LINE to BY-PASS DUVHA (Bravo 5)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

LINE to BY-PASS DUVHA (Bravo 5) CONSTRUCTION OF A 400 KV BY-PASS LINE, APPROXIMATELY 10 KM IN LENGTH, ON THE BRAVO – VULCAN (WITBANK) LINE TO BY-PASS DUVHA (Bravo 5). DEA Ref No - 12/12/20/1097 by I.L. RAUTENBACH, A.E. and J.C.P. VAN WYK Eco-Agent CC PO Box 25533 Monument Park 0105 0825767046 012 3463180 Fax 012 4602525 March 2010 Commissioned by Limosella Consulting [email protected] Copyright in all text and other matter is the exclusive property of the authors. It is a criminal offence to reproduce and/or use, without written consent, any matter, technical procedure and/or technique contained in this document. Criminal and civil proceedings will be taken as a matter of strict routine against any person and/or institution infringing the copyright of the author and/or proprietors. This document may not be modified other than by the author and when incorporated into overarching studies, it should be included in its entirety as an appendix to the main report. Mammals and Herpetofauna and Habitats along the Bravo 5 Development May 2016 1 of 31 TABLE OF CONTENTS Declaration of Professional Standing and Independence: ...................................................................... 4 Disclaimer:............................................................................................................................................... 5 ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................................. 5 1. ASSIGNMENT – Eco-Agent Protocol ............................................................................................... 6 1.1 Initial preparations: .................................................................................................................. 6 1.2 Fauna assessment .................................................................................................................. 6 1.3 General .................................................................................................................................... 6 2. RATIONALE .................................................................................................................................... 6 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................. 7 4. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ................................................................................ 8 5. STUDY AREA ............................................................................................................................. 8 5.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 8 5.2 Vegetation Types .................................................................................................................. 10 5.3 Regional Hydrology ............................................................................................................... 10 6. METHODS .................................................................................................................................... 14 6.1 Vertebrate Survey ................................................................................................................. 14 6.2 Field Survey .......................................................................................................................... 14 6.3 Desktop Survey ..................................................................................................................... 14 6.4 Specific Requirements .......................................................................................................... 15 6.5 Assessment criteria ..................................................................................................................... 15 6.6 Significance (Consequence) Rankings ................................................................................. 16 7. RESULTS ...................................................................................................................................... 17 7.1 MAMMALS ............................................................................................................................ 17 7.1.1 Mammal Habitat Assessment ....................................................................................... 17 7.1.2 Observed and Expected Mammal Species Richness ................................................... 17 7.1.3 Red Listed Mammal Species Identified: ........................................................................ 19 -By the Biodiversity Act No 10 of 2004 ......................................................................................... 19 -By the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act 10 of 1998. ......................................................... 19 Nil. ................................................................................................................................................. 19 7.2 HERPETOFAUNA ................................................................................................................. 19 7.2.1 Herpetofauna Habitat Assessment ............................................................................... 19 7.2.2 Observed and Expected Herpetofauna Species Richness ........................................... 20 7.2.3 Red Data Listed Herpetofauna identified ...................................................................... 22 -By the Scientific Community ........................................................................................................ 22 8. FINDINGS AND POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS ............................................................................. 23 8.1 Impact Assessment ............................................................................................................... 23 8.2 Assessment criteria ................................................................................................................... 24 8.3 Impacts on mammals and herpetofauna ................................................................................. 24 9. LIMITATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS AND GAPS IN INFORMATION ................................................. 26 10. CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................................ 26 11. LITERATURE SOURCES ......................................................................................................... 26 FIGURES Figure 1: The location of the Bravo 5 powerline. ................................................................................... 9 Figure 2: Conservation status of areas traversed by the proposed powerline as classified in the Mpumalanga regional datasets. .............................................................................................................. 9 Figure 3: The vegetation classification for the proposed powerline. .................................................... 10 Figure 4: A hydrology map of the site and water features in the proximity of the powerline route. ..... 11 Figure 5: A south-easterly view of the Duvha Power Station. The bypass construction will be within the secured compound of the station. ................................................................................................... 12 Figure 6: The entire compound of the Duvha Power Station is secured by a double mesh fence with barbed wire loops atop, and an electrical fence inbetween. ................................................................. 12 Figure 7: The two incoming lines from the north-east cross a manmade wetland between the Duvha perimeter to the right and a slimes dam visible to the left. See footprint in Figure 1. .......................... 13 Figure 8: The outgoing lines exiting to the south-west across cut grassland within and outside the Duvha security compound..................................................................................................................... 13 Mammals and Herpetofauna and Habitats along the Bravo 5 Development May 2016 2 of 31 TABLES Table 1: Components of the Bravo Integration Project and associated activities ................................... 8 Table 2: Mammal diversity. The species observed or deduced to occupy the site. (Systematics and taxonomy as proposed by Bronner et.al [2003], Skinner & Chimimba [2005], Apps [2012] and Stuart & Stuart [2015]). ....................................................................................................................................... 18 Table 3: Reptile and Amphibian diversity. The species observed or deduced to occupy the site. Species list and systematic arrangement and nomenclature according to Branch (1998), Minter, et.al (2004), Alexander & Marais (2007), Du Preez & Carruthers (2009) and Bates, et.al (2014). .............. 20 Table 4: Direct impact on terrestrial vertebrate communities. .............................................................. 24 Table 5: Loss of faunal habitat and ecological structure. ...................................................................... 25 Mammals and Herpetofauna and Habitats along the Bravo 5 Development May 2016 3 of 31 Declaration of Professional Standing and Independence: We, Ignatius Lourens Rautenbach (SACNASP # 400300/05), Jacobus Casparus Petrus van Wyk (SACNASP # 400062/09) declare that we: hold higher degrees in the biological sciences, which allowed registration by S.A. Council for National Scientific Professions
Recommended publications
  • An Evaluation of the Vegetation and Herpetofauna for the Proposed Road D for the Development on the Farm De Deur 539 IQ, Gauteng Province
    An evaluation of the vegetation and herpetofauna for the proposed Road D for the development on the farm De Deur 539 IQ, Gauteng Province April 2010 April 2010 Doornkuil Road D APRIL 2010 An evaluation of the vegetation and herpetofauna for the proposed Road D for the development on the farm De Deur 539 IQ, Gauteng Province Commissioned by The MSA Group Contributors: Part 1 – Vegetation and Flora: GJ Bredenkamp DSc PrSciNat Part 2 – Herpetofauna JCP van Wyk MSc PrSciNat EcoAgent CC PO Box 23355 Monument Park 0181 Tel 012 4602525 Fax 012 460 2525 Cell 082 5767046 April 2010 e Doornkuil Road D APRIL 2010 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................... 5 PART 1: VEGETATION AND FLORA ....................................................................... 6 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ...................................................................... 6 SUMMARY ................................................................................................................ 7 1. ASSIGNMENT ...................................................................................................... 7 2. RATIONALE .......................................................................................................... 8 3. STUDY AREA ....................................................................................................... 9 3.1 Location ........................................................................................................... 9 3.2 Vegetation
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Islands Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use
    Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and its Islands Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use Occasional Papers of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 6 IUCN - The World Conservation Union IUCN Species Survival Commission Role of the SSC The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is IUCN's primary source of the 4. To provide advice, information, and expertise to the Secretariat of the scientific and technical information required for the maintenance of biologi- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna cal diversity through the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species and Flora (CITES) and other international agreements affecting conser- of fauna and flora, whilst recommending and promoting measures for their vation of species or biological diversity. conservation, and for the management of other species of conservation con- cern. Its objective is to mobilize action to prevent the extinction of species, 5. To carry out specific tasks on behalf of the Union, including: sub-species and discrete populations of fauna and flora, thereby not only maintaining biological diversity but improving the status of endangered and • coordination of a programme of activities for the conservation of bio- vulnerable species. logical diversity within the framework of the IUCN Conservation Programme. Objectives of the SSC • promotion of the maintenance of biological diversity by monitoring 1. To participate in the further development, promotion and implementation the status of species and populations of conservation concern. of the World Conservation Strategy; to advise on the development of IUCN's Conservation Programme; to support the implementation of the • development and review of conservation action plans and priorities Programme' and to assist in the development, screening, and monitoring for species and their populations.
    [Show full text]
  • Olympus AH Eco Assessment
    FAUNAL AND FLORAL ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AS PART OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR THE PROPOSED ERASMUS PARK PHASE 2 TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT, ERASMUSRAND, GAUTENG. Prepared for Nali Sustainability Solutions February 2019 Section C: Faunal Assessment Prepared by: Scientific Terrestrial Services Report author: C. Hooton Report reviewer: K. Marais (Pr. Sci. Nat) Report Reference: STS 180084 Date: February 2019 Scientific Terrestrial Services CC CC Reg No 2005/122329/23 PO Box 751779 Gardenview 2047 Tel: 011 616 7893 Fax: 086 724 3132 E-mail: [email protected] STS 180084 February 2019 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY From the faunal assessment it can be concluded that there are four habitat units encompassed within the study area, namely Senegalia caffra – Vachellia karroo Woodland, Rocky Grassland, Degraded Hyparrhenia Grassland and Freshwater Habitat. These habitat range from moderately-low to moderately high sensitivities Based on the impact assessment, the impacts on faunal habitat, diversity and SCC within the different habitat units varies from low to high significance during the construction and the operational phase of the project prior to mitigation taking place. With effective mitigation implemented, all impacts may be reduced to very-low to medium-low levels. It is the opinion of the ecologists that this study provides the relevant information required in order to implement an Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) plan and to ensure that the best long-term use of the ecological resources in the study area will be made in support of the principle of sustainable development. Scientific Terrestrial Services (STS) was appointed to conduct a faunal and floral ecological assessment for the proposed Erasmus Park development on the remaining extent of the farm Waterkloof 378 JR, Erasmusrand, Gauteng Province (hereafter referred to as the ‘study area’).
    [Show full text]
  • Herpetofaunal Habitat Assessment Portion 64
    Herpetofaunal Habitat Assessment of Portion 64, 165 and the Remainder of Portion 3 of the farm Witpoortje 117-IR (Minnebron X 1) January 2018 Report author: Mr. J.C.P van Wyk (Pr.Sci.Nat: M.Sc) Herpetofauna Report: Minnebron X 1 January 2018 1 of 19 pages TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 4 2. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ................................................ 4 3. STUDY AREA ................................................................................................. 4 4. METHOD ........................................................................................................ 5 4.1 FIELD SURVEYS ........................................................................................... 5 4.2 DESKTOP SURVEYS ..................................................................................... 6 4.3 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 6 5. RESULTS ....................................................................................................... 7 6. FINDINGS AND POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS ............................................. 15 7. LIMITATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS AND GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE ................... 16 8. RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES .............................................. 16 9. CONCLUSION .............................................................................................. 17 10. LITERATURE SOURCES .........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Ecological Impact Assessment Report
    ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED SIYATHEMBA 20MVA 88/22KV SUBSTATION: FAUNA & FLORA SPECIALIST REPORT FOR BASIC ASSESSMENT PRODUCED FOR NSOVO BY [email protected] April 2018 CONTENTS NEMA 2014 CHECKLIST ................................................................................................................................ 3 PROFESSIONAL PROFILE OF CONSULTANT: ........................................................................................................ 4 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Scope of Study ........................................................................................................................ 5 1.2 Assessment Approach & Philosophy ............................................................................... 6 1.3 Relevant Aspects of the Development ........................................................................... 9 2 Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 Data Sourcing and Review ................................................................................................ 10 2.2 Site Visit ................................................................................................................................... 11 2.3 Sampling Limitations and Assumptions ......................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Mammals, Reptiles, Frogs and Habitat Conservation Bravo 4 May 2016 Page 1
    CONSTRUCTION OF 2 X 400 KV LINES FROM KENDAL POWER STATION TO ZEUS SUBSTATION AND BRAVO POWER STATION TO ZEUS SUBSTATION (Bravo 4) DEA Ref No - 12/12/20/1095 by I.L. RAUTENBACH, A.E. and J.C.P. VAN WYK Commissioned by Limosella Consulting [email protected] Eco-Agent CC PO Box 25533 Monument Park 0105 0825767046 012 3463180 Fax 012 4602525 March 2010 Copyright in all text and other matter is the exclusive property of the authors. It is a criminal offence to reproduce and/or use, without written consent, any matter, technical procedure and/or technique contained in this document. Criminal and civil proceedings will be taken as a matter of strict routine against any person and/or institution infringing the copyright of the author and/or proprietors. This document may not be modified other than by the author and when incorporated into overarching studies, it should be included in its entirety as an appendix to the main report. Mammals, reptiles, frogs and habitat conservation Bravo 4 May 2016 Page 1 CONTENTS Declaration of Professional Standing and Independence: ......................................................................... 4 Disclaimer: .................................................................................................................................................. 4 ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................................ 6 1. ASSIGNMENT – Eco-Agent Protocol ............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix D: Herpetofauna Report
    APPENDIX D: HERPETOFAUNA REPORT Biodiversity Report: DRD (Klipspruit) canal September 2013 12 of 12 pages Biodiversity & Aquatic Specialists 638 Turf Street Wingate Park, 0181 Tel: 012-345 4891 Fax: 086 675 6136 Email: [email protected] Herpetofauna Habitat Assessment of PORTION 731 OF THE FARM DRIEFONTEIN 87 IR (ELSBURGSPRUIT CANAL) October 2013 Report author: Mr. J.C.P van Wyk (Pri.Sci.Nat: M.Sc) Herpetofauna Report: Elsburgspruit canal October 2013 1 of 17 pages TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................... 4 2. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE HABITAT STUDY ............................ 4 3. STUDY AREA ............................................................................................. 4 4. METHOD .................................................................................................... 5 5. RESULTS ................................................................................................... 6 6. FINDINGS AND POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS ......................................... 13 7. LIMITATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS AND GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE ............... 14 8. RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES .......................................... 14 9. CONCLUSION .......................................................................................... 15 10. LITERATURE SOURCES ......................................................................... 16 FIGURES: FIGURE 1: LOCALITY MAP OF THE STUDY SITE. ..........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Impact Assessment Report
    WAAIHOEK BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM AND RESEVOIR: TERRESTRIAL BIODVERSITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT PROPOSED WAAIHOEK BATTERY STORAGE SYSTEM AND RESEVOIR, EMADLANGENI LM, KWAZULU-NATAL TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT Prepared for: Waaihoek Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd A subsidiary of South Africa Mainstream Renewable Power Developments (Pty) Ltd 4th Floor, Mariendahl House, Newlands on Main Corner Main and Campground Roads Claremont, 7708, Cape Town 021 657 4045 www.mainstreamrp.com Prepared by: Cape Town Also, in Cape Town, East London, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Maputo (Mozambique) and Romsey (UK) www.cesnet.co.za JANUARY 2021 Terrestrial Biodiversity Impact Assessment Report REVISIONS TRACKING TABLE CES Report Revision and Tracking Schedule Document Title: Waaihoek Battery Storage System and Reservoir Ecological Impact Assessment Report Client Name & Mainstream Renewable Power Address: Status: Final Issue Date: January 2021 Authors: Ms Tarryn Martin [email protected] Dr Greer Hawley [email protected] Ms Amber Jackson [email protected] Reviewer: Dr Greer Hawley [email protected] No. of hard No. electronic Report Distribution Circulated to copies copies Report Version Date 12 January 2021 This document has been prepared in accordance with the scope of CES’s appointment and contains intellectual property and proprietary information that is protected by copyright in favour of CES. The document may therefore not be reproduced, used or distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of CES. This document is prepared exclusively for use by CES’s client. CES accepts no liability for any use of this document other than by [email protected] its client and only for the purposes for which it was prepared.
    [Show full text]
  • Magagula Heights Herpetofauna
    Herpetofaunal Habitat Assessment of Magagula Heights on the Remainder of Portion 52 of the farm TAMBOEKIESFONTEIN 173 IR May 2017 Report author: Mr. J.C.P van Wyk (Pr.Sci.Nat: M.Sc) Herpetofauna Report: Magagula Heights May 2017 1 of 17 pages TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 4 2. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ................................................ 4 3. STUDY AREA ................................................................................................. 4 4. METHOD ........................................................................................................ 6 4.1 FIELD SURVEYS ........................................................................................... 6 4.2 DESKTOP SURVEYS ..................................................................................... 6 4.3 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 7 5. RESULTS ....................................................................................................... 7 6. FINDINGS AND POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS ............................................ 14 7. LIMITATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS AND GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE ................. 15 8. RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES .............................................. 15 9. CONCLUSION .............................................................................................. 15 10. LITERATURE SOURCES .........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Wastewater Treatment Works Desludging at Dam 02
    APPENDIX G – SPECIALIST STUDIES APPENDIX G1 – TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY ASSESSMENT REPORT NORTHERN WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS DESLUDGING AT DAM 02 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY ASSESSMENT REPORT AUGUST 2018 PREPARED FOR: KNIGHT PIÉSOLD (PTY) LTD Title and Approval Page Project Name: Northern Wastewater Treatment Works Desludging at Dam 02 Report Title: Terrestrial Ecology Assessment Report Authority Reference: N/A Report Status Draft Applicant Knight Piésold (Pty) Ltd Prepared By: Nemai Consulting (Pty) Ltd +27 11 781 1730 147 Bram Fischer Drive, +27 11 781 1731 FERNDALE, 2194 [email protected] PO Box 1673, SUNNINGHILL, www.nemai.co.za 2157 10660-20180726-Northern Works Report Reference: WwTW De-sludging Dam 02- R-PRO-REP|20170216 Terrestrial Ecology Report Author Avhafarei Phamphe Author’s Affiliations Professional Natural Scientist: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions Ecological Science (400349/2) Professional Member of South African Institute of Ecologists and Environmental Scientists Professional Member: South African Association of Botanists. This Document is Confidential Intellectual Property of Nemai Consulting C.C. © copyright and all other rights reserved by Nemai Consulting C.C. This document may only be used for its intended purpose Northern Wastewater Treatment Works Desludging at Dam 02. Terrestrial Ecology Assessment Report Executive Summary A Record of Decision (RoD) was obtained in 2007 and amended in 2008 for the desludging of Dam 01 at Northern Waste water Treatment Works (WwTW). The RoD for the desludging of Dam 01 included the following condition: “Recording and Reporting to the Department 1.24 Johannesburg Water must submit a future plan for dam 2 (two). The plan must indicate what Johannesburg Water intends to do with the dam in future.” The procedure of desludging Dam 02 envisaged at this stage, and to be confirmed during design stage, is as follows: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Herpetological Habitat Sensitivity Scans for The
    HERPETOLOGICAL SENSITVITY SCAN FOR PROPOSED ANDERSON-DINALEDI 400kV TRANSMISSION LINE HERPETOLOGICAL HABITAT SENSITIVITY SCANS FOR THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ANDERSON-DINALEDI 400kV TRANSMISSION LINE AND THE PROPOSED NEW ANDERSON SUBSTATION; NORTH WEST AND GAUTENG ROVINCES Compiled for NEMAI ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL CONSULTING by: Mr C.L.COOK (MSc. Zool. U.P) Pr.Sci.Nat 400084/08 Faunal Consultant: Specialist Giant Bullfrog Consultant Cell No. 082 688 9585 [email protected] SUBMITTED: SEPTEMBER 2012 1 HERPETOLOGICAL SENSITVITY SCAN FOR PROPOSED ANDERSON-DINALEDI 400kV TRANSMISSION LINE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Eskom Holdings Limited is proposing the construction of a new 400kV Transmission Line as part of their Tshwane Strengthening Scheme Project. The proposed powerline will be approximately 40km in length and will run between the proposed new Anderson Substation, which will be located to the north of the N4 highway), located in Hartebeespoort, to the existing Dinaledi Substation which is located approximately 8km North East of Brits. The proposed powerline will be constructed in the following two Municipal Areas: Madibeng Local Municipality (North West) and the City of Tshwane Local Municipality (Gauteng). The proposed substation is earmarked for construction within the Madibeng Local Municipality. The Dinaledi Substation is located on Portion 843 of the Farm Roodekopjes of Zwartkopjes 427 JQ, which is located approximately 8km North East of Brits. Three alternative powerline routes have been identified for the proposed transmission lines. A 1km buffer area has been placed around each alternative route, which will form the study area/corridor to be investigated. According to Mucina and Rutherford (2006), the North West Province encloses two major biomes, viz.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecological Survey and Habitat Assessment Report
    BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT [REGULATION 23(1)] APPENDIX G6: ECOLOGICAL SURVEY AND HABITAT ASSESSMENT REPORT 64 PROPOSED JABULANI DEVELOPMENT SOWETO, GAUTENG PELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL SURVEY: HABITAT ASSESSMENT Compiled for BOHLWEKI SSI ENVIRONMENTAL by: Mr C.L.COOK (MSc. Zool.) PR.SCI.NAT 400084/08 Specialist Faunal Consultant Cell No. 082 688 9585 [email protected] SUBMITTED: 10TH March 2009 1. INTRODUCTION The preliminary faunal survey is based on a single site visit conducted on the 4th of February 2009. A proposed commercial and residential development is proposed for the site. The study area is situated is situated in the southern suburbs of Soweto in the suburb of Jabulani. The site has been divided into three portions namely portion A, B and C. The site is surrounded by Jabulani Mall to the east and high density residential developments to the west. An existing stadium which will be upgraded occurs on the north-western portion of the site. The majority of the site is dominated by secondary or transformed grasslands with several anthropomorphic grass and weedy plant species. The site is surrounded by transformed habitats and fragmented with no connectivity to any remaining natural open spaces. 1.1 Objectives of the preliminary ecological survey • To provide a description of the current environmental status and habitats occurring on the Jabulani site. • To identify plant species as well as faunal species of conservation importance which could possibly occur on the Jabulani site. • To determine potential impacts of the proposed Jabulani commercial and residential developments on the immediate environment and associated fauna and flora. • To provide management recommendations to mitigate negative and enhance positive impacts of the proposed project.
    [Show full text]