Raubex Building (Pty) Limited

Kriel Extension 23

Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIR) and Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)

October 2015

Submitted as contemplated in Regulation 23 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)

For the application for Environmental Authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2014 Government Notice R983 - Listing Notice 1 of 2014 and Government Notice R984 - Listing Notice 2 of 2014

DARDLEA Reference No.: 1/3/1/16/1N-16 Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page i

Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIR) and Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)

Raubex Building (Pty) Limited: Kriel Extension 23 Township development

DRAFT EIR/EMPr FOR THE PROPOSED KRIEL EXENSION 23 TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT

(COPY FOR REVIEW BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES)

October 2015

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CONTENTS PAGE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 1.1 Who is Developing the EIR and EMPr? ...... 4 1.1.1 Name and contact details of the EAP who prepared the EIR and EMPr ...... 4 1.1.2 Expertise of the EAP who prepared the EIR and EMPr ...... 4 1.2 Who will Evaluate and Approve the EIR and EMPr? ...... 5 1.3 Legal Requirements...... 5 1.4 Purpose of the EIR/EMPr Report ...... 6

2 PROJECT BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT ...... 8 2.1 Details of the Applicant ...... 8 2.1.1 Name of the Applicant ...... 8 2.1.2 Project Name ...... 8 2.1.3 Postal Address of Applicant ...... 8 2.1.4 Applicant contact person ...... 8 2.1.5 Applicant’s contact details ...... 8 2.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY (LOCATION OF THE PROJECT) ...... 8 2.2.1 Location ...... 8 2.2.2 Physical Address and Farm Name of the Kriel Extension 23 Township development ...... 11 2.2.3 Magisterial District & Regional Services Council ...... 11 2.2.4 Direction and Distance to Nearest Towns ...... 11 2.2.5 Land Tenure and Use of Immediate and Adjacent Land ...... 11 2.2.6 Servitudes ...... 13

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ...... 15 3.1 Brief Project Overview ...... 15 3.2 Listed Activities and Specified Activities ...... 15 3.3 Description of the Associated Structures and Infrastructure Related to the Proposed Development ...... 20 3.3.1 Surface Infrastructure ...... 20

4 POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT ...... 25

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4.1 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 1996) ...... 25 4.2 National Environmental Management Act ...... 25 4.3 National Environmental Management Air Quality Act...... 26 4.4 The National Heritage Resources Act ...... 26 4.5 National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) ...... 27 4.6 Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act (Act 10 of 1998) ...... 27 4.7 National Water Act (NWA)...... 27 4.8 National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No. 59 of 2008) ...... 28 4.9 EIA Guidelines ...... 28

5 NEED AND DESIRABILITY OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES ...... 30 5.1 Ecological Integrity ...... 30 5.1.1 Consideration of ecological integrity ...... 30 5.2 Socio-Economic context of the area ...... 36 5.2.1 IDP and other strategic plans ...... 36 5.2.2 Spatial priorities ...... 36 5.2.3 Spatial characteristics ...... 37 5.2.4 Municipal Economic Development Strategy ...... 38 5.2.5 Socio-economic impacts ...... 38 5.2.6 Location of the development ...... 38 5.2.7 Risk-averse and cautious approaches applied in terms for socio-ecominc impacts ...... 39 5.2.8 Impacts on people’s environmental rights ...... 39 5.2.9 Public participation ...... 39 5.2.10 Intergovernmental co-ordination ...... 40 5.2.11 Environmental considerations ...... 40

6 MOTIVATION FOR THE PREFERRED DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT...... 42 6.1 Consideration of Alternatives ...... 42 6.1.1 Location Alternatives ...... 42 6.1.2 Site Layout Alternatives ...... 42 6.1.3 Transport of employees Alternatives ...... 43 6.1.4 No Go Option ...... 43 6.2 Details Of The Public Participation Followed ...... 43 6.2.1 Registration of Interested and Affected parties ...... 44

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6.2.2 Consultation with interested and affected parties: ...... 45 6.2.3 Record of Decision (ROD) ...... 47 6.2.4 Notification of potential and registered interested and affected parties ...... 47 6.2.5 Responding to comments from the interested and affected parties...... 48 6.3 Results Of Public Participation ...... 48

7 ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRIBUTES (BASELINE INFORMATION) ...... 50 7.1 Geology ...... 50 7.1.1 Regional Geology ...... 50 7.1.2 Local Geology ...... 51 7.2 Climate ...... 51 7.2.1 Regional Climate ...... 51 7.2.2 Mean Monthly Rainfall ...... 51 7.2.3 Mean monthly Maximum and Minimum temperatures ...... 51 7.2.4 Wind Direction and Speed at the development area ...... 52 7.2.5 Mean Monthly Evaporation ...... 53 7.2.6 Extreme weather conditions ...... 53 7.3 Topography ...... 53 7.4 Soils ...... 53 7.4.1 Land Use ...... 54 7.5 Natural Vegetation/Plant Life ...... 57 7.5.1 Local Natural Environment ...... 58 7.5.2 Rare or endangered species ...... 58 7.5.3 Declared invader species ...... 58 7.5.4 Medicinal species ...... 58 7.6 Animal Life ...... 58 7.7 Surface Water ...... 59 7.7.1 Catchment delineation ...... 61 7.7.2 Mean annual run-off ...... 61 7.7.3 River Diversions ...... 61 7.7.4 Water Authority ...... 61 7.7.5 Surface Water Quality ...... 61 7.8 Sensitive Landscapes ...... 64 7.8.1 Wetland areas associated with a tributary of the steenkoolspruit ...... 64

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7.8.2 Wetland Ecosystem Services ...... 64 7.8.3 Wetland Ecosystem Health ...... 64 7.9 Groundwater ...... 65 7.10 Air Quality ...... 65 7.11 Visual Aspects ...... 65 7.12 Sites of Archaeological and Cultural Importance ...... 65 7.13 Traffic ...... 66 7.13.1 Existing Network ...... 66 7.13.2 Projected future traffic flows ...... 66 7.14 Socio-Economic Status ...... 66 7.14.1 District Geography ...... 66 7.14.2 Municipal background ...... 67 7.14.3 Population statistics ...... 68 7.14.4 Education ...... 71 7.14.5 Employment status ...... 72 7.14.6 Household income ...... 73 7.14.7 Nodal development ...... 74 7.14.8 Housing ...... 74 7.14.9 Services ...... 74 7.14.10 Crime ...... 74 7.14.11 HIV/AIDS ...... 74

8 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 76 8.1 Environmental Impact Assessment for the initial 3 different site layouts considered ...... 76 8.1.1 Impacts (Negative and Positive) and Mitigation Measures for the Initial 3 Different Site Layouts Considered ...... 76 8.1.2 Statement Motivating the Alternative Development Location ...... 78 8.2 Environmental Impact Assessment Process Followed ...... 79 8.2.1 Approach to Environmental Impact Assessment ...... 79 8.2.2 Environmental Impact Assessment Process Followed ...... 79 8.2.3 Public Participation Process ...... 79 8.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology ...... 80 8.4 Results of the Environmental Impact Assessment ...... 83 8.4.1 Assessment of the Kriel Extension 23 Township development impacts/risks identified ...... 83

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8.5 Summary of Specialist Reports ...... 91 8.6 Environmental Impact Statement ...... 94 8.6.1 Summary of key findings of the environmental impact assessment ...... 94 8.6.2 Final Master Layout Plan ...... 94 8.7 Final Proposed Alternatives ...... 94 8.8 Aspects for Inclusion as conditions of Authorisation ...... 95 8.9 Description of Assumptions, Uncertainties and Gaps in Knowledge ...... 95 8.10 Reasoned Opinion as to Whether the Proposed Project should or should not Continue ... 96 8.10.1 Reason why the activity should be authorised or not ...... 96 8.11 Period for which the Environmental Authorisation ...... 97 8.12 Undertaking ...... 97 8.13 Deviation from approved Scoping Report ...... 97 8.14 Other Information Required by the Competent Authority ...... 97 8.15 Other Matters Required in Terms of Section 24 (4)(a) and (b) of the Act ...... 97

9 DETAILS OF THE EAP ...... 99

10 DESCRIPTION OF THE ASPECTS OF THE ACTIVITY ...... 99

11 COMPOSITE MAP ...... 99

12 DESCRIPTION OF THE MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES INCLUDING MANAGEMENT STATEMENTS ...... 99 12.1 Management of Environmental Damage, Environmental Pollution and Ecological degradation caused by kriel extension 23 township development activities ...... 99 12.1.1 Infrastructure Areas ...... 99 12.1.2 Rehabilitation of Ecologically Degraded Areas ...... 100 12.1.3 Hydrology ...... 100 12.1.4 Vegetation ...... 100 12.1.5 Geology and soil ...... 100 12.1.6 Noise ...... 101 12.1.7 Dust and Air Quality ...... 101 12.1.8 Rehabilitation ...... 101

13 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME ...... 102

14 MECHANISM FOR MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH AND PERFOMANCE ASSESSENT AGAINST THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME AND REPORTING THEREON ...... 108

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14.1 Functional Requirements for Environmental Monitoring ...... 108 14.1.1 Geology ...... 108 14.1.2 Soil ...... 108 14.1.3 Ground Water ...... 108 14.1.4 Surface Water ...... 108 14.1.5 Air Quality ...... 109 14.1.6 Noise ...... 109 14.1.7 Sensitive Landscapes ...... 109 14.2 Monitoring compliance with and performance assessment against the environmental management programme and reporting thereon ...... 109 14.3 Undertaking to Comply ...... 110 14.4 Statutory Requirements ...... 110

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TABLES

Table # Table Description Page

Table 1: Geographic coordinates of the proposed project area ...... 11 Table 2: Direction and Distance to Nearest Towns ...... 11

Table 3: Description of immediate and adjacent landowners ...... 12

Table 4: Servitudes within and around the proposed project area ...... 13

Table 5: Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development Activities ...... 16

Table 6: Description of the internal roads ...... 22

Table 6: Average Rainfall for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development ...... 51

Table 7: The mean maximum and minimum temperatures ...... 52

Table 8: Mean monthly evaporation for the region...... 53

Table 9: Generalized soil profiles ...... 53

Table 11: Chemical results for a surface water monitoring point within the tributary of the Steenkoolspruit...... 61

Table 12: Target Water quality guidelines and standards developed by the Department of Water and Sanitation applicable to the tributary of the Steenkoolspruit...... 62

Table 13: Environmental Management Programme for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township Development...... 102

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FIGURES

Figure # Figure Description Page

Figure 1: Kriel Extension 23 Township development locality plan ...... 9

Figure 2: Land tenure plan ...... 10

Figure 3: Plan indicating the listed notices applied for in terms of NEMA (Act No.107 of 1998) for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development ...... 19

Figure 4: VEGMAP SA for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township Development ...... 30

Figure 5: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the National Freshwater Ecological Priority Areas...... 31

Figure 6: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the National Wetland Inventory Map ...... 32

Figure 7: Wetland Ecosystem Types ...... 33

Figure 8: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan – Terrestrial Assessment ...... 34

Figure 9: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan – Freshwater Assessment ...... 34

Figure 10: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan – Wetland Types ...... 35

Figure 11: Geological Map of South Africa ...... 50

Figure 12: Yearly average wind speeds and directions from the Witbank weather station ...... 52

Figure 13: Township development area indicated on the 2629AB, 1 in 50 000, topographical map ...... 55

Figure 14: Township development area indicated on a Google Earth image ...... 56

Figure 15: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan – Terrestrial Assessment ...... 57

Figure 16: Location of the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development in relation to the tertiary and quaternary drainage regions within the Olifants River...... 60

Figure 17: Surface Water Monitoring Point - Kriel Extension 23 Township Development...... 63

Figure 18: Demographic Profile of Emalahleni (ELM SDF, 2015) ...... 68

Figure 19: Emalahleni LM population contribution, 2001-2011 (ELM SDF, 2015) ...... 69

Figure 20: Emalahleni LM contribution to Nkangala DM (ELM SDF, 2015) ...... 69

Figure 21: Population Distribution of Emalahleni LM (ELM SDF, 2015) ...... 69

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Figure 22: Emalahleni LM Age Profile (ELM SDF, 2015) ...... 70

Figure 23: Education levels for Emalahleni Local Municipality (ELM SDF, 2015)...... 71

Figure 24: Emalahleni Education Profile (ELM SDF, 2015)...... 72

Figure 25: Emalahleni Employment Profile ...... 73

Figure 26: Emalahleni Annual Household Income...... 73

APPENDICES

Appendix # Appendix Description

1 Kriel Extension 23 Layout Plan

2 Bulk Services Layout Plan

3 Report on Civil Engineering Services

4 Civil Designs

5 Results of Consultation with Interested And Affected Parties

6 Flora, Fauna, and Wetland Report

7 Geotechnical Report

8 Heritage Impact Assessment Report

9 Traffic Impact Assessment Report

10 Social Impact Assessment Report

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Raubex Building (Pty) Limited (Reg. no.: 1976/003683/07) proposes to conduct a township development namely Kriel Extension 23, by servicing the proposed township development area to provide water & sanitation and roads & storm water infrastructure which will connect to the existing municipal infrastructure. Based on this, Raubex Building (Pty) Limited has applied to the Emalahleni Local Municipality for the consideration of a township establishment application to allow for the establishment of a residential township comprising of 543 full title residential erven which includes inter alia a church, crèche and community facilities. This application was lodged in terms of Section 96(1) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance 15 of 1986), for the proposed establishment of a residential township. Based on the above, Raubex Building (Pty) Limited has applied for an environmental authorisation of listed activities in terms of sections 24 and 24D of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act no. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), read together with Government Notice No. R983 and R984.

This document aims to address the activities associated with the proposed township development. The proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development is situated on a portion of the remaining extent of portion 2 of the farm Roodebloem 58 IS within the Kriel Magisterial District, approximately 25 kilometres north-west of the town of Bethal. The proposed township development will consist of 543 residential erven with a minimum size of 300 square meters including a church, crèche, community facility and streets to access these facilities. The proposed project will connect to existing municipal infrastructure for water supply, sewerage disposal and electrical supply. Associated infrastructure for the proposed township development will comprise of a campsite on site, construction vehicles and storage of building materials. Two access points along the existing R547 road will be used to access the proposed development site. Specialist studies were undertaken for proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development. These studies were used in the compilation of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) requires that any person or entity that intends to undertake activities listed in government notices R983, R984 and R985 must obtain an environmental authorisation in terms of section 24D of the National Environmental Management Act before undertaking such activities.

On evaluation of the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development activities, the following listed activities were identified i.e.

GN R983:

Activity 19: The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 5 cubic metres into, and the dredging, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock of more than 5 cubic metres from a seasonal wetland, for the development of a township within an urban area.

Activity 28: Residential development where such land was used for agriculture on or after 01 April 1998 and where such development will occur inside an urban area, where the total land to be developed is bigger than 5 hectares.

GN R984:

Activity 15: The clearance of an area of 20 hectares or more of indigenous vegetation for the

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development of a township.

Based on the above, an application for an environmental authorisation for the above listed activities was undertaken with the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land & Environmental Affairs (eMalahleni Regional Office). The application and the Scoping Report has been accepted by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land & Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) and the Draft EIR/EMPr Report (this document) is thereby being submitted. In addition, The NWA requires that any person who intends on or who undertakes an activity that has been defined as a water use in terms of the NWA, apply for a Water Use Licence for that activity. Based on the proposed Kriel Extension 23 project, water uses were identified in terms of the NWA. In an effort for Raubex Building (Pty) Limited to legally carry out the intended water uses at the proposed project area, a Water Use Licence Application was compiled and will be submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation (Mpumalanga Regional Office, Bronkhorstspruit) during October 2015.

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SECTION ONE ______

Introduction

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1 INTRODUCTION

1. 1 W HO IS D EVELOPING THE EIR AND E MP R ?

1.1.1 Name and contact details of the EAP who prepa red the EIR and E M P r EAP: Mr. Ornassis Tshepo Shakwane

IAIA Membership No.: 3847

Company: Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited

Postal Address:

P.O. Box 4050

MIDDELBURG, 1050

Tel: (013) 243 5842

Fax: (086) 632 4936

Cell No.: 0824981847

1.1.2 Expertise of the EAP who prepared the EIR and E M P r Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited is a geological and environmental consulting company. The company was formed during 1996, and currently has nineteen years’ experience in the geological and environmental consulting field. Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited has successfully completed consulting projects in the Mining sector (coal, gold, base metal and diamond), Quarrying sector (sand, aggregate and dimension stone), Industrial sector and housing sector. Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited has undertaken contracts within all the provinces of South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana and Zambia. During 2001 Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited entered the field of mine environmental management and water monitoring.

Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited is a Black Economically Empowered Company with the BEE component owning 60% of the company. Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited has three members i.e. O.T. Shakwane, J.M. Bate and T.G. Tefu.

Mr. O.T. Shakwane obtained his BSc (Microbiology and Biochemistry) from the University of Durban Westville in 1994, and completed his honours degree in Microbiology in 1995. He has worked with the three state departments tasked with mining and environmental management i.e. Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (Gauteng and Mpumalanga Region), Department of Mineral Resources (Mpumalanga Region) and Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (Gauteng Region). Mr. Shakwane has been in the consulting field since 2004.

Mr. T.G. Tefu is geologist. He obtained his BSc. in geology at the University of Witwatersrand. He worked with several mining companies and was also employed by the then Department of Minerals and Energy’s Environmental Management directorate.

Mrs. R. Bate obtained her BSc Degree in 1982 and BSc (Honns) (Entomology) in 1983 from the University of Pretoria. She obtained her MSc Degree from the University of Stellenbosch in 1986.

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She worked for the Agricultural Research Council, Grain Crops Institute as a Researcher for fourteen years, where she delivered papers at different congresses of the Entomological Society as well as the Crop Production Society. She is also the author of five scientific papers.

Mr. Bate, founder of Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited, is used by the company on an ad hoc (consultancy) basis. He is also a qualified geologist. Mr. Bate is appointed as the chairman for the board of the company. He is a qualified geologist. He obtained his BSc (geology) from the Potchefstroom University for CHE in 1993, and completed his honours degree (cum Laude) in geology in 1994. He obtained his MSc (cum Laude) in 1995.

Over the past years Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited has formalised working relationships with companies that offer expertise in the following fields i.e. Geohydrology, Civil and Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnical Consultancy, Survey and Mine Planning and Soil & Land Use Consultancy.

Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited is an independent consulting company, which has no interest in the outcome of the decision regarding the Kriel Extension 23 Township development EIR/EMPr (this document).

1. 2 W HO WILL E VALUATE AND APPROVE THE EI R AND E MP R ?

Before the proposed listed activities applied for can proceed, the environmental impacts that may result from the proposed project must be assessed.

In the spirit of co-operative governance, other commenting authorities will be consulted with. These include:

• Department of Mineral Resources (DMR)

• Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA)

• Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)

• National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (NDA)

• South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA)

In addition to the above, the public will also be given an opportunity to evaluate and comment on the documents to be submitted to the authorities.

1. 3 L EGAL R EQUIREMENTS

NEMA requires that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be carried out for the listed activities applied for in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2014. In addition to the NEMA, the following key legislation’s are also relevant to the EIA Report:

• Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996)

• Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), No. 28 of 2002

• Environment Conservation Act (ECA), No. 73 of 1989

• The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), No. 107 of 1998

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• The National Water Act (NWA), No. 36 of 1998, as amended

• The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), No. 10 of 2004

• The National Environmental Management Air Quality Act (NEM:AQA), No. 39 of 2004.

• Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance 15 of 1986).

• The National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of 1999.

The EIR/EMPr report for public comment (this report) will be finalised based on the comments received from Interested and Affected Parties (I&AP’s).

1. 4 P URPOSE OF THE EIR/EMP R R E P O R T

The Draft EIR/EMPr report addresses the requirements as contemplated in the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014. This report also allows for registered I&AP’s to raise issues and concerns during the consultation phase which will then be documented in the final EIR/EMPr report.

The aim of this EIR/EMPr report is to:

• Provide information on the proposed project and present the findings of the EIR/EMPr report to the authorities.

• Provide information regarding alternatives that have been considered.

• Show how authorities and interested and affected parties were afforded the opportunity to contribute to the project, and to indicate the issues raised and the responses to those issues.

• Describe the baseline receiving environment.

• Describe the extent of environmental consequences for the construction phase of the proposed project.

• Propose mitigation measures for impacts that are considered significant.

• Describe the environmental feasibility of the proposed project.

• Present findings in a manner that facilitates decision-making by the relevant authorities.

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SECTION TWO

______

Project Background & Context

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2 PROJECT BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

2. 1 D ETAILS OF THE A P P L I C A N T

2.1.1 Name of the Applicant

Raubex Building (Pty) Limited

2.1.2 Project Name

Kriel Extension 23 Township development

2.1.3 Postal Address of Applicant

Postnet Suite 291

Private Bag X121

Halfway House

1685

2.1.4 Applicant contact person Mr. Barend Badenhorst

2.1.5 Applicant’s contact details Tel: (010) 140 0302

Cell: 083 320 2121

Email: [email protected]

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY (LOCATION O F THE P ROJ ECT)

2.2.1 Location The proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development is situated on a portion of the remaining extent of portion 2 of the farm Roodebloem 58 IS within the Emalahleni Local Municipality and the Nkangala District Municipality (Mpumalanga Province). The proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development is situated approximately 2 km northeast of the existing Kriel Urban Fabric. The proposed Township development is located adjacent to an existing residential area known as Kriel Extension 16 Township, while the surrounding townships include; Kriel Extension 3 Township to the south-east, Kriel Extension 2 Township to the south and Kriel Extension 3 Township to the west of the proposed Township development area. Access to the site will be along two access points via the R547 (Van-Dyksdrift-Bethal Road). Refer to Figure 1 for the locality plan and Figure 2 for the farm portions plan of the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development. The geographic coordinates for the location of the proposed project is given in Table 1 below.

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Figure 1: Kriel Extension 23 Township development locality plan

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Figure 2: Land tenure plan

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Table 1: Geographic coordinates of the proposed project area

Farm name Coordinates

A portion of the remaining extent of portion 2 of 26°14’31.63” S / 29°16’12.38” the farm Roodebloem 58 IS

2.2.2 Physical Address and Farm Name of the Kriel E xtension 23 Township development

The proposed township development is situated on a portion of the remaining extent of portion 2 of the farm Roodebloem 58 IS.

2.2.3 Magisterial District & Regional Services Coun c i l

Magisterial: Kriel, Mpumalanga

District Municipality: Nkangala District Municipality

Local Municipality: Emalahleni Local Municipality

2.2.4 Direction and Distance to Nearest Towns Table 2: Direction and Distance to Nearest Towns

Town Direction Distance (km)

Kriel Northwest 2 km Bethal South 28 km Emalahleni North 45 km

2.2.5 Land Tenure and Use of Immediate and Adjacent L a n d The land tenure plan is attached as Figure 2, which indicates the surface owners of the immediate and surrounding farm portions in relation to the proposed township development. The land on which the proposed project will be undertaken, a portion of the remaining extent of portion 2 of the farm Roodebloem 58 IS, is owned by Ustica 1103 cc and the 21 digit Surveyor General code is given in Table 3 below. Land use within the proposed project area and immediately adjacent to the proposed project area include agricultural activities (crop cultivation, grazing and vacant land) and residential (Kriel Town and its associated infrastructure). Table 3 below gives a description of the immediate and adjacent landowner’s in relation to the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development.

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Table 3: Description of immediate and adjacent landowners

FARM NAME 21 DIGIT SURVEYOR DESCRIPTION OF SUB- CONTACT CONTACT DIRECT / SURFACE OWNER AND NUMBER GENERAL CODE DIVISION PERSON NUMBER ADJACENT

Roodebloem 58 T0IS00000000005800002 Remaining extent of Portion Maria Magdalena Ustica 1103 cc 084 206 4475 DIRECT IS 2 Kotze

Kriel Town Municipal Kriel Municipality Manager: Gerry 017 648 6205 ADJACENT

Rothmann

Kriel Town (Land occupier: Silver Fleur Retirement Village) Silver Fleur Kriel Municipality Retirement Village: 017 648 6734 ADJACENT

Greta Combrink

Provincial road - R547 road South African National Roads Agency Limited Michael Yorke-Hart 012 426 6207 ADJACENT (SANRAL)

Transnet existing pipeline servitudes Transnet SOC LTD Nkambule Masoth 013 658 2348 ADJACENT

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2.2.6 Servitudes

The table below describes all surface servitudes listed within proposed township development area.

Table 4: Servitudes within and around the proposed project area

FARM PORTION SERVITUDE

On the farm boundary Roodebloem 58 IS Pipelines separating portion 1 and 2

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SECTION THREE ______

Description of the Scope of the proposed Project

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3 DESCRIPTION OF THE SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

3. 1 B RIEF P ROJECT O V E R V I E W

Raubex Building (Pty) Limited proposes to develop services for a township development by servicing the proposed township development area to provide water & sanitation and roads & storm water infrastructure which will connect to the existing municipal infrastructure. The proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development consists of 543 full title residential erven with an average size of 300 square meters including a church, crèche, community facility and streets to access these facilities. The proposed township is located adjacent to the town of Kriel on a portion of the remaining extent of portion 2 of the farm Roodebloem 58 IS. Two access points along the existing R547 road will be used to access the proposed development site. The proposed project will connect to existing municipal infrastructure for water supply, sewerage disposal and electrical supply. The proposed development will be connected to the new main water supply along the R547. Sewage from the proposed development will be discharged into the existing outfall sewer line in Heinrich Street. Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd have undertaken various specialist studies, these studies were used in the compilation of the Environmental Impact Report (this report).

3. 2 L ISTED ACTIVITIES AND S P E C I F I E D ACTIVITIES

The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) requires that any person or entity that intends to undertake activities listed in government notices R983, R984 and R985 must obtain an environmental authorisation in terms of section 24D of the National Environmental Management Act before undertaking such activities. Before the above project can be commenced with, an evaluation of the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development activities indicated that listed activities in terms of government notice R983 and R984 must be applied for. This section will hence indicate the listed activities in terms of government notice R983 and R984 that is included in this application. Table 5 describes all activities to be undertaken at the proposed Kriel Extension 23

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township development.

Figure 3 indicates the listed activities applied for as well as the associated structures and infrastructure for the proposed Township development.

Table 5: Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development Activities

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION OF THE PORTION APPLICABLE LISTED OF THE DEVELOPMENT AS PER LISTING ACTIVITY THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION NOTICE THAT RELATES TO THE APPLICABLE LISTED ACTIVITY

PROPOSED KRIEL EXTENSION 23 TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT LISTED AND SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES

The infilling or depositing of any The infilling or depositing of any Listing Notice 1 Activity No. material of more than 5 cubic metres material of more than 5 cubic – GN 983 19 into, or the dredging, excavation, metres into, and the dredging, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, excavation, removal or moving of shell grit, pebbles or rock of more than soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles 5 cubic metres from- or rock of more than 5 cubic metres

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ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION OF THE PORTION APPLICABLE LISTED OF THE DEVELOPMENT AS PER LISTING ACTIVITY THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION NOTICE THAT RELATES TO THE APPLICABLE LISTED ACTIVITY

(i) a watercourse; from a wetland, for the development of a township within (ii) the seashore; or an urban area. (iii) the littoral active zone, an estuary or a distance of 100 metres inland of the high-water mark of the sea or an estuary, whichever distance is the greater but excluding where such infilling, depositing , dredging, excavation, removal or moving-

(a) will occur behind a development setback;

(b) is for maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a maintenance management plan; or

(c) falls within the ambit of activity 21 in this Notice, in which case that activity applies.

Residential, mixed, retail, commercial, Residential development where Listing Notice 1 Activity No. industrial or institutional developments such land was used for agriculture – GN 983 28 where such land was used for on or after 01 April 1998 and where agriculture or afforestation on or after such development will occur inside 01 April 1998 and where such an urban area, where the total land development: to be developed is bigger than 5 hectares. (i) will occur inside an urban area, where the total land to be developed is bigger than 5 hectares; or

(ii) will occur outside an urban area, where the total land to be developed is bigger than 1 hectare; excluding where such land has already been developed for residential, mixed, retail, commercial, industrial or institutional purposes.

The clearance of an area of 20 hectares The clearance of an area of 20 Listing Notice 2 Activity No. or more of indigenous vegetation, hectares or more of indigenous – GN 984 15 excluding where such clearance of vegetation for the development of a

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ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION OF THE PORTION APPLICABLE LISTED OF THE DEVELOPMENT AS PER LISTING ACTIVITY THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION NOTICE THAT RELATES TO THE APPLICABLE LISTED ACTIVITY indigenous vegetation is required for- township.

(i) the undertaking of a linear activity; or

(ii) maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a maintenance management plan.

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Figure 3: Plan indicating the listed notices applied for in terms of NEMA (Act No.107 of 1998) for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development

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3. 3 D ESCRIPTION OF THE ASSOCIATED S TRUCTURES AND

I NFRASTRUCTURE R ELATED TO THE P ROPOSED D EVELOPMENT

3.3.1 Surface Infrastructure

Raubex Building (Pty) Limited proposes to develop services for a township development by servicing the proposed township development area to provide water & sanitation and roads & storm water infrastructure which will connect to the existing municipal infrastructure. The proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development covers an area of approximately 28 hectares. The proposed Kriel Extension 23 project entails the development of a township consisting of 543 residential erven with an average size of 3000 square meters including a church, crèche, community facility and streets to access these facilities. The area surrounding the proposed project consists of the Kriel Town, as well as, infrastructure such as roads (secondary and provincial roads), power lines and telecommunication lines are present around the proposed project area. The proposed project will connect to existing municipal infrastructure for water supply, sewerage disposal and electrical supply. The proposed township development will consist of the various service infrastructures; water & sanitation and roads & storm water. All infrastructure for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development is indicated in the Layout Plan and Bulk services layout plan attached as Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 consecutively.

3.3.1.1 Roads, Railways and Power Lines

There are various main and minor roads and power lines crossing nearby the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development area. The Vandyksdrift-Bethal road lies adjacent to the project area on the eastern side. Two access points along the existing R547 road will be used to access the proposed development site. Electricity for the development will be supplied by the Emalahleni Local Municipality. The electrical infrastructure will consist of an underground system utilising MV and LV cabling to distribute to various consumers.

3.3.1.2 Description of the services to be installed for ele ctrical supply for the Township development

The development will be supplied by Emalahleni Local Municipality with an estimated final link service requirement of 2 MVA. The electrical infrastructure will consist of an underground system utilising MV and LV cabling to distribute to the various consumers. Miniature substations will be utilised to obtain the 400V 3-Phase supplies from the 11kV feeding system.

The network will consist of an MV cable supply system from a switching or existing 11kV ring with space capacity in close proximity to the development. A MV ring will be created feeding various miniature substations will supply distribution/metering kiosks from where service cables will be connected to the various households. MV cable will utilise 11Kv PILC cable whilst LV cable will utilise PVC/SWA/PVC 400V/1000V cable.

Pre-paid metering-preferably PLC split type systems will be proposed to measure energy consumption. Hot water installations will comprise of Solar Hot Water systems and household luminaries will utilise energy efficient lighting. Street lights will utilise 70W HPS or 56W LED technology.

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The total electrical link service requirement for the development is 2 MVA, which can be obtained from a single 95mm² 11 Kv ring supply. The electrical network will conform to the Emalahleni Local Municipality standards. All electrical cabling will be underground and all materials must be SABS approved. See Appendix 3 for the Report on Civil Engineering Services.

3.3.1.3 Solid Waste Management Facilities

Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd will be using a contractor for the transportation of domestic waste generated during the services development of the Kriel Extension 23 area. The waste will be transported to the Kriel waste disposal site. The waste will be sorted before disposal, paper and cardboard will be separated and sent for recycling. Industrial waste arising from the development of the project (classified as hazardous waste –paint tins, degreaser containers, oily rags, building rubble, scrap metal, building materials, etc.) will be collected in a different waste collection system and disposed of by a contractor at a registered hazardous waste site.

Chemical toilets will be used by employees during development at the Kriel Extension 23 township development site. Chemical toilets will be emptied on regular basis by contracted competent waste removers. Domestic waste arising from the Kriel Extension 23 Township will be removed by waste contractor services provided by the local municipality. Sewage waste will be disposed of through the existing outfall sewer line in Heinrich Street which is connected to the existing municipal sewer works.

3.3.1.4 Description of the services to be installed for sew age management for the Township development

The proposed township development will connect onto the existing municipal water borne sewerage system. The proposed development will be connected to the existing sewer works. 100% of the sewerage will be discharged into the existing outfall sewer line in Heinrich Street with a 1500m long 160mm gravity line. Sewer will be drained to the north-western corner of the development, see attached Bulk services layout plan (Appendix 2). Sewer pipes will be 160 mm diameter uPVC Solid wall Supradur Class 34 pipes. All sewer pipes will be laid on the appropriate pre-determined bedding, in addition, sewer pipes under roads will have a minimum cover of 1.2m. See Appendix 3 for the Report on Civil Engineering Services.

3.3.1.5 Storm Water Management Facilities

A storm water model of the catchment area will be set up using Civil Designer Software simulating various flows. The site has a high point on the southern border from where the ground slopes in a north westerly and north easterly direction. The site can be drained to two low points; one in the north western corner, and the other in the south eastern corner. Storm water will drain into the river on the northern border of the site.

A storm water model of the catchment area was set up using Civil Designer Software simulating various flows. The site has a high point on the southern border from where the ground slopes in a north westerly and north easterly direction. Storm water from the site will be drained into the river from three (3) different points as indicated in the Bulk services layout plan (Appendix 2). The study area is drained entirely by means of surface drainage flow. Appropriate erosion control will be implemented at

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the 3 different storm water outlet points. The design of the storm water outlet with the erosion control structure is attached as Appendix 4. See Appendix 3 for the Report on Civil Engineering Services.

3.3.1.6 Water Supply

Water supply for domestic use by employees during the construction phase will be sourced from the nearby town (Kriel Town). Further, the proposed development will be connected to the municipal main water supply along the R547, as depicted on the Bulk services layout plan (Appendix 2). Water supply will be connected by a 250mm diameter pipeline with a minimum of 1,0m cover. See Appendix 3 for the Report on Civil Engineering Services.

3.3.1.7 T r a n s p o r t

Employees for the construction of the township development will be sourced from the local area. Therefore, employees will make use of local public transport to get to the proposed site.

Two access points along the existing R547 road will be used to access the proposed development site. All of the internal roads within the project area will be formed and will have a formal storm water system installed. A functional conventional street layout was undertaken. This street layout was done to minimise costs and to ensure that all essential services can be installed cost effectively. A functional hierarchy of roads was designed to ensure that the various class roads linked onto each other. A description of the internal roads is outlined in Table 6 below.

Table 6: Description of the internal roads

Description Class Road Reserve Road width

Entrance 4b 25m 2 x 7.4m

Access Collector 5a 20m 7.4m

Access Loop (Major) 5b 16m 6.0m or 7.4m

Access Loop (Minor) 5b 10m 5.5m

3.3.1.8 Construction & camp sites

A camp site will be established at the development site for the accommodation of security and building personnel during the servicing of the Township development.

A construction site to store all building materials and machinery will be established on site.

3.3.1.9 Disturbance of watercourses

Wetlands associated with the Steenkoolspruit and its tributaries occur adjacent and at certain parts, within the proposed development area. It was however noted through the soils and wetland surveys that most of the surface infrastructure of the development will be situated within 500 meters from the

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edge of the temporary wetland zone of the tributary of the Steenkoolspruit. Raubex Building (Pty) Limited is committed to comply with the environmental legislation, by obtaining necessary authorisations before developing in close proximity to these wetlands.

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SECTION FOUR ______

Policy and legislative context

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4 POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT

4. 1 C ONSTITUTION OF THE R EPUBLIC OF S OUTH AFRICA ( A C T N O . 108

O F 1996)

Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No.108 of 1996) states that everyone has the right: a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and b) to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that;

(i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation;

(ii) promote conservation; and

(iii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

In terms of Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No.108 of 1996), everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. In addition, people have the right to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through applicable legislations and other measures that prevent pollution, ecological degradation and promote conservation and secure ecological sustainable development through the use of natural resources while prompting justifiable economic and social development. The needs of the environment, as well as affected parties, should thus be integrated into the overall project in order to fulfil the requirements of Section 24 of the Constitution. In view of the above, a number of laws pertaining to environmental management were promulgated to give guidance on how the principles set out in section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No.108 of 1996) would be met. Below are laws applicable to the proposed project that were promulgated to ensure that section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No.108 of 1996) is complied with.

4. 2 N ATIONAL E NVIRONMENTAL M ANAGEMENT AC T

Section 24(1) of the NEMA states:

“In order to give effect to the general objectives of integrated environmental management laid down in this Chapter [Chapter 5], the potential consequences for or impacts on the environment of listed activities or specified activities must be considered, investigated, assessed and reported on to the competent authority or the Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources, as the case may be, except in respect of those activities that may commence without having to obtain an environmental authorisation in terms of this Act.”

In order to regulate the procedure and criteria as contemplated in Chapter 5 of NEMA relating to the preparation, evaluation, submission, processing and consideration of, and decision on, applications for environmental authorisations for the commencement of activities, subjected to environmental impact assessment, in order to avoid or mitigate detrimental impacts on the environment, and to optimise positive environmental impacts, and for matters pertaining thereto, Regulations (EIA Regulations, 2014) were promulgated. These Regulations took effect from the 4 th of December 2014.

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In addition to the above, Section 28 of the NEMA includes a general “Duty of Care” whereby care must be taken to prevent, control and remedy the effect of significant pollution and environmental degradation. This section stipulates the importance to protect the environment from degradation and pollution irrespective of the operations taking places or activities triggered / not triggered under GN983, GN984 and GN985.

In view of the above, an EIA is being undertaken to comply with the requirements of the NEMA and the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014. The NEMA EIA Regulations of December 2014 determines requirements to be met in order to amend an environmental authorisation. These conditions are listed under Regulations 31, 32 and 33 of the EIA Regulations, 2014. This report has therefore been compiled in compliance with the above regulations.

4. 3 N ATIONAL E NVIRONMENTAL M ANAGEMENT AI R Q UALITY A C T

The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act No.39 of 2004) (NEM:AQA) focuses on reforming the law regulating air quality in South Africa in order to protect the environment through the provision of reasonable measures protecting the environment against air pollution and ecological degradation and securing ecological sustainable development while promoting justifiable economic and social developments. This Act provides national norms and standards regulating air quality management and control by all spheres of government. These include the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the National Dust Control Regulations (NDCR). The standards are defined for different air pollutants with different limits based on the toxicity of the pollutants to the environment and humans, number of allowable exceedances and the date of compliance of the specific standard.

On 22 November 2013 the list of activities which result in atmospheric emissions which have or may have a significant detrimental effect on the environment, including health, social conditions, economic conditions, ecological conditions or cultural heritage was published under GN R893 in Governmental Gazette No 37054, in terms of Section 21(1)(b) of the NEM:AQA.

The proposed development will not trigger any of the activities listed under the above-mentioned Regulations.

4. 4 T H E N ATIONAL H ERITAGE R ESOURCES A C T

The National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) (NHRA) focuses on the protection and management of South Africa’s heritage resources. The governing authority for this act is the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA). In terms of the NHRA, historically important features such as graves, trees, archaeology and fossil beds are protected as well as culturally significant symbols, spaces and landscapes. Section 38 of the NHRA stipulates the requirements a developer must undertake prior to development. In terms of Section 38 of the NHRA, SAHRA can call for a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) where certain categories of development are proposed.

A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is the process to be followed in order to determine whether any heritage resources are located within the area to be developed as well as the possible impact of the proposed development thereon.

The Act also makes provision for the assessment of heritage impacts as part of an EIA process and indicates that if such an assessment is deemed adequate, a separate HIA is not required. A Heritage Impact Assessment has been undertaken for the proposed project.

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4. 5 N ATIONAL E NVIRONMENTAL M ANAGEMENT B IODIVERSITY AC T

( A C T 10 OF 2004) (NE MB A)

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) provides for the management and protection of South Africa’s biodiversity within the framework established by NEMA. The Act aims to legally provide for biodiversity conservation, sustainable, equitable access and benefit sharing and provides for the management and control of alien and invasive species to prevent or minimize harm to the environment and indigenous biodiversity. The Act imposes obligations on landowners (state or private) governing alien invasive species as well as regulates the introduction of genetically modified organisms. The Act encourages the eradication of alien species that may harm indigenous ecosystems or habitats. The NEMBA ensures that provision is made by the site developer to remove any aliens which have been introduced to the site or are present on the site.

The NEMBA also provides for listing of threatened or protected ecosystems, in one of four categories: critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or protected. The purpose of listing protected ecosystems is primarily to conserve sites of exceptionally high conservation value.

The Act supports South Africa’s obligations under sanctioned international agreements regulating international trade in specimens of endangered species, and ensures that the utilization of biodiversity is managed in an ecological sustainable way.

The EIR and EMPr has been complied to ensure that all applicable requirements prescribed in the NEMBA are complied with.

4. 6 M PUMALANGA N ATURE C ONSERVATION AC T (A C T 10 OF 1998 )

The Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act, No. 10 of 1998, aims to consolidate and amend the laws relating to nature conservation within the Province and to provide for matters connected therewith. Provincial legislation relevant to biodiversity conservation comprises of two Provincial Acts, the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act (Act 10 of 1998) and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency Act (Act 5 of 2005). In relation to nature conservation, the Province has developed the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (MBCP). This plan has been jointly developed by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and the Department of Agriculture and Land Administration (DALA). The MBCP takes its mandate from the South African Constitution, the National Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004) and the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act 10 of 1998. Areas identified under the MBCP as sensitive were identified and where applicable measures will proposed for ensuring that the areas are not degrade by the proposed project activities.

4. 7 N ATIONAL W ATER A C T (NW A)

The National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA) is the primary regulatory legislation, controlling and managing the use of water resources as well as the pollution thereof in South Africa. The NWA recognises that the ultimate aim of water resource management is to achieve sustainable use of water for the benefit of all users and that the protection of the quality of water resources is necessary to ensure sustainability of the nation’s water resources in the interests of all water users. The NWA presents strategies to facilitate sound management of water resources, provides for the protection of water resources, and regulates use of water by means of Catchment Management Agencies, Water User Associations, Advisory Committees and International Water Management. The National Government has overall responsibility for and authority over water resource management, including the equitable allocation and beneficial use of water in the public interest. Further, an industry can only

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be entitled to use water if the use is permissible under the NWA. The enforcing authority on water users is the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

An Integrated Water Use Licence Application (IWULA) for the proposed Township development was submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation for their consideration.

4. 8 N ATIONAL E NVIRONMENTAL M ANAGEMENT : W ASTE AC T ( A C T N O .

59 OF 20 08)

The National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) requires that all waste management activities must be licensed. According to Section 44 of the NEMWA, the licensing procedure must be integrated with an EIA process in terms of the NEMA.

The objectives of NEMWA involve the protection of health, wellbeing and the environment. The NEMWA provides measures for the minimisation of natural resource consumption, avoiding and minimising the generation of waste, reducing, recycling and recovering waste, and treating and safely disposing of waste.

No waste management activities are triggered by the proposed project. However where applicable, principles and objectives relating to waste management will be used during the compilation of the EMPr for the proposed project.

4.9 EIA G UIDELINES

A number of national and provincial EIA guidelines were published by different departments. These guidelines are mainly aimed at assisting relevant stakeholders by providing information and guidance and giving recommendations on a number of aspects relating to the environmental impact assessment process. The guidelines can be used by the competent authority, applicant and the EAP during the EIA process. It is therefore important that the EAP and the person compiling a specialist report must have relevant expertise when conducting the environmental impact assessments.

A number of guidelines were consulted during the compilation of this report and these include amongst them the following i.e. Guidelines on the Need and Desirability, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Integrated Environmental Management Guidelines, Department of Water Affairs Best Practice Guidelines and the Western Cape Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Guidelines on Public Participation.

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SECTION FIVE ______

Need and desirability of the proposed activities

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5 NEED AND DESIRABILITY OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES

In terms of the EIA Regulations the need and desirability of any development must be considered by the relevant competent authority when reviewing an application. The need and desirability must be included in the reports to be submitted during the environmental authorisation application processes. The section of the EIR and EMPr will indicate the need and desirability for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development, which was compiled in terms of the 2010 guideline on need and desirability, integrated environmental management guideline series 9, Department of Environmental Affairs.

5. 1 E COLOGICAL I NTEGRITY

5.1.1 Consideration of ecological integrity Threatened ecosystems

The proposed Kriel housing project area is situated in the Eastern Highveld grassland vegetation type (Gm 12) / ecosystem in the Mesic Highveld Grassland bioregion (South African National Biodiversity Institute – SANBI). This vegetation unit / ecosystem is vulnerable (Figure 2), but is not regarded as a threatened ecosystem, since only endangered and critically endangered ecosystems are deemed as threatened (NEMBA P. 27).

Figure 4: VEGMAP SA for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township Development

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Sensitive, vulnerable, highly dynamic or stressed ecosystems, such as coastal shores, estuaries, wetlands, and similar systems require specific attention in management and planning procedures, especially where they are subject to significant human resource usage and development pressure The proposed Kriel housing project area includes a wetland area adjacent to a small stream. It is however not situated in a National Freshwater Ecological Priority Area (NFEPA) (SANBI).

Figure 5: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the National Freshwater Ecological Priority Areas.

According to the National Wetlands Inventory (SANBI), the Kriel housing project area is situated south of a channelled valley bottom wetland area that include a manmade dam, falling into the Mesic Highveld Grassland, Group 4, wetland ecosystem type.

The ecosystem threat status assessment indicates the following categories for wetland types in this wetland ecosystem viz. Channelled valley bottom wetlands – Least threatened; Depression wetlands – Endangered; Flats – Endangered; Floodplain wetlands – Endangered; Seep wetlands – Least threatened; Unchannelled valley bottom wetlands – Least threatened; Valleyhead seep wetlands – Critically endangered (Mbona et. al. 2015).

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Figure 6: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the National Wetland Inventory Map

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Figure 7: Wetland Ecosystem Types

Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) According to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan GIS-based electronic application (Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), 2013), the proposed Kriel housing project area is primarily situated in terrestrial assessment categories of “Critical Biodiversity areas (CBA) – Optimal” , meaning areas that are optimally located to meet the various biodiversity conservation targets while avoiding high cost areas as much as possible; “Other Natural Areas (ONAs)” , meaning areas that are not identified to meet biodiversity pattern or process targets; “Modified – Old lands” meaning areas which were modified within the last 80 years but were at some point abandoned, including old mines and old cultivated lands, collectively termed “old lands”; and “Modified” , meaning areas that are currently transformed and where biodiversity and ecological function has been lost to the point that it is not worth considering for conservation at all.

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Figure 8: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan – Terrestrial Assessment

According to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan GIS-based electronic application (Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), 2013), the proposed Kriel housing project area is primarily situated in freshwater assessment categories of “Other natural Areas (ONAs)” , meaning areas that are not identified to meet biodiversity pattern or process targets; and “Heavily Modified/Transformed” meaning areas that have experienced a form of land use that has resulted in the near complete loss of biodiversity and a degree of loss of ecological function.

Figure 9: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan – Freshwater Assessment

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According to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan GIS-based electronic application (Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), 2013), the proposed Kriel housing project area is situated in the vicinity of the following wetland types in Mpumalanga viz. floodplain wetlands.

Figure 10: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan – Wetland Types Conservation targets

According to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Handbook the Eastern Highveld grassland vegetation type is poorly protected. The conservation target is 24 % of which the proportion of target protected is 12.99 %. It is near-endemic in Mpumalanga. This vegetation unit occurs still in a natural state (excluding old lands) on 47.98 % of surface area in Mpumalanga.

Ecological drivers of the ecosystem

According to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Handbook the most important ecological drivers in Mpumalanga are built infrastructure, cultivation, mining, prospecting and residential areas. The proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development is situated in the Nkangala District Municipality with the percentages for the different ecological drivers as a percentage of the surface area of Mpumalanga as:

Built infrastructure – 14.3 % Cultivation – 1.8 % Mining – 39.9 % Prospecting – 75.6 % Residential – 8 %

Environmental Management Framework

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The Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan (MTPA 2013) is the Environmental Management Framework for Mpumalanga and provides for the sustainable use of natural resources in Mpumalanga by means of utilising the most recent and best quality spatial biodiversity information to inform land use and development planning, environmental assessments and authorisations and natural resource management.

5. 2 S O C I O -E CONOMIC CONTEXT OF THE AREA

5.2.1 IDP and other strategic plans

The local municipality has developed its integrated development plan for 2015 to 2016 (IDP). The municipality has also developed a spatial development framework, which forms part of the above- mentioned IDP. Copies of this plans and framework area available in the municipality’s website.

The aim of the IDP for the Emalahleni Local Municipality is the principal strategic planning instrument which guides and informs all planning, budgeting, management and decision making processes in the municipality. The intention of the IDP is to link, integrate and co-ordinate development plans for the municipality which is compatible with national, provincial and district development plans and planning requirements binding on the municipality in terms of legislation.

The Spatial Development Framework (SDF) is municipal spatial planning tool that indicates future areas for expansion of residential, community facilities, industrial, business, resort development and other activities. It also indicates the urban edge and provides guidance with respect to areas of highest impact and priority projects. According to the Municipal Systems Act, 2000, the SDF forms a core component or a sector plan of an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and should provide for basic guidelines for a land use management system for the municipality. Therefore all land development related IDP projects, which include the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development, should be informed by the SDF and be spatially referenced in an endeavour to achieve the desired spatial pattern of a municipality.

5.2.2 Spatial priorities Currently the municipality is experiencing huge challenges in respect to governance, institution and financial capacity and this has impacted severely on service delivery and sustainability. Contributing factors and challenges in this regard are:

• Rapid urbanisation and growth of the mining and industry sectors have placed pressure on the bulk infrastructure, leading to over utilisation of the networks and accelerating the rapid deterioration of service infrastructure. This has resulted in water losses of 55%, and electricity losses of 23% in the municipal area which is unsustainable.

• A culture of non-compliance has developed amongst staff and this led to the encroaching of labour unions activities into managerial activities and decision making. This affects work discipline especially at senior levels, together with an entitlement culture amongst staff.

• This culture is also dominant amongst vast groups in the community, with non-payment for services, illegal activities and a high crime rate dominant.

• The municipal revenue stream is under threat and more than R40 million per month is lost due to large scale fraudulent activities.

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• Dysfunctional service delivery and a lack of equipment and tools of the trade, especially vehicles.

• Continued dysfunctional operations and non-compliance leading to successive disclaimer audit findings.

The most prevalent needs, according to the Emalahleni IDP, are in the following categories:

- Dumping sites/ illegal dumping and associated refuse removal

- Inadequate electricity supply to various parts of the municipality

- Supply of insufficient number of residential erven for all income groups in the municipal area – especially around eMalahleni City

- Lacking paving and maintenance of sidewalks, curbs, street furniture etc. along major pedestrian routes

- RDP houses: Low rate of eradication of housing backlogs, repair of existing structures and slow pace of Title Deeds transfer

- Insufficient roads/ Streets tarring and maintenance

- Limited roads grading in rural areas

- Need for speed humps as speed control and safety measures

- Need for more sport and recreation facilities in disadvantaged communities

- Stormwater drainage infrastructure upgrading and maintenance in certain areas

- Street lights maintenance and provision of high mast lights in priority areas

- Significant concentrations of people living under the Minimum Living Level (MLL) occur within eMalahleni. Specific areas of concentrationinclude eMalahleni, Ogies and Ga-Nala – need to be addressed.

- High influx of migrant workers/families experienced which impacts on demand for accommodation and an ever increasing number of informal settlements (69 recorded at present). Although backlogs are extensive, records show that the Emalahleni Municipality is catching up in dealing with identified issues as the number of complaints recorded per category all decreased over the past three year period.

5.2.3 Spatial characteristics The Emalahleni Municipality area of jurisdiction consists of the main following towns/settlements, ranked according to population:

• eMalahleni complex;

• Ogies and Phola;

• Ga-Nala and Thubelihle;

• Rietspruit;

• Van Dyksdrift; and

• Wilge.

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There is a clear hierarchy of settlements evident in the Emalahleni area. The eMalahleni complex is the highest order town, in terms of land use diversity, function and population. The majority of the people in the Emalahleni reside within the eMalahleni complex. It consists of a number of settlements which are physically separated, due to the previous political dispensation and physical constraints. These settlements are:

• eMalahleni town, consisting of the Central Business District, various decentralised nodes in the suburbs, and large residential (middle and high income) areas to the east;

• Lynnville, Ackerville and Thusanang situated approximately 2 kilometres west of eMalahleni CBD;

• Pine Ridge and Klarinet residential areas, situated approximately 4 kilometres north of eMalahleni;

• Hlalanikahle and Kwa-Guqa, situated approximately 10 kilometres west of eMalahleni; and

• Clewer, situated approximately 10 kilometres southwest of eMalahleni;

Ga-Nala is the second highest order town in Emalahleni, based on land use diversity and function. Although Ogies and Phola collectively are more populous than Ga-Nala, the town lacks the land use diversity and functions of Ga-Nala.

5.2.4 Municipal Economic Development Strategy From the socio-economic analysis, it is evident that Emalahleni faces a number of challenges that should be addressed by growing certain sectors of the economy that are capable of generating employment opportunities, reduce poverty as well as the poverty gap in line with the terms of the New Growth Path. This is the challenge that must be addressed through the development of the Emalahleni LED plan.

Based on the Status Quo analysis, the following Development Objectives were derived for the Ga Nala activity node:

• Strengthen the activity node as service centre to the surrounding rural hinterland;

• Enhance connection of activity node with residential component of the town;

• Increase the viability of the node by introducing residential development within and around the activity node;

• Establish a hierarchy of pedestrian and vehicular routes;

• Improve the public realm.

5.2.5 Socio-economic impacts As it is known, the mining sector experienced a boom over the last 8 years and a need still exists for housing throughout the entire Kriel area. However, in certain areas, there is a major need for this type of smaller affordable full title erven, especially to the workforce employed at the mines and power stations. Therefore, this development will satisfy this specific market segment.

5.2.6 Location of the development The proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development will situated approximately 2 km Northeast of Kriel town on the Farm Roodebloem 58 IS. The area where the proposed development will be undertaken has in the past been used for agricultural purposes. The area was predominantly used for

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grazing. The area will be rezoned and the proposed project will connect to existing municipal infrastructure for water supply, sewerage management and electrical supply. The project team has also ensured that all sensitive landscapes in close proximity of the project area are not affected by the proposed development.

5.2.7 Risk-averse and cautious approaches applied i n terms for socio- ecominc impacts A desktop aerial study of the affected environment was undertaken and demographic information (the Census 2011 survey) was retrieved from Stats S.A for review. The Nkangala District Municipality IDP and Emalahleni Local Municipality SDF was reviewed was examined and information was drawn from these plans. Other comparable specialist studies were revised and related information have been incorporated into the SIA where there have been cross-cutting issues. A site visit was conducted and any information gathered through the consultation phase of the proposed project was used to determine socio-economic impacts. Information gathered in terms of the above approaches are deemed sufficient to determine the current socio-economic situation and the impacts from the proposed project.

5.2.8 Impacts on people’s environmental rights The environmental rights contained in section 24 of the Constitution provide that everyone is entitled to an environment that is not harmful to his or her well-being. In the context of the proposed township development, this requires a determination of what level of pollution and degradation to the environment of the area from the project is harmful or has a negative impact to well-being. The general approach of the common law is to define an acceptable level of impacts which a reasonable person can be expected to tolerate in the particular circumstances. The subjectivity of this approach can be problematic which has led to the development of environmental guidelines and noise standards.

Several studies were conducted over the project area, which included studies on biophysical and social aspects of the environment. The outcomes of the studies were used to identify possible impacts from the proposed project. All significant impacts identified from the proposed project will be avoided and if they cannot be avoided they will be mitigated to ensure that they are within acceptable levels as determined by the applicable environmental guidelines and standards. In view of the above and if the mitigation measures are strictly adhered to, the people’s environmental rights as stipulated in section 24 of the Constitution will not be affected by the commencement of the proposed project.

During the operation of the proposed project, monitoring of the environment will be ongoing and the results from the monitoring will be regularly reported to the responsible organs of state. Compliance to the measures recommended in the EIR and EMPr will also be undertaken on an annual basis or as determined in the authorisations. Reports from the above monitoring and compliance assessment are made available to the public for their perusal and commenting. The above illustrate the commitment Raubex Building (Pty) Limited has on the ensuring that the environment is held in public trust for the people.

5.2.9 Public participation A process that ensured that consultation with interested and affected parties for the project has been undertaken. The process was conducted to provide all interested and affected parties with an opportunity to comment on the project. Platforms such as public meetings and public commenting opportunities were offered to the interested and affected parties. Raubex Building (Pty) Limited

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further commits to ensure their contribution to environmental education, to their employees and the nearby communities during the construction phase of proposed project.

The employees are made aware of work that may be harmful to their health and the environment and of any work posing danger. Raubex Buildinig (Pty) Limited is committed to the protection of employees against any dangerous working environment.

All issues raised by the interested and affected parties were recorded and are addressed in the EIR and EMPr.

In terms of employment opportunities, the proposed project will make use of local labour during construction.

The results of the public participation process is attached as Appendix 5.

5.2.10 Intergovernmental co-ordination

The above-mentioned application must be made to the competent authority, which in this case is DARDLEA.

In the spirit of co-operative governance and in compliance with the NEMA, the competent authority will, during the processing for this application, consult with other organs of state that administer laws that relate to a matter affecting the environment relevant to this application.

The organs of state that will be consulted may include the following:

Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA)

Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)

National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (NDA)

Note however that this list is not exhaustive as more organs of state may be identified by the competent authority.

Aside from the NEMA environmental authorisation, an integrated water use licence will be required for the new water uses in the extension project area. The application processes will, where possible, be merged in order to save time and reduce confusing the interested and affected parties.

In view of the above, Raubex Building (Pty) Limited believes that sufficient intergovernmental co- ordination and harmonisation of policies, legislation and actions relating to environment were undertaken. No conflicts of interests between organs of state are therefore anticipated in the application.

5.2.11 Environmental considerations In the interest of the public and in bid to ensure that the environment is used to the interest of the public, environmental baseline data was obtained through various independent agencies and used in the EIR and EMPr. The data accumulated and analysed is deemed sufficient to gain a baseline indication of the present state of the environment. The use of this baseline study for impact assessments is thus justified, and reliable conclusions could be made. The impacts that could arise during and after the proposed activities were determined and ranked according to their significance. Based on the impact assessment, recommendations were made for the mitigation of significant negative environmental impacts that will result from the proposed project.

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SECTION SIX ______

Motivation for the preferred development footprint

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6 MOTIVATION FOR THE PREFERRED DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT

6. 1 C ONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES

The National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 requires an EIR and EMPr to identify alternatives for projects applied for. In terms of the above-mentioned regulations an alternative in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to the (a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the development; (b) the site layout alternatives; (c) the transport alternatives and (d) the option of not constructing the services for the development.

Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd’s proposed Kriel Extension 23 project entails the development of a township consisting of 543 residential erven with an average size of 300 square meters including a church, crèche, community facility and streets to access these facilities. The area surrounding the proposed project consists of the Kriel Town, as well as, infrastructure such as roads (secondary and provincial roads), power lines and telecommunication lines are present around the proposed project area. The proposed project will connect to existing municipal infrastructure for water supply, sewerage management and electrical supply.

6.1.1 Location Alternatives In terms of the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development, there are no location alternatives that could be considered based on the following:

• The town in which the proposed project intends to extend is the Kriel Town, therefore the proposed project must be developed in the vicinity of the existing Kriel Town.

• Due to the different activities being conducted in the area (agricultural and mining), the proposed location of the project was determined as to not affect current economic activities taking place in the area.

• The different farm portions around the Kriel Town are owned by different individuals and organizations, hence the decision on the location of the site was determined with the permission of the farm portion owner being in agreement with the proposed development.

• As the property is located adjacent to an existing residential area known as Kriel Extension 16 Township, this development will be an advantage to the current and future growth of the Kriel Township.

• The surrounding townships include; Kriel Extension 3 Township to the south-east, Kriel Extension 2 Township to the south and Kriel Extension 3 Township to the west. The significance of these nearby townships is that the majority of them are residential townships, which implies the suitability of the proposed township for residential purposes.

6.1.2 Site Layout Alternatives In terms of the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development area, there were four (4) site layout alternatives that could be considered. Site layout 1, site layout 2, site layout 3, and site layout 4

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attached in Appendix 1. The layout chosen for the proposed development was site layout 4. The layout was determined through optimising the land space available to develop as much housing in the extension area as possible, as well as, development that has the least effect on the wetlands associated with the Steenkoolspruit and its tributaries.

6.1.3 Transport of employees Alternatives

In terms of the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development the most viable option is to source labour from the local town, therefore making use of local public transport.

6.1.4 No Go Option

The “no go” option would result in the proposed development site not being used for a Township development and allowing for the current state of the site to remain as it stands. This is not a viable option as the site is situated within an urban residential area surrounded by already existing residential communities.

Eskom established Kriel as a residential area for workers at Kriel Power Station which was constructed in 1975 and during the 1908s the town experienced rapid growth and was declared as a municipality in 1990. According to Emalahleni’s Spatial Development Framework there is pressure for residential expansion in Kriel. The majority of residents in Kriel are employed at the Matla and Ga- Nala power stations and nearby mines, as well as at local businesses and surrounding farms. The mining sector experienced a boom over the last 8 years and a need still exists for housing throughout the entire Kriel area. It is proposed that the town expands to the south towards the R545 and to the north towards Thubelihle. The Kriel revitalization strategy proposes that medium density residential development or mixed use be promoted on vacant land pockets. The injection of housing will bring more people closer to the CBD, and create a better mix of activities within the node. Housing will lead to longer cycles of activities and an increase in the demand of goods and services. The “no go” option will result in the housing demands within the Kriel Town not being met and may also result in the Town’s growth diminishing as people will migrate to surrounding towns to meet housing needs.

By not developing the site, the site will be nonconforming to the surrounding urban residential land- uses, as the surrounding areas consist of other Kriel Extension Townships. Some of the direct and indirect socio-economic benefits (i.e. job creation, housing shortages, etc.) will not materialise if the development is not established.

The proposed development site has a degree of ecological sensitivity due to the presence of a wetlands, however much of the ecological linkages between the site and surrounding natural areas have been lost due to the increase in development around the site. Not developing the site will assist in protecting the natural features on the site, however the proposed development will maintain the wetland and an associated buffer area as an undeveloped but importantly as an actively managed and controlled area.

6. 2 D ETAILS O F T H E P UBLIC P ARTICIPATION F O L L O W E D

Public participation is the cornerstone of the EIA process. The principles of the NEMA govern many aspects of EIA’s, including public participation. The general objectives of integrated environmental management laid down in the NEMA include to “ensure adequate and appropriate opportunity for public participation in decisions that may affect the environment”. The National Environmental Management Principles include the principle that “The participation of all interested and affected parties in environmental governance must be promoted, and all people must have the opportunity to

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develop the understanding, skills and capacity necessary to achieving equitable and effective participation, and participation by vulnerable and disadvantaged persons must be ensured”, which basically means that the person responsible for the application (EAP) must ensure that provision of sufficient and transparent information on an ongoing basis to stakeholders are made to allow them to comment, and to ensure that the participation of previously disadvantaged people like women and the youth are undertaken.

In terms of the EIA Regulations, 2014, when applying for environmental authorisation, the Environmental Assessment Practitioner managing the application must conduct a public participation process where all potential or registered interested and affected parties, including the competent authority, are given a period of at least 30 days to submit comments on each of the basic assessment report, EMPr, scoping report and environmental impact assessment report, and where applicable the closure plan, as well as the report contemplated in regulation 32, if such reports or plans are submitted at different times. In this case reports contemplated in regulation 32 applies.

This section of the EIR and EMPr will give an explanation of the public participation process taken and to be taken further in order to comply with the above-mentioned requirements. A number of public participation guidelines were published in a bid to assist persons responsible for the environmental authorisation applications. As much of the available guidelines were used in determining the public participation process used in the amendment process.

In view of the above, a public participation process was undertaken for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development. The public participation process for the proposed project was designed to provide sufficient and accessible information to interested and affected parties (I&APs) in an objective manner to assist them to:

• raise issues of concern and make suggestions for enhanced benefits;

• contribute local knowledge and experience;

• verify that their issues have been captured;

• verify that their issues have been considered in the technical investigations; and

• comment on the findings of the EIA.

The following steps were taken and will be taken during the undertaking of the public participation process of the proposed project.

6.2.1 Registration of Interested and Affected parti e s The following processes were followed in registering the interested and affected parties for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development.

The Public participation process commenced by providing potential Interested and affected parties (I&AP’s) 30 days to register as an interested and affected parties. A newspaper notice was published in a local newspaper (Witbank News) and site notices were placed at the proposed development site, as well as two (2) other public places in the Kriel Town inviting interested and affected parties to register. The registration process started on the 8th of June 2015 and ended on the 8th of July 2015.

Landowners and lawful occupiers within the proposed development area, who are automatically registered as interested and affected parties, were notified of the proposed project.

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Surrounding landowners and land occupiers were also notified individually about the proposed project and were invited to register as interested and affected parties. Notices were sent to landowners or occupiers via e-mails, and some were hand delivered.

Once the registration period had expired, all interested and affected parties who indicated their interest of registering as interested and affected parties and all parties automatically registered were recorded into a data base that will be used as the interested and affected party database for the proposed development. Note that the organs of state, which have jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the proposed development and the competent authority are automatically registered interested and affected parties as well.

6.2.1.1 Organs of state

The interested and affected parties identified are as follows:

• Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (Mpumalanga Regional Office)

• Department of Water and Sanitation (Mpumalanga Regional Office)

• Department of Mineral Resources (Mpumalanga Regional Office)

• National Department of Agriculture (Mpumalanga Regional Office)

• Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency

• South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)

• South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA)

• Transnet SOC Limited

• Emalahleni Local Municipality

• Kriel Municipality

6.2.2 Consultation with interested and affected par t i e s :

6.2.2.1 Scoping phase

The following method was used for the scoping phase consultation with I&AP’s:

The Scoping report for public comments was submitted to relevant State Departments, the Emalahleni Local Municipality, Kriel Municipality and I&AP’s for comment. The Scoping report for public comment was also placed in the Kriel Library for evaluation and comment. An advertisement was placed in the local newspaper in accordance with Regulation 41 of Government Notice No. R982 under section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act, 107 (Act no. 107 of 1998) informing the public about the availability of the scoping report in the said Library for evaluation and comment. The scoping process started on the 8 th of June 2015 and ended on the 8 th of July 2015. Once the commenting period lapsed, the Scoping Report was submitted to DARDLEA including the comments received from registered I&AP’s.

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6.2.2.2 Comments received from registered I&AP’s (Scoping P h a s e )

Registered Interested and Affected Party: Eyethu Coal (Pty) Ltd, in a joint venture with Kusile Mining (Pty) Ltd

Eyethu Coal in a joint venture with Kusile Mining (Pty) Ltd, (representative is Ms. P. Mqulwana) raised concerns with regards to the following:

1. Eyethu Coal (Pty) Ltd, which is in a joint venture with Kusile Mining (Pty) Ltd, have objected to the proposed development. The reason for the objection is that Kusile Mining holds a Prospecting Right for Portion 1 and the Remainder of Portion 2 of the farm Roodebloem 58 IS for coal prospecting. Kusile Mining conducted prospecting activities and they discovered that there is a viable coal resource to mine and based on the prospecting results a Mining Right application was lodged with the Department of Mineral Resources in 2013. Any development planned in and around this area will result in the sterilisation of the mineral resources due to close proximity to the planned mining area.

A meeting was held on 9 September 2015 between developer, Eyethu Coal (Pty) Ltd, and Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Ltd to discuss Eyethu’s objections.

During this meeting the impacts relating to coal mining, which would affect the proposed development were discussed. The developer motivated that the layout of the proposed development has been altered to allow more distance between the development and the boundary of the mine to prevent structural damage. The developer further stated that construction will start at the furthest point from the pit so that as mining progresses from the initial box cut mining activities will move away from development in order to maintain a 500 metre buffer zome between the mine and the development.

Eyethu Coal and Kusile Mining (Pty) Ltd have withdrawn their objection provided that the developer adheres to commitments.

Response

Below is the response to the comments raised by Eyethu Coal in a joint venture with Kusile Mining (Pty) Ltd, (representative is Ms. P. Mqulwana):

Raubex building will adhere to all commitments made between Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd and Eyethu Coal and Kusile Mining (Pty) Ltd with regard to maintaining the 500 metre buffer zone between the development and the mine.

6.2.2.3 EIR/EMPr phase

The following method will be used for consulting with registered I&AP’s:

Upon acceptance of the Scoping Report by DARDLEA, the EIR/EMPr report for public comment, will be compiled and submitted to relevant State Departments, the Emalahleni Local municipality, Kriel Municipality and registered I&AP’s for evaluations and comment. All registered I&AP’s, the public as well as State Departments will be provided 30 days to comment on the EIR and EMPr. The EIR/EMPr report for public comment will also be placed in the Kriel Library for comment. An advert will be placed

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in the local newspaper in accordance with Regulation 41 of Government Notice No. R982 under section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act no. 107 of 1998) informing the public about the availability of the EIR/EMP report in the said Library for evaluation and comments. Once the commenting period lapses, the EIR/EMPr report including comments from registered I&AP’s, will be submitted to DARDLEA.

6.2.3 Record of Decision (ROD)

Registered I&AP’s and the public will be informed of the decision of the Competent Authority directly in writing, via email or fax and indirectly through advertisement in local newspapers.

6.2.4 Notification of potential and registered inte rested and affected p a r t i e s The following methods of notification were used to notify the potential and registered interested and affected parties during the public participation process for the proposed Township development:

• Three sites were used to fix notice boards in terms of Regulation 41 (2a) of the NEMA (Act No. 107 of 1998) Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014, i.e. boundary fence of the proposed Township development site, fence of the adjacent retirement village and at the Kriel public library.

• Notices were sent via email to all the owners and lawful occupiers of the land on which the proposed project will be undertaken, owners/lawful occupiers of land immediately adjacent to the proposed project area, the municipal councillors of the ward in which the proposed project is situated and the municipality which has jurisdiction in the proposed project area (Emalahleni Local Municipality).

• Written notices were sent to the adjacent residential houses on Lusthof Avenue, Suikerbos Avenue and Merlin Crescent.

• Advertisements were and will be placed in the local newspaper i.e. Witbank News. This was done during the registration and scoping phase and will be done during the commenting period for the draft EIR and EMPr and for notification of the decision made by the competent authority once decision has been made on the application.

6.2.4.1 Proof of Notification

The following proof of notifications will be submitted:

• A copy of the newspaper advertisement (“newspaper clipping”) that was placed, indicating the name of the newspaper and date of publication (of such quality that the wording in the advertisement is legible).

• A site map showing where the site notice was displayed, a dated photographs showing the notice displayed on site and a copy of the text displayed on the notice.

• In terms of the written notices given, a copy of the written notice sent will be provided. Where a registered mail was sent, a list of the registered mail sent (showing the registered mail number, the name of the person the mail was sent to, the address of the person and the date the registered mail was sent) will be provided. Where normal mail was sent, a list of the mail sent (showing the name of the person the mail was sent to, the address of the person, the

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date the mail was sent, and the signature of the post office worker or the post office stamp indicating that the letter was sent) will be provided. In a case where a facsimile was sent, a copy of the facsimile report will be provided, where an electronic mail was sent, a copy of the electronic mail sent will be given.

• If a situation arises where a “mail drop” was done, a signed register of “mail drops” received (showing the name of the person the notice was handed to, the address of the person, the date, and the signature of the person) will be provided.

• A proof that the owner or person in control of the land on which the activity is to be undertaken, was notified of the intended application and the opportunity to participate during the public participation process, which has been done, will be submitted together with the above relevant proof of notifications.

6.2.5 Responding to comments from the interested an d affected parties All comments received from I&APs will be acknowledged, with an indication on how the comments received will be responded to.

All comments from the interested and affected parties on a draft EIR and EMPr will be recorded, responded to and included in the Comments and Responses Report to be submitted with the final report. Where necessary and possible, any amendments in response to comments received will be effected in the draft EIR and EMPr. The Comments and Responses Report will include a description of the public participation process followed.

Once the EIR and EMPr has been amended in response to the comments, the report will be submitted to the competent authority i.e. the DARDLEA for decision making. The above-mentioned information will be submitted to the DARDLEA in a format contemplated in their guidelines for the compilation of the EIR and EMPr.

6. 3 R ESULTS O F P UBLIC P ARTICIPATION

The results of the public participation process is attached as Appendix 5.

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SECTION SEVEN ______

Environmental attributes (Baseline information)

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7 ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRIBUTES (BASELINE INFORMATION)

7. 1 G E O L O GY

7.1.1 Regional Geology

According to the Geological Map of South Africa (Figure 11), the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development is underlain by Sandstone, Shale and Coal Beds of the Vryheid Formation of the Karoo Sequence.

Figure 11: Geological Map of South Africa

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7.1.2 Local Geology

According to the Geotechnical report conducted for the proposed project, the top soil mainly consists of silty sand. Layer 2 in general consists of grey to light brown medium to fine grained well graded sand while Layer 3 in general consist of clayey sand slightly ferruginized.

7. 2 C L IM AT E

7.2.1 Regional Climate

The proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development falls in the summer rainfall region of Southern Africa. The climate is experiences characteristically warm summers and cold winters. Frost occurs during the winter months peaking with an average occurrence of nine days in July. Summer precipitation occurs in the form of mist, drizzle, hail and more frequently thunder showers and lighting storms. The mean annual precipitation of the proposed project area is 670 mm. The mean annual evaporation of the proposed project area is 1599 mm (S-Pan).The Mpumalanga Highveld has distinct wet and dry seasons. 91% of the proposed project area’s mean annual rainfall falls between October and April inclusively. 67% of the area’s mean annual evaporation occurs in this period (Midgley et al ., 1990).

7.2.2 Mean Monthly Rainfall Average monthly rainfall and the number of days experiencing rainfall are presented in Table 7. The average rainfall per year is 670 mm, with the wetter months occurring from November to March.

Table 7: Average Rainfall for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development AVERAGE NO OF RAIN MONTH MM DAYS October 73.2 6.5 November 122.5 9.0 December 110.2 8.1 January 115.6 9.0 February 87.5 6.4 March 77.0 6.0 April 41.6 3.8 May 17.8 1.5 June 7.6 0.7 July 4.9 0.5 August 8.8 0.8 September 22.0 2.2 Mean Annual 670*

7.2.3 Mean monthly Maximum and Minimum temperatures No weather stations are located in close proximity to the proposed project area. The closest weather station is located in Witbank. Temperature data from the Witbank weather station (Station number

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0515320 8) was analysed and a summary of the data is presented in Table 8. The temperature data spanned 2001 to 2010.

Table 8: The mean maximum and minimum temperatures

Month Average daily minimum Average daily maximum temperature (ºC) temperature(ºC) January 15.3 26.1 February 14.9 26.3 March 13.3 25.0 April 10.7 23.2 May 7.1 20.8 June 4.8 18.3 July 4.1 18.5 August 6.6 21.3 September 9.3 24.9 October 12.3 26.0 November 13.5 25.2 December 14.7 26.1

7.2.4 Wind Direction and Speed at the development a r e a Owing to the location of the site, the gentle undulating topography and the non-existence of mountain ranges and ridges, no localised wind systems will be generated. The wind patterns at the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development will conform to the regional wind patterns. Wind data from the Witbank weather station (Station number 0515320 8) was analysed and a summary of average wind speeds and directions is presented in Figure 12 below.

Figure 12: Yearly average wind speeds and directions from the Witbank weather station

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7.2.5 Mean Monthly Evaporation The mean monthly evaporation for the proposed project is presented in Table 9. The mean annual evaporation of the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development is 1599 mm (S-Pan). Table 9: Mean monthly evaporation for the region.

MONTH MM October 172.4 November 162.6 December 179.1 January 175.9 February 146.6 March 144.7 April 111.3 May 93.7 June 76.1 July 83.3 August 110.3 September 143.0 Mean Annual 1599

7.2.6 Extreme weather conditions Thunderstorms occur frequently in summer and are usually accompanied by lightning, heavy rain, strong winds and occasional hail. Average of 13.8 hail incidents per annum can be expected at any particular site. Frost occurs in the winter months, peaking with an average occurrence of nine days in July.

7. 3 T OPOGRAPHY

The area is characterised by a gentle undulating topography and in the area of the proposed project development site the slope is more or less in the order of 1:100 (0.01). The average slope is approximately 1.75% north.

Locally, the proposed project area, is drained entirely by means of surface flow which drains towards a stream, namely the Steenkoolspruit, north-east of the project site and into a dam north of the project site.

7. 4 S O I L S

Conic North Consulting Engineers were commissioned by Raubex Building (Pty) Limited to conduct a soil-landform assessment to determine the soil types found within the proposed project site. Thirty test holes excavated by hand were profiled, the generalized soil profiles determined is depicted in Table 10 below.

Table 10: Generalized soil profiles

Description Depth Bearing capacity Comments

Moist, light brown, fine 0mm – 300mm <20kPa Transported grained, silty, loose sand

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with roots

Moist, brown to reddish 300mm – 950mm 40kPa brown fine grained, sand

Moist, brown, reddish 950mm – 1200 mm 55kPa – 85kPa Weathered rock brown weathered sandstone, slightly ferruginized

7.4.1 Land Use

Almost 70% of the area is used for grazing and a little more than 17% is currently cultivated. The surrounding land use consists of the Kriel Town and its associated infrastructure. The proposed Kriel extension 23 township development area currently comprises farm land utilised for a cultivated pasture. The grass is turned into silage for winter fodder. Historically it was used for maize cultivation. This is indicated on the 1: 50 000 topocadastral map 2629 AB. A farm road exists around the pasture area. A farm dam is situated to the north of the area in a tributary of the Steenkoolspruit. Dirt roads are constructed around the dam, and even through the stream, since residents of the town utilise the dam as a fishing spot. The town of Kriel is situated to the south and west of the area. The area to the east of the proposed township development area is still farm land. The provincial R547 tar road is situated directly south of the proposed township development and runs through the town of Kriel. Figure 13 indicate the different land uses over and surrounding the proposed Kriel extension 23 township development area on a 1 in 50 000 topographical background while Figure 14 indicate the same on a Google Earth image.

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Figure 13: Township development area indicated on the 2629AB, 1 in 50 000, topographical map

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Figure 14: Township development area indicated on a Google Earth image

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7. 5 N ATURAL V EGETATION /P LANT L I F E

The proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development is situated in the Grassland Biome of South Africa (Rutherford, 1988). Mucina and Rutherford (2006) classify the project area within the Eastern Highveld Grassland vegetation unit (Gm 12) of the Mesic Highveld Grassland bioregion.

This vegetation unit is situated in the Mpumalanga and Gauteng Provinces on the plains between Belfast and the eastern side of Johannesburg in the west and extending southwards to Bethal, Ermelo and west of Piet Retief. The altitude varies from 1 520 to 1 780 mamsl but may also be as low as 1 300 mamsl in places.

The vegetation and landscape features consist of slightly too moderately undulating plains, including some low hills and pan depressions. The vegetation is short dense grassland dominated by the usual Highveld grass composition (Aristida, Digitaria, Eragrostis, Themeda, Tristachya etc.) with small, scattered rocky outcrops with wiry, sour grasses and some woody species (Acacia caffra, Celtis africana, Diospyros lycioides subsp lycioides, Parinari capensis, Protea caffra, Protea welwitschii and Rhus magalismontanum).

According to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan GIS-based electronic application (Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), 2013), the proposed Kriel extension 23 township development area is primarily situated in terrestrial assessment categories of “Critical Biodiversity areas (CBA) – Optimal”, meaning areas that are optimally located to meet the various biodiversity conservation targets while avoiding high cost areas as much as possible; “Other Natural Areas (ONAs)”, meaning areas that are not identified to meet biodiversity pattern or process targets; “Modified – Old lands” meaning areas which were modified within the last 80 years but were at some point abandoned, including old mines and old cultivated lands, collectively termed “old lands”; and “Modified”, meaning areas that are currently transformed and where biodiversity and ecological function has been lost to the point that it is not worth considering for conservation at all. (Figure 15).

Figure 15: Position of the Kriel Extension 23 Project Area in relation to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan – Terrestrial Assessment

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7.5.1 Local Natural Environment

Twenty five plant species were observed in the non-wetland areas at the township development area, of which eight were grass species and fifteen were herb (forb) species. One of the forb species is a declared invader plant species. The vegetation is dominated by one grass species (weeping love grass) since a cultivated pasture is mainly established on the area. The grass species include climax and sub-climax species but they are mostly of average grazing value. The vegetation biodiversity in the area is thus low.

7.5.2 Rare or endangered species

According to the National red list of South African Plants version 2014.1, no rare or endangered plant species were encountered in the area of investigation.

7.5.3 Declared invader species One declared invader species is established in the proposed township development area, viz.: Cirsium vulgare Scottish thistle (Category 1 invader)

7.5.4 Medicinal species One medicinal plant species was observed in the proposed township development area viz. Hilliardiella oligocephala. This plant species is common in grassland areas. Hilliardiella oligocephala: Infusions are taken as stomach bitters to treat abdominal pain and colic. Used as treatment for rheumatism, dysentry and diabetes.

7. 6 A NIMAL L I F E

The animal biodiversity that may occur in any given area is dependent on the habitat that is available. The habitat must be able to provide food, shelter and areas for reproduction. The vegetation that occurs in an area is an important part of this habitat. Some animal species did adapt to benefit from development like housing and agriculture (cultivated lands, man-made dams etc.). The vegetation in the area of investigation is not in a pristine condition. It is utilised as a grazing area, mostly for cattle and a cultivated pasture was established. The cultivated pasture area seems relatively dense but bare soil patches were observed. Vegetation in the remaining wetland areas also seem relatively dense. Human activities that are currently disturbing the area include domestic waste and footpaths. These disturbances together with the grazing and close proximity to the tar road and town of Kriel, are probably the limiting factors for colonisation by larger animal species. Declared invader vegetation was also observed.

The animal survey entailed walking through the area of investigation in line transects in search of burrows, droppings and tracks. Additional information was also obtained from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.

This information was correlated with known distribution ranges, habitat preferences as well as presence of food. During the site visit some small burrows were observed that indicate the presence of smaller animal species, probably rodents.

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7. 7 S URFACE W A T E R

The proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development is located in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. The project is located just north east of Kriel and approximately 40 km south of Witbank, in the upper reaches of the Olifants River catchment. The upper reaches of the Olifants River form the catchment for the Witbank Dam, which discharges into the Doornpoort (Doringpoort) Dam. The Steenkoolspruit and an associated tributary lie adjacent to the proposed township development. The project area is located in quaternary catchment B11D. Figure 16 depicts the location of the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development in relation to the tertiary and quaternary drainage regions within the Olifants River.

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Figure 16: Location of the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development in relation to the tertiary and quaternary drainage regions within the Olifants River.

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7.7.1 Catchment delineation

The Steenkoolspruit catchment is undeveloped and consists mostly of dry-land cropping, some livestock agriculture and impacted grasslands. The Kriel Power Station’s tailings dams fall within the catchment. Two large mining developments occur in the catchment upstream of the proposed project area. The town of Kriel is located in the lower reaches of the catchment. Portions of Trichardt and Kinross fall within the upper reaches of the catchment.

The topography is relatively flat. However, localised areas have steeper slopes, particularly in the vicinity of the streams.

7.7.2 Mean annual run-off

The mean annual runoff for the Steenkoolspruit is 22.10 Mm 3. The catchment characteristics of the Steenkoolspruit catchment are similar to those of the quaternary catchments so the mean annual runoff was scaled from the quaternary catchment runoff, based on relative catchment size.

7.7.3 River Diversions No river diversions are planned for the activities covered by this Report .

7.7.4 Water Authority The Olifants River basin upstream of the Witbank Dam is a government water controlled catchment. The authority in charge is the Department of Water and Sanitation (Mpumalanga Regional Office).

7.7.5 Surface Water Quality Baseline water qualities were determined for the tributary of the Steenkoolspruit. The water sample was submitted to an accredited laboratory for chemical analyses. The position of the sampling point is indicated in Figure 17 and the chemical results are indicated in Table 11.

Table 11: Chemical results for a surface water monitoring point within the tributary of the Steenkoolspruit.

Variable RDS 1 TDS 122 Suspended Soliids 32 Nitrate&Nitrite as N 0.1 Chlorides as N 15.0

Total Alkalinity as CaCO 3 67.0 Fluoride as F 0.34

Sulphate as SO 4 9.6

Total Hardness as CaCO 3 55.0

Calcium Hardness as CaCO 3 39.0 Magnesium Hardness as 16.0 CaCO 3 Calcium as Ca 15.6 Magnesium as Mg 3.81 Sodium as Na 18.0 Potassium as K 3.88

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Iron as Fe 0.91 Manganese as Mn 0.08 Conductivity at 25° C in 16.8 mS/m pH-Value at 25° C 7.16

Turbidity as N.T.U. 17.0 Aluminium as AI 0.1

Table 12: Target Water quality guidelines and standards developed by the Department of Water and Sanitation applicable to the tributary of the Steenkoolspruit.

Livestock Domestic Aquatic life Irrigation Maximum Chemical variable watering guideline guideline guideline allowable guideline pH 6 - 9 6.5 - 8.4 5,5 – 9,5 Electrical cond uctivity (mS/m) 70 150 40 150

Total hardness (mg/l CaCO 3) Total dissolved solids (mg/l) 450 1000 260 1000

Total alkalinity (mg/l CaCO 3) Fluoride (mg/l) 1 0.75 2 2 1,5 Nitrogen (mg/l) 6 100 10 Chloride (mg/l) 100 1500 100 >1200 Sulphat es (mg/l) 200 1000 400 Sodium (mg/l) 100 2000 70 200 Potassium (mg/l) 50 100 Calcium (mg/l) 32 1000 80 Magnesium (mg/l) 30 500 100 Boron (mg/l) 5 0.5 Suspended solids (mg/l)

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Figure 17: Surface Water Monitoring Point - Kriel Extension 23 Township Development.

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7. 8 S ENSITIVE L ANDSCAPES

Wetlands are categorized as sensitive landscapes. The wetland identification and delineation process is a land evaluation procedure where physical indicators of land (soil, terrain and vegetation) are utilised in terms of the requirements of wetland recognition. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (2005), the object of the delineation procedure is to identify the outer edge of the temporary zone. From this information it is then possible to comment on the location of the wetlands. In view of the above, Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited was appointed to conduct a Flora, Fauna & Wetland assessment report for the proposed project. See Appendix 6 for the Flora, Fauna & Wetland report. The assessment would delineate and classify wetland and riparian areas within the study area, determine the Present Ecological State as well as the Ecological Importance and Sensitivity of the identified wetlands within the study area and to identify possible impacts and mitigation measures of proposed activities associated with wetlands within the study area.

7.8.1 Wetland areas associated with a tributary of the steenkoolspruit Based on the hydrogeomorphic setting the identified wetland was classified as a channelled valley bottom wetland area since the slope of this wetland area is higher than 1 percent. This wetland type is situated in valley bottom areas with a defined stream channel, but lacking characteristic floodplain features. It may be gently sloped and characterised by the net accumulation of alluvial deposits or may have steeper slopes and be characterised by the net loss of sediment. Water inputs from main channel and from adjacent slopes.

7.8.2 Wetland Ecosystem Services A wetland unit can provide several ecosystem services, meaning the benefits provided to people and the ecosystem. These services can be divided into direct and indirect benefits. The services include, regulating services such as flood control; Supporting services such as nutrient cycling; Provisioning services such as food and water; and Cultural services such as education and recreation. The wetland area associated with the Steenkoolspruit does not render extensive services. This is the case with most wetland areas in close proximity to large scale development. The most important services rendered by the wetland area are streamflow regulation and toxicant removal. These services are rendered since the wetland area is linked to the stream network and in close proximity to development like the town of Kriel and the R 547 tar road. It may thus still sustain the flow of the stream during low-flow periods and it may remove toxicants from infrastructure by runoff waters, thereby enhancing the quality of water in the downstream catchment. The threat of the housing development is permanent, but future opportunities can be good if the local municipality can utilise the wetland area as a green area and thereby reduce additional pollution like domestic waste and livestock watering.

7.8.3 Wetland Ecosystem Health The Present Ecological State (Integrity) of this wetland area indicates that it is seriously modified (PES = E). The change in ecosystem processes and loss of natural wetland habitat and biota is great but some remaining habitat features are still recognisable. The Ecological Importance and Sensitivity is moderate and only a few services are currently rendered. The establishment of the proposed Kriel extension 23 township development area may pose a threat to the wetland area if pollution to the area is allowed. The dumping of domestic waste in the area must thus also be controlled once the development is established. The services of the wetland area associated with this tributary of the Steenkoolspruit will only have the opportunity to increase in future

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if the municipality can utilise it as a green area. Regular monitoring by the municipality can be used as a management tool to assess the situation.

7. 9 G ROUNDWATER

According to the Geotechnical report (Appendix 7) for the proposed project, no groundwater was encountered during the survey of the project area.

7. 10 A I R Q UALITY

The proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development is situated within the Kriel area. This area is dominated by mining, agricultural practices, industries and residential areas. These activities have the potential to generate particulates that may cause air pollution.

The presence of power stations in the region is the main source of airborne pollutants, releasing ash,

CO, CO 2, SO 2 and NO X gasses as a result of burning of carbonaceous material. Household fuel burning also contributes to emissions.

Potential impacts that the proposed project may have on air quality include the generation of dust during the construction phase. Dust generated will be as a result of vehicle movement over cleared surfaces. Potential sensitive receptors associated with this project include isolated farmsteads, the town of Kriel and residential dwellings.

7. 11 V ISUAL AS P E CT S

The area is characterised by a gentle undulating topography, seasonally covered by maize fields and grazing land. The proposed project area will be visible from the R547 (Bethal-Van Dyksdrift road).

7. 12 S ITES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND C ULTURAL I MPORTANCE

In compliance with the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998), which states that a survey and evaluation of cultural resources must be conducted in areas where development projects, that will change the face of the environment, will be undertaken, a heritage study was undertaken for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development.

Archaetnos cc was appointed to conduct the heritage impact assessment for the Kriel Extension 23 Township development. The detailed Heritage Assessment Specialist report is attached as Appendix 8.

The aim of the study was to:

• Identify objects, sites, occurrences and structures of an archaeological or historical nature (cultural heritage sites) located on the property.

• Assess the significance of the cultural resources in terms of their archaeological, historical, scientific, social, religious, aesthetic and tourism value.

• Describe the possible impact of the proposed development on these cultural remains, according to a standard set of conventions.

• Recommend suitable mitigation measures to minimize possible negative impacts on the cultural resources by the proposed development.

• Review applicable legislative requirements.

No sites of cultural heritage significance were located in the surveyed area.

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The following was recommended from the study:

• Since nothing of cultural heritage importance was identified the proposed development may continue.

• It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. Care should therefore be taken when development commences that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate the occurrence and amend this report.

7. 13 T RAFFIC

Conic North Consulting Engineers was appointed by Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd to undertake a Traffic Impact Assessment for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development. The Traffic Impact Assessment Report is attached as Appendix 9. This traffic impact study was prepared to determine the influence on the existing road network. An investigation on the effect that the proposed development will have on the following intersections; R547/ Church Street, R547/ Quentin Street and R547/ Bronwyn Street was conducted.

7.13.1 Existing Network Road R547 consists of a 2 lane surfaced road with gravel shoulder and isolated potholes. The horizontal and vertical alignments/ gradients are fine for light as well as heavy traffic. Condition of the road is fair. The main intersections in Kriel Town are all Stop control.

7.13.2 Projected future traffic flows Traffic counts were done at 3 intersections on road R547. The traffic counts indicate the estimated average daily traffic (ADT) at 2203 for 24hour period for both directions on road R547. The afternoon peak is 16:00 to 17:00 with a total maximum of 223 vehicles per hour. The traffic counts indicated that with current- and generated traffic no road network upgrades to any of the three intersections will be required.

For future projected traffic flows, the Traffic impact assessment recommends:

• Intersection 1 is changed to a two way stop with 4 legs. Therefore a new leg to the northern side as access to the development.

• An additional access point to the development from road R547 located 610m east of intersection 1(Church Street).

• These two access points are equipped with additional 60m acceleration and deceleration lanes (added to the northern lane) for traffic entering and exiting from the development.

7. 14 S O C I O -E CONOMIC S T A T U S

Geovicon Environmental was appointed to compile a Social Impact Assessment. See Appendix 10 for the detailed report.

7.14.1 District Geography The Nkangala District Municipality is one of the three (3) District Municipalities in Mpumalanga Province. The headquarters of Nkangala District Municipality are in Middelburg (Steve Tshwete Local Municipality). The District is composed of six (6) Local Municipalities: namely; Victor Khanye Local

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Municipality, Emalahleni Local Municipality, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Emakhazeni Local Municipality, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, and Dr J S Moroka Local Municipality. The area of the District covers a total area of approximately 16,892 square kilometres. The study area falls within Emalahleni Local Municipality.

7.14.2 Municipal background

Emalahleni Local Municipality is situated on the Highveld of Mpumalanga. The geographical area of the Municipality is approximately 2,677 square kilometres. The Municipality consists of a number of towns, including Balmoral, Clewer, Coalville, Hlalanikahle, Kendal, Kriel, Kwaguqa, Lynnville, Matla, Minnaar, New Largo, Ogies, Paxton, Phola, Rietspruit, Thubelihe, Van Dyks Drif, Wilge, and Witbank. Witbank is one of the major urban concentrations in the Nkangala District Municipality and within Mpumalanga as a whole. Emalahleni is located close to Gauteng, adjacent to the N4 and N12 National Roads, which serve as an important transport link. The Local Municipality is predominantly an industrial zone, originally known for coal Mining.

The Municipal Headquarters are located in Emalahleni which is home to 27 Economic Hubs constituent of 883 businesses inclusive of Multinationals such as Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium; Anglo Coal, Extrata, BHP Billiton/Ingweand Eskom. Important sectors in this area are Manufacturing, Trade, transport, and Finance and Community Services. eMalahleni is one of the major urban concentrations within Mpumalanga. Figure 18 gives a demographic profile of the Emalahleni Local Municipality, functionally divided into five areas namely Emalahleni West, Emalahleni East, Phola/ Ogies, Ga-Nala/ Thubelihle and Emalahleni Rural. The focus of the study will be on Ga-Nala/ Thubeline also known as Kriel town.

Kriel is located on the banks of the steenkool spruit towards the south of the Emalahleni municipality as depicted in Figure 18. Eskom established Kriel as a residential area for workers at Kriel Power Station which was constructed in 1975. During the 1908s the town experienced rapid growth and was declared as a municipality in 1990.

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Figure 18: Demographic Profile of Emalahleni (ELM SDF, 2015)

7.14.3 Population statistics According to Census 2011, Emalahleni Local Municipality has a total population of 395 466, of whom 81.3% are black African, 15.7% are white, with the other population groups making up the remaining 3.0% (Census 2011). Figure 19 indicates that the total population within the Emalahleni LM increased from 276 469 people in 2001 to 395 468 people in 2011, which translates into 118 999 people over the ten year period (± 11 900 people per annum). Furthermore, the population contribution of the ELM to the Nkangala District increased slightly from 27.1% in 2001 to 30.2% in 2011 (Figure 20). Figure 21 gives a breakdown of the population distribution across the ELM. According to Figure 21 Kriel makes up 7.2% of the total population. The population of Kriel town has experienced an increase of 1% from 2001.

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Figure 19: Emalahleni LM population contribution, 2001-2011 (ELM SDF, 2015)

Figure 20: Emalahleni LM contribution to Nkangala DM (ELM SDF, 2015)

Figure 21: Population Distribution of Emalahleni LM (ELM SDF, 2015)

Population growth

The proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development is situated within Emalahleni Local Municipality which falls within the Nkangala District Municipality. The estimated population growth figures increased from the period between 1996 and 2001 and 2001 and 2011 from 3.16% to 3.58% growth rate. The population for the Emalahleni Local Municipality based on the 2011 Census is 395

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466. The population density in the local area where the project is located is limited to residents of the town of Kriel and the residents of the informal settlements and homesteads. The proposed area has been targeted for housing development; therefore the current population may expand slightly. Population changes also occur as a result of births and deaths in the area.

Gender

The gender profile of the study area is almost equally divided, with males representing 52.8% of the population in 2011. According to Census, there was a 2% growth of males relative to females in the ELM from 2001 to 2011 (ELM SDF, 2015).

Age

Age distribution is an important indicator in terms of the development character and economic active aged segment of an area. A population’s age structure will have a big impact on development opportunities for the given demographic area (Leahy et al ., 2007). Figure 22 indicates the age profile of the Emalahleni LM.

Figure 22: Emalahleni LM Age Profile (ELM SDF, 2015)

As shown in Figure 22 the Emalahleni LM is characterised by a strong economically active population segment, representing more than half (52.2%) of the total population. The Emalahleni municipal area has a limited older population segment (aged 65+). The main shifts in population age segment from 2001 to 2011 are noted in the younger population segment, with a decline in the age group 6-12 (primary school children) from 13.2% in 2001 to 10.6% in 2011, and a slight increase in the total number of economically active population segment (aged 25 to 65) from 49.7% in 2001 to 52.2% in 2011 (ELM SDF, 2015). The majority of the population falls between the ages 20-29 years, comprising 12.9% of the male population and 10.2% of the female population (Census, 2011).

Race

The African Black population segment (82%) is the predominant racial group in Emalahleni, followed by the White population group (16%) (Census, 2011; ELM SDF, 2015).

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7.14.4 Education

The education profile provides an indication of the literacy levels in the municipal area. Figure 23 illustrates the highest level of education for the Emalahleni Local Municipality. Of those aged 20 years and older, 4,0% have completed primary school, 35,7% have some secondary education, 31,5% have completed matric,14,0% have some form of higher education, while 5, 8% have no form of schooling.

From Figure 23 it is clear that the overall level of education improved within the Emalahleni LM as the total number of no schooling declined significantly from 12.6% in 2001 to 4.8% in 2011. Furthermore, the total number of secondary education (grade 8-12) increased from 43.0% in 2001 to 51.2% in 2011 and the total number of individuals with a higher education increased from 5.0% to 11.0% for the same period.

Figure 23: Education levels for Emalahleni Local Municipality (ELM SDF, 2015).

It is positive to note that within the Emalahleni Rural area, no schooling declined significantly from 17.6% in 2001 to 8.1% in 2011, whilst secondary education (grade 8 to 12) increased from 35.5% in 2001 to 47.9% in 2011. The 2011 highest level of education profile, as shown in Figure 24, indicates a large proportion of individuals within the local municipality (49.8%) have at least a secondary (Grade 8-12) level of education. 50.3% of individuals living in Kriel have some form of secondary education (Grade 8-12), with 11% of the population having a higher form of education.

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Figure 24: Emalahleni Education Profile (ELM SDF, 2015).

7.14.5 Employment status Employment status is a good indication of the economic environment of a Municipality. Figure 25 indicates the employment status of the Emalahleni LM.

The Emalahleni LM experienced an increase in the total number of jobs – from 61.7% to 72.7% in 2001 and 2011 respectively. Unemployment declined from 38.3% in 2001 to 27.3% in 2011. This is a good indication of a positive local economy.

According to the 2011 profile (Figure 25) the Emalahleni LM has a relatively high unemployment rate namely 27.3%, which is well above the national unemployment rate of 25.2% (as recorded for the fourth quarter of 2014, the worst rate of joblessness seen since the first labour force survey in 2008). In terms of the functional areas, Emalahleni East has the highest employment levels (88.2%) followed by Kriel/ Thubelihle (75.0%). The Phola/ Ogies functional area has the lowest employment levels, recorded at 59.7% for 2011.

Kriel has an unemployment rate of 25%. The majority of Kriel residents are employed at Matla and Kriel Power Station and the nearby mines. Residents are also employed at local businesses and nearby farms.

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Figure 25: Emalahleni Employment Profile

7.14.6 Household income Figure 26 indicates the annual household income within the Emalahleni LM and the five functional areas. It is noted that there was a significant decline in the total number of households with no income from 2001 (20.8%) to 2011 (13.5%). Concurrently, the number of households that earn an annual income of R4 801 to R9 600 decreased significantly from 11.9% in 2001 to 5.0% in 2011. At the other end of the spectrum, households earning an income above R37 401 as well as an income between R153 601 and R307 200 respectively increased significantly.

Figure 26: Emalahleni Annual Household Income.

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7.14.7 Nodal development

Kriel CBD is located west of the R547 along with a small light industrial area. The area east of the R547 comprises of residential units as well as a large sports and recreational complex, several schools and open space. The CBD consists of a reasonable sized business component comprising several banks, insurance companies, and retail outlets, four modern business complexes and a medical centre. There is also a police station and retirement village north east of the CBD. According to the SDF a major problem the town if facing is the fact that the CBD lies on the opposite side of the main road from where the majority of residents are located. Thus, residents need to cross the main road in order to access the CBD. The present expansion trend for Kriel is in a northern direction due to geological constraints to the south, east, and west. The SDF recommends limited residential expansion to the south and south-west in an attempt to consolidate the southern areas and make optimal use of existing infrastructure. Kriel was identified as a priority area for urban renewal and revitalization by the Mpumalanga Vision 2030.

7.14.8 Housing

The residential development in Kriel mostly comprise single residential units, and a large portion of the local residents are employed at Kriel and other power stations in the vicinity. According to the SDF there is pressure for residential expansion in Kriel. It is proposed that the town expands to the south towards the R545 and to the north towards Thubelihle. Although there is currently limited pressure for expansion of Thubelihle. The Kriel revitalization strategy proposes that medium density residential development or mixed use be promoted on vacant land pockets. The injection of housing will bring more people closer to the CBD, and create a better mix of activities within the node. Housing will lead to longer cycles of activities and an increase in the demand of goods and services. Housing should be affordable and mixed income housing.

7.14.9 Services A large shopping centre is located within Kriel providing a variety of retail services. Kriel has a small industrial area just outside the CBD. The bulk of retail activities are clustered in the central and eastern part of the CBD together with a few community facilities which includes a police station, court, and post office. The municipal offices are located to the north east of the shopping centre. Roads are well maintained, although some areas require resealing and pothole filling. Kriel has its own water purification plant and do not experience and bulk service capacity problems. The public environment in Krien is not very well maintained.

7.14.10 Crime The proposed development is located approximately 2 km away from the local police station. The crime rate in the area is relatively low. The most prevalent crime is that of property related crimes which include theft, burglary at residential premises, and burglary at non-residential premises, theft out of or from motor vehicle, theft of motor vehicle or motorcycle. Burglary at residential premises has increased from 2006. Drug related crime has increased since 2007 ( www.saps.gov.za ).

7.14.11 HIV/AIDS HIV and AIDS epidemic remains a major challenge for South Africa as a developmental State. The epidemic has grown rapidly over the years. At the end of 2012, South Africa was still the Country with highest number of HIV-positive people in the World. The number of HIV-positive people is currently estimated to be 5.6 million. According to the 2011 Annual Antenatal HIV and Syphilis Survey (DoH, 2012), the HIV prevalence rate for NDM had decreased from 32.6% in 2009 to 27.2% in 2010. However, the

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prevalence rate for the District has increased significantly to 29.6% in 2011. The 2011 rate for the District is slightly above the National average of 29.5%.

HIV and AIDS can have a substantial impact on the growth of a particular population. However, there are many factors af-fecting the impact of the HIV virus on population progression: adult HIV prevalence rates; the speed at which the virus pro-gresses; age distribution of the virus; the mother-to-child transmission; child treatment; adult treatment; and the percentage by which the virus decreases total fertility. ARV treatment can also prolong the lifespan of people that are HIV+. In the ab-sence of any treatment, people diagnosed with HIV live for approximately 10 years before reaching the final stage of the disease (called AIDS). When patients reach this stage, recovery is highly unlikely.

In 2013, 169 000 people in the Nkangala District Municipality were infected with HIV. This reflects an increase at an average annual rate of 3.84% since 2003, and in 2013 represented 12.25% of the district municipality's total population. Mpumalanga Province had an average annual growth rate of 2.43% from 2003 to 2013 in the number of people infected with HIV, which is lower than that of the Nkangala District Municipality. When looking at South Africa as a whole it can be seen that the number of people that are infected increased from 2003 to 2013 with an average annual growth rate of 2.47%.

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8 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

8. 1 E NVIRONMENTAL I M P A C T ASSESSMENT FOR THE INITIAL 3

DIFFERENT SITE LAYOUTS CONSIDERED

8.1.1 Impacts (Negative and Positive) and Mitigatio n Measures for the Initial 3 Different Site Layouts Considered This section will only highlight anticipated impacts from the initial 3 different site layouts considered for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development. This impact assessment is informed by the typical known impacts from the area and for the type of activities that will be undertaken. Note that this is only an impact assessment for the initial 3 different site layouts considered and is hence not a detailed assessment. The detailed impact assessment for the preferred site layout (option 4) is described in section 8.4 of this report.

The site layout alternatives for the proposed development involved the determination of the best possible surface layout for the proposed 543 residential erven, which had the least impact on the surrounding sensitive landscapes.

The following environmental impacts that are likely to be caused by the proposed development for the initial 3 site layouts were identified.

8.1.1.1 Topography

The servicing of the proposed township area and its development thereof will form a topographical highpoints and topographical voids, which will have an impact on the topography of the proposed development area. This impact, which most probable will be limited to the site. In view of the above, the impacts on topography is deemed medium and will be low with mitigation. Mitigation measures may include ensuring that the development covers the smallest area possible.

8.1.1.2 Soils, Land Use and Capability

The servicing of the proposed township area and its development thereof will result in the stripping (removal) and stockpiling of the soils. The initial 3 different site layouts were located within areas identified as a wetland, hence wetland soils would be removed. This will also result in the loss of an area sensitive landscape (wetland). Since the proposed development area is within an area that currently comprises farm land utilised for a cultivated pasture, impact on current land use on the immediate area is deemed to be low. This impact, which is most probable will be limited to the site and will be permanent. Due to the removal of wetlands soils, the impacts on soils is deemed high and will be remain high despite mitigation. Mitigation for the predicted impacts will involve the use of the stripped soil to off-set the impacts on the wetlands that will be destroyed.

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8.1.1.3 Natural vegetation and Animal life

The activities associated with the initial 3 site layouts will occur on areas with natural vegetation and some animal life due to the presence of the wetland ecosystems, hence impacts on vegetation and animal life within the wetland areas would be high. This impact, which is most probable will be limited to the site and will be permanent. Due to the destruction of the wetlands, the impacts on natural vegetation and animal life is deemed high and will be remain high despite mitigation. Mitigation for the predicted impacts will involve the use of the vegetation removed to off-set the impacts on the wetlands that will be destroyed.

8.1.1.4 Surface water

The servicing of the proposed township area and its development thereof will result in the formation of obstructions in the form of houses, which will decrease surface runoff within the affected catchments.

This impact, which is probable may affect the catchment of the Steenkoolspruit and may also be permanent. The impact from the proposed development’s initial 3 site layout plans on surface water would be high.

Mitigation for the predicted impacts will involve ensuring that the management of storm water and runoff is implemented to direct this water into the Steenkoolspruit.

8.1.1.5 Groundwater

According to the Geotechnical report (Appendix 9) for the proposed project, no groundwater was encountered during the survey of the project area.

8.1.1.6 Air Quality

Movement of machinery used for the installation of the services for the development will generate dust and diesel fumes. Dust will be generated by wind blowing over exposed soils. The generated particulates will migrate mostly towards the predominant wind direction. This may eventually land one surrounding properties (natural, farming and residential areas). This may have impacts on vegetation including the cultivated crops, and nearby road users. This impacts may be limited to the local area and will exist for the servicing of the proposed township area and last till its development thereof. Based on the possible health effects and nuisance the dust can have on the surrounding residences the impacts may be of a high significance. Mitigation measures for the impacts may include dust suppression on areas with high generation of dust.

8.1.1.7 N o i s e

Machine operators in close proximity to machinery will be exposed to noise levels in excess of 85dBA. The operation of the machinery may have an impact on the surrounding communities. These impacts, which are probable will cover the site and immediate local area and will last for the duration of the servicing of the proposed township area and last till its development thereof project. Mitigation measures will include; ensure that employees exposed to high noise levels are provided with ear protection and instructed to use them.

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8.1.1.8 Visual Aspects

The area is characterised by a gentle undulating topography, and due to the fact that the surrounding area consists of townships extensions of the Kriel town, the Kriel Extension 23 Township development will be consistent with the surrounding land use. The proposed development’s initial 3 site layout plans will be visible from the R547 (Bethal-Van Dyksdrift road).

8.1.1.9 Social Aspects

The construction of the residential development will have a significant socio-economic impact over the medium and long term for Kriel town. As mentioned in the Emalahleni SDF and Kriel revitalization plan there is pressure for residential expansion in Kriel. The injection of housing will bring more people closer to the CBD, and create a better mix of activities within the node. Housing will lead to longer cycles of activities and an increase in the demand of goods and services. Jobs for the maintenance of infrastructure and services will be created following the completion of the development. These jobs might be made available to existing labour there creating long term employment. Service contractors could have access to other developments or projects in the area thereby creating long term employment. During the operation phase a population change would be associated with an influx of new residents. The proposed residential development will comprise 543 erven. Thus, there will be a notable change in population numbers. Increase in population numbers can put strain on services, traffic volumes, and attract criminal activity. The increase in population numbers might put a strain on municipal services such as refuse removal, water provision, sewage disposal. However bulk service capacity problems are not expected. Emalahleni Local Municipality will be responsible for refuse removal and relater service delivery.

Impacts on daily movement patterns on the R547 is expected. Any mitigation and management measures to calm traffic and increase road safety as proposed by the traffic impact assessment should be implemented. The crime rate in the area is relatively low. The most prevalent crime is that of property related crimes which include theft, burglary at residential premises, and burglary at non-residential premises, theft out of or from motor vehicle, theft of motor vehicle or motorcycle. Burglary at residential premises has increased from 2006. Drug related crime has increased since 2007. Although the proposed development will not necessarily promote criminal activity the addition of economic activity may attract criminal activity to some extent. The proposed development is located approximately 2 km away from the local police station.

These impacts, which are possible would affect the local communities and will have a medium impact on the surrounding communities. Note that these negative impacts will be neutralised by the possible positive impacts from the project.

8.1.2 Statement Motivating the Alternative Developm ent Location In view of the high significance for the environmental impacts that will be caused by the initial 3 layouts i.e. mainly on the wetlands, Raubex Building (Pty) Limited revised its initial 3 site layouts. The revision has resulted in the environmental impacts (after mitigation) as detailed in section 8.3 of this report being low. Based on the above, it was concluded that the alternative to the initial site layout as

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depicted in Appendix 1 be the final site layout for the proposed development. The final site layout is therefore the preferred layout for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development.

8. 2 E NVIRONMENTAL I MPACT ASSESSMENT P R O C E S S F OLLOWED

8.2.1 Approach to Environmental Impact Assessment

The term ‘environment’ is used in the broadest sense in an EIA. It covers the physical, biological, social, economic, cultural, historical, institutional and political environments.

An Environmental Impact Assessment is a good planning tool. It identifies the environmental consequences of a proposed project from the beginning and helps to ensure that the project, over its life cycle, will be environmentally acceptable and integrated into the surrounding environment in a sustainable way.

8.2.2 Environmental Impact Assessment Process Follo w e d Under Section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), the Minister promulgated the regulations pertaining to environmental impact assessments (EIA Regulations, 2014) under Government Notice R982 in Government Gazette 38282 of 4 December 2014. These EIA regulations, 2014 repealed the then 2010 EIA regulations and therefore any process relating to environmental authorisations must be undertaken under the EIA Regulations, 2014. Below is the description of the process followed to identify; assess and rank the impacts and risks from the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development.

8.2.3 Public Participation Process Public participation is the cornerstone of the EIA process. The principles of the NEMA govern many aspects of EIA’s, including public participation. These include provision of sufficient and transparent information on an ongoing basis to stakeholders to allow them to comment. Comments received from the public participation process will be included in the impact assessment and measures will be determined on how the comments will be addressed during the proposed township development. The following steps will be taken during the public participation process:

• The public participation process will commence by providing an opportunity for potential interested and affected parties to register.

• Once the draft EIR, EMPr and IWULA has been compiled, interested and affected parties and the public will be provided an opportunity to comment on the draft EIR, EMPr and IWULA.

• Further to the above, interested and affected parties and the public will be informed of the decision taken by the responsible authorities on the submitted application.

The above process will ensure that the EIR and EMPr is subjected to a public participation process, which ensures that the proposed township development is brought to the attention of registered interested and affected parties, the public and relevant organs of state including the competent authority.

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8.2.3.1 Information Gathering

Environmental baseline data has been obtained through various agencies, pertaining to topographical analyses, vegetation surveys, wetland surveys and social conditions. Data accumulated and analysed is sufficient to gain a baseline indication of the present state of the environment. The use of this baseline study for impact assessments is thus justified and reliable conclusions could be made. The following specialist studies were conducted and are referenced during the compilation of this report i.e.:

• Heritage Impact Assessment

• Flora, Fauna & Wetland Assessment

• Traffic Impact Assessment

• Social Impact Assessment

8.2.3.2 EIR and EMPr

The EIR and EMPr for the Kriel Extension 23 Township development include information regarding the proposed development and complies with the requirements of regulation 23(1) of the EIA Regulations, 2014. The above-mentioned requirements include the following:

• an assessment of all impacts related to the proposed development. All technical information regarding the proposed development and the environmental data acquired were used to identify, assess and rank the impacts and risks the proposed development will impose on the environment.

• advantages and disadvantages associated with the proposed development;

• measures to ensure avoidance, management and mitigation of impacts associated with such proposed development; and

• Note that only impacts with a medium and high significance without mitigation have been include in the revised EMPR. All impacts with low significance are deemed to have insignificant impacts.

8. 3 E NVIRONMENTAL I MPACT ASSESSMENT M ETHODOLOGY

The following prediction and evaluation of impacts is based on the activities associated with the proposed township development.

The evaluation distinguishes between significantly adverse and beneficial impacts and allocates significance against national regulations, standards and quality objectives governing:

• Health & Safety;

• Protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas;

• Land use; and

• Pollution levels.

Irreversible impacts are also identified.

The significance of the impacts is determined through the consideration of the following criteria:

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Probability : likelihood of the impact occurring Area (Extent) : the extent over which the impact will be experienced. Duration : the period over which the impact will be experienced. Intensity : the degree to which the impact affects the health and welfare of humans and the environment (includes the consideration of unknown risks, reversibility of the impact, violation of laws, precedents for future actions and cumulative effects). The above criteria are expressed for each impact in tabular form according to the following definitions:

Probability Definition Low There is a slight possibility (0 – 30%) that the impact will occur. Medium There is a 30 –70% possibility that the impact will occur. High The impact is definitely expected to occur (70% +) or is already occurring. Area (Extent) Definition Small 0 – 40 ha Medium 40 – 200 ha Large 200 + ha Duration Definition Short 0 – 5 years Medium 5 – 50 years Long 51 – 200 years Permanent 200 + years Intensity Definition Low Does not contravene any laws. Is within environmental standards or objectives. Will not constitute a precedent for future actions. Is reversible. Will have a slight impact on the health and welfare of humans or the environment. Medium Does not contravene any laws. Will not constitute a precedent for future actions. Is not within environmental standards or objectives. Is not irreversible. Will have a moderate impact on the health and welfare of humans or the environment. High Contravene laws. May constitute a precedent for future actions. Is not within environmental standards or objectives. Is irreversible. Will have a significant impact on the health and welfare of humans or the environment.

Significance and Definition Risk Category Negligible The impact/risk is insubstantial and does not require management Low The impact/risk is of little importance, but requires management The impact/risk is important; management is required to reduce negative impacts to Medium acceptable levels The impact/risk is of great importance, negative impacts could render options or the High entire project unacceptable if they cannot be reduced or counteracted by significantly positive impacts, and management of these impacts is essential

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Positive (No risk The impact, although having no significant negative impacts, may in fact contribute identified) to environmental or economical health

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8. 4 R ESULTS OF THE E NVIRONMENTAL I MPACT ASSESSMENT

8.4.1 Assessment of the Kriel Extension 23 Township development impacts/risks identified

8.4.1.1 Pre-Construction and Construction Phases

DISCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY NATURE OF THE IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES ASPECT ASSESSMENT

E P D I S

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Disturbance of surface geology Disturbance of surface geology for development Without mitigation The geotechnical test results (Appendix 7) indicate that the top foundations; installation of pipelines and associated soil mainly consists of silty sand. The bearing capacity is low with structures for waste, water and electrical services. S M M M M possible collapsible potential.

With mitigation • Foundation excavations should be checked by an engineer Geology S M S L L before casting to ensure that they are founded according to the recommendations of the geotechnical report.

• No foundations should be founded at a level <500mm.

• No footing <500mm below natural ground level except if founded on rock in a rocky area.

Alteration of topography due to stockpiling of soil, building Intrusion impacts such as visual impacts (building Without mitigation All stockpiles must be restricted to designated areas and are not material and debris and waste material on site. materials, waste materials, soil stockpiles) will have an to exceed a height of 2 metres. Stockpiles created during the impact on the sense of place. S M S L L construction phase are not to remain during the operational Topography phase. The contractor must be limited to clearly defined access With mitigation routes to ensure that sensitive and undisturbed areas are not disturbed. S M S L L

Stripping and removal of topsoil layers All activities will result in stripping and removal of topsoil Without mitigation Strip topsoil clean from underlying non-topsoil material such as layers, which will disrupt the soil profile. This may result in weathered sandstone. Construct soil conservation measures at the loss of prime agricultural land, changes on the land S H P M M construction sites and along roads. Minimise compaction by surface, soil erosion, soil compaction and chemical soil Soil avoiding unnecessary trafficking. Make contingency plans to pollution. With mitigation manage hydrocarbon spills that may occur. Stockpile topsoil layers in a designated stockpiling area. S H P M M

Erosion, degradation and loss of topsoil due to construction Erosion of wetland soils as a result of uncontrolled storm Without mitigation Provide adequate storm water surface drainage as per the storm activities as well surface and storm-water run-off. water run-off generated from the construction sites. As water management plan for the proposed township development. most of the wetland’s immediate catchment will be Soil S M S L L Install erosion prevention measures and sediment barriers prior to transformed to potentially generate greater runoff than the the commencement of construction activities. natural grassland. Depending on where this storm water With mitigation

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DISCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY NATURE OF THE IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES ASPECT ASSESSMENT

E P D I S

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

runoff is diverted, and how it is diverted into the wetland S L S L L area is important in determining the potential impact on the wetland. Increased volumes of surface water run off into the wetland could alter its hydrology. If the storm water runoff is concentrated to one or a few point-specific areas, this could result in channelisation of flow within the wetland and the development of gulley erosion

Construction camp and associated infrastructure Disturbance of soils and/or land use potential due to Without mitigation The contractor laydown area must be placed in an area where location of construction camp and associated infrastructure erven will be developed and not in an area that will be utilised in S M S L L future as an open space or commercial. The contractor laydown Soil area may not be placed in or i With mitigation habitat on site. beyond the boundaries of the contractor laydown area. S M S L L

The removal of soil and vegetation cover. The removal of soil and vegetation cover along with the Without mitigation Land capability will be permanently altered. No mitigation construction of the erven will result in ceasing of the current measures are proposed. land capability of the development area. S H P M M Land capability With mitigation

S H P M M

Land use change Current land use over the proposed development area will Without mitigation Land use will change from agricultural land to residential. cease completely due to the commencement of mitiga construction activities. S H P M M Land Use With mitigation

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DISCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY NATURE OF THE IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES ASPECT ASSESSMENT

E P D I S

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

development site will be destroyed during construction . that the rehabilitated areas will encourage the migration of S H S M M This may result in the migration of remaining animal life animals back into the re away from the affected areas. All employees will be instructed that poaching will not be tolerated With mitigation Loss of animal burrows/microhabitats and migration of in the township development area and adjacent land. Employees animals may occur due to disruption of the soil profile. The transgressing this will be subject to disciplinary action and houses will prevent migration movements through the area. S M S M L possible dismissal (within Labour regulation Bird species may be unable to nest in the area due to the destruction of the natural habitat. Displacement of fauna species, human-animal conflicts & interactions.

Surface water contamination: Spillage of fuels, lubricants Construction equipment, vehicles, workshop and wash bay Without mitigation Care should be taken at construction sites to store hazardous and other chemicals. areas will be a likely source of pollution as a non-point source. substances, such as fuel, and oil appropriately, not allowing these Decrease in water quality as a result of contamination of run- S M S M M substances to enter watercourses. off from construction site. Surface Water With mitigation

S L S L L

Increased flow rate of run-off water from the cleared The preparation of the 543 residential erven will inevitably Without mitigation Storm water from the construction sites must be directed to development area that may result in erosion gullies and silt result in stripping of soils and removal of any vegetation structures such as silt traps where the silt will be collected before deposition in wetland areas and stream. cover. If the construction activities are not properly S M S M M the water is . controlled, increased silt loads will emanate from these Surface Water sites, which will have detrimental impacts on the nearby With mitigation wetlands, which will affect the integrity of these wetlands. S M S L L

Shallow groundwater contamination Spillage of fuels, lubricants and other chemicals. Without mitigation All earth moving vehicles and equipment must be regularly Construction equipment, vehicles, storage site and parking maintained to ensure their integri bay areas will be a likely source of pollution as a non-point S M S M M be undertaken beyond the contractor laydown area. Employees source. Lack of provision of ablutions that may lead to the Ground Water should record and report any spillages to the responsible person. Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 86

DISCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY NATURE OF THE IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES ASPECT ASSESSMENT

E P D I S

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Erosion of wetland soils as a result of uncontrolled Increased flow rate of run-off water from the cleared Without mitigation Construction should preferably take place during winter months stormwater run-off generated from the construction sites. development area that may result in erosion gullies and silt when water flow is low in order to minimise the risk of sediment deposition in wetland areas S M S M M and debris being washed into the wetland area and stream Wetland Operation and storage of equipment must be prevented in the With mitigation wetland area must be cleaned up immediately in order to curb pollution to the S L S L L wetl

Decrease in water quality as a result of contamination of Contamination of surface run-off water and sub-surface Without mitigation Run run-off from construction site. water due to pollution from machines not kept in good clean run working condition (oil and diesel leaks), thus water quality S M S M M impacts Wetland With mitigation

S L S L L

Impacts on sensitive landscapes due to construction Sedimentation from rainfall induced runoff from the Without mitigation Develop and implement a construction storm water management activities and the location of camp site. construction site may have negative impacts on the plan prior to the commencement of site clearing activities. wetland areas. Increased flow rate of run-off water from the S M S M M erosion prevention measures and sediment barriers prior to the construction may result in erosion gullies and silt collection. commencement of construction activities There will be a direct loss of wetland vegetation and non- With mitigation pollutants from vehicles wetland vegetation, and thus a loss of habitat, because of to curb pollution to the wetland areas; S L S L L construction activities. Contamination of the wetland areas as after construction due to polluted run-off water might occur. Compaction of principles guidelines; soil due to construction of infrastructure and movement of colonise the wetland areas or any heavy vehicles. Increased dust from the proposed surrounding wetlands are protected from being affected by the Sensitive development activities landing onto wetland vegetation. activities from the proposed project Landscapes All construction phase activities will result in the migration The campsite area must be located of animals away from the project area. Disruption of topsoil developed and not i Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 87

DISCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY NATURE OF THE IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES ASPECT ASSESSMENT

E P D I S

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

contaminate the environment if not properly disposed off Kriel waste disposal site. The waste will be sorted before disposal, With mitigation paper and cardboard will be separated and sent for recyclin S L S L L Industrial waste arising from the development of the project (classified as hazardous waste building rubble, scrap metal, building materials, etc.) will be collected in a different waste collection system and disposed a contractor at a registered hazardous waste site hazardous waste should be stored separately in clearly demarcated bins. receptacles, including bins must be arranged around the site to collect all dom hazardous waste should be stored separately in clearly demarcated bins. General waste produced on site is to be collected in skips for disposal at the local municipal waste site. Hazardous waste produced disposal at registered hazardous waste disposal facility. Hazardous waste is not to be mixed or combined with general waste earmarked for disposal at the municipal landfill site. Under no circumstances is waste to b

Dust generated by the movement of vehicles, bulldozing, Dust generated by the movement of vehicles on the Without mitigation Dust suppression will be conducted regularly at the co debris handling, and general construction. access/haul roads, and any dust generated during area construction activities can lead excessive dust generation S M S M M travelling over exposed areas. The height of all stockpiles on site in the air. This may have impacts on the surrounding Air Quality should be a maximum of 2 metres. property owners and employees With mitigation with dusk masks in case of excessive dust in the air a conditions S L S L L

Noise impact on construction workers. Machine operators in close proximity to machinery will be Without mitigation Ensure that the em exposed to noise levels in excess of 85dB are instructed to use them Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 88

DISCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY NATURE OF THE IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES ASPECT ASSESSMENT

E P D I S

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

that they are instructed to use them. S M S M M

Visual impacts on surrounding residents. Construction activities at site would be exposed to Without mitigation Where possible visual screening of construction area and debris surrounding residents. It is not anticipated that the should be implemented. Direct environment would be able to fully contain the visual S L S L L retirement village residents. exposure. This impact will not be severe as stockpiled soil, Visual Aspects construction debris, and any visual intrusions will only be With mitigation temporary. S L S L L

Disturbance of sites of archaeological importance due to The development will result in job creation and provision of Since nothing of cultural heritage importance was identified t construction activities. employment proposed development may continue

It should be noted that the subterranean presence of

archaeologi always a distinct possibility. Care should therefore be taken when development commences that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate the occurrence Sites of No impact is and ame Archaeological and predicted Cultural Importance Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 89

DISCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY NATURE OF THE IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES ASPECT ASSESSMENT

E P D I S

CONSTRUCTION PHASE jobseekers. be associated with an influx of job seekers. If in a worst their families may not s L H S M M case scenario construction workers were sourced from allowed. elsewhere it would result in population increase in medium With mitigation term, placing pressure on existing services, resources and social networks. L M S M M

Disruption in daily living and movement patterns of the An increase in traffic due to heavy vehicles could cause Without mitigation Heavy vehicles sh public. short term disruptions and safety hazards for current road safety worthiness. Avoid heavy vehicle activity during peak hours users. Noise, vibrations, dust, and visual pollution due to L H S M M (early mornings when people drive to work, and pupils are taken construction related activities could cause disruptions in to school). Limit heavy vehicle movement through residential daily living and quality of life of local residents. Socio-economic With mitigation areas. Erection activities, and displaying road safety messages and speed limits. L M S M M No heavy vehicles will be parked outside the designated construction site where it could obstruct motorists view and pose potential safety ha

Public safety and health risks during construction. Risk associated with accidents due to construction vehicles Without mitigation Members of the public adjacent to the construction site should be on roads. Contractors, the influx of people and potential job notified of construction activit creation will result in the proliferation of social ills and L M S M M disturbance or interference. Construction activities will be issues such as crime, prostitution, the spread of HIV/AIDS, undertaken during daylight hours and not on Sundays. The informal settlements etc. With mitigation developers need to be actively involved in the prevention of social ills associated with contractors. If Socio-economic L L S L L sourced locally. Contractors and their families may not stay on site. No informal settlements will be allowed. Contractors must be educated about the risk of prostitution and spread of HIV and AIDS. Strict penalties will be b such as petty crime, stock theft, fence cutting, trespassing etc. No poaching of wildlife or selling of firewood will be allowed. Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 90

DISCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY NATURE OF THE IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES ASPECT ASSESSMENT

E P D I S

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

would be more relevant to peak hours of the day although assessment. With mitigation not limited to these hours of day. L M S M M

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8. 5 S UMMARY OF S PECIALIST R E P ORT S

STUDIES RECOMMENDATIONS OF SPECIALIST REPORTS SPECIALIST APPLICABLE UNDERTAKEN RECOMMENDATIONS SECTION OF REPORT ASPECT RECOMMENDATION THAT HAVE BEEN WHERE SPECIALIST INCLUDED IN THE EIA RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT HAVE BEEN INCLUDED

Vegetation Invader plant The wetland area associated with the tributary of the Steenkoolspruit must Included in the EIA Section 7.5.3 Survey species be kept free of any declared invader plant species. If these get established in the wetland area, the local municipality must implement an immediate eradication program. Habitat Since the proposed Kriel extension 23 township development area will be a Included in the EIA Section 7.5 fragmentation permanent development and form part of the town of Kriel, no re-vegetation recommendations will be included.

Wetland Buffer zones A buffer zone width of 32 m is recommended. If the buffer zone width of 32 Included in Wetland Section under Buffer Assessment m is not possible in certain areas, it is recommended that application for Assessment Report Zones p. 62 sections 21 (c) and (i) water use activities are applied for in the Integrated Water Use Licence Application. Development The proposed township development area (footprint) must be kept as small Included in Wetland Section under Mitigation footprint as possible in order to keep the direct impact on non-wetland vegetation Assessment Report Measures and soil as small as possible in order to maximise the buffer zone width; Sediment & Construction of the services infrastructure should preferably take place Included in Wetland Section under Mitigation debris during winter months when water flow is low in order to minimise the risk of Assessment Report Measures sediment and debris being washed into the wetland area and stream; Run-off Run-off water will be contained within the construction area to curb the run- Included in Wetland Section under Mitigation off of silt to the wetland area, and clean run-off water will be directed around Assessment Report Measures

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the area;

Dust Dust suppression will be conducted regularly at the construction area in Included in Wetland Section under Mitigation suppression order to have the least amount of dust settling on wetland vegetation within Assessment Report Measures the identified wetland area; Equipment Operation and storage of equipment must be prevented in the wetland area; Included in Wetland Section under Mitigation Assessment Report Measures Hydrocarbon Spills of any kind, like pollutants from vehicles, etc. must be cleaned up Included in Wetland Section under Mitigation spills immediately in order to curb pollution to the wetland area; Assessment Report Measures Alien vegetation Alien vegetation should not be allowed to colonise the wetland area; Included in Wetland Section under Mitigation Assessment Report Measures Sites of Sites of Since no sites of cultural heritage importance was identified the proposed Included in the EIA Section 7.12 Archaeological Archaeological development may continue. & Cultural & Cultural Importance Importance

It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or Included in the EIA Section 7.12 historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. Care should therefore be taken when development commences that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate the occurrence and amend this report.

Socio-economic From a socio-economic perspective, and to satisfy needs stipulated in the Included in SIA Section 7.2.1 Aspects Emalahleni SDF and Kriel revitalization strategy, it is recommended that construction and development of the entire township development with all associated infrastructure proceed.

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That mitigation measures set out in this report be followed to enhance the Included in SIA Section 6.1 positive impacts and limit negative impacts of the development. That the construction phase be implemented within the time frame Included in SIA Section 7.1.2 stipulated, thus minimising residual negative impacts on community. That the use of local labour force be encouraged as far as possible during Included in SIA Section 7.1.1 the construction phase, in order to provide employment opportunities within Kriel. Traffic Impact Intersection 1 is changed to a two way stop with 4 legs. Therefore a new leg Included in Traffic Section 7.2 Assessment to the northern side as access to the development. Impact Assessment

An additional access point to the development from road R547 located Included in Traffic Section 7.2 610m east of intersection 1(Church Street). Impact Assessment These two access points are equipped with additional 60m acceleration- Included in Traffic Section 7.2 and deceleration lanes (added to the northern lane) for traffic entering and Impact Assessment exiting from the development.

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8. 6 E NVIRONMENTAL I MPACT S TATEMENT

8.6.1 Summary of key findings of the environmental impact assessment During the construction phase impacts without mitigation on sensitive landscapes, surface water, and wetlands will be medium. These impacts are the consequence of the preferred layout of the township development being in close proximity to a tributary of the Steenkoolspruit and associated wetland areas. The layout option chosen would be most favourable as wetland areas are avoided in the preferred option. Assessment of the impacts after the proposed mitigation measures has shown the impacts to be low to medium for the above mentioned environmental aspects.

Storm water runoff will have a detrimental impact on the surrounding water environment as most of the wetland’s immediate catchment will be transformed to potentially generate greater runoff than the natural grassland. Depending on where this storm water runoff is diverted, and how it is diverted into the wetland area is important in determining the potential impact on the wetland. Increased volumes of surface water runoff into the wetland could alter its hydrology. If the storm water runoff is concentrated to one or a few point-specific areas, this could result in channelisation of flow within the wetland and the development of gulley erosion.

Land use will change from agricultural to residential development. There will be a positive economic trade off regarding the land use change. The development will satisfy the housing demand and add to the Kriel revitalization strategy. During the construction phase the impacts on local economy will be low if labour is not sourced from local areas. If workers are in fact sourced from the Kriel surroundings the construction phase will have a medium positive impact on the local economy.

There is likely to be an increase in dust generation and noise pollution from construction vehicles and construction activities Impacts associated with air quality, noise and visual aspects without mitigation will be low to medium during the construction phase of the development. After mitigation measures have been taken impacts are predicted to be low to medium and should conform to acceptable levels. With the strict implementation of mitigation measures these impacts can be reduced to low levels at the nearby residences.

Public safety and the disruption in daily living patterns as a result of construction activities, influx of workers, and increased traffic will pose a medium risk before mitigation measures and low to medium after mitigation.

No sites of archaeological importance were found in the area. Thus, no impacts are predicted.

8.6.2 Final Master Layout Plan The final map showing the layout of the proposed project is attached as Appendix 1.

8. 7 F INAL P ROPOSED A LTERNATIVES

In terms of the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development area, there were four (4) site layout alternatives that could be considered. The layout chosen for the proposed development was site layout 4. The layout was determined through optimising the land space available to develop as much housing in the extension area as possible, as well as, development that has the least effect on the wetlands associated with the Steenkoolspruit and its tributaries.

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8. 8 A SPECTS FOR I NCLUSION AS CONDITIONS OF AUTHORISATION

In authorising the proposed Raubex Building township development project, the following conditions should form part of the EA:

In authorising the proposed project, the following conditions should form part of the environmental authorisation:

• Raubex Building (Pty) Limited may not alter the location of any of the project activities included in this environmental impact assessment without obtaining the required environmental authorisation to do so under NEMA.

• Raubex Building (Pty) Limited will undertake any new activity that was not part of this environmental impact assessment and that will trigger a need for an environmental authorisation without proper authorisation.

• All feasible mitigation measures included in the specialist studies carried out for the proposed project must be implemented during the project life cycle.

• Raubex Building (Pty) Limited must, where possible, update the specialists reports, management procedures included in the EIR and EMPr. Frequency of updates must be informed by suitably qualified persons.

• The draft EMPr must be implemented fully at all stages of the proposed Project

• Raubex Building (Pty) Limited must limit night-time operations when working close the retirement village. Work should occur only during the day

8. 9 D ESCRIPTION OF A SSUMPTIONS , U NCERTAINTIES AND G APS IN

K NOWLEDGE

The EIA Regulations, 2014 outline specific requirements that a description of any assumptions, uncertainties and gaps in knowledge which relate to the assessment and mitigation measures must be provided in the EIR.

The specialist assessments undertake are based on conservative methodologies and potential negative impacts could be of smaller magnitude than predicted, while benefits could be of a larger extent than predicted.

This section outlines various limitations to the specialist studies that have been undertaken and indicates, where appropriate, the adequacy of predictive methods used for the assessment. This has been done to provide the authorities and interested and affected parties with an understanding of how much confidence can be placed in the impact assessment.

The EIA has investigated the potential impact on key environmental media relating to the specific environmental setting for the site. Note that a number of studies have been undertaken and will be presented during the public meeting and will form part of the final EIR and EMPr.

The information provided in this EIR (once all studies are completed) is therefore considered sufficient for decision-making purposes.

The environment that is likely to be affected by the proposed township development project was detailed in the section dealing with the environmental attributes. Specialists were commissioned to

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conduct detailed surveys and studies on the environment. These studies include a vegetation study, wetland survey, animal study, traffic assessment, and socio-economic assessment.

These studies will cover all prevailing conditions of the environmental aspects that are studied. Hence no knowledge gaps exist in terms of the current state of the environment. There is however some limitations with regard to the determination of the future state of the studied environmental aspects. For the vegetation, animal life and wetland assessment the studies were conducted during one season, hence no data exists for the other seasons. It is however concluded that the existing knowledge gaps will not affect the current findings, hence it is not suggested that follow-up studies be conducted regarding the above studies.

The 2011 census along with the latest District and Local Municipality plans and policies were used for generating information provided in the baseline analysis for the SIA. While the data proved useful, it should be noted that the data may be outdated to some degree and may no longer reflect the socio-economic profile of the area. The SIA was undertaken concurrently with the EIA process and any information obtained through the public participation process relevant to the SIA was incorporated into the SIA assessment. Limited public involvement may result in gaps in information and curb any value that the public could add to the project.

8. 10 R EASONED O PINION AS TO W HETHER THE P ROPOSED P ROJECT

SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT C ONTINUE

8.10.1 Reason why the activity should be authorised o r n o t Raubex Building (Pty) Limited proposes to conduct a township development namely Kriel Extension 23, by servicing the proposed township development area to provide water & sanitation and roads & storm water infrastructure which will connect to the existing municipal infrastructure. The development will allow for the establishment of a residential township comprising of 543 full title residential erven which includes inter alia a church, crèche and community facilities.

According to the impact assessment undertaken for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 project, the key impacts of the project are on sensitive landscapes through potential destruction of the nearby wetlands, surface water through contamination of nearby steams. Other impact from the proposed project include the socio-economic impact on the surrounding communities though disruption of normal daily routes. Other impacts on the surrounding community will include dust generation, higher than normal noise levels during construction and change in the aesthetics of the area which will have impacts on the sense of place.

The project will also have positive impacts due to the employment to be created although for a short term during the construction phase, thus the commencement of the project will contribute to job creation within the Emalahleni Local Municipality and beyond. In view of the unemployment rates within the local municipality and the poverty within the area it would be desirable for the project to commence. Not proceeding with the project will contribute to the already high levels of poverty and high unemployment rate. Further, the proposed project will provide housing to a municipal area that experiences high housing demands. If the proposed project is not proceeded with, it will deny the company the opportunity to decrease housing demands and create employment in the area. .

All comments received during Public Participation Process and detailed specialist reports will be included in this EIR and EMPr. The management of the impacts identified in the EIR for all phases of the proposed project will be undertaken through a range of programmes and plans contained in the

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EMPr. In consideration to the programmes and plans contained within the EMPr as well as designs, layouts and method statement compiled for the project there will be significant reduction the potential impacts, which is assumed will be effectively implemented.

Based on the above, it is therefore the opinion of the EAP that the activity should be authorised.

8. 11 P ERIOD FOR WHICH THE E NVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION

Based on the fact that the project is a township development the authorisation period will be permanent.

8. 12 U NDERTAKING

The signed undertaking is presented at the front of this document.

8. 13 D EVIATION FROM APPROVED S COPING R E P O R T

The proposed township development initially consisted of 543 residential erven during the scoping phase. The number of erven has been restricted to 543 to avoid sensitive landscapes.

8. 14 O THER I NFORMATION R EQUIRED BY THE C OMPETENT AUTHORITY

Aside from the EIR and EMPr no other information has been requested by the competent authority

8. 15 O THER M ATTERS R EQUIRED IN T ERMS OF S ECTION 2 4 (4)( A ) AND

( B ) OF THE AC T

Any matter required in terms of the above section of the Act will be complied with by Raubex Building (Pty) Limited

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PART B ______

Environmental Management Programme

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9 DETAILS OF THE EAP

The details of the EAP are provided in section 2.1 of this document

10 DESCRIPTION OF THE ASPECTS OF THE ACTIVITY

The requirements to describe the aspects of the activity are covered by the draft environmental management programme are included in the document under section 8. The reader is therefore referred to section 8 of this document.

11 COMPOSITE MAP

The map superimposing the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development on the environmental sensitivities of the preferred site is attached as Appendix 1. Note that all areas that must be avoided due to their environmental sensitivity are indicated in the map.

12 DESCRIPTION OF THE MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES INCLUDING MANAGEMENT STATEMENTS

.

12 .1 M ANAGEMENT OF E NVIRONMENTAL D A M A G E , E NVIRONMENTAL

P OLLUTION AND E COLOGICAL DEGRADATION CAUSED BY KRIEL

EXTENSION 23 TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

12.1.1 Infrastructure Areas

12.1.1.1 R o a d s

• The temporary roads that will no longer be used must be ripped or ploughed and if necessary, appropriately prepared to ensure the re-growth of vegetation. Any materials that may hamper regrowth of vegetation must be removed prior to rehabilitation and disposed of at and appropriate site.

12.1.1.2 Construction campsite

• The campsite will be removed at completion of construction activities. Spills of any kind must be cleaned up in order to curb pollution. Wastes generated during the construction phase are not to remain during the decommissioning phase. All waste generated during the construction activities will be collected by a contractor and disposed of correctly at a registered landfill site.

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12.1.2 Rehabilitation of Ecologically Degraded Area s

• Alien vegetation should not be allowed to colonise the wetland areas or any rehabilitated areas. Ensure that surrounding wetlands are protected from being affected by the activities from the proposed project. Storm water run-off should be appropriately managed so as not to alter the timing and intensity of flows entering the wetland under the natural condition.

12.1.3 Hydrology

• Concentrated water ingress into the ground should be avoided at all times prior, during or after construction.

• All surface run-off water must be managed in such a way as to ensure erosion of the soil does not occur. All surfaces that are susceptible to erosion, shall be protected with seeded topsoil to generate a protective vegetation cover.

12.1.4 Vegetation

Vegetation is an important component in order to curb the speed with which surface run-off water flows down a slope. Excessive flow can cause erosion and diminish infiltration. Vegetation is also imperative for the trapping of silt, pollutants and toxins.

• All exotic and invader plant species must be removed from the study area.

• During the laying of cables, pipelines or infrastructure, topsoil shall be kept aside to cover the disturbed areas immediately after such activities are completed.

• Roadside must be revegetated as soon as possible after construction to establish a vegetation cover.

12.1.5 Geology and soil

• The top layer of all areas to be excavated for the purpose of construction shall be stripped and stockpiled in areas where this material will not be damaged, removed or compacted.

• All surfaces that are susceptible to erosion shall be protected by seeding area with suitable ground cover.

• Dust pollution might occur during the construction works of proposed development, Regular and effective dust suppression of working areas must be carried out to avoid dust pollution that will have a negative impact on the surrounding environment.

• All trenches should be backfilled with the insitu materials compacted to not less than 93% MOD AASHTO density.

• All surface run-off water shall be managed in such a way so as to ensure erosion does not occur.

• All areas that are compacted shall be ripped prior to them being rehabilitated with topsoil and grass seed.

• Stockpiled topsoil should be used for the rehabilitation of the site and for landscape development.

• All areas subject to gully erosion should be rehabilitated.

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12.1.6 Noise

• No noise generating machinery shall be used during evenings and/ or weekends without the consent of the local government and surrounding landowners that will be affected.

• All machinery on site shall have effective noise muffling devices. Construction hours should be limited to normal working hours.

• All machinery must be kept in good working order, to ensure that no unwanted noise is generated.

12.1.7 Dust and Air Quality

• Speed limits will be instated within the boundaries of the site to minimize the dust impact as a result of heavy trucks.

• A water cart must be present on site, and always in working order, so that dust suppression can be practiced as frequently as necessary.

• If dust levels on site are significantly impacted on, dust masks must be made available to workers.

12.1.8 Rehabilitation Final rehabilitation of the surface:

• On completion of the construction phase the various surfaces in use by the contractor shall be rehabilitated.

• All infrastructure, equipment, temporary housing and other items used during construction will be removed from the site.

• Waste material of all description inclusive of receptacles, scrap and rubble will be removed entirely from the construction area.

• Any access road for the purpose of construction and which is not required for the township, will be rehabilitated or removed.

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13 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

Table 13: Environmental Management Programme for the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township Development.

Impact Activity Environmental Impact Management Targets (Impact Management Actions And Interventions Responsibility For Monitoring And Responsibility Completion Date Reference No. Attribute Objectives Management Actions/Intervention Timeframes For Monitoring Outcomes)

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

To ensure that installation of Ensure that construction Appointed civil Foundational excavations Appointed civil Throughout The geotechnical test results (Appendix 7) pipelines and associated activities do not disrupt engineer. will be monitored by engineer. construction indicate that the top soil mainly consists of silty structures for waste, water the surface geology of appointed engineer phase. sand. The bearing capacity is low with possible and electrical services do not the area. throughout construction collapsible potential. disturb the surface geology phase. of the area. • Foundation excavations should be checked by Disturbance of surface an engineer before casting to ensure that they Geology geology are founded according to the recommendations of the geotechnical report.

• No foundations should be founded at a level <500mm.

• No footing <500mm below natural ground level except if founded on rock in a rocky area. To limit the alteration of Measures will be All stockpiles must be restricted to designated Appointed contractor Monitoring will commence Appointed Throughout topography due to stockpiling undertaken to ensure that areas and are not to exceed a height of 2 and Environmental throughout construction Environmental construction of soil, building material and the visual aspects from metres. Stockpiles created during the Control Officer (ECO) phase. Control Officer phase. debris and waste material on the site comply with the construction phase are not to remain during the will monitor and (ECO) will Alteration of topography Topography site. relevant visual standards operational phase. The contractor must be report on the monitor and and objectives. limited to clearly defined access routes to implementation. report on the ensure that sensitive and undisturbed areas are implementation. not disturbed. All activities will result in The management of the Strip topsoil clean from underlying non-topsoil Appointed contractor Monitoring will commence Appointed Throughout stripping and removal of impact will ensure that material such as weathered sandstone. and ECO will monitor throughout construction Environmental construction topsoil layers, which will degradation of the Construct soil conservation measures at and report on the phase. Control Officer phase. Stripping and removal of disrupt the soil profile. This disturbed area is as far construction sites and along roads. Minimise implementation. (ECO) will topsoil layers as part of Soil may result in the loss of as possible restricted. compaction by avoiding unnecessary monitor and construction phase, prime agricultural land, trafficking. Make contingency plans to manage report on the changes on the land surface, hydrocarbon spills that may occur. Stockpile implementation. soil erosion, soil compaction topsoil layers in a designated stockpiling area. and chemical soil pollution To ensure that location of Appropriate measures The contractor laydown area must be placed in Appointed contractor Monitoring will take place Appointed During construction camp and will be taken to ensure an area where erven will be developed and not and ECO will monitor during the construction of Environmental construction of Constructing camp site Soil associated infrastructure do that camp site and in an area that will be utilised in future as an and report on the camp site. Control Officer camp site. not have detrimental impact associated infrastructure open space or commercial. The contractor implementation. (ECO) will on natural environment. comply with management laydown area may not be placed in or in close monitor and

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Impact Activity Environmental Impact Management Targets (Impact Management Actions And Interventions Responsibility For Reference No. Attribute Objectives Management Actions/Intervention Outcomes)

measures set out in proximity to the wetland habitat on site. No environmental material may be stored or equipment repaired management beyond the boundaries of the contractor programme. laydown area. To ensure that uncontrolled Management of storm Provide adequate storm water surface drainage Appointed contractor Erosion, degradation storm water run-off water will comply with as per the storm water management plan for and ECO and loss of topsoil due to generated from the measures set out in the proposed township development. Install construction activities as Soil construction sites do not storm water management erosion prevention measures and sediment well surface and storm- impact on natural plan. barriers prior to the commencement of water run-off. environment. construction activities. To ensure that the The management of the The area of disturbance must be monitored for Appointed ECO construction activities, impact will ensure that the identification of alien invasive plant species. Permanent removal on construction layout, the vegetation of the natural vegetation due to Natural vegetation construction of access/ haul disturbed area is as far construction activities. roads do not have as possible preserved. detrimental impact on the area’s flora To ensure that the The management of the Appointed ECO The rehabilitation of the disturbed areas must construction activities, impact will ensure that be conducted such that the rehabilitated areas construction layout, the animal life in the will encourage the migration of animals back construction of access/ haul surroundings of the into the rehabilitated areas. Disturbance of animal roads do not have disturbed area is as far life due to construction Animal Life detrimental impact on the as possible preserved. All employees will be instructed that poaching activities. area’s fauna will not be tolerated in the township development area and adjacent land. Employees transgressing this will be subject to disciplinary action and possible dismissal (within Labour regulations). Ensure that construction Hazardous substances Care should be taken at construction sites to Appointed ECO will activities does not have and potential store hazardous substances, such as fuel, and monitor and report on detrimental impact on nearby contaminants will be oil appropriately, not allowing these substances the implementation. Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 104

Impact Activity Environmental Impact Management Targets (Impact Management Actions And Interventions Responsibility For Reference No. Attribute Objectives Management Actions/Intervention Outcomes)

cleared development detrimental impact on nearby with the storm water the proposed township development. Install area that may result in stream. management plan and as erosion prevention measures and sediment erosion gullies and silt far as possible with the barriers prior to the commencement of deposition. requirements of the construction activities. relevant DWS Best Practice Guidelines. Ensure that construction Hazardous substances Care should be taken at construction sites to Appointed ECO will activities does not have and potential store hazardous substances, such as fuel, and monitor and report on detrimental impact on contaminants will be oil appropriately, not allowing these substances the implementation. shallow groundwater. managed such that the to enter watercourses. All earth moving ground water quality in vehicles and equipment must be regularly Shallow groundwater the vicinity of the maintained to ensure their integrity and Ground Water contamination construction site does not reliability. No repairs may be undertaken deteriorate beyond water beyond the contractor laydown area. quality parameters Employees should record and report any stipulated in the water spillages to the responsible person. Contractors use licence. will be held liable for any environmental damages caused by spillages. Ensure that construction Management of the storm Provide adequate storm water surface drainage Appointed civil activities does not have water runoff will comply as per the storm water management plan for engineer. Erosion of wetland soils detrimental impact on nearby with the storm water the proposed township development. Install as a result of wetland. management plan and as erosion prevention measures and sediment uncontrolled storm water Wetland far as possible with the barriers prior to the commencement of run-off generated from requirements of the construction activities. the construction sites. relevant DWS Best Practice Guidelines. Ensure that the construction Maintain or improve the The proposed housing development area ECO and layout of township current PES and EIS of (footprint) must be kept as small as possible in development does not have the wetland. order to keep the direct impact on non-wetland Wetland destruction and Sensitive detrimental impacts on the vegetation and soil as small as possible in loss of habitat Landscapes nearby wetland. order to maximise the buffer zone width. Alien Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 105

Impact Activity Environmental Impact Management Targets (Impact Management Actions And Interventions Responsibility For Reference No. Attribute Objectives Management Actions/Intervention Outcomes)

Hazardous waste produced on site is to be collected in skips for disposal at registered hazardous waste disposal facility. Hazardous waste is not to be mixed or combined with general waste earmarked for disposal at the municipal landfill site. Under no circumstances is waste to be burnt or buried on site.

Ensure that all operations Construction activities will Dust suppression will be conducted regularly at Appointed site during the construction take place in such a way the construction area. A speed limit of 40 km/hr manager and ECO Air pollution through air phase of the township that the ambient air should be set for all vehicles travelling over pollutants’ emissions, development do not result in quality does not exceed exposed areas. The height of all stockpiles on Air Quality from the construction detrimental air quality the air quality standards site should be a maximum of 2 metres. site impacts. including the internal air Employees should be issued with dusk masks quality targets in case of excessive dust in the air and windy conditions. Ensure that the noise levels The noise levels from the Restrict noise producing activities to normal Appointed site emanating from the construction site will be working hours. Construction should be manager and ECO construction site will not have managed and measures prohibited on Sundays and public holidays. detrimental effects on the will be taken to ensure Ensure that all construction vehicles has mine employees and that noise levels are appropriate silencers. Ensure that employees surrounding communities below the National Noise are issued with earplugs and that they are Increased noise levels Noise Control Regulations, instructed to use them. SANS10103:2008 guidelines and the International Finance Corporation (World Bank) guidelines Ensure that all operations Measures will be Where possible visual screening of construction Appointed site during the construction undertaken to ensure that area and debris should be implemented. Direct manager and ECO Visual impacts on the phase do not result the visual aspects from night security lights away from retirement surrounding detrimental visual impacts on the site are comply with village residents. Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 106

Impact Activity Environmental Impact Management Targets (Impact Management Actions And Interventions Responsibility For Reference No. Attribute Objectives Management Actions/Intervention Outcomes)

Ensure that measures are Measures taken to Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd will ensure that the Community Liaison taken to discourage influx of control influx of jobseeker creation of unrealistic expectations are Officer job seekers. will be in line with the prevented by communicating the period of the Impact from the influx of Socio-economic company’s recruitment construction phase to the local communities job seekers aspects policies. and the communities will be informed of any employment opportunities. Local councillors will be involved the above communication. Ensure that the positive Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd All labour (skilled and unskilled) and contractors Community Liaison impacts on local economic will ensure that the should be sourced locally where possible. A Officer, Procurement aspects are enhanced implementation of labour and recruitment policy must be Officer construction activities are developed, displayed and implemented by the Impacts on the local Socio-economic in line with the municipal contractor. Recruitment at the construction site economy during the aspects SDF. Procurement of will not be allowed. Where possible, labour construction phase local goods will be intensive practices (as opposed to mechanised) encouraged. should be practiced. The principles of equality, BEE, gender equality and non-discrimination will be implemented. Ensure that the disruption in Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd Impose penalties for reckless drivers as a way ECO daily living and movements is will ensure that all safety to enforce compliance to traffic rules; not detrimental to the local standards are met Inspect trucks and other heavy vehicles on a communities regular basis to avoid oil spillages and un- roadworthy vehicles that could lead to accidents;

Limit all activities to the development footprint of the proposed construction site; Disruption in daily living Socio-economic and movement patterns aspects Fence off the development footprint of the proposed construction site prior to the commencement of site-clearing and construction activities; and Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 107

Impact Activity Environmental Impact Management Targets (Impact Management Actions And Interventions Responsibility For Reference No. Attribute Objectives Management Actions/Intervention Outcomes)

and the environmental, health and safety consequences of incidents. Report and record any environmental, health and safety incidents to the responsible person. Ensure that appropriate Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd Implement all mitigation and management measures are taken to limit will ensure that all measures to calm traffic and increase road Increased traffic during traffic disruptions and safety mitigation and safety as proposed by the traffic impact Traffic construction activities. concerns. management measures assessment proposed by specialists are taken. Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 108

14 MECHANISM FOR MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH AND PERFOMANCE ASSESSEMT AGAINST THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME AND REPORTING THEREON

All monitoring requirements as determined in the EIR and EMPr template is attached in Table 13 of the EMPr.

14 .1 F UNCTIONAL R EQUIREMENTS FOR E NVIRONMENTAL M ONITORING

During the impact assessment, potential impacts on the environment were identified. Mitigation measures were also specified for prevention and management of the impact so as to minimise their effect on the environment. This section will describe how Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd intends to ensure that the mitigation measures are being undertaken and that their effectiveness is proven.

A monitoring programme will thus be developed for the identified impacts and their mitigation measures. This monitoring programme will be undertaken and results thereof used to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures. The ECO will have an overall responsibility for ensuring that all monitoring is conducted according to the approved EMPr. Below is the explanation of how each environmental aspects to be affected by the construction activity is being monitored, which include all aspects of the environment affected by the proposed Kriel Extension 23 township development.

14.1.1 Geology Foundational excavations will be monitored by appointed engineer throughout construction phase.

14.1.2 Soil Adequate storm water surface drainage as per the storm water management plan for the proposed township development will be provided. Erosion prevention measures and sediment barriers will be installed prior to the commencement of construction activities. Any disturbed areas will be monitored against the approved EMP.

14.1.3 Ground Water Care should be taken at construction sites to store hazardous substances, such as fuel, and oil appropriately, not allowing these substances to enter watercourses. All earth moving vehicles and equipment must be regularly maintained to ensure their integrity and reliability. No repairs may be undertaken beyond the contractor laydown area. Spillages should be recorded and reported to the responsible person. Contractors will be held liable for any environmental damages caused by spillages. Monitoring of contaminated areas will commence throughout construction phase.

14.1.4 Surface Water Storm water surface drainage as per the storm water management plan for the proposed township development will be implemented. Erosion prevention measures and sediment barriers will be installed prior to the commencement of construction activities. Storm water management and erosion control measures will be monitored throughout construction phase.

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Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 109

14.1.5 Air Quality

Visual inspections of areas with possible dust emissions such as unpaved roads and construction areas will be conducted on a weekly basis.

14.1.6 Noise

Use of earplugs will be checked and reported. Actions of measures taken to address non-compliance will be recorded and filed. Monitoring will continue throughout construction phase.

14.1.7 Sensitive Landscapes

The area of disturbance must be monitored for the identification of alien invasive plant species. The proposed housing development area (footprint) must be kept as small as possible in order to keep the direct impact on non-wetland vegetation and soil as small as possible in order to maximise the buffer zone width. Alien vegetation should not be allowed to colonise the wetland area. The PES and the EIS of the affected wetland should be monitored throughout construction phase.

14 .2 M ONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH AND PERFORMANCE ASSESSMEN T

AGAINST THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME AND

REPORTING THEREON

As part of the general terms and conditions for an environmental authorisation and in order to ensure compliance with the EMPr and to assess the continued appropriateness and adequacy of the EMPr, Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd will:

• Conduct monitoring on a continuous basis throughout (see Table 13 under section 13 of the EMPr).

• Conduct performance assessments of the environmental management programme.

• Compile and submit a performance assessment report to the minister in which compliance with the approved Environmental Management Programme is demonstrated.

The performance assessment report will as a minimum contain the following:

• Information regarding the period applicable to the performance assessment

• The scope of the assessment.

• The procedure used for the assessment.

• The interpreted information gained from monitoring the approved environmental management programme.

• The evaluation criteria used during the assessment.

• The results of the assessment.

• Recommendations on how and when non-compliance and deficiencies will be rectified.

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Draft EIR/EMPr: Raubex Building (Pty) Ltd – Proposed Kriel Extension 23 Page 110

14 .3 U NDERTAKING TO C O M P L Y

The signed undertaking will be presented to DARDLEA on approval of the EIR and EMPr.

14 .4 S TATUTORY R EQUIREMENTS

A Water Use Licence Application (IWULA) for all the water uses within the proposed Kriel Extension 23 Township development will be submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation.

RAUBEX BUILDING (PTY) LIMITED COMPILED BY GEOVICON ENVIRONMENTAL (PTY) LIMITED