1, 28 -33
This is the primary piece of legislation regulating this development, and underpinned the study. Relevant principles under NEMA, include:
The NEMA principles relating to the need to avoid or minimise impacts, use of the precautionary principle, polluter pays principle, etc. The application of fair decision-making and conflict management procedures are provided for in NEMA. The application of the principles of Integrated Environmental Management and the consideration, investigation and assessment of the potential impact of existing and planned activities on the environment; socio-economic conditions; and the cultural heritage.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014 The proposed development triggers the three lists of activities, published on 4 December 2014, as Listing Notices GN R.983, R.984, and R.985. These Listing Notices define the activities that require a Basic Assessment or a Scoping and EIA process. This EIA will be submitted to the DEDEAT to ensure that the national environmental principles, fair decision making and integrated environmental management approach is applied through the process.
Implications for the proposed project: In terms of Section 28, every person who causes; has caused, or may cause significant pollution or degradation of the environment must take reasonable measures to prevent pollution or rectify the damage caused. Based on the NEMA EIA listed activities identified by the EAP the proposed project’s EIA application will be subject to the Scoping and EIA reporting process as stipulated in the Regulations. Based on the location of the development a Botanical and Dune specialist assessment is required as part of the EIA phase
2.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT (NO. 10 OF 2004)
Relevant Sections of the Act: Section 50-62, 63-77, 75
Objectives of the Act The objectives of the Act are the management and conservation of biological diversity, and the provision of facilities and capacity to ensure biodiversity management and conservation takes place.
The following sections are relevant:
Threatened or protected ecosystems and species Sections 51-63 provide details relating to the protection of threatened or protected ecosystems and species to ensure maintenance of their ecological integrity.
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The NEMBA “National List of Ecosystems that are Threatened and in need of Protection” (Government Notice 1002 of 2011) lists threatened and protected ecosystems.
A person may not carry out any activity in a threatened and protected ecosystem or involving a specimen of a listed threatened or protected species without a permit (Section 56-1). (Refer to the NEMBA List of Threatened & Protected Species; Government Notice 256 of 2015 for lists of endangered and protected faunal and floral species).
Alien and invasive species Sections 64-78 provide details relating to alien and invasive species with the purpose of preventing their introduction and spread, managing and controlling, and eradicating alien and invasive species. The NEMBA Alien and Invasive Species List (Government Notice 599 of 2014) lists Alien and Invasive species that are regulated by the NEMBA Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (Government Notice 98 of 2014).
Implications for the Project: An invasive species management, control and eradication plan for land/activities under the developers control should be developed, as part of their environmental plans in accordance with section 11 of NEMBA Aliens and Invasive Species Regulations. Activities may not be carried out in threatened or protected ecosystems without first gaining authorisation for such activities. Permits will need to be acquired prior to construction activities should any protected species be affected by the development.
2.3 NATIONAL WATER ACT (NO.36 OF 1998)
Purpose of the Act (Section 2) The purpose of the Act is to ensure that the Nation’s water resources are protected, used, developed, conserved and controlled in ways which take sustainability into account, and that protect aquatic and associated ecosystems, reduce and prevent pollution and degradation of water resources.
Protection of water resources (Section 12-20) This section details measures intended to ensure the comprehensive protection of all water resources, including the water reserve and water quality. In particular, section 19 deals with Pollution Prevention (Part 4) and states that a person (including a municipality) who owns, controls occupies or uses the land in question, is responsible for taking reasonable measures to prevent pollution of water resources. If measures are not taken, the catchment management agency concerned, may itself do whatever is necessary to prevent the pollution or remedy its effects, and recover all reasonable costs from the persons responsible for the pollution.
The ‘reasonable measures’ which have to be taken may include measures to: Cease, modify or control any act or process causing the pollution; Comply with any prescribed waste standard or management practice; Contain or prevent the movement of pollutants; Eliminate any source of the pollution; Remedy the effects of the pollution; and Remedy the effect of any disturbance to the bed and banks of a watercourse.
When considering the potential impacts of development on water resources and the pollution of rivers, maintaining the following is relevant: the quality, pattern, timing, water level and assurance of instream flow; the water quality, including the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the water; the character and condition of the in-stream and riparian habitat;
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the characteristics, condition and distribution of the aquatic biota.
The Act defines ‘instream habitat’ as including the physical structure of a watercourse and the associated vegetation in relation to the bed of the watercourse.
Riparian ecosystems ‘Riparian habitat’ includes the physical structure and associated vegetation of the areas associated with a watercourse, which are commonly characterised by alluvial soils, and which are inundated or flooded to an extent and with a frequency sufficient to support species and an ecosystem structure distinct from those of adjacent land areas.
Section 21 deals with the Use of Water Section 21 (a-k) describes activities defined as a water use under the act. These activities may only be undertaken subject to the application for, and issue of, a water use licence.
Implications for the Project: Appropriate measures must be taken to prevent the pollution of water courses. Riparian zones must be protected. Construction within a water course or within 500 metres of a wetland will require a Water Use licence under section 21 (c) & (i) issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation. The proposed infrastructure project occurs within 500 metres of the Bulolo and Mtumbane rivers and may impact riparian vegetation.
2.4 NATIONAL FOREST ACT (NO.84 OF 1998)
Any area that has vegetation which is characterised by a closed and contiguous canopy and under storey plant establishment is defined as a ‘forest’. As a result it falls under the authority of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF): Forestry sector.
A relevant clause in Chapter 3, Part 1 covers the prohibition on destruction of trees in natural forests. It states in section 7 (1) No person may cut, disturb, damage or destroy any indigenous living tree in, or remove or receive any such tree from, a natural forest except in terms of (a) A licence issued under subsection (4) or section 23.
Section 10 (1) relating to the effect of setting aside protected areas states that “No person may cut, disturb, damage or destroy any forest produce in, or remove or receive any forest produce from, a protected area, except:
in terms of the rules made for the proper management of the area in terms of section 11(2)(b); in the course of the management of the protected area by the responsible organ of State or person; in terms of a right of servitude: in terms of the authority of a licence granted under section 7(4) or 23; in terms of an exemption under section 7(1)(b) or 24(6); or in the case of a protected area on land outside a State Forest, with the consent of the registered owner or by reason of another right which allows the person concerned to do so, subject to the prohibition in section 7(1).
Implications for the Project: No forest or trees that form part of a forest or forest association may be damaged or destroyed without a permit. Development within 50 metres of forest must be closely monitored during the construction phase. No protected tree species may be damaged or destroyed without a permit. Project infrastructure may affect disturbed forest patches found to occur within the
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project boundary
2.5 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN (SCC)
There are four pieces of legislation that deal with species of conservation concern, and these are described below.
2.5.1 National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004)
NEMBA aims to establish national norms and standards for the management of biodiversity across all sectors and by different management authorities.
Chapter 4, Part 2 of the Act provides for the listing of species as threatened or protected. If a species is listed as threatened, it must be further classified as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable. The Act defines these classes as follows:
Table 2-1: NEMBA classes and explanations Any indigenous species facing an extremely high risk of extinction Critically endangered species in the wild in the immediate future. Any indigenous species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild Endangered species in the near future, although it is not a critically endangered species. Any indigenous species facing an extremely high risk of extinction Vulnerable species in the wild in the medium-term future; although it is not a critically endangered species or an endangered species. Any species which is of such high conservation value or national importance that it requires national protection”. Species listed in Protected species this category will include, among others, species listed in terms of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Implications for the project: Any species identified during the site survey listed in this act will require permits prior to removal and prior to commencement of construction.
2.5.2 Endangered and Protected Flora in the 1974 Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance (PNCO):
The Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance (PNCO) protects endangered and protected flora outside protected areas. Species classified as Schedule 3 are endangered species, and those in schedule 4 as protected species.
Implications for the project: A permit from DEDEAT is required for the removal or destruction of species on the PNCO list prior to construction.
2.5.3 1976 List of Protected Trees (Government Gazette No. 9542 Schedule A) in the 1998 National Forest Act (NFA):
No person may cut, disturb, damage or destroy any protected tree or possess, collect, remove, transport, export, purchase, sell, donate or in any other manner acquire or dispose of any protected tree or any forest product derived from a protected tree, unless a permit has been acquired.
The NFA List of Protected Trees (Government Notice 908 of 2014) list all trees protected and will require a permit application to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
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Implications for the project: Any species identified during the site survey listed in the NFA will require a permit from DAFF prior to removal and prior to commencement of construction.
2.5.4 South African Red Data List
The South African Red List of South African plants use the internationally recognised IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria to measure a species risk of extinction (Table 2.2). Since the Red List of South African plants are used widely for conservation practices throughout South Africa, this list has been modified to identify species that are at low risk of extinction but of high conservation importance.
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Table 2-2: South African Red Data List Categories (SANBI, 2013) A species is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. Species should be classified as Extinct only once exhaustive EXTINCT (EX) surveys throughout the species' known range have failed to record an individual. EXTINCT IN THE A species is Extinct in the Wild when it is known to survive only in cultivation WILD (EW) or as a naturalized population (or populations) well outside the past range. A species is Regionally Extinct when it is extinct within the region assessed REGIONALLY (in this case South Africa), but wild populations can still be found in areas EXTINCT (RE) outside the region. Possibly Extinct is a special tag associated with the category Critically CRITICALLY Endangered, indicating species that are highly likely to be extinct, but the ENDANGERED, exhaustive surveys required for classifying the species as Extinct has not yet POSSIBLY EXTINCT been completed. A small chance remains that such species may still be (CR PE) rediscovered. A species is Critically Endangered when the best available evidence CRITICALLY indicates that it meets at least one of the five IUCN criteria for Critically ENDANGERED (CR) Endangered, indicating that the species is facing an extremely high risk of extinction. A species is Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it ENDANGERED (EN) meets at least one of the five IUCN criteria for Endangered, indicating that the species is facing a very high risk of extinction. A species is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it VULNERABLE (VU) meets at least one of the five IUCN criteria for Vulnerable, indicating that the species is facing a high risk of extinction. A species is Near Threatened when available evidence indicates that it NEAR nearly meets any of the IUCN criteria for Vulnerable, and is therefore likely to THREATENED (NT) become at risk of extinction in the near future. A species is Critically Rare when it is known to occur at a single site, but is CRITICALLY RARE not exposed to any direct or plausible potential threat and does not otherwise qualify for a category of threat according to one of the five IUCN criteria. A species is Rare when it meets at least one of four South African criteria for RARE rarity, but is not exposed to any direct or plausible potential threat and does not qualify for a category of threat according to one of the five IUCN criteria. A species is Declining when it does not meet or nearly meet any of the five IUCN criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, RARE DECLINING Vulnerable or Near Threatened, but there are threatening processes causing a continuing decline of the species. A species is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the IUCN criteria and does not qualify for any of the above categories. Species LEAST CONCERN classified as Least Concern are considered at low risk of extinction. Widespread and abundant species are typically classified in this category. DATA DEFICIENT – A species is DDD when there is inadequate information to make an INSUFFICIENT assessment of its risk of extinction, but the species is well defined. Listing of INFORMATION species in this category indicates that more information is required and that (DDD) future research could show that a threatened classification is appropriate. DATA DEFICIENT – A species is DDT when taxonomic problems hinder the distribution range and TAXONOMICALLY habitat from being well defined, so that an assessment of risk of extinction is PROBLEMATIC not possible. (DDT) A species is Not Evaluated when it has not been evaluated against the criteria. The national Red List of South African plants is a comprehensive assessment of all South African indigenous plants, and therefore all species are assessed and given a national Red List status. However, some species NOT EVALUATED included in Plants of southern Africa: an online checklist, are species that do (NE) not qualify for national listing because they are naturalized exotics, hybrids (natural or cultivated), or synonyms. These species are given the status Not Evaluated and the reasons why they have not been assessed are included in the assessment justification.
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3. DESCRIPTION OF THE BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
3.1 GEOLOGY AND LANDFORM
The Eastern Cape Province contains a wide variety of landscapes, from the stark Karoo (the semi-desert region of the central interior) to mountain ranges and gentle hills rolling down to the sea. The climate and topography gives rise to the great diversity of vegetation types and habitats found in the region.
3.1.1 Topography
The project site occurs in the area colloquially referred to as the Wild Coast, which is characterised by coastal plateaus that are deeply incised by numerous short rivers flowing parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the shore. Within the project site, the elevation ranges from sea level (asl) in the south western to south eastern section of the beach to 38 meters asl in the north eastern section. From this point the elevation rises steeply to well over 100m, and this constrains the amount of level land available for beach infrastructure, as the slopes are too steep and sensitive to develop. Plate 3-1 illustrates the general topography of the project site.
Plate 3-1: General Topography of the project site, looking south from the elevated position of at Mtumbane Location. Second Beach (arrow) and the mouth of the Bololo (arrow) are visible at sea level.
3.1.2 Geology
The PSJ area has both Ecca and Beaufort Group rocks of the Karoo Supergroup, and coastal sandy sediments. The Ecca group comprises of shale, mudstone and sandstone sedimentary rock. It is characterised by lithic, young soils (Glenrosa and Mispha) occurring on weathered rock, and these types of soils characterise most of the South African landscape (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006; Fey, 2010). The Beaufort Group is more extensive and comprises of mudstones and sandstones (Turner, 1981).
The area also has regions with sandstones of the Msikaba formation which has shallow, nutrient poor, skeletal acidic sandy soils (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006).
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3.2 CLIMATE
The Eastern Cape has a complex climate. There are wide variations in temperature, rainfall and wind patterns, mainly because of movements of air masses, altitude, mountain orientation and the proximity of the Indian Ocean.
Climate data for Port St Johns shows that the rainfall in this area mainly occurs during the summer months and it receives about 900mm of rain per year. The lowest average rainfall occurs in June (17mm) and the highest in March (136mm). Average midday temperatures range between 21°C - 25.8 °C (sa explorer, 2016). The summer rainfall is a constraint for tourism.
3.3 CURRENT LAND USE
The project area occurs in a well frequented beach at Port St Johns. It is surrounded by business establishments such as the bottle store and various holiday housing. There are a number of dilapidated infrastructures (such as ablutions, abandoned buildings), recreational facilities (e.g. braai facilities), and there are alleged illegal dwellers currently residing within the project area.
Plate 3-2: Existing infrastructure within the project area. These structures are located within the area earmarked for the revitalised trading area, within coastal dune forest.
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4. VEGETATION TYPES AND FLORISTICS
4.1 REGIONAL CONTEXT
Mucina and Rutherford (2006, revised and updated in 2012) developed the National Vegetation map as part of a South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) funded project: “It was compiled in order to provide floristically based vegetation units of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland at a greater level of detail than had been available before.” The map was developed using a wealth of data from several contributors and has resulted in the best national vegetation map to date, the last being that of Acocks, developed over 50 years ago. This SANBI Vegmap has achieved two main aims:
It has determined the variation in and units of southern African vegetation based on the analysis and synthesis of data from vegetation studies throughout the region, and It has resulted in a vegetation map that accurately reflects the distribution and variation of the vegetation and indicates the relationship of the vegetation with the environment.
The map and accompanying book describes each vegetation type in detail, along with the most important species including endemic species and those that are biogeographically important. This is the most comprehensive data for vegetation types in South Africa.
The project area occurs in the coastal dune system environment, and Mucina and Rutherford (2006) describe this environment as diverse, vulnerable and variable. It provides goods and services such as recreation, harvesting of marine life, aesthetic value, and for tourism. This has resulted in the coast being a centre for economic activity which has resulted in pressure on the local beach and dune environment. Additional pressures such as agriculture, urbanisation and tourism has resulted in the loss of vegetation in these areas. Indirect impacts to this environment include alien infestation (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006).
4.1.1 SANBI Vegetation Map
As seen in the figure below (Figure 4-1) four vegetation types occur in and around the project area:
Transkei Coastal Belt Scarp Forest Subtropical Coastal Lagoons Subtropical Dune Thicket
Transkei Coastal Belt Transkei Coastal Belt occurs as a narrow strip along the Wild Coast. The landform is highly dissected and hilly with alternating steep slopes, low river valleys and coastal ridges. It is comprised of a mosaic of grassland on the higher lying areas (hill tops) and upper slopes where soils are shallow and the landscape is windswept and prone to fire, with bush clumps and small forest patches on slopes which are fire protected, shaded and moister. This vegetation type is classified as Vulnerable with a conservation target of 25%. Only 1 % is statutorily conserved and 20% has been transformed for cultivation.
Based on our vegetation survey, the proposed infrastructure occurs on only a small portion of this vegetation type, and the site visit showed that the proposed project will not impact on this vegetation type (Figure 4-1).
Scarp Forest Scarp Forest occurs from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumulanga and Swaziland. This vegetation type occurs as scattered patches of forest often associated with krantzes, scarps and coastal platforms. It is usually found at low altitudes of between 50 and 600 m. Scarp Forests generally have a high biodiversity and are structurally diverse, multi-layered forests with well-
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 20 PSJ Beach Infrastructure Project Botanical and Dune Report developed canopy and understory tree layers, but a poorly developed herb layer. This vegetation type is classified as Least Threatened in protected areas, but vulnerable to over exploitation elsewhere. The conservation target is 40% but only 20% is statutorily conserved in various reserves.
This vegetation was found to occur in the north-eastern portion of this project are (Figure 4-1), and includes areas which will be used for parking bays and the pedestrian bridge. The area was mapped at a finer scale (see Figure 4.8) which indicated that the vegetation at the parking areas was not a true scarp forest as it had many coastal elements, and the proposed bridge over the Mtumbane River will impact only a small section of the surrounding vegetation.
Subtropical Coastal Lagoons Mucina and Rutherford (2006) classify the Bulolo estuary as a Subtropical Coastal Lagoon. A lagoon is defined as “a stretch of coastal water body, more or less enclosed and separated from the sea by a barrier (usually sand dune corridor)”. These are shallow and are generally found to occur parallel to the shoreline (Sriyanie, 2013).
The Bulolo estuary might impacted by the proposed project. Impacts on the estuarine environment are discussed in the Estuarine Impact Assessment.
Subtropical Dune Thicket Subtropical Dune Thicket occurs in the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal Provinces and is comprised of very dense shrubby thickets of spiny shrubs, large-leaved mega-herbs (such as Strelitzia nicolai), dwarfed trees, abundant vines and poorly developed undergrowth. This vegetation type is classified as Least Threatened with a conservation target of 20% and 27% is statutorily conserved.
Most of the proposed project occurs in this vegetation type and will definitely be impacted by the proposed project area.
Figure 4-1: National vegetation classification of the PSJ infrastructure project area (Mucina and Rutherford, 2012)
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4.2 CONSERVATION PLANNING TOOLS
A number of conservation planning tools are available for the study area. These tools allow for the potential identification of any sensitive and important areas from a vegetation and faunal perspective at the early stage of a development and allow for the fine-tuning of plans and infrastructure layouts. These available tools together with our knowledge of the site and additional literature has been used to assess the sensitivity of the study area.
4.2.1 The Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP, 2007)
The ECBCP is a first attempt at detailed, low-level conservation mapping for land-use planning purposes. The specific aim was to map critical biodiversity areas through a systematic conservation planning process. The current biodiversity plan includes the mapping of priority aquatic features, land-use pressures, critical biodiversity areas and guidelines for land and resource-use planning and decision-making.
The main outputs of the ECBCP are “critical biodiversity areas” or CBAs, which are allocated the following management categories: CBA 1 = Maintain in a natural state CBA 2 = Maintain in a near-natural state
The ECBCP maps CBAs based on extensive biological data and input from key stakeholders. The ECBCP, although mapped at a finer scale than the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (Driver et al., 2005) is still at a coarse scale and site specific verification is required before the management recommendations associated with the ECBCP are considered (Berliner and Desmet, 2007). It is also important to note that in the absence of any other biodiversity plan, the ECBCP has been adopted by the Provincial Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs as a strategic biodiversity plan for the Eastern Cape.
Terrestrial CBA 1 areas are defined by the following aspects: Critically endangered vegetation types (ecosystems) identified though the ECBCP systematic conservation assessment; Critically endangered vegetation types from STEP; Critically endangered forest patches in terms of the National Forest Assessment; Areas essential for meeting biodiversity targets for biodiversity features (SA vegetation types, expertly mapped priority areas); Systematic conservation planning priorities; and Forest clusters identified as critical in the forestry planning process (Berliner et al 2006).
Terrestrial CBA 2 areas are defined by the following aspects: Endangered vegetation types identified through the ECBCP systematic conservation assessment; Endangered vegetation types from STEP; Endangered forest patches in terms of the National Forest Assessment; All expert-mapped areas less than 25 000 ha in size (includes expert data from this project, STEP birds, SKEP, Wild Coast, Pondoland and marine studies); All other forest clusters (includes 500 m buffers); 1 km coastal buffer strip; Ecological corridors identified in other studies (e.g. from STEP, Wild Coast, Pondoland, WMA 12 SEA, etc.) and corridors mapped by experts; and Ecological corridors identified by the ECBCP using an integrated corridor design for the whole Province.
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According to the ECBCP (2007) the tidal pool occurs within a CBA 2; and a small portion within CBA 1, whilst the other infrastructure falls within a CBA 1 (Figure 4-2). The CBA 2 area occurs in the coastal area. However, the site is not a true reflection of a CBA 1 area, as it is very disturbed and already developed. However, it may still play an important ecological role at a larger scale - for example forming part of a systematic conservation plan. The project footprint is limited to disturbed areas, the project is in line with planning and development guidelines in the area, and the site is already disturbed. Hence it is recommended that the proposed project may be permitted in this CBA 1 area.
Figure 4-2: Terrestrial CBA Map of the proposed project area
4.3 PROTECTED AREAS
Port St Johns Second Beach occur in close proximity to the Pondoland Marine Protected Area and the Silaka Provincial Nature Reserve (Figure 4-5). Even though these areas occur close to the project area it is unlikely that these areas will be impacted by the proposed project.
4.3.1 Protected Areas Expansion strategy
A National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (2004) highlighted the shortcomings in the protection of representative sample of the country‘s biodiversity and ecological process areas. The Protected Areas Expansion Strategy was developed from this to increase conservation areas in order to meet national biodiversity targets, and outlined two strategies for expanding the current National Protected Areas:
For public land, the declaration of available, under-utilised and strategic parcels of public land in concordance with the relevant legal requirements for disposal of such land; For private land, contractual agreements with the affected landowners.
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An area is considered important for expansion if it contributes to meeting biodiversity thresholds, maintaining ecological processes or climate change resilience. Forty-two focus areas for land- based protected area expansion have been identified and are composed of large, intact and fragmented areas suitable for the creation or expansion of large protected areas. PSJ second beach area does not occur within a focus area (Figure 4-5).
Figure 4-5: The Pondoland Focus area occurs in close proximity to Second Beach.
4.3.2 National List of Ecosystems that are threatened and in need of Protection (NEMBA, Act 10 of 2004).
The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act provides a list of threatened terrestrial ecosystems. This was established as little attention has historically been paid to the protection of ecosystems outside of protected areas. The purpose of listing threatened ecosystems is primarily to reduce the rate of ecosystem and species extinction. This includes preventing further degradation and loss of structure, function and composition of threatened ecosystems.
According to this spatial tool, the boundary of the Mount Thesiger Forest Complex, which is classified as Endangered, and the Transkei Coastal forest which is classified as vulnerable, occur within the project boundary (Figure 4-6). The layout of the infrastructure illustrates that these ecosystems will not be impacted by the proposed project.
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Figure 4-6: Threatened ecosystems found to occur within the project boundary.
Figure 4-7: Forest patches which occur within the project boundary.
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A large forest patch is found to occur in the close vicinity of the project infrastructure and within the project boundary (Figure 4-7). This forest is categorised as Transkei Coastal Forest (Intra zonal forest) and is classified as Vulnerable and regarded as a priority patch. According to the shapefile, a small section of the forest will be impacted by the proposed infrastructure development. Desktop assessment and field survey of the area show that the areas in which the infrastructure occurs have no forest vegetation, as it has already been cleared for roads and housing. Due to the close proximity of this forest patch to the proposed project, it is recommended that there be no further disturbance to this vegetation type.
4.4 SITE SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF VEGETATION/LAND COVER
During the site assessment four vegetation types (dune vegetation; coastal thicket; costal forest; riparian vegetation), and five land use types were observed and mapped. They are described below and their spatial distribution illustrated in Figure 4-8.
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Figure 4-8: Vegetation types and land cover occurring in the proposed PSJ infrastructure project area.
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4.5 VEGETATION TYPES FOUND ON SITE
Four distinct vegetation types, some with sub-categories shown as on Figure 4.8 were found to occur in the project area.
4.5.1 Dune Vegetation and Rocky Coastal Areas
This vegetation occurred in the foredunes and in patches above the highwater mark, and is characterised by pioneer species such as the widespread coastal grass species, Sporobolus virginicus (Plate 4.1). Only a few species were found to occur in this area due to the harsh environmental conditions and stability of the dunes. Coastal thicket vegetation is found on the more stabilised areas. This area is mapped in yellow on Figure 4.8.
Coastal Dune Vegetation
Plate 4-1: Coastal dune vegetation found to occur in the project area. The dominant species in Sporobolus virginicus.
Plate 4-2: Dune species found to occur in project area also included Dimorphotheca fruticosa (left) and Ipomoea pes-caprae (right).
4.5.2 Coastal Dune Thicket Vegetation
The main vegetation found to occur in the project area was the Coastal Dune Thicket, mapped in green as Coastal Thicket on Figure 4.8. This vegetation occurs on steep slopes of the secondary dune ridge, although erosion has taken place and the dune thicket is now exposed to wind and salt spray. It is also found only a short distance above the high water on the rocky sections of the shoreline. It is generally dominated by the Coastal Red Milkwood tree species Mimusops caffra, and the large herbaceous Wild Bananna, Strelitzia nicolai. Other common species included Dracenia hookeriani, and a number of small herbaceous species which dominate the shaded ground layer. This vegetation was more intact in the south-western portion of the project site, where a large forest patch is located on the north bank of the Bulolo Estuary. The thicket patch at the centre of the study site and behind the proposed location of the tidal pool showed signs of degradation due to anthropogenic activities. There were pathways through the area, ground cover has been trampled, and woody tree species cut down.
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Plate 4-3: (A) Coastal Thicket vegetation in the background. (B) Thicket patch at the centre of the site, looking from the proposed location of the tidal pool.
Plate 4-4: Groundcover within the Coastal Dune Thicket is dominated by herbaceous species.
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4.5.3 Riparian Vegetation
This vegetation occurred as a narrow band along the Mtumbane estuary, and is mapped in pink on Figure 4.8. Species included the common palm, Phoenix reclinata, as well as trees such as Ficus spp. in the riparian forest. Most of the riparian areas were, however, dominated by reeds and sedges, with Phragmites australis being the dominant reed, and Juncus spp. being the dominant sedge. This vegetation also had alien invasive species such as Lantana camara and Psidium guajava.
The riparian area of the Bulolo River is dominated by the Coastal Thicket already described, as well as development on its east bank.
A B
Plate 4-5: Mtumbane Estuary (left) with riparian thicket on the left, and a reed and sedge meadow to the right. The riparian area of the Bulolo Estuary (right) is dominated by Dune Thicket.
A B
Plate 4-6: (A) Reed species Phagmites australis dominates the Riparian vegetation of the Mtumbane estuary. (B) A dilapidated resort is located on the east bank of the Mtumbane estuary, where derelict buildings and large fig trees dominate the landscape.
4.5.4 Coastal forest
Forest vegetation occurs on the steep, rocky slopes immediately inland of the road and proposed parking areas. Most of this vegetation has been fenced for protection. There is no distinctly dominant species in this vegetation. It is a low forest, with a canopy of 6-10m dominated by common Eastern Cape species such as Euclea racemose. Vines and lianas, such Rhoissicus tridentata are also abundant. The ground layer is sparse, and the species composition is influenced by its coastal proximity, and hence it shares a number of species with the Coastal Thicket vegetation. Small patches of the alien invasive species Arundo donax were found to occur in this vegetation.
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4.6 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN
The species list from the site survey was assessed against the South African Red Data List, the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 2004 (Act 10 of 2004) (NEM:BA) list of protected species, DAFF’s list of protected tree species and the 1974 Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance (PNCO) list of species.
Five species of conservation concern listed on the PNCO as Schedule 4 species, and a permit from DEDEAT is required for the removal or destruction of species on the PNCO list prior to construction.
Two species (Sideroxylon inerme and Mimusops caffra) are listed on DAFF’s list of protected tree species (see below). A permit from DAFF will be required prior to their removal and prior to commencement of construction, if these species will be directly impacted by the project.
No SCC according to South African Red Data, NEM:BA and IUCN red list were found to occur on site.
Table 4-1: SCC species found during the site visit. It is likely that more SCC will be found in the area. IUCN Red Protected Family Scientific Name SANBI PNCO NEM:BA Data Trees List Least APOCYNACEAE Carissa bispinosa - Schedule 4 - - Concern Carpobrotus Least AIZOACEAE - Schedule 4 - - dimidiatus Concern Least IRIDACEAE Dietes grandiflora - Schedule 4 - - Concern Mesembryanthemum Least AIZOACEAE - Schedule 4 - - aitonis Concern Least Protected SAPOTACEAE Mimusops caffra - - - Concern Tree Least Protected SAPOTACEAE Sideroxylon inerme - - - Concern Tree Least STRELITZIACEAE Strelitzia nicolai - Schedule 4 - - Concern
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Plate 4-7: Protected tree species which were found to occur within the project area: White Milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme) (foreground) and Red Mikwood (Mimusops caffra).
4.7 ALIEN SPECIES
Legislation on weeds and invasive plants in South Africa can be found in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 200): Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (2014). It should be noted that the CARA regulations for the legal obligations regarding alien invasive plants in South Africa has been superseded by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act no. 10 of 2004) – Alien and Invasive Species (AIS) Regulations which became law on 1 October 2014.
A number of alien plant species were recorded on site. Lantana camara (a category 1b weed) shows signs of encroachment into the riparian thicket, but was also generally found in the broader region (Plate 4-5). A small patch of Arundo donax was found to occur in the older coastal forest. Other alien species found are listed in Table 4-2.
Plate 4-8: Invasive alien species Lanata camara.
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Table 4-2 Alien invasive species, their category and the recommended control according to NEM:BA. Family Scientific Name NEM:BA COMMENT 1) According to NEM:BA category 1b Listed species are those species listed as such by notice in terms of section 70(1)(a) of the Act as species which must be contained. 2) A landowner upon whose land a Category 1 b Listed Invasive Species occurs and which species is under the landowner's control must: (a) comply with the provisions of section 73(2) of the Act; and (b) contain the listed invasive species in compliance with section 75 (1), (2) and (3) of the POACEAE Arundo donax Category 1b Act; 3) If an Invasive Species Management Programme has been developed in terms of regulation 7, a landowner must control the listed invasive species in accordance with such programme. 4) A landowner contemplated in sub-regulation (2) must allow an authorised official from the Department to enter onto the land to monitor, assist with or implement the containment of the listed invasive species, or compliance with the Invasive Species Management Programme contemplated in regulation 7. SOLANACEAE Cestrum laevigatum Category 1b Same as above. ASTERACEAE Chromolaena odorata Category 1b Same as above. VERBENACEAE Lantana Camara Category 1b Same as above. Solanum SOLANACEAE Category 1b Same as above. mauritianum VERBENACEAE Verbena bonariensis Category 1b Same as above. According to NEM:BA category 2 Listed Invasive Species are those species listed by notice in terms of section 70(1) (a) of the Act as species which require a permit to carry out a restricted activity within an area specified in the Notice, the Fish Sanctuary Areas, within National Parks Provincial Reserves, Mountain Catchment areas or Forestry Reserves specified in the Protected Areas Act, or in the Permit as the case may be. Unless otherwise indicated in the Notice, no person may carry out a restricted activity in respect of a Category 2 Listed Invasive Species without a permit. A landowner on whose land a Category 2 Listed MYRTACEAE Psidium guajava Category 2 Invasive Species occurs must ensure that the specimens of the species do not spread outside of the land or the area specified in the permit. Unless otherwise specified in the List, any species listed as a Category 2 Listed Invasive Species that occurs outside the specified area contemplated in sub-regulation (1), must, for purposes of these Regulations, be considered to be a Category 1 b Listed Invasive Species and must be managed according to regulation 3. Individual specimens of listed invasive plant species that are declared as National Heritage Trees or National Monuments, in terms of the National Heritage Act 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), are Category 2 specimens.
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5. FAUNAL SPECIES AND HABITATS
5.1 AMPHIBIANS
Amphibians are an important and often neglected component of terrestrial vertebrate faunas. They are well represented in sub-Saharan Africa, from which approximately 600 species have been recorded (Frost, 1985). However, distribution patterns in southern Africa are uneven both in terms of species distribution and in population numbers (du Preez and Carruthers, 2009).
A relatively rich amphibian fauna occurs in the Eastern Cape, where a total of 32 species and subspecies occur. This represents almost a third of the species known to occur in South Africa.
Port St Johns Second Beach is located within the Quarter Degree Square 3129 DA. According to the Animal Demographic Unit’s Reptile Database, 21 species of frog have been documented in this QDS. Two species namely Afrixalus spinifrons (Natal Banana Frog) and Natalobatrachus bonebergi (Natal Diving Frog) are listed as Near Threatened and Endangered according to the IUCN red data list respectively. None of these species occur as a Schedule 1 on the PNCO list. However, all frogs and toads are listed as schedule 2 species on the PNCO list and are therefore considered species of conservation concern. Permits will be required for the removal of all frogs and toads.
5.2 REPTILES
South Africa has 350 species of reptiles, comprising 213 lizards, 9 worm lizards, 105 snakes, 13 terrestrial tortoises, 5 freshwater terrapins, 2 breeding species of sea turtle and 1 crocodile (Branch, 1998). Of those 350 reptile species, the Eastern Cape is home to 133 which include 21 snakes, 27 lizards and eight chelonians (tortoises and turtles). The majority of these are found in Mesic Succulent Thicket and riverine habitats.
Reptile diversity in the eastern coast of South Africa is generally highest in the north-eastern extremes of South Africa and declines to the south and west (Alexander and Marais, 2010). Six reptile species have been recorded in QDS 3129 DA. Of these, Bradypodion caffer is listed as Endangered whilst the other five species have not been assessed on the IUCN Red Data List. According to the PNCO, Boaedon capensis is listed as a Schedule 2 species.
5.3 BIRDS
Nine bird species are endemic to South Africa, but there are no Eastern Cape endemics. However, there are 62 threatened species within the Eastern Cape Province (Barnes, 2000). Most of these species occur in grasslands or are associated with wetlands, indicating a need to conserve what is left of these ecosystems (Barnes, 2000). Historical records (SABAP2) indicate that an average of 12 protected species occur in the Ports St Johns region (Table 5.1).
Table 5-1: Bird species at each site Scientific Common Name Family IUCN PNCO NEMBA Name Port St Johns Second beach Schedule Cape Gannet Sulidae Morus capensis Vulnerable - 2 Phalacrocora Phalacrocorax Endangere Schedule Cape Cormorant - cidae capensis d 2 Woolly-necked Schedule Ciconiidae Ciconia episcopus Vulnerable - Stork 2 Cape Vulture Endangere Schedule Critically Accipitridae Gyps coprotheres (Griffon) d 2 Endangere
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Scientific Common Name Family IUCN PNCO NEMBA Name d Schedule Martial Eagle Accipitridae Polemaetus bellicosus Vulnerable - 2 African Crowned Stephanoaetus Near Schedule Accipitridae - (Crowned) Eagle coronatus Threatened 2 Schedule Black Harrier Accipitridae Circus maurus Vulnerable - 2 Grey Crowned- Endangere Schedule Gruidae Balearica regulorum - (Crowned) Crane d 2 Southern Schedule Bucerotidae Bucorvus leadbeateri Vulnerable Protected Ground-Hornbill 2 Knysna Near Schedule Picidae Campethera notata - Woodpecker Threatened 2 Spotted (Natal) Endangere Schedule Turdidae Zoothera guttata - Ground-Thrush d 2 Bradypterus Schedule Knysna Warbler Sylviidae Vulnerable - sylvaticus 2
The Important Bird Areas of Southern Africa (IBA) directory was compiled in 1998 and identified, using established and globally accepted criteria, 122 IBAs containing 59 threatened and 64 near- threatened bird species.
The rationale behind the IBA Programme is that in order to conserve species of conservation concern you need to conserve the habitat that the species occupies and uses. According to the IBA 2015 shapefile, there are no close to the site. The closest IBA (Pondoland Cape Vulture) is about 21km from PSJ (Figure 5.1).
Figure 5-1: Important Bird Areas in relation to the site.
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5.4 MAMMALS
Large game makes up less than 15% of the mammal species in South Africa and a much smaller percentage in numbers and biomass. In developed and farming areas, this percentage is greatly reduced, with the vast majority of mammals present are small or medium-sized.
One hundred and ten mammal species have distribution ranges which include the project area. According to NEMBA, one Endangered mammal species (Oribi), three vulnerable mammal species (Blue duiker, Eastern Tree Dassie and Leopard) and two protected species (Cape Fox and Honey Badger) have distributions that coincide with the project area (Table 5.2).
Four mammal species are listed as Endangered, two as Vulnerable and two as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Oribi is listed as a Schedule 1 species under the PNCO, and 27 other species are listed as Schedule 2 species.
Other protected species in the region include African Elephant and Black Rhino, these are unlikely to occur in the areas of the development, as well as five marine mammals (Highlighted in Table 6.3).
Table 5-2: Mammals at the PSJ region. Common Red List Family Scientific Name NEMBA PNCO Name status Hottentot Amblysomus CHRYSOCHLORIDAE Endangered - - Golden Mole marleyi Cephalophus Least Blue duiker BOVIDAE Vulnerable schedule 2 monticola Concern Duthie's Chlorotalpa CHRYSOCHLORIDAE Vulnerable - - Golden Mole duthieae Reddish-gray Least SORICIDAE Crocidura cyanea - Schedule 2 Musk Shrew Concern Greater Red Crocidura Least SORICIDAE - Schedule 2 Musk Shrew flavescens Concern Eastern Tree Dendrohyrax Least PROCAVIIDAE Vulnerable schedule 2 Dassie arboreus Concern Short-snouted Elephantulus Least Elephant MACROSCELIDIDAE - Schedule 2 brachyrhynchus Concern Shrew Cape Elephantulus Least Elephant MACROSCELIDIDAE - Schedule 2 edwardii Concern Shrew Eastern Rock Elephantulus Least Elephant MACROSCELIDIDAE - Schedule 2 myurus Concern Shrew Long-tailed Eptesicus Least VESPERTILIONIDAE - Schedule 2 House Bat hottentotus Concern Sundevall's Hipposideros Least HIPPOSIDERIDAE - Schedule 2 Roundleaf Bat caffer Concern Lesser Woolly Least VESPERTILIONIDAE Kerivoula lanosa - Schedule 2 Bat Concern Least Honey Badger MUSTELIDAE Mellivora capensis Protected Schedule 2 Concern Common Miniopterus Near VESPERTILIONIDAE - Schedule 2 Bentwing Bat schreibersii Threatened Dark-footed Least SORICIDAE Myosorex cafer - Schedule 2 Forest Shrew Concern Least Forest Shrew SORICIDAE Myosorex varius - Schedule 2 Concern White-tailed NESOMYIDAE Mystromys Endangered - -
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Common Red List Family Scientific Name NEMBA PNCO Name status Mouse albicaudatus Egyptian Slit- Least NYCTERIDAE Nycteris thebaica - Schedule 2 faced Bat Concern Least Bat-eared Fox CANIDAE Otocyon megalotis - Schedule 2 Concern Least Oribi BOVIDAE Ourebia ourebi Endangered Schedule 1 Concern Near Leopard FELIDAE Panthera pardus Vulnerable - Threatened Least Aardwolf HYAENIDAE Proteles cristatus - Schedule 2 Concern Raphicerus Least Steenbok BOVIDAE - Schedule 2 campestris Concern Cape RhInolophus Least Horseshoe RHINOLOPHIDAE - Schedule 2 capensis Concern Bat Geoffroy's RhInolophus Least Horseshoe RHINOLOPHIDAE - Schedule 2 clivosus Concern Bat Swinny's RhInolophus Least Horseshoe RHINOLOPHIDAE - Schedule 2 swinnyi Concern Bat African Yellow Scotophilus Least VESPERTILIONIDAE - Schedule 2 Bat dinganii Concern Least Dwarf Suncus Least SORICIDAE - Schedule 2 Shrew infinitesimus Concern Lesser Dwarf Least SORICIDAE Suncus varilla - Schedule 2 Shrew Concern Least Cape Fox CANIDAE Vulpes chama Protected Schedule 2 Concern Tragelaphus Least Bushbuck BOVIDAE - Schedule 2 scriptus Concern Mountain Least BOVIDAE redunca fulvorufula - Schedule 2 Reedbuck Concern
During the site visit only Vervet monkeys were observed.
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6. COASTAL DUNE AND BEACH SYSTEM
6.1 INTRODUCTION
This section of the report deals specifically with the beach, defined as the area between low and high spring tide, and dune ecosystems. The dune ecosystem is that area of the coastal terrestrial environment which is strongly influenced by maritime influences, and have an unstable, sandy substrate. The strongest influences on these ecosystems include the forces of the sea and its tidal influences on the beach, and the effects of strong and salt laden winds on plant growth and substrate stability.
6.2 BEACH MORPHODYNAMICS
Coastal morphodynamics is the study of the dynamics of beach morphology, and refers to the interaction and adjustment of the seafloor topography with hydrodynamic processes caused by wave action, and causing the movement of sediment. Hydrodynamic processes include those of waves, tides and wind-induced currents.
A change in the morphology, the morphological change in the beach, requires the redistribution of sediment. As sediment takes a finite time to move, there is a lag in the morphological response to hydrodynamic forcing. Since the boundary conditions of these hydrodynamic forces change regularly with the tides and the weather, it may mean that the beach never attains equilibrium. Morphodynamic processes exhibit positive and negative feedbacks, so that beaches can undergo erosion during certain times of the year, followed by deposition of sediment at other times. Beaches can therefore be classified according to their dynamic and morphological characteristics, and there are several morphodynamic types, ranging from the "dissipative state" to the "reflective state" (Wright and Short, 1984; Short, 1996).
Dissipative beaches are flat, have fine sand, have waves that tend to break far from the intertidal zone and dissipate force progressively along wide surf zones. Dissipative beaches are wide and flat in profile, with a wide shoaling and surf zone, composed of finer sediment, and characterized by spilling breakers. The largest category is “intermediate”, which have characteristics of both dissipative and reflective beaches.
Andrew Short has classified the beaches of Australia (see, zCoasts, Australian Online Coastal Information - http://www.ozcoasts.gov.au/conceptual_mods/beaches/wdb.jsp), and in South Africa Harris et al (2011) undertook a high level classification of beach morphodynamics. Sandy beaches along the Wild Coast are described as estuarine pocket and embayed beaches (Harris et al. 2011) Sediments at Second Beach have a median grain size of 0.35mm (PRDW 2017), regarded as fine to medium sand. Consequently, the beaches that occur in the region of Second Beach are classified as the intermediate to reflective morphodynamic type (Harris et al. 2011). Reflective beaches are narrow with steep slopes, a limited surf zone, with waves that break directly on the shore, and coarser sediment (Harris et al 2010; Harris 2012), while intermediate beaches are generally comprised of medium-grained sand and are defined by the presence of sand bars and rip currents (Harris 2012).
Nearshore bathymetry, to the 24 m depth contour was modelled by PRDW, showing that approximately 200 m offshore of the proposed tidal pool site, the depth of the embayment at Second Beach is about 5 m. Further than this, and within approximately 800 m, the depth drops to 20 m. At Second Beach, it is expected that within the surf zone, currents are predominantly wave- driven and include longshore and rip currents. A baseline model produced by PRDW (2017) shows a predominantly southerly flowing current, which is then forced offshore at the southern side of the beach due to its pocket shape. There is also a possible rip current at the northern section of the beach due to waves breaking over the rocks. Based on this information and description, Second Beach seems to correlate most closely with Short’s Low tide terrace beach. These beaches tend to occur when waves average about 1 m and sand is fine to medium. They are characterised by a
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 38 PSJ Beach Infrastructure Project Botanical and Dune Report moderately steep beach face, which is the situation at Second Beach. They are also joined at the low tide level to an attached bar or terrace, but we are not certain if this is typical of Second Beach. The sand bar usually extends between 20-50 m seaward and continues alongshore, attached to the beach. It may be flat and featureless, have a slight central crest, called a ridge, and may be cut every several tens of metres by small shallow rip channels, called mini rips. At high tide when waves are less than 1 m, they may pass right over the bar and not break until the beach face, which behaves much like a reflective beach. At spring low tide, however, the entire bar is usually exposed as a ridge or terrace running parallel to the beach and waves break by plunging heavily on the outer edge of the bar. At mid tide, waves usually break right across the shallow bar, when they are most likely to generate rip currents. The water is returned seaward, both by reflection off the beach face, especially at high tide, and via the mini rips, even if no rip channels are present. The rips, however, are usually shallow, ephemeral or transient meaning they will flow strongly for a few minutes then dissipate (Short, at www/http://www.ozcoasts.gov.au/ conceptual_ mods/beaches/wdb.jsp. accessed May 2017).
6.3 THE BEACH ECOSYSTEM
A beach is more than inert sand being tumbled around by the waves. It is an important ecosystem, with many different forms of living biota making up this ecosystem. It stretches from the base of the foredune to the low tide mark. Within the sand itself are many microscopic organisms, called interstitial meiofauna. As successive waves break, water filters through the top 2 or 3 metres of sand, and in the upper 1m of sand is a concentration of bacteria, protozoa and larger invertebrates which filter out organic matter and small particles from the sand. Bacteria break down organic particles, thus releases nutrients into the ocean, and protozoa feed on these bacteria.
A typical species of meiofauna is the small flatworm (Convoluts macnaei) which has a symbiotic relationship with a green alga. So, when the worms concentrate they turn the sand green. The harpaticoid copepods and nematodes are the main components of the meiofauna. Beach sand is therefore an ecosystem, of decomposers, (bacteria and protozoa), and consumers that live off this decomposition. Every day ten million litres of water per square metre of beach is filtered, and these interstitial organisms on the beach are responsible for this important ecosystem function.
There are also larger invertebrates called macrofauna that live on beaches. They include filter feeders, and the most common are sand mussels (Donax serra and D. sordidus) that make up 95% of the biomass in the sandy, intertidal region. Other species include the mole crab (Emerita austroafricana) and beach mysid shrimps (Gastrosaccus psammodytes). Scavengers include the plough snail (Bullia rhodostoma), which is the most common scavenger, and are often seen following the waves as they move up the breach on the incoming tide. They feed on stranded dead organisms like blue-bottles. Tylos capensis is a small isopod crustacean Talorchestia quadrispinosa is a burrowing amphipod that feeds on seaweed debris and carrion. At the top of the beach ecosystem are the predators, and these include the swimming crabs which feed on white mussels and plough snails.
6.4 DUNE SYSTEMS
Second Beach is relatively narrow, and the spring high tide reaches all the up the beach to the stabilised areas immediately below the car park, and to the toe of the stable, well vegetated dunes in the area. As a result, only incipient foredunes occur, and these are typically dominated by the pioneer grass species, Sporobolus virginicus (see Plate 4.1). These small, incipient foredunes are best developed at the mouth of the Bulolo River, but even here they are less than 1 meter high and sparsely covered with S. virginicus. A wide, open sand sheet dominates the area between the river mouth and the sea, which is typical of an open/closed estuarine system, as the periods of closure are insufficient for vegetation to establish (Plate 6.1). There is no evidence of significant sand movement, from either wind or water, although there is a small drift line perpendicular to vegetated forest patch at the mouth of the Bulolo River. The vegetated dune ridge on the east bank of the river has stabilized the sand spit, and prevents the river from breaking through and widening the sandy area at its mouth. It is therefore important that this dune, covered with mature Dune Thicket
Coastal & Environmental Services 39 PSJ Beach Infrastructure Project Botanical and Dune Report vegetation, is not developed and protected from further disturbance. This vegetation has already been disturbed, with climax Mimusops trees being replaced by secondary species such as Wild Banana. There are also clear signs of erosion at the base of the dune, due to wave undercut and trampling (Plate 6.1).
Plate 6-1 The mouth of the Bulolo River to the left, and a wide sand sheet to the right. The well vegetated dune system is visible in the background.
Plate 6-2 The vegetated dune at the mouth of the Bulolo River has lost climax species and vegetation cover has been reduced due to trampling and wave undercut. It is located immediately west of the tidal pool, and must be fenced and protected from further disturbance.
The mouth of Mtumbane River also has a wide, flat sand sheet typical of an open/closed estuarine system. There is no incipient fore-dune in this area, and the edge of vegetation has been very disturbed from both tramping and wave run-up. There are numerous weedy species, and a fence was constructed to protect the area, but is currently in disrepair. Both White Milkwoods (Sideroxylon inerme) and Red Milwoods (Mimusops caffra) occur here, but the understory of the dune thicket has been severely impacted in by trampling from humans and stock and the ground layer is almost non-existent (Plate 6.3). No further development must take place beyond the existing footprint of disturbance.
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Plate 6-3 The dune thicket along the edge of the Mtumbane Estuary has been severely disturbed, and the ground layer has almost disappeared.
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7. SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT
7.1 APPROACH
The approach used to determine the ecological sensitivity of the study area identifies zones of very high, high, moderate and low sensitivity according to a system developed by CES and used in numerous proposed development studies to date. It must be noted that the sensitivity assessment in this study is based solely on ecological (primarily vegetation) characteristics, with social and economic factors not being taken into consideration. The sensitivity analysis described here is based on 11 criteria which are considered to be of importance in determining ecosystem and landscape sensitivity. The method predominantly involves identifying sensitive vegetation or habitat types, topography and land transformation as presented in the table below.
Table 6-1: Criteria used for the analysis of the sensitivity of the area MODERATE HIGH-VERY LOW SENSITIVITY CRITERIA SENSITIVITY SENSITIVITY 1 5 10 Undulating; fairly Complex and uneven Topography Level, or even steep slopes with steep slopes Vegetation – Remaining Moderate; Restricted Very limited; Restricted extent or habitat type in the Extensive to a particular to a specific locality / site region region/zone Presence of Conservation Proposed or likely Declared or registered Not present Areas (formal or informal) conservation area conservation area Moderate numbers of Large numbers of None, or very few; Species of Conservation regionally significant regionally significant unlikely to have Concern (SCC) - Presence populations of SCC; populations of SCC; regionally significant and number populations of any NT populations of any CR or populations of SCC or VU species EN species Reasonably Extensive areas of extensive areas of Habitat fragmentation Limited areas of this similar habitat habitat elsewhere, leading to loss of viable habitat, very susceptible present elsewhere in and habitat populations to fragmentation region susceptible to fragmentation Moderate diversity, High species diversity, Low diversity and Biodiversity contribution and moderately high complex plant and animal species richness species richness communities National Conservation Status of Vegetation Type (DEA LC VU EN or CR 2011 & Pence 2014) Some possibility of erosion or change Erosion potential or instability Very stable; erosion High probability of due to episodic of the region unlikely. erosion events.
Moderate: some Low: is difficult to Rehabilitation potential of the High: site is easily degree of difficulty in rehabilitate due to the area or region rehabilitated. rehabilitation of the terrain, type of habitat or site. species required to reintroduce. There is some degree Disturbance due to human Site is very disturbed The site is hardly or very of disturbance of the habitation or other influences or degraded. slightly impacted upon by site. (Alien invasives) human disturbance.
Large areas of wetland; Presence & quality of Not present, or very Small extent; partly pristine or near pristine wetlands badly degraded degraded wetlands
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Areas of high sensitivity include: Process areas such as rivers, wetlands and streams that are important for ecosystem functioning, including surface and ground water as well as animal and plant dispersal; Areas that have a high species richness; Areas that are not significantly impacted, transformed or degraded by current land use; and Areas that contain the majority of species of special concern found in the area and may contain high numbers of globally important species, or comprise part of a globally important vegetation type.
Areas of medium sensitivity include: Areas that still provide a valuable contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning despite being degraded; Degraded areas that still have a relatively high species richness; and Degraded areas that still contain species of special concern.
Areas of low sensitivity include: Areas that are highly impacted by current land use and provide little value to the ecosystem; and Highly degraded areas that are unlikely to harbour any species of special concern.
7.2 ASSESSMENT
The study area has areas which have been disturbed (signs of erosion and undercutting action of the sea), areas which are impacted (pollution and trampling) and the presence of alien invasive species. Based on the site visit and data interpretation, the project area therefore includes areas which are categorised as low sensitivity (such as the settlement area and roads) to areas which are categorised with a high sensitivity (such as the riparian vegetation). The results are presented in Figure 6-1.
Areas of High Sensitivity: Riparian vegetation and estuaries are categorised as highly sensitive, as they are important for ecosystem function. Despite the Coastal Forest not being in a pristine condition, it is still in good condition. These forest patches still function ecologically and are important in retaining dune structure, which is likewise critical in ensuring that coastal processes are able to continue. For these reasons, it has been classified as highly sensitive.
Areas of Moderate Sensitivity: The beach, coastal foredune vegetation and dune thicket areas are all part of the coastal dune ecosystem, and have consequently been categorised as moderately sensitive. Despite there being areas that are degraded, with signs of erosion, and low species richness, this vegetation still makes a valuable contribution to ecosystem functioning. Mucina and Rutherford (2006) states that even though the subtropical dune thicket may be regarded as “Least Concern” , sandy beaches and dunes of the southern African coast are known to be sensitive systems that can easily be damaged or disrupted.
Areas of Low Sensitivity: Areas that have been cleared for roads and infrastructure have been transformed and therefore don not contribute towards ecosystem functioning and are typically comprised of pioneer and weedy species. These areas have therefore been assigned a Low Sensitivity.
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Figure 6-1: Botanical and Dune Assessment Sensitivity Map
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8. IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT
8.1 INTRODUCTION
This study provides the necessary information to assess the impacts of the project on the vegetation, flora, each and dune systems at the required spatial and temporal scales.
The impacts have been grouped together as a series of key environmental issues. All of the issues relate to the loss of the existing vegetation cover, and disturbance to the beach and dunes during construction, and the loss of vegetation and other habitats as a result of establishing the facilities. At the spatial scale of the project area the impacts described below will not be considerable, but these need to be seen in the context of the project area as a whole or at a larger spatial scale. The main issues identified with the existing impacts are discussed below for each phase of the project.
8.2 THE CURRENT IMPACTS: THE “NO-GO” SCENARIO
To contextualise the potential impacts of the projects activities and its associated infrastructure, the existing impacts (or status quo), associated with current land use on the botanical and dune systems needs to be carefully considered in the assessment of impacts related to the upgrading of existing facilities. This study has presented the context of the site, which occurs in the coastal zone, but is already developed and used for recreational purposes. The extent of the Second Beach upgrade project well, however, result in additional changes to the biophysical systems, and it is these additional changes that are assessed here, against a context where development has already occurred. For these reasons we do not believe it is pertinent to assess the impacts of the no-go or status quo. It is more important to take these on board when assessing impacts associated with the Second Beach upgrade project.
8.3 PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE
The design and pre-construction phase pertains mostly to a feasibility assessment which is done at a desktop level. In some cases, site visits need to take place but the impact of these visits is negligible, if any (e.g. photographs and field surveys, etc.). Consequently, the planning and design phase does not result in any direct impacts. Direct impacts result from the construction of the facilities, and their ongoing use.
8.4 CONSTRUCTION PHASE
This phase assesses the impacts associated with the construction of the tidal pool, bridge and the upgrade/construction of associated infrastructure.
8.4.1 Issue 1: Loss of Vegetation communities
Natural plant communities are dynamic ecosystems that provide habitats that support all forms of life. Different types of plant communities (and habitats) exist in the project area. The current condition of the vegetation communities that will be affected by the construction/ upgrading of infrastructure ranges from already disturbed through recreational use and infrastructure, to some areas that are less disturbed.
Impact 1: Loss of indigenous vegetation
Cause and Comment: The construction/upgrading of infrastructure at the PSJ Second beach will result in the clearance and subsequent loss of small areas of indigenous vegetation within the project area. It is anticipated that the removal of vegetation will be minimal as the footprint of the project will not increase over and above that which has already been disturbed. The exceptions are the construction of the Lookout Point/ Restaurant on the dune knoll in the centre of the development,
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 45 PSJ Beach Infrastructure Project Botanical and Dune Report which is covered in dune thicket and is ecologically sensitive. The Coastal forest vegetation may also be slightly impacted by the road upgrade and additional parking areas, but this vegetation is already degraded. If mitigation measure are put in place, impacts on this vegetation are unlikely. Riparian vegetation will be impacted during the proposed PSJ infrastructure development. A further exception is the tidal pool, but this is assessed as issue 9.
Significance Statement: Effect Risk or Overall Impact Temporal Spatial Scale Severity of Impact Likelihood Significance Scale Impact 1a: Loss of Coastal Dune Thicket vegetation Without Mitigation Permanent Study Area Moderate Definite MODERATE- With Mitigation Permanent Localised Slight Definite LOW- Impact 1b: Loss Coastal forest vegetation Without Mitigation Permanent Study Area Slight Definite LOW- With Mitigation Permanent Localised Slight Definite LOW- Impact 1c: Loss of Riparian vegetation Without Mitigation Permanent Study Area Severe Definite HIGH- With Mitigation Permanent Localised Slight Definite MODERATE- No Go Option Without Mitigation Long Term Localised Slight Probable LOW-
Mitigation Measures:
Coastal Thicket and dune vegetation Vegetation impacted during the construction phase in areas not required during the operation phase must be restored. It is likely that this will occur naturally but given the presence of alien species active rehabilitation and the removal of alien species will be required to ensure that only indigenous species remain Permits to remove protected tree species that need to be removed must be obtained from DAFF and DEDEAT. Consider moving the proposed Lookout Point and Restaurant to another location, and ensure that the ablution facilities do not impact on Coastal Thicket.
Coastal forest As this vegetation is sensitive laydown areas must not be located in coastal forest. They must be located in areas that have already been impacted or show evidence of degradation. The ECO must identify such areas. Vegetation impacted on during the construction phase in areas not required during the operation phase must be restored. It is likely that this will occur naturally but given the presence of alien species active rehabilitation and the removal of alien species will be required to ensure that only indigenous species remain In the unlikely event that a protected tree species needs to be removed, a permit to do so must be attained from DAFF or DEDEAT.
Riparian Vegetation During the construction of the pedestrian bridge impacts on this vegetation must be minimised, and a method statement demonstrating how this is to be achieved prepared. Active rehabilitation after construction should be implemented to ensure that the area is restored. Alien species are already present in his area this will have to be removed and Alien management plan implemented. It is recommended that the picnic areas should not be constructed in the riparian areas of the Mtumbane River. As this vegetation is sensitive laydown areas must not be located in riparian vegetation.
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8.4.2 Issue 2: Loss of Biodiversity
The vegetation types generally had similar species composition and diversity is considered low. However, the coastal forest has a higher diversity of species. The construction of the lookout restaurant, pedestrian bridge and picnic areas will result in the loss of biodiversity as vegetation cover is removed. Given that the footprint of these facilities is relatively small, it is anticipated that the loss of biodiversity will be minimal and will not have a severe impact on the existing vegetation within the project area. There are three impacts relating to loss of biodiversity:
Impact 2: Loss of Floral Biodiversity (general) Impact 3: Loss of Plant Species of Conservation Concern Impact 4: Loss of Animal Species of Conservation Concern
Impact 2: Loss of Floral Biodiversity (general)
Cause and comment: As mentioned above, construction activities will result in the loss of biodiversity as vegetation cover is removed. However, the infrastructure associated with the project has a relatively small footprint and the impacts will be localised. The complete loss of vegetation will only occur in small areas, as many areas have already been disturbed. Furthermore, areas which are impacted during the construction/upgrading of facilities maybe rehabilitated. Due to the small areas to be disturbed, rehabilitation should be relatively easy, as natural colonisation and readily available seed banks will facilitate the process. As there are alien invasive species in the project and surrounding areas, these must be removed to ensure that the desired state is reached. The impact is likely to be MODERATE NEGATIVE without mitigation measures, reduced to LOW NEGATIVE with mitigation measures.
The site visit revealed that there is already disturbance due to the existing infrastructure, human impacts on the forest patches, pollution and loss of vegetation. Surrounding areas had various buildings which were used for tourism, and areas which seemed to have been abandoned in the past. Alien invasive species such as Lantana camara were already present on site, but invasion was relatively low compared to the surrounding areas. With the continued disturbance in the area and with no management strategies it is anticipated that invasion by alien species will continue. For this reason, the No-Go impact will have an on-going impact of LOW NEGATIVE significance.
Significance Statement: Effect Risk or Overall Impact Temporal Spatial Scale Severity of Impact Likelihood Significance Scale Impact 2: Loss of Biodiversity (General) Without Mitigation Permanent Study Area Moderate Definite MODERATE- With Mitigation Permanent Localised Slight Definite LOW- No Go Option Without Mitigation Permanent Study Area Slight Probable LOW-
Mitigation Measures: Prohibit all employees from harvesting wild plants. Prohibit open fires. Rehabilitate laydown areas immediately after they are no longer required. Implement an alien invasive management program during the construction phase to ensure alien species do not invade disturbed or cleared areas. Employ an ECO to demarcate areas for use during construction, and to ensure that the construction activities remain within the designated area and that no unauthorised activities occur.
Impact 3: Loss of Plant Species of Conservation Concern
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Cause and Comment: A low number of SCC’s were recorded, including Mimusops caffra and Strelitzia nicolai which characterised the dune thicket. The proposed infrastructure will definitely result in the loss of individuals of these species during the construction phase. Even though this vegetation is characterised by these species, the vegetation is not restricted to this area. A number of Sidoroxylen inerme individuals were also found on site, but based on the current layout the impact on these individuals may be avoided.
The impacts at a larger spatial scale will only be important in the case of species that have a globally restricted range, or are otherwise in need of protection. In these cases development of any sort may significantly reduce the area of occupancy of the species. A reduction of the area of occupancy in turn may threaten the chances of survival for these plant species of concern. However, this development will not result in a reduction in the area of occupancy of SCC’s. For this reason, this impact has been rated as MODERATE NEGATIVE, and LOW if mitigation measures are implemented.
Since there is already disturbance, in the form of clearing, habitat disturbance and invasion of alien species in and around the study area, it is anticipated that a few SCC will be lost due to clearing, or be displaced by the invasion of alien invasive species such as Lanata Camara. For this reason, the No-Go impact has been rated as LOW NEGATIVE.
Significance Statement: Effect Risk or Overall Impact Temporal Spatial Scale Severity of Impact Likelihood Significance Scale Impact 3: Loss of Plant Species of Conservation Concern Without Mitigation Permanent Study Area Moderate Definite MODERATE- With Mitigation Permanent Localised Slight Definite LOW- No Go Option Moderate Without Mitigation Long Term Localised Probable LOW- Beneficial
Mitigation Measures: Refer to mitigation measures under impact 2 above. Permits will be need to be obtained prior to construction from DEDEAT and DAFF for these species.
Impact 4: Loss of Animal Species of Conservation Concern
Cause and Comment: There are only a few faunal species of conservation concern (SCC) that may occur within the study site. This may include one reptiles and two amphibians SCC’s. Disturbance during the construction phase may result in the displacement of various animal species due to loss of habitat, an increase in traffic in the area resulting in road fatalities for slow moving animals; and an increase in noise could impact the breeding behaviour of some species. However, the construction period will be for a short term and this impact is therefore considered to be LOW NEGATIVE.
Significance Statement: Effect Risk or Impact Temporal Spatial Severity of Overall Significance Likelihood Scale Scale Impact Impact 4: Loss of Faunal Species of Conservation Concern Without Mitigation Permanent Study Area Slight Probable LOW- With Mitigation Permanent Localised Slight Probable LOW- No Go Option Without Mitigation Long Term Localised Slight Probable LOW-
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Mitigation measures:
Implement a construction EMPr. Minimise the clearing or disturbance of vegetation. Workers must also be educated on conservation and must not be allowed to trap or poach animals on site. The construction site must be monitored for animal traps and evidence of poaching. Activities that generate noise must not occur at night to avoid disturbance.
8.4.3 Issue 3: Disruption of Ecosystem Function and Process
The habitats that exist in the project area, together with those of the surrounding area that are linked, form part of a functional ecosystem. An ecosystem provides more than simply a ‘home’ for a set of organisms, and is a functional system where biological and biophysical processes such as nutrient cycling, soil formation, reproduction, migration, competition, predation, succession, evolution and migration take place. Destruction or modification of habitats causes disruption of ecosystem function, and threatens the interplay of processes that ensure environmental health and the survival of individual species. This issue deals with a collection of complex ecological impacts that are almost impossible to predict with certainty, but which are nonetheless important.
Impact 5: Fragmentation of vegetation and edge effects
Cause and Comment: Fragmentation is one of the most important impacts on vegetation, especially when this creates breaks in previously continuous vegetation, causing a reduction in the gene pool and a decrease in species richness and diversity (See also Issue 2). This impact occurs when areas are cleared or an area is invaded by alien plant species. Fragmentation results in the isolation of functional ecosystems, and results in reduced biodiversity and reduced movement due to the absence of ecological corridors. The project area already has cleared areas, but additional infrastructure may increase fragmentation, especially if the coastal thicket patch at the centre of the development is removed. Even though the footprint of the infrastructure is small, the occurrence of this vegetation in this area is important for habitat continuity. Hence, without mitigation measures this impact will be MODERATE NEGATIVE and will remain MODERATE NEGATIVE as the impact is difficult to mitigate.
Some fragmentation may already exist due to the present infrastructure in this area, and this is likely to continue even without the proposed project going ahead. As such, the NO-Go impact has been rated as LOW NEGATIVE.
Significance Statement: Effect Risk or Impact Temporal Spatial Severity of Overall Significance Likelihood Scale Scale Impact Impact 5: Fragmentation of vegetation and edge effects Without Mitigation Permanent Localised Moderate Definite MODERATE- With Mitigation Long Term Localised Moderate Definite MODERATE- No Go Option Without Mitigation Permanent Study Area Slight Definite LOW-
Mitigation Measures: Parking bays and road infrastructure should not impact Coastal forest. Consider not developing a restaurant on the vegetated dune in the centre of the site.
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8.4.4 Issue 4: Disturbance to surrounding wildlife and fauna
There are two impacts associated with this issue: Impact 6: Disturbance to wildlife in the surrounding area Impact 7: Loss of faunal habitat
Impact 6: Disturbance to wildlife in the surrounding area
Cause and Comment: Construction phase cause an increase in noise levels, vehicular movements and dust levels. Noise pollution can depress local populations of sensitive faunal groups. Animals differ in the degree to which they tolerate such disturbance, and this can be expected to have potentially negative and positive impacts on various faunal groups. For example, large breeding birds are sensitive to noise and increased noise and motor vibrations in the nearby streams may impact amphibian breeding choruses, but these impacts will be localised and many amphibian species are surprisingly tolerant of noise (Branch, 2012). Noise pollution will occur during construction phase and mitigation measures will need to be applied.
Dust is generated as a result of construction activities and where there is exposed ground. Specific activities that contribute to the release of fugitive dust include offloading and stockpiling of building materials such as sand, excavation, storage of excavated materials and movement of heavy vehicles. The generation of dust may be higher during windy, dry periods. Dust may also be deposited on the surface of the water within the adjacent estuary, potentially resulting in an increased turbidity of water. In certain contexts, this may reduce light penetration and, subsequently have negative impacts on aquatic plants and fish.
The No-Go scenario, for reasons stated previously, is likely to be LOW NEGATIVE.
Significance Statement: Effect Risk or Impact Temporal Severity of Overall Significance Spatial Scale Likelihood Scale Impact Impact 6: Disturbance to surrounding wildlife and fauna Without Mitigation Short Term Localised Moderate Definite MODERATE- With Mitigation Short Term Localised Slight Definite LOW- No Go Option Moderate Without Mitigation Short Term Localised Probable LOW- Beneficial
Mitigation Measures:
Dust Employ dust suppression measures such as wetting of the project area during dry, windy periods. Limit the height of stockpiles to 1.5m. Where practical, do not leave large cleared areas exposed for longer than necessary. Enforce speed limits for vehicles associated with the construction activities (30-40km/h is recommended).
Noise Mitigation of this impact is difficult, but noise reduction measures should be implemented in all sensitive areas (e.g. adjacent to wetlands and rivers) at sensitive times (e.g. at night). No construction activities may take place between sunset and sunrise. Machinery that generates noise must be regularly maintained to ensure that no unnecessary additional noise is produced. Equipment with lower sound levels should be selected where feasible.
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Impact 7: Loss of faunal habitat
Cause and Comment: The clearing of vegetation communities will result in the loss of faunal habitats (mainly due to the clearance of the coastal thicket patch) and could result in the displacement of these species. Due to the fact that much of the habitat has already been lost, and disturbance to fauna has already taken place, it is anticipated that very few faunal species will be impacted further, and the impact is regarded as LOW negative.
The No-Go scenario, for reasons stated previously, is likely to be LOW NEGATIVE.
Significance Statement: Effect Risk or Impact Temporal Severity of Overall Significance Spatial Scale Likelihood Scale Impact Impact 7: Loss of faunal habitat Without Mitigation Short Term Localised Moderate Definite LOW- With Mitigation Short Term Localised Slight Definite LOW- No Go Option Without Mitigation Short Term Localised Slight Probable LOW-
Mitigation Measures: Clearing of areas must be minimised See mitigation measures for Impact 1.
8.4.5 Issue 5: Impacts on the beach and coastal dunes
The following impact, associated with this issue, is discussed here:
Impact 8: Dune erosion
The tidal pool will also impact on beach morhodynamics and coastal processes. This impact is discussed in detail in the Marine Specialists Report (Impact 2, Section 3.4.1) and is not repeated here. A further impact relates to the biological impacts that the tidal pool will have on the beach ecosystem. The effects of the tidal pool on sandy shore ecology is discussed in detail in the Marine Specialists Report (Impact 3, Section 3.4.2) and is not repeated here.
Cause and comment The removal of vegetation in this area for the development of beach infrastructure may lead to erosion during the construction. The removal of vegetation from the stabilised dunes will make them susceptible to wind erosion, and unregulated trampling of dune thicket and foredune vegetation by the workforce will impact further on the vegetation. A reduction in vigour and cover increases the susceptibility of the dunes to wind erosion, and mitigation measures need to be implemented to ensure that disturbance to dune vegetation is minimised, and that erosion is alleviated. Limited erosion within the Dune Thicket on the central dune above the tidal pool was noted, and both vegetated dunes shows signs of erosion from the undercutting of the dune due to wave attack. This is a natural process, and the tidal pool will in fact protect the central dune knoll from further wave attack. This impact will be of MODERATE significance if not mitigated, but mitigation can easily reduce the significance to LOW.
Current impacts on the coastal dune thicket vegetation are considered to be LOW NEGATIVE.
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Significance Statement: Effect Risk or Overall Impact Temporal Spatial Scale Severity of Impact Likelihood Significance Scale Impact 8: Dune Erosion Without Mitigation Short Term Localised Moderate Definite MODERATE- With Mitigation Short Term Localised Slight Definite LOW- No Go Option Without Mitigation Short Term Localised Slight Definite LOW-
Mitigation Measures: Sensitive dune areas must be identified, mapped and physically marked off on site as no- go areas. Access and resultant trampling of dune vegetation must be avoided by imposing fines on workers accessing the no-go areas. Rehabilitation of the affected landscape must commence as soon as possible after construction to minimise the period during which the soil surface is exposed. Rehabilitation of the central knoll should take place after construction to avoid further erosion of the seaward facing slope. The vegetated dune at the mouth of the of the Bulolo River must be fenced with suitable palisade fencing to avoid access to this area. It is presently accessed frequently, and there are clear signs of human disturbance. Improvements to beach amenities in the area will increase visitor numbers, and hence the severity of this existing impact.
8.5 OPERATIONAL PHASE
This phase assesses the impacts associated with the operational phase of the facility.
8.5.1 Issue 1: Disturbance to Vegetation communities
As stated above, various vegetation communities occur in the project area and impacts that are anticipated to occur during the operational phase are assessed below.
Impact 9: Disturbance to Vegetation communities
Cause and Comment: Disturbance to the vegetation communities is already evident, but is anticipated that during the operational phase there will be more pressure on this vegetation due to the expected increase in users to the area as a result of the improvements to the amenities. In particular, the coastal thicket vegetation may be impacted by trampling of this vegetation, as well as through the collection of fire wood and the chopping down of trees. Solid waste pollution could increase, and a loss on groundcover within the thicket will increase the risk of soil erosion.
The No-Go scenario has resulted in an impact of MODERATE negative significance already, and without mitigation the impact could increase to HIGH negative. Mitigation can, however, reduce this to LOW.
Significance Statement: Effect Risk or Overall Impact Temporal Spatial Scale Severity of Impact Likelihood Significance Scale Impact 9: Disturbance of vegetation communities Without Mitigation Permanent Study Area Moderate Definite HIGH With Mitigation Permanent Localised Slight Definite LOW- No Go Option Without Mitigation Short Term Localised Slight Probable MODERATE-
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Mitigation Measures: Establish fences around the Coastal forest and remaining coastal dune thicket vegetation, both around the central knoll behind the tidal pool, and the larger vegetated dune area at the mouth of the of the Bulolo River. The remaining patches coastal thicket must be identified as no-go areas for development and must be fenced off so as to prevent people having access to them. No picnicking should be allowed in the narrow coastal thicket adjacent to the mouth of the Mtumbani River, where the groundcover has already been lost due to human trampling. This vegetation is very important as it binds the sand seaward of the road, and hence protects the road from wave attack during storm and flood event.
8.5.2 Issue 2: Disruption of Ecosystem Function and Process
Impact 10: Invasion of alien plant species
Cause and Comment: The removal of existing vegetation creates ‘open’ habitats that will inevitably be colonised by pioneer plant species. While this is part of a natural process of regeneration, which would ultimately lead to the re-establishment of a secondary vegetation cover, it also favours the establishment of undesirable species in the area, such as Lantana camara. These species colonise areas of disturbance and once established, they are typically very difficult to eradicate and can pose a threat to the neighbouring ecosystem.
Active management of alien species will ensure that the species do not colonise recently disturbed areas associated with the project development, and areas disturbed as a result of the recreational use of the site. Without mitigation impacts are considered to be of MODERATE significance, but mitigation could improve the situation, resulting in a positive impact of LOW significance.
The project site has a number of alien species present and it is therefore likely that a seedbank of undesirable species exists. For this reason, the No-Go option has been assessed as having a Moderately Negative Impact.
Significance Statement: Effect Risk or Overall Impact Temporal Scale Spatial Scale Severity of Impact Likelihood Significance Impact 10: Invasion of alien plant species Without Mitigation Permanent Study Area Moderate Definite MODERATE- Moderate With Mitigation Short Term Study Area Definite LOW+ Beneficial No Go Option Without Mitigation Long Term Study Area Moderate Definite MODERATE-
Mitigation Measures: Implement an Alien Management and Monitoring Plan. Train existing Working for the Coast staff to identify alien species, and incorporate the eradication of alien plants in their job description. Monitor the project area for any new invasive plants.
8.6 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The IFC (2012) defines cumulative impacts as those “that result from the incremental impact, on areas or resources used or directly impacted by the project, from other existing, planned or reasonably defined developments at the time the risks and impacts identification process is conducted.”
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The development primarily will impact the coastal dune thicket which is classified as least threatened. Additional development in the area may result in the loss of more of this vegetation type and the more sensitive forest and riparian vegetation. Consequently, the following cumulative impacts for this development have been identified:
The vegetated dune at the mouth of the Bulolo River is presently accessed frequently, and there are clear signs of human disturbance. Improvements to beach amenities in the area will increase visitor numbers, and hence there will be an incremental increase in the severity of this existing impact. This has been considered in the assessment of significance in Section 8.2 above. Cumulative impacts on foredunes and dune vegetation in the area will result from increased recreational pressure due to an anticipated increase in user numbers, attracted by the improvements to the amenities in the area. This could increase erosion and result in increased sand movement in the area, but no net loss of sand from the system is anticipated. Consequently, this cumulative impact is considered to be of LOW significance.
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9. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1 CURRENT STATUS
The proposed infrastructure at Second Beach is located in vegetation which has already been impacted, and most of the infrastructure already exists, and will simply be upgraded. This minimises the footprint of the development, which greatly reduces the significance of impacts. The area has been disturbed, although parts of coastal forest are still in relatively in good condition and have species of special concern, such as Milkwoods.
9.2 COMPARISON OF IMPACTS
The impacts associated with the proposed infrastructure at Second Beach with and without mitigation measures have been assessed, and Table 8-1 provides a summary of their significance. Due to the nature and size of the project many of the impacts will be reduced with effective management of the site as well as rehabilitation after construction. It is essential that areas of high sensitivity are avoided. Any extra land needed for the construction phase of the development that will not be used during the operational phase of the development should be rehabilitated after construction is completed.
Alien invasive species should be managed effectively to prevent further impacts on the study area. Areas of high sensitivity (e.g. coastal forest and riparian areas) should be avoided. Where possible it is recommended that areas within the study site be set aside and protected from recreational use, thus allowing the vegetation to recover.
Impacts associated with the Operational Phase relate to disturbance of vegetation and the infestation of alien species.
Table 9-1: Summary of impacts associated with the PSJ infrastructure project pre and post mitigation. The no-go alternative has also been included for comparative purposes. Pre- Post- No-Go Impact Mitigation Mitigation Option Construction Impact 1a: Loss of Coastal Dune Thicket MODERATE- LOW- LOW- vegetation Impact 1b: Loss of Coastal Forest LOW- LOW- LOW- Impact 1c: Loss of Riparian Vegetation. HIGH- MODERATE- LOW- Impact 2: Loss of Biodiversity (General) MODERATE- LOW- LOW- Impact 3: Loss of Plant Species of Conservation MODERATE- LOW- LOW- Concern Impact 4: Loss of Faunal Species of LOW- LOW- LOW- Conservation Concern Impact 5: Fragmentation of vegetation and edge MODERATE- MODERATE- LOW- effects Impact 6: Disturbance to surrounding wildlife and MODERATE- LOW- LOW- fauna Impact 7: Loss of Faunal Habitat LOW- LOW- LOW- Impact 8: Dune erosion MODERATE- LOW- LOW- Operation Impact 9: Disturbance of vegetation communities HIGH- LOW- MODERATE- Impact 10: Invasion of alien plant species MODERATE- LOW+ MODERATE-
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9.3 FINAL CONCLUSIONS
All impacts resulting from the proposed Second Beach infrastructure project can be effectively mitigated, through the implementation of the standard Environmental Management Programme and Construction Phase EMP. The consideration of alternative designs and layouts at the planning stage, and before the initiation of the Scoping Phase, has resulted in the effective avoidance of any impacts of HIGH significance on vegetation and dune systems. As a result, there are no impacts of HIGH significance before mitigation, and only one impact of MODERATE significance after mitigation. It is the specialist’s opinion that the impacts on vegetation and dune systems resulting from the project are acceptable, and offer no reason to prevent the project from proceeding.
Coastal & Environmental Services 56 PSJ Beach Infrastructure Project Botanical and Dune Report 10. REFERENCES
"Animal Demography Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town. 2012. Summary Data of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Downloaded from: http://adu.org.za/frog_atlas.php; accessed on 01/09/2016".
Berliner, D. and Desmet, P. 2007. Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan Handbook. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Project No 2005-012, King William’s Town.
Branch, W.R. 1998. Terrestrial reptiles and amphibians. In: A Field Guide to the Eastern Cape Coast, R. A. Lubke, F. W. Gess and M. N. Bruton (eds.), Grahamstown Centre for the Wildlife Soc. S. Afr., 251-264.
Branch,W.R. 2012.
Driver, A., Maze, K., Rouget, M., Lombard, A.T., Nel, J., Turpie, J.K., Cowling, R.M.,
Du Preez, L. And Carruthers,V. 2009. A Complete Guide To Frogs Of Southern Africa. Struik Nature, Cape Town
IUCN (2012). Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN Species Survival Commission, Cambridge Available: http://www.iucnredlist.org/ (Accessed 06/02/2017).
Mucina and Rutherford (2012).
Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds) 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment 2004: Priorities for Biodiversity Conservation in SANBI. 2014. Statistics: Red List of South African Plants version 2014.1. Downloaded from Redlist.sanbi.org on 2017/02/08.
South Africa. Strelitzia 17. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. www.sanbi.org
HARRIS, L.R., RONEL, N., and D. SCHOEMAN. 2011. Mapping beach morphodynamics remotely: A novel application tested on South African sandy shores. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 92: 78-89. PRDW. 2017. Port St Johns beach infrastructure design. Consulting Port and Coastal Engineers Report No. S2041-RP-CE-001-RO Coastal Processes Study, Feasibility Study. 86pp
EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 57 PSJ Beach Infrastructure Project Botanical and Dune Report 11. PLANT SPECIES LIST FOUND TO OCCUR IN PROJECT AREA
Family Scientific Name SANBI IUCN Red PNCO NEM:BA Proteceted Nem:BA aliens Data List Trees FABACEAE Acacia ataxacantha Least - - - - - Concern FABACEAE Acacia sp. ------FABACEAE Albezia sp. ------POACEAE Arundo donax Not Least - - - 1b category Evaluated Concern ASPARAGACEAE Asparagus sp ------ASTERACEAE Berkheya ------ASTERACEAE Bidens pilosa Not - - - - - Evaluated ASTERACEAE Brachylaena discolor Least - - - - - Concern APOCYNACEAE Carissa bispinosa Least - Schedule - - - Concern 4 AIZOACEAE Carpobrotus dimidiatus Least - Schedule - - - Concern 4 SOLANACEAE Cestrum laevigatum Not - - - - 1b category Evaluated GENTIANACEAE Chironia Baccifera Least - - - - - Concern ASTERACEAE Chromolaena odorata Not - - - - 1b category Evaluated ASTERACEAE Chrysanthemoides monilifera Least - - - - - Concern RANUNCULACEAE Clematis sp ------COMMELINACEAE Commelina cf benghalensis Least Least - - - - Concern Concern ASTERACEAE Conyza scabrida Least - - - - - Concern FABACEAE Crotalaria capensis Least - - - - - Concern ARALIACEAE Cussonia spicata Least - - - - - Concern POACEAE Cynodon dactylon Least - - - - -
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Concern CYPERACEAE Cyperus cf solidus Least - - - - - Concern IRIDACEAE Dietes grandiflora Least - Schedule - - - Concern 4 ASTERACEAE Dimorphotheca fruticosa Least - - - - - Concern RUSCACEAE Dracaena hookeriana Least - - - - - Concern POACEAE Eragrostis curvula Least - - - - - Concern FABACEAE Erythrina cf. lysistemon Least - - - - - Concern EBENACEAE Euclea racemosa Least - - - - - Concern MYRTACEAE Eugenia capensis Least - - - - - Concern MORACEAE Ficus natalensis Least - - - - - Concern ASTERACEAE Gazania rigens Least - - - - - Concern COLCHICACEAE Gloriosa superba Least Least - - - - Concern Concern MALVACEAE Hibiscus tiliaceus Least - - - - - Concern CONVOLVULACEAE Ipomoea pes-caprae Least - - - - - Concern JUNCACEAE Juncus Kraussii Least - - - - - Concern VERBENACEAE Lantana Camara Not - - - - 1b category Evaluated CYPERACEAE Mariscus congestus Least - - - - - Concern CELASTRACEAE Maytenus heterophylla Least - - - - - Concern AIZOACEAE Mesembryanthemum aitonis Least - Schedule - - - Concern 4 Polypodiaceae Microsorum scolopendrium ------SAPOTACEAE Mimusops caffra Least - - - Proteceted - Concern Tree
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POACEAE Oplismenus cf hirtellus Least - - - - - Concern THYMELAEACEAE Passerina rigida Least - - - - - Concern ARECACEAE Phoenix reclinata Least - - - - - Concern POACEAE Phragmites australis Least Least - - - - Concern Concern MYRTACEAE Psidium guajava Not - - - - 2 category Evaluated FABACEAE Psoralea latifolia Least - - - - - Concern VITACEAE Rhoicissus digitata Least - - - - - Concern VITACEAE Rhoicissus tomentosa Least - - - - - Concern EUPHORBIACEAE Ricinus communis Not - - - - - Evaluated ANACARDIACEAE Searsia cf. crenata Least - - - - - Concern ANACARDIACEAE Searsia natalensis Least - - - - - Concern SAPOTACEAE Sideroxylon inerme Least - - - Protected - Concern Tree SOLANACEAE Solanum mauritianum Not - - - - 1b Evaluated POACEAE Sporobolus virginicus Least - - - - - Concern STRELITZIACEAE Strelitzia nicolai Least - Schedule - - - Concern 4 MELIACEAE Turraea obtusifolia Least - - - - - Concern URTICACEAE Urtica dioica Not Least - - - - Evaluated Concern VERBENACEAE Verbena bonariensis Not - - - - 1b Evaluated
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