APPENDIX F

PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A SLIPWAY ALONG THE RIVER,

DEDEAT REFERECE NO: ORT/544/157/2012-13/006

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

Prepared for: Prepared by: Gamtoos Irrigation Board (GIB) Conservation Support Services (CSS) 96 1st Avenue Ncambedlana 61 New Street Mthahta Grahamstown 5099 6139

June 2013

Conservation Support Services – CSS June 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION...... 1

2 PROJECT TEAM ...... 2

3 DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY ...... 4

4 LOCATION IN THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 6

5 ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES ...... 8

6 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 9

7 ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS ...... 10

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS TRAINING ...... 10 ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF CONDUCT: ...... 10 MITIGATION SPECIFICATIONS ...... 11 REVEGETATION AND REHABILITATION PLAN ...... 18 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ...... 19 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT ...... 19

8 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PLAN ...... 20

TRAINING FRAMEWORK AND INFORMATION ...... 20

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1 INTRODUCTION

Conservation Support Services (CSS) was appointed by the Gamtoos Irrigation Board (GIB) to conduct a Basic Environmental Assessment for the construction of a slipway along the Mthatha River in the Eastern Cape Province. In terms of The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended in 2006 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, a Basic Assessment (BA) is required. An application for environmental authorisation has been registered with the Department of Environmental Affairs, Mthatha (ORT/544/157/2012-13/006).

The proposed slipway will be constructed approximately 1km upstream from the Second Falls Dam, South East of Mthatha (Figure 1) and will be about 30m long and 2.5m wide (75m2). The slipway will provide the entry and exit point to the Mthatha River for a boat in order for GIB to access the river on a daily basis for the purposes of spraying and eliminating Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) an alien invasive plant. After the plants are sprayed, it is expected that they will submerge and decompose.

This EMPr has been prepared in accordance with Regulation 33 of GN R 543 (National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (No. 107 of 1998): Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010. The purpose of the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) is to provide specifications for "good environmental practice" for inclusion into contractual environmental specifications for application during planning, construction and operation phases of the proposed development.

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2 PROJECT TEAM

Conservation Support Services (CSS) is a specialist Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Environmental Management company operating out of Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, . Our staff has a collective experience of over 50 years, providing expertise in a number of fields including land cover mapping, modelling and spatial analyses, alien vegetation data capture, Environmental Impact Assessments & management plans, GIS training, social monitoring and resettlement surveys.

Contact Details Conservation Support Services (CSS) 61 New Street, Grahamstown, 6139 P.O. Box 504, Grahamstown, 6140 Tel: 046 6224526 Fax: 046 6227931 Email: [email protected]

The following people made up the team that prepared this EMPr:

Michelle Griffith, Report Review Michelle Griffith, a registered member of the Environmental Assessment Practitioners South Africa, and a registered Professional Natural Scientist with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, has 28 years of experience in environmental consulting. After acquiring her MSc (Zoology), Michelle has gained experience in scoping reports, faunal assessments, environmental impact assessments, visual assessments, management plans as well as field work for numerous projects. Michelle has been consulting in the Eastern Cape for over 13 years.

Sandy van der Waal, Project Manager, Report Writing Sandy van der Waal has been working as a consultant /scientist for the past five years and has a strong background in interdisciplinary project management, having completed her M.Sc. (Environmental Science) which covered the ecological and economic components of the Umfolozi/ St Lucia systems in KZN. Sandy completed her BSc degree in Ecology & Zoology (UCT), after which she graduated from Rhodes University with her BSc Honours and MSc in Environmental Science. Sandy has extensive training in ecology, environmental impact assessments, wetland assessments and Geographic Information Systems. Recent projects include management of photogrammetric compilation of topographical data for delivery to the Chief Directorate: National Geo-Spatial information, Basic Environmental Assessments, NEMA Section 24 G applications and Water Use Licence Applications.

Deborah Vromans, Ecological Specialist Deborah holds an MSc degree in Botany (Estuaries) (NMMU) and a BA degree in Environmental Geographical Sciences (UCT), as well as a National Diploma in Horticulture (Botany) (Cape Technikon). She has 13 years of experience in the environmental sciences and management field, including the biodiversity sector. Deborah is proficient in botanical (terrestrial and aquatic) and wetland assessments, together with GIS mapping. Deborah has been involved in SANParks, GEF funded biodiversity studies, developed municipal biodiversity sector plans, compiled a legislative guide, and led municipal and provincial capacity building workshops. Deborah has conducted numerous Environmental Impact Assessments, Management Plans as well as completed specialist botanical surveys and sensitivity assessments.

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Sean Swanepoel, Public Participation, Report Writing & Review Sean Swanepoel is a consultant/ scientist working in the GIS and conservation sectors. He holds a BSc Honours degree in Environmental Science (Rhodes University) which covered social and economic components of the use of live fences in three small towns of the Eastern Cape.

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3 DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY

The Gamtoos Irrigation Board (GIB) is proposing the construction of a slipway approximately 1km upstream from the Second Falls Dam, South East of Mthatha (Figure 1) and will be about 30m long and 2.5m wide (75m2). There is currently an old jeep track providing access to the slipway site for off road vehicles. The slipway will provide the entry and exit point to the Mthatha River for a boat in order for GIB to access the river on a daily basis for the purposes of spraying and eliminating Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) an alien invasive plant. The plants will be sprayed with Kilo max (glyphosphate) from the boat (about 7m long and 2.2m wide and 300kg). After the plants are sprayed, it is expected that they will submerge and decompose. It is the intention that the slipway will be used for a period of five years.

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Figure 1: Topographic map showing the location of the proposed slipway site.

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4 LOCATION IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Topography, Geology and Vegetation The topography of the King Sabata Dalindyebo and Nyandeni Municipalities is incised with large river valleys and floodplains that run in a northwest-southeast axis. The inland areas, which typify the study site, could be described as undulating to hilly, with moderate to steep slopes. The landscape is interspersed with grassland areas and patches of forest, with the river valleys covered by thicket. The predominant geology of the study site is sedimentary rocks of the Karoo Supergroup, underlain by the grey and brownish-red mudstone and sandstone of the Adelaide Subgroup (Beaufort Group) (1:250 000 Geological Series).

The two large river systems that delineate the boundary of the Municipality comprise the Tina and Mthatha rivers, in the north and south respectively. Other key rivers include, from west to east, Mdumbi, Mgamnye, Mtakatye, Mafusini, Mnenu and Mngazana. The Corana is a tributary of the Mthatha which feeds into it further northwards, proximate to Mthatha town. Important estuaries associated with the rivers include the Mthatha, Mdumbi, Mtakatye and Mafusini estuaries, with a smaller estuary called the Lwandile associated with the Ludaka River, a smaller coastal system to the north of Mdumbi.

The Mthatha Catchment, River and Estuary The Mthatha River catchment is represented by the T20 tertiary catchment, while the proposed boat launching site and study site (the 500 m radius from the proposed slipway) falls within both the T20D and T20E sub-quaternary catchments. The perennial Mthatha River originates in the Drakensberg at 1 400 m elevation, is approximately 250 km long and has a catchment area of 886 km² (DWAF, 2008). The Corana, Zimbane and Cumngce rivers are tributaries of the Mthatha River, of which the latter two are proximate to the proposed slipway. Two major impoundments are sited on the Mthatha River, namely the Mthatha Dam, which is 8 km upstream of Mthatha town, and the Corana Dam on the Corana River (the tributary that joins the Mthatha River downstream of Mthatha town). The Mthatha River terminates in the Mthatha Estuary at , where it flows into the . The estuary is approximately 8.5 km long and is permanently open to the sea.

The Mthatha State of Rivers Report (DWAF, 2008), indicates that the Mthatha River section from Mthatha Falls to Kwa-Ntsaka, the section in which the proposed slipway is located, has an EcoStatus (River Health Category) of Poor (or Largely Modified) to Seriously Modified; and is of Low Ecological Importance and Sensitivity. The equivalent Ecological Reserve Category is D/E. Water quality is poor, sand mining takes place and alien fish inhabit this section (Refer Sub-Section above). Riparian vegetation has been removed due to sand mining, overgrazing and firewood harvesting, which has also resulted in bank erosion. Daily flushing of the First Falls Dam for hydro-electrical power has also reduced riparian vegetation cover. Sedimentation is a problem, and is exacerbated by releases from the First Falls Dam, which reduces consumption capacity. All driver and response indicators, namely geomorphology/hydrology, habitat, macro-invertebrates, fish and riparian vegetation, health categories range from Fair (F) to Poor (P) to Seriously Modified (SM) (DWAF, 2008).

Wetlands The study site (land within a 500 m radius from the proposed slipway) showed signs of past agricultural activities. Agricultural impacts were in the form of depressions, shallow furrows and platforms, presumably as a result of ploughing. Artificial pools have developed because of these activities, and wetland plants have established due to saturated and inundated conditions. Only one natural wetland (Figure 2b, Section 4.1.2.2) was identified adjacent to the Mthatha and Cumngce rivers, where these two rivers join, just east of the proposed slipway, including the access track indicated on the Google

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Earth image (2012). It should, however, be noted that the access track is no longer clearly evident in the field. Based on the impacts and the Department of Water Affairs’ methodology for assessing Present Ecological State (DWAF, 2007), individual PES ratings were derived for hydrology, geomorphology, water quality and vegetation alteration for the wetland system. The overall PES category of the wetland is B, meaning that it is Largely Natural with few modifications.

Figure 2: The wetland delineated adjacent to the Mthatha and Cumngce Rivers. Note the dam weir in the bottom right hand corner, and the degraded landscape

Land cover and land use Land cover within the study site was largely degraded near-natural vegetation cover (grassland), which has been impacted by past agricultural activities, namely cultivation, and current extensive livestock grazing (cattle and sheep). Sand mining excavation was recorded near the banks of both the Mthatha and Cumngce rivers. Associated impacts were in the form of furrows and platforms, as a result of past cultivation and degraded natural cover due to grazing by livestock. These furrows hold surface water, which has allowed the establishment of typical wetland plants. Erosion is evident, also as a result of agricultural impacts and sand excavation. A narrow drainage channel was present to the west of the proposed slipway, which has possibly developed over time due to the removal of vegetation in the past for cultivation purposes. Alien plants are more evident along the river banks, for example Lantana camara, was recorded in and around the study site. The study site is therefore considered moderately impacted and degraded.

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5 ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES

The Contractor must ensure that all South African legislation concerning the natural environment, pollution and the built environment is strictly enforced. Such legislation must include, but is not limited to the:  Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (No. 108 of 1996)  Water Act (No. 54 of 1956)  National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998)  Environment Conservation Act (No. 73 of 1989)  National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998)  National Heritage Act (No 29 of 1999)  Hazardous Substances Act (No.15 of 1973)  Land Use Planning Ordinance, Ordinance (15 of 1985)  Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983)  Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance (Ordinance 19 of 1974)  Basic Conditions of Employment Amendment Act, 2002 (No. 11 of 2002).  Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993)  National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act 103 of 77)

The Contractor must also be familiar with the most recent amendments to the above legislation.

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6 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Applicant The Applicant, the Gamtoos Irrigation Board (GIB) will be responsible for ensuring the contractor consults this EMPr and manages all activities on site according to the specifications stipulated in this document.

The Contractor The Contractor will be responsible for the implementation of all specifications of the EMPr. The contractor will also be responsible for all construction activities and must compile written instructions/procedures (Method Statements) for all activities that could be potentially harmful to the environment. The ECO will then be responsible for ensuring that these are submitted and adhered to.

Method Statements required should include, but are not limited to, the following:

 Clearing of vegetation  Unearthing of archaeological and paleontological finds  Topsoil removal and storage  Protection of botanically sensitive areas  Stormwater management  Waste disposal  Management of cement  Management and disposal of waste water from construction purposes  Vehicle filling and servicing  Noise

The contractor must ensure all employees, including subcontractors, are aware of and familiar with the content of the EMPr. The contractor is responsibility for the application for and procurement of any necessary environmental permit(s). The contractor will also be responsible for ensuring the implementation of any stipulations given by Environmental Affairs contained in the environmental authorisation. Any

Environmental Control Officer (ECO) A suitably qualified person must be appointed as an Environmental Control Officer (ECO), who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the EMPr. The ECO is to provide the Contractor and all construction employees with Environmental Awareness Training prior to the commencement of construction activities.

For the construction of the slipway, the ECO must develop weekly checklists of specifications. The site must be visited by an appointed ECO on a weekly basis. Monthly reports are to be compiled, including a summary of information gathered during site visits, including any cases of non-compliance. Site photographs must be taken, and an accurate record kept of adherence to the EMPr specifications. A final audit report must be submitted to the applicant as well as to the Department of Environmental Affairs once construction has been completed.

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7 ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS

Environmental specifications have been complied for implementation during the construction and operation phases of the activity. Mitigation measures and method statements are included in the following section and are based on the environmental impacts addressed and assessed in the Basic Assessment Report.

The following impacts were identified and assessed include:

Impact 1: Loss of vegetation - biodiversity loss Impact 2 Spread of alien invasive plant species - biodiversity loss Impact 3 Loss of habitat - biodiversity loss Impact 4 Loss of fauna - biodiversity loss Impact 5 Loss of invertebrates - biodiversity loss Impact 6 Modification of flow dynamics and flow patterns - hydrological processes Impact 7 Topsoil loss, soil erosion and sediment deposition - hydrological processes Impact 8 Effluent pollution and solid waste pollution - biodiversity loss & hydrological processes Impact 9 Disturbance of important ecological process areas - biodiversity loss Impact 10 Job creation – socio-economic impact Impact 11 Noise - socio-economic impact

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS TRAINING

The ECO, before commencement of any construction activities, must implement an environmental awareness training programme. All construction personnel, including senior staff, sub-contractors and suppliers, must attend the training programme. The Environmental Awareness Training Programme must include all aspects covered in Section 8 of this EMPr and must be repeated for all new or temporary staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF CONDUCT

The contractor (contractor is defined as principal contractor, sub-contractors and any employees retained on this project) is required to be familiar with the code of conduct and all that it implies, and to adopt and implement the code of conduct throughout the course of construction to ensure environmental best practice is the focus of the construction phase.

The environmental code of conduct is as follows:  The environmental specifications stipulated in this document and intentions of the specifications must be upheld.  Natural resources will not be degraded, and no unnecessary environmental degradation must take place.  Site activities will be conducted in a manner that does not create a nuisance, risk or hazard to the natural environment.  Site activities will be conducted in a manner that is considerate to nearby residents, business premises or occupiers of adjacent land.  Employee and public health and safety must be considered a priority.  The whole site and its surrounds are considered environmentally sensitive.

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MITIGATION SPECIFICATIONS

Mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction and operation phases are detailed below according to the potential environmental impacts identified in the Basic Assessment Report. An example of the layout detailing this information is given in the table below:

Impacts targeted: The impact that may be caused by construction activities, as identified in the Assessment Report (and Specialist Report) Construction activities: Activities identified that may trigger an environmental impact Mitigation specifications: Actions that have been prescribed in order to minimise the severity of the expected environmental impact. Persons responsible: The person or people on site who must ensure the mitigation specifications are met Recommended Penalties:

Impacts targeted: Biodiversity loss: Loss of indigenous vegetation, loss of habitat, spread of alien invasive plant species and loss of fauna Construction activities: Demarcation of site and depot, clearing of vegetation, construction activities Mitigation specifications: Demarcation of site A suitable location for the construction camp must be selected in conjunction with the ECO. All site buildings, construction materials and vehicles must be stored within the specified camp area, unless otherwise agreed to with the ECO/PM. The contractor must demarcate the boundaries of the site in order to restrict construction and other (eating, washing and ablution) activities. The contractor must ensure that all his machinery, labour and materials remain within the demarcated boundaries.

Defacement of natural features or environmental damage outside of the demarcated site must not occur.

Removal of vegetation Removal of vegetation within the development footprint only. Note that no vegetation will be removed along the access track. Alien plants growing within the construction area must be removed during the construction period. The “site” refers to all areas required for construction purposes i.e. footprints of buildings and infrastructure. The boundary of the site must be agreed to with the ECO/PM. All activities must be conducted within this area so as to facilitate control and to minimise the impact on the existing natural environment.

All plants of special concern must be removed and housed in a suitable location for replanting or must be relocated another suitable site prior to the contractors moving onto site. All plants that are of botanical value i.e. medicinal and for rehabilitation purposes must be removed and housed in

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nurseries or be transferred to suitable alternative sites. If they are housed in nurseries, prior arrangements must be made regarding their relocation

Fires No fires must be lit by the Contractor and employees neither anywhere on the site nor on private land without the consent of the landowner. If the fires are lit on the property or in the construction camp, provision must be made that no accidental fires are started. No firewood may be collected in the veld. The Contractor shall take the necessary precautions to prevent fires or spills at the fuel stores. No smoking or other activities that can initiate fires shall be allowed in the vicinity of the stores.

Access Road The jeep-track access road must be clearly marked and all vehicles are to make use of this single access track

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of disturbed areas - only required around the slipway area if damage to riparian areas is excessive i.e. excessively outside of the development area. Rehabilitation of disturbed areas with indigenous grass, sedge and reed species. For example Cyperus or Juncus species.

Persons responsible: Contractor & ECO Recommended Penalties:

Impacts targeted: Hydrological Processes Modification of flow dynamics and flow patterns in catchment Construction activities: Increased artificial surface of the slipway may affect natural drainage patterns and hydraulics. Surface flow (amount and velocity) within the catchment area may increase, which may increase surface water flow into the Mthatha River and wetland (which is proximate to the access track). Mitigation specifications: Removal of vegetation within the development footprint only. Note that no vegetation will be removed along the access track.

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas - only required around the slipway area if damage to riparian areas is excessive.

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas with indigenous grass, sedge and reed species. For example Cyperus or Juncus species.

Persons responsible: Contractor & ECO Recommended Penalties

Impacts targeted: Surface water pollution, ground water contamination, solid waste pollution. Construction/ operation Provision of Toilets on site, refuelling construction vehicles and use of activities: vehicle and boat during operation phase (potential oil and fuel leaks),

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servicing equipment, waste generated on site. Mitigation specifications: Toilets The contractor must provide the necessary ablution facilities for all his employees. These must be easily accessible, transportable and there should be a minimum of 1 toilet per 10 persons on site. The toilets must be secured and be provided with an external closing mechanism to prevent toilet paper from being blown out.

Rented chemical toilets are preferable, and the rental company will be responsible for emptying the toilet, which must be done every few days. No sewage must be dumped or disposed of in watercourses, streams or rivers. Toilets will be located within the construction camp and depot, however must be located more than 50m away from a water course.

Waste management The contractor will implement an on-site waste management system in order to prevent the spread of refuse within and beyond the site. Refuse refers to all solid waste, including litter, construction debris (wrapping materials, timber, cans etc.), food packaging, cement, rubble, other construction materials and contaminated soil, etc.

A Method Statement indicating how waste will be handled must be submitted to the ECO prior to construction and must include the following:  All waste must be collected and contained immediately.  The Contractor will not dispose of any waste and/or construction debris by burning or burying. Waste bins will be provided at the construction camp and where construction activities are taking place.  Scavenger proof bins will be provided with lids and external closing mechanisms to be scavenger proof and to prevent their contents blowing out.  The Contractor will ensure that his employees deposit all waste in the waste bins.  Bins will not be used for any other purposes than waste collection and will be emptied on a regular basis.  The frequency of emptying bins will be monitored by the ECO to ensure this is sufficient.  All waste will be disposed of off-site at a registered Waste Disposal Site  Contaminated soil will be carefully removed and loaded into bags to be removed and disposed of at the waste disposal site.

All equipment and machinery, e.g. cement mixers, generators etc., must be placed on drip trays.

Waste water The Contractor must ensure that pollution of ground water, drainage courses, adjacent wetland as well as the Mthatha River does not occur as a result of site activities. Pollution could result from the release,

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accidental or otherwise, of contaminated runoff from construction camps, discharge of contaminated construction water, chemicals, oils, fuels, sewage, run off from stockpiles, solid waste, litter, etc.

The Contractor shall ensure that any polluted runoff is collected in a lined sump and not discharged overland. Natural run-off shall be diverted away from the work site and storage areas.

The contractor will provide a Method Statement specifying where sumps will be located, how sumps will be lined and other measures to be adopted to control runoff and stormwater.

Construction water refers to all water dirtied as a result of construction activities. Silt laden water may be discharged overland and be allowed to filter into the ground, but the Contractor shall ensure that no erosion results from this procedure. The contractor shall ensure that silt-laden water is not discharged directly into the stream or wetlands or any other surface water courses, and shall take suitable measures to prevent this.

Cement-laden water, i.e. water from washings from trowels, wheelbarrows, etc., may not be discharged overland but must be disposed of off site at a facility capable of handling such waste water. Where possible, water should preferably be collected and reused for mixing new concrete. Work areas should be kept clean at all times.

The contractor will provide a Method Statement specifying how construction water will be collected and re-used or disposed of.

Fuel on Site All efforts should be made to store fuel off-site. If fuel is required to be stored on site, the ECO should be consulted to determine the exact site for the storage tanks and all containers are to be fitted with lids and placed on a surface that will enable the effective trapping of any spills or leaks (i.e. plastic sheeting). If a leak is noticed, the container must be replaced immediately.

Servicing and fuelling must not occur on site. No potentially harmful substances, including diesel, petrol and oil must be spilled directly onto the ground. The use of drip trays is encouraged where such risks arise and should be emptied and washed before rainfall. Smoking shall be prohibited in close proximity to the fuel storage area and visible signs must be erected in order to communicate this to all employees.

Use of cement The contractor is advised that cement and concrete are regarded as highly hazardous to the natural environment, especially to gilled animals, due to the very high pH of the material, and the chemicals contained therein. The Contractor shall therefore ensure that:

 Dry cement is stored above ground level and any spillage is

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immediately cleared.  Concrete is mixed on mortar boards, and not directly on the ground.  Metal drip trays must be used under cement mixers, if cement mixers are to be used.  The visible remains of concrete are physically removed immediately and disposed of as waste - Washing it into the ground is not acceptable.  All aggregate must also be removed.

Persons responsible: Contractor Recommended Penalties

Impacts targeted: Hydrological Processes Topsoil loss, soil erosion and sediment deposition Construction activities: All construction activities Mitigation specifications: Removal of vegetation within the development footprint only. Note that no vegetation will be removed along the access track.

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas - only required around the slipway area if damage to riparian areas is excessive.

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas with indigenous grass, sedge and reed species. For example Cyperus or Juncus species.

The Contractor shall take appropriate measures e.g. the erection of silt traps, or drainage retention areas, to prevent silt and sand entering drainage courses, the river and wetlands.

It is recommended that the end of the slipway is protected from damage caused by prop wash (launching or re-loading the boats: power loading). Prop wash may erode away the area at the end of the slipway, causing a steep drop-off, potentially dangerous to trailers as well as disturbing the sediment dynamics of the river bottom. Relevant stabilisation materials should be employed to ensure this is avoided.

Persons responsible: Contractor

Recommended Penalties:

Impacts targeted: Dust generation and Erosion Construction activities: Clearing of vegetation and exposing topsoil, stock piling of topsoil and other building materials Mitigation specifications: Dust will be controlled and managed at all times during the construction period.  Vehicles traveling along the access roads must adhere to speed limits to avoid creating dust.

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 A maximum speed limit of 30 km/hr must be adhered to through the local community to the slipway site.  Construction camp and haulage road construction areas (these are areas that have been stripped of vegetation) must be dampened to avoid excessive dust.  Where dust is unavoidable, screening may be required.  Vehicles and machinery are to be kept in good working order. Should excessive emissions be observed, the Contractor is to have the equipment repaired/serviced as soon as possible.  No fires are allowed on site.

Topsoil removed for construction purposes should be stored and used in areas to be rehabilitated, specifically on the steep slopes. Should topsoil be stored, the piles of topsoil must be no higher than 2m and should be placed in areas where minimal erosion from wind and rain will occur. Topsoil piles should be seeded with a fast growing indigenous grass to prevent loss of nutrients and seed banks. The topsoil must be gently spread where needed or alternatively used in the nursery. No large mounds of soil must be left behind after the construction period.

The Contractor shall take appropriate measures e.g. the erection of silt traps, or drainage retention areas, to prevent silt and sand entering drainage courses, the river and wetlands.

Persons responsible: Contractor Recommended Penalties

Impacts targeted: Loss of archaeological artefacts Construction activities: Initial earth moving activities, clearing of vegetation Mitigation specifications: Should any archaeological artefacts be encountered on site, construction activities must be suspended and a qualified archaeologist commissioned to investigate the find and make arrangements for its removal, if necessary.

The South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) must also be contacted if any heritage resources are encountered. Persons responsible: Contractor Recommended Penalties:

Impacts targeted: Job Creation Construction activities: Pre-construction appointment of staff Mitigation specifications: Labour must be sourced from the local community and all efforts made to keep communication clear between the contractor and the local community. Persons responsible: Contractor Recommended Penalties:

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Impacts targeted: Noise Construction activities: All construction activities Mitigation specifications: Construction activities are to be confined to normal daylight working hours i.e. between 08h00 and 17h00, unless otherwise agreed to with the ECO/PM. Construction activities should be restricted to between 08h00 and 13h00 on Saturdays. No construction activities should take place on Sundays or public holidays.

The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to minimise noise generated on site as a result of his operations. The Contractor shall comply with the National Building Regulations with regard to noise. Persons responsible: Contractor Recommended Penalties:

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REVEGETATION AND REHABILITATION PLAN

The Contractor shall be responsible for rehabilitating any areas cleared or disturbed for construction purposes at the completion of construction. The Contractor will also be responsible for repairing any damage to fences and other infrastructure as a result of construction activities.

All construction equipment and excess aggregate, stone, gravel, concrete, etc. shall be removed from the site upon completion of work. No discarded materials shall be buried. The ECO will determine the plants that shall be used for rehabilitation. The Contractor should agree for how long the Contractor will be responsible for erosion control and rehabilitation/re-vegetation success.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the elimination of alien plants and weeds in the areas disturbed by construction for the duration of the contract, and the first month thereafter, after which time the project proponent will be responsible.

Re-vegetation of disturbed areas disturbed during the construction phase consists of the following steps:

1. Spreading of stored topsoil i.e. that which has been removed from the site for the purposes of construction. 2. Planting of plant species recommended and selected by the ECO. Rehabilitation of disturbed areas with indigenous grass, sedge and reed species. For example Cyperus or Juncus species and any other species as recommended by ECO. 3. Watering of newly planted plants. The amount and duration of watering will be dependent on the season in which the plants are planted. 4. Regular audits and maintenance programmes to ensure that plants are growing and serving the purpose for which they were planted (i.e. to prevent erosion).

Once the grass cover is in place the natural successional processes should result in the incorporation of bush species. During this process however the encroachment of alien vegetation will be prevented by active removal.

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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

The Contractor shall know emergency procedures for events such as fire, accidents and leakage of petroleum, chemicals and other harmful substances. The Contractor shall be responsible for informing the staff of these procedures.

USEFUL CONTACTS Mthatha Fire Department 047 501 4182, 047 532 4444 084 225 1970, 083 704 3130

Disaster Management (spills) 047 501 4183 Ambulance services in Mthatha 047 537 1051, 047 532 4174 Department of Environmental Affairs, Mthatha 047 501 4077, 047 531 1191

ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

An environmental audit must be undertaken after completion of construction. This audit must be submitted to DEDEAT and should include the following:

 Any environmental damage that may have occurred and procedures to rectify  Alien clearing progress  Any building material that has been left by the contractors and procedures for clearing  Any contamination of soil and/or water and measures to rectify  Fire protection methods that are in place

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Conservation Support Services – CSS June 2013

8 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PLAN

In terms of regulations published in the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2010), an Environmental Awareness Plan must be included in an Environmental Management Programme (Section 33j). Stipulations include that the Awareness Plan should ‘describe the manner in which:

(i) The applicant intends to inform his or her employees of any environmental risk which may result from their work; and (ii) risks must be dealt with in order to avoid pollution or the degradation of the environment”

The following framework should be used to provide information to all employees involved in the construction of the slipway in order to identify environmental risk as well as reduce the occurrence or severity of all potential environmental impacts.

TRAINING FRAMEWORK AND INFORMATION

1. Introduction to the environment

Background information on constituents of the environment: Water, Soil, Plants, Animals, Air, People and Infrastructure.

Explanation of environmental features including identification of; - landscapes including river systems, wetlands, steep slopes/areas sensitive to erosion, heritage sites - Indigenous trees, protected indigenous trees and plants

Explanation of various ‘ecological vocabulary’ including: Biodiversity, Erosion, Hydrology & Hydrological processes

2. Environmental Impacts Information to be presented about environmental impacts and examples (with photographs) given to aid in identification of impacts on site. Communication of the consequences (short term and long term) of various environmental impacts (direct and indirect) and the reasons why impacts should be prevented

3. Relevant Legislation It is important to communicate the stipulations of any relevant legislation to all construction employees as well as potential consequences for engaging in illegal activities.

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4. Construction of Slipway and Potential impacts All construction employees must be informed about the natural environment where the slipway is to be constructed. If already demarcated at the time of training, the staff must be shown the boundaries of the constructed site and instructed to stay inside this boundary at all times.

All employees are to be informed of the impacts identified and assessed in the Basic Assessment Report listed below:

Impact 1 loss of vegetation - biodiversity loss Impact 2 spread of alien invasive plant species - biodiversity loss Impact 3 loss of habitat - biodiversity loss Impact 4 loss of fauna - biodiversity loss Impact 5 loss of invertebrates - biodiversity loss Impact 6 modification of flow dynamics and flow patterns - hydrological processes Impact 7 topsoil loss, soil erosion and sediment deposition - hydrological processes Impact 8 effluent pollution and solid waste pollution - biodiversity loss & hydrological processes Impact 9 disturbance of important ecological process areas - biodiversity loss Impact 10 job creation – socio-economic impact Impact 11 noise - socio-economic impact

5. Construction Phase Rules and Regulations on site Method statements for every construction activity must be communicated to employees and employees should be told where to find these instructions or who to ask should an employee wish to confirm an instruction. A summary of the environmental specifications (Section 7 of this document) must be presented to all employees during the environmental awareness training before construction activities commence. Where possible, posters and sign posts should be put up in and around the site office for quick reference.

Instructions must be given for the following activities that may be detrimental to the environmental if not managed effectively:

- Smoking areas - Eating and refuse areas: do not eat near a watercourse. Food packaging must be disposed of in the bins provided - Alcohol prohibited on site - Use of toilets - Vehicles and Machinery – Obey the speed limit, report leaks or maintenance requirements early, re-fuelling and servicing - Mixing of concrete – where and how - Restricted areas – No-Go zones for personnel, machinery, vehicles. - Topsoil removal

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- Stormwater management - Management and disposal of waste water from construction activities - Noise generation - Protection of sensitive vegetation

6. How to avoid impacts and what to do if you see an offence

Employees must be encouraged to ask when an instruction is unclear with regards to the environmental specifications. Site regulations must be adhered to at all times. However, employees must be encouraged to report all cases of non-compliance to the respective supervisors IMMEDIATELY in order to minimise the severity of the environmental damage.

7. Penalties for non-compliance Penalties for non-compliance or disregard for regulations (including environmental impact mitigation measures) must be put in place and communicated to all employees. .

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