2009/073037/23

Environmental Impact Assessment Process

Draft Basic Assessment Report &

Environmental Management Programme

13/2011

The Development of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and associated infrastructure at

Brandvlei Northern Cape

Namakwa District Municipality

Hantam Municipality

Northern Cape Province DENC REF No: NC/BA/NAM/HAN/BRA/20I2

Applicant: Hantam Local Municipality

(For official use only) File Reference Number: Application Number: Date Received:

Basic assessment report in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended.

Kindly note that:

1. This basic assessment report is a standard report that may be required by a competent authority in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and is meant to streamline applications. Please make sure that it is the report used by the particular competent authority for the activity that is being applied for.

2. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with typing.

3. Where applicable tick the boxes that are applicable in the report.

4. An incomplete report may be returned to the applicant for revision.

5. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of material information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it may result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations.

6. This report must be handed in at offices of the relevant competent authority as determined by each authority.

7. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted.

8. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner.

9. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the competent authority. Any interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in this report on request, during any stage of the application process.

10. A competent authority may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this report need to be completed.

11. Should a specialist report or report on a specialised process be submitted at any stage for any part of this application, the terms of reference for such report must also be submitted.

Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report

PROJECT DETAILS

FILE NAME: Brandvlei Brine Treatment Plant and associated infrastructure FILE NUMBER: 13/2011 DENC REFERENCE: NC/BA/NAM/HAN/BRA/20I2 DEA REFERENCE: 12/9/11/L980/8 REPORT: DRAFT BASIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

FOR: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF A REVERSE OSMOSIS PLANT, BRINE TREATMENT PLANT AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE LOCATION: Erf 339, Erf 304 and Erf 305, BRANDVLEI, NORTHERN CAPE

DATED: September 2014

WRITTEN BY: VAN ZYL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS CC

Consultant: I.B. Van Zyl Mobile: 072 222 6194 Telephone: 054 338 0722 Facsimile: 086 624 0306 Email: [email protected] Address: P.O. Box 567, UPINGTON, 8800

Sub-Consultants: Ekotrust CC (Ecological Study) ACO Associates cc (Heritage Impact Assessment) Natura Viva CC (Palaeontological Heritage Assessment: Desktop Study) SRK Consulting Engineers and Scientists (Brandvlei Groundwater Assessment)

APPOINTED BY: Hantam Municipality

Contact Person: Charl du Plessis Mobile: 082 898 4012 Telephone: 027 341 8500 Facsimile: 027 341 8501/1461 Email: [email protected] Postal Address: Private Bag X14, Calvinia, 8190, South Africa

GENERAL SITE INFORMATION

PROPERTY PORTIONS: SURVEYOR GENERAL CODE:

Erf 339 C01500010000033900000 Erf 305 C01500010000030500000 Erf 304 C01500010000030400000 (Appendix G)

Should this report be used as a reference, it should be cited as follows: Van Zyl Environmental Consultants, 2014. Draft Basic Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure , Northern Cape. Upington

Copyright This draft basic environmental impact assessment report has been produced for Hantam Municipality. The intellectual property contained in this report remains vested with Van Zyl Environmental Consultants cc. No part of the report may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Van Zyl Environmental Consultants cc or Hantam Municipality

September 2014 Page i Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

INVITATION TO COMMENT ON THE DRAFT BASIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT

The draft environmental scoping report is available for review at the Brandvlei Public Library, which was identified to be readily accessible to I&APs. Take note of the library’s trading hours:

DAY TIME Monday: 10:00-12:00 & 15:00-17:00 Tuesday: 10:00-12:00 & 15:00-17:00 Wednesday: 15:00-17:00 Thursday: 15:00-17:00 Friday: 9:00-12:00

The availability of the report will be communicated to all registered I&APs. They will be allowed a review period of 40 days from 03 November to 12 December 2014.

Please submit your written comments, including a declaration of any business, financial, personal or other interest you may have in the approval or rejection of this application, via facsimile, or post to:

CONSULTANT: I.B. van Zyl

Mobile: 072 222 6194 Telephone: 054 338 0722 Facsimile: 086 624 0306 Email: [email protected] Address: P.O. Box 567 UPINGTON 8800

Always cite the reference numbers in order to ensure that your comments are allocated correctly.

September 2014 Page ii Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report TABLE OF CONTENTS Project Details i General Site Information i Invitation to Comment on the Final Basic Environmental Impact Assessment Report ii Table of Contents iii Glossary of Terms vi Abbreviations vii 1. SUMMARY AND OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 1 1.1 Background to the Study 1 1.1.1 The Development 1 1.2 Legal Requirements 4 1.2.1 Other Applicable Legislation and Policies 7 1.3 Terms of Reference 9 1.4 Details of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner and Expertise to Conduct the EIA 9 2. APPROACH TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY 10 2.1 Methodology of the Environmental Impact Assessment 10 2.2 Specialist Studies 10 SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION 12 1. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION 12 1.1 The Site 12 1.2 Land Use 12 1.3 Project description 12 1.3.1 Desalination Plant for Reverse Osmosis Treatment 12 1.3.2 Brine Effluent Evaporation Ponds 12 1.3.3 Saline 0.5 ML Raw Water Storage Reservoir 13 1.3.4 Water Management 13 1.3.5 High Voltage Power Supply 14 1.4 Construction Phase Activities 14 1.4.1 Surveys 14 1.4.2 Access Roads to the Site and Internal Roads 14 1.4.3 Site Preparation and Construction Laydown Areas 14 1.4.4 Transportation of Equipment, Infrastructure and Materials to Site 14 1.4.5 Ancillary Infrastructure 14 1.5 Decommissioning of Construction Areas after Completion of Construction Work 15 1.6 Operational & Maintenance Phase Activities 15 1.7 Decommissioning Phase Activities 15 2. FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES 16 2.1 Alternative Technologies 16 2.2 Preferred Alternative: RO Plant and Oxidation Ponds 16 2.2.1 Alternative Site Location 16 2.2.2 Infrastructure, Technology & Process 17 2.2.3 Resources 17 2.2.4 Technical Competence 18 2.2.5 Demand 18 2.2.6 Activity/Land Use 18 2.2.7 Sewage 18 2.2.8 ‘Do Nothing’ Alternative 18 3. ACTIVITY POSITION 19 4. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY 20 5. SITE ACCESS 20 6. SITE OR ROUTE PLAN 20 7. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS 20 8. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION 21

September 2014 Page iii Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 9. ACTIVITY MOTIVATION 21 9(a) Socio Economic Value of the Activity 21 9(b) Need and Desirability of the Activity 21 10. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES 22 11. WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT 23 11(a) Solid Waste Management 23 11(b) Liquid Effluent 23 11(c) Emissions into the Atmosphere 23 11(d) Generation of Noise 23 12. WATER USE 24 13. ENERGY EFFICIENCY 24 SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 25 1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE 25 2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE 26 3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE 26 4. GROUNDCOVER 26 5. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA 27 6. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES 28 SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 29 1. ADVERTISEMENT 29 2. CONTENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES 29 3. PLACEMENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES 29 4. DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE MEASURES 29 5. COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT 30 6. AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION 30 7. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS 31 SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT 32 1. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES 32 2. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES 32 2.1 Impact Assessment 32 2.1.1 Construction and Operational Phase Impacts 33 2.1.1.1 Water Resources 33 2.1.1.2 Soil and Agriculture 35 2.1.1.3 Ecology and Biodiversity 36 2.1.1.4 Social Environment 39 2.1.1.5 Economic Impacts 41 2.1.1.6 Traffic Impacts 41 2.1.1.7 Noise 41 2.1.1.8 Air Quality 42 2.1.1.9 Visual and Aesthetical Impacts 42 2.1.1.10 Heritage Resources 42 2.1.1.11 Impacts on Tourism 43 3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT 44 3.1 Consideration of Alternatives 44 3.2 Conclusions drawn from the Evaluation of the Proposed Study Area 44 3.3 Potentially Significant Issues Related to the Construction and Operational Phase After Mitigation 44 3.3.1 Impacts on Water Resources 44 3.4 No-go Alternative 44 SECTION E: RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER 45

September 2014 Page iv Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report REFERENCES 46 FIGURES Figure 1: Process Flow Diagram of RO Treatment 2 Figure 2-3: Photographic Examples of Reverse Osmosis Plants 3 Figure 4-5: Photographic Examples of Evaporation Ponds 3 Figure 6: Location Map 11 Figure 7-8: PV Solar Panels 17 Figure 9-10: Enviro Loo System 18 Section F: APPENDICES 47 Addendum 1: Pipeline Points Appendix A: Locality Map Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Facility illustration(s)

Appendix D: Specialist reports (including terms of reference) Appendix D1a: ToR Ecology Study Appendix D1b: Ecology Report Appendix D2a: ToR Archaeological Study Appendix D2b: Heritage Impact Assessment Appendix D3: Geohydrology Study Appendix D4: PIA Desktop Study

Appendix E: Comments and Responses Report Appendix F: Environmental Management Programme (EMP) Appendix G: Property Ownership Information (Deedsweb) Appendix H: Application for Authorisation accepted by DENC Appendix I: Significance Rating Scale Impact Matrix

Appendix J: Public Participation Phases 1 J1: Background Information Document J2: Proof of Distribution of BID and Notification Letters J3: Notification Letters and Response Form Sent to Registered I&APs J4: Proof of Advertisement: Gemsbok Dated 27 Julie 2012 J5: Posters & Onsite Notices J6: COMMENTS FROM: J6a: SACAA J6b: TELKOM J6c: HANTAM LM J6d: NAMAKWA DM J6e: Me. HM CASTLEMAN J6f: Mr GERBER J6g: DAFF J6h: SAHRA

Appendix K: STD – 219 Multi-Liner Sump Details Appendix L: List of Registered I&APs Appendix M: Brandvlei Brine Treatment Plant Report BVi Consulting Engineers Appendix N: Curriculum Vitae – I.B. van Zyl Appendix O: Correspondence from DEA Regarding Closure of Licence Application

September 2014 Page v Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report GLOSSARY OF TERMS Alternatives: different options with regard to site or location, type of activity, design or layout, technology, and operational aspects of the activity that could be considered in order to meet the general purpose and requirements of the activity Aquifer: a geological formation of porous rock, such as sandstone, that has the ability to store water and may yield water to wells and springs Cumulative Impact an impact that is not necessarily significant in itself, but which may become significant when considered in addition to the existing and potential impacts of other similar or diverse activities in the area Direct Impact a generally obvious and quantifiable impact, usually associated with the construction, operation or maintenance of an activity, which is caused directly by the activity and generally occurs at the time and place of the activity ‘Do-Nothing’ Alternative the option of not undertaking the proposed activity or any of its alternatives, which provides the baseline against which the impacts of other alternatives should be compared Endangered Species taxa in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating, including taxa whose numbers of individuals have been reduced to a critical level or whose habitats have been so drastically reduced that they are deemed to be in immediate danger of extinction Endemic having a distribution restricted to a particular area or region Environment all external conditions and factors, living and non-living (chemicals and energy), that affect an organism or other specified system during its lifetime (Miller, 2005: G6) Environmental Impact a study of the environmental consequences of a proposed course of action, Assessment (EIA) usually conducted in order to provide information for the consideration of an application for environmental authorisation as defined in NEMA Environmental Impact an environmental change caused by a human activity Environmental Management addressing environmental concerns in all stages of development, in order to ensure that the development is sustainable and does not exceed the carrying capacity of the environment. Environmental Management an operational plan that organises and coordinates mitigation, rehabilitation Programme and monitoring measures in order to guide the implementation of a proposal and its ongoing maintenance after implementation Homogeneous of the same nature; uniform Hydrology the science encompassing the behaviour of atmospheric, surface and ground water Indigenous having occurred naturally in the area in question before 1800 Indirect Impact an impact that occurs at a different time or place to the activity that causes it Interested and Affected Party a person, group or organisation interested in or affected by a proposed (I&AP) activity, and any organ of state that may have jurisdiction over any aspect of the activity Laydown area An area that has been cleared for the temporary storage of equipment and supplies. Laydown areas are usually covered with rock and/or gravel to ensure accessibility and safe manoeuvrability for transport and off-loading of vehicles Parameter a set of measurable factors such as temperature, pressure and pH that define a system and determine its behaviour Public Participation a process of involving the public in order to identify needs, address concerns, Process choose options, plan and monitor in terms of a proposed project, programme or development Red Data Species a species listed in terms of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, and/or the South African Red Data List Scoping a procedure for determining the extent of and approach to an EIA, used to focus the EIA to ensure that only the significant issues and reasonable alternatives are examined Scoping Report a report describing the issues identified Significant Impact an impact that by its magnitude, duration, intensity or probability of occurrence may have a notable effect on one or more aspects of the environment Sky glow illumination of the night sky when light reflects off particles in the atmosphere such as moisture, dust, or smog Topography graphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map, indicating their relative positions and elevations

September 2014 Page vi Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report ABBREVIATIONS BEE Black Economic Empowerment REFIT Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff BID Background Information Document RFQ Request for Qualification CLO Community Liaison Officer RFP Request for Proposal

CO2 Carbon dioxide RoD Record of Decision CSP Concentrating Solar Power SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency DENC Department of Environment and Nature Conservation SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute DEA Department of Environmental Affairs SDF Spatial Development Framework DM District Municipality TDS Total Dissolved Solids DNI Direct Normal Irradiation ToR Terms of Reference DoE Department of Energy UV Ultraviolet DR&PW Provincial Department of Roads and Public Works, Northern Cape VAC Visual Absorption Capacity EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner WMA Water Management Area ECO Environmental Control Officer EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMC Electromagnetic Conformance EMF Environmental Management Framework EMP Environmental Management Programme EPWP Expanded Public Works Programme ESS Environmental Scoping Study F Fluorides FIT Feed-in Tariff GDP Gross Domestic Product GG Government Gazette GHG Greenhouse Gas GIS Geographical Information Systems GN Government Notice GPS Global Positioning System GWh Gigawatt Hour I&APs Interested and Affected Parties IDP Integrated Development Plan IPP Independent Power Producer kV Kilovolt LED Local Economic Development MAR Mean Annual Rainfall MW Megawatt NEMA National Environmental Management Act NERSA National Energy Regulator of South Africa

NO3 as N Nitrates POL Petrochemicals, Oils and Lubricants

September 2014 Page vii Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 1. SUMMARY AND OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 1.1 Background to the Study The overall purpose of the project is to ensure continued provision of reliable potable water to the community of Brandvlei. The developer, Hantam Local Municipality, became aware of the difficulties residents of the Brandvlei district are experiencing with potable water. Brandvlei currently receives all its municipal water supplies through an asbestos cement (AC) pipeline from a well field of five boreholes located ~40 km southeast of the town at Romanskolk. The pump stations currently in use are diesel driven and need regular maintenance. The AC pipeline is approximately 45 years old and is in a very bad condition resulting in numerous breakages and leakages. The municipality is especially concerned about the fact that the pipeline crosses a large pan that prevents detection of leakages and repairs from being undertaken when filled with water after good rains. This situation poses a high risk in that the town could be without water for extended periods. The existing 0.5 ML storage reservoir which currently is used for storing Fluoride rich water from Romanskolk, only makes provision for 20 h of backup storage with regards to the peak water demand of 384 m3/d. The required water storage for a single water source according to the “Guidelines for Human Settle & Design”, is 48h of peak demand which is equivalent to 768 m3/d. This implies that the current raw water storage in Brandvlei is not enough and that additional backup storage must be provided for to ensure that the town does not run into water shortages in case of emergency. The water from the alluvial aquifer east of Brandvlei is highly saline and the fluoride is also high varying between ~8 to ~10 mg/L where it is recommended that the concentration of fluoride in potable water never exceed 4 mg/L. If it exceeds 4 mg/L it is likely that skeletal fluorosis with crippling, as well as the loss of teeth may occur to people who drink this water. Therefore SRK Consulting (hereafter SRK) was appointed and conducted a groundwater resource potential study and also identified options for improving Brandvlei’s municipal water supply. The study identified three options:  Replacement of the Romanskolk pipeline and conversion of the borehole pumps to solar energy driven pumps.  Replacement of the Romanskolk pipeline and conversion of the borehole pumps to Eskom Power.  Desalination of water from boreholes near Brandvlei. (Visser et al., 2010) SRK advised that the desalination of water from existing boreholes at Brandvlei be further investigated as the advantages are:  Favourable capital cost - Substantially lower than those of other two options which were investigated in the SRK Consulting (SRK), May 2010 report. The infrastructure is in close proximity of the town, which simplifies operation and maintenance thereof.  From a health, aesthetic and operational perspective, the desalinated water is of superior quality than that from Romanskolk (Current source of supply). The current water use in Brandvlei, together with aquifer capacity and the water quality of the identified boreholes, was used in the preliminary design and investigation of the major components of the project. These three aspects are the major determining factors influencing the design and cost estimate of the desalination plant and its associated infrastructure. The feasibility of whether the aquifer capacity is suitable to abstract the required water demand does not pose a problem, according to the wellfield development performed by SRK Consulting. The abovementioned three factors will be discussed under Determining Factors for Brandvlei’s Water Supply (Visser et al., 2010). The projected water use figures combined with water quality results of the groundwater will determine the magnitude and size of the desalination plant with its associated infrastructure such as Brine Effluent Evaporation Ponds, Borehole Pump Stations, Raw Water Pump Line, Electrical Power Supply Line, etc. These components will be discussed further under Desalination Plant and Associated Infrastructure. Environmental, technical and economic feasibility must be taken into account and therefore factors such as land availability, land use capability, and costs have been considered. The purpose of this study is to investigate the environmental feasibility of using the proposed site for the development in question, with consideration for alternatives with regard to other factors such as technology and design. 1.1.1 The Development The Hantam Local Municipality proposes the construction and operation of the following infrastructure and associated activities in order to ensure continued provision of reliable potable water to residents of Brandvlei and surrounding area:  Borehole pump stations  High voltage electrical supply line of 22 kV (not more than 33 kV)  The transportation of the water via a 110mm or125 mm diameter Class 9 uPVC supply line with a length of 2 650 m to a 0.5 ML (16m by 3.5m high) raw water storage tank.  Reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plant (20m by 15 m building) to treat water to a potable standard.  0.5ML Fresh water storage tank of 10m x 10m x 5m tank and a 90kL pressure tower.  Brine evaporation ponds of 42 000m2 to treat the brine, a by- -product of the RO process  Possible reclamation of salts and minerals (should it be feasible as a business opportunity in future)

September 2014 Page 1 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Desalination Plant for RO Treatment The desalination plant consists out of various specialized equipment and materials and purifies the highly saline feed water at a 50% recovery rate to produce the permeate water and brine effluent. The flow diagram in Figure 1 below indicates the different stages in the RO treatment process (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012).

Figure 1: Process Flow Diagram of RO Treatment Plant (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012) The method of desalination through the reverse osmosis (RO) process as indicated in the above flow diagram consists out of the following major process phases: a) Saline Feed Water with pre-determined flow rate and water quality determines the size and specific design of the plant to produce permeate water suitable for human consumption. b) Pre-Filtration is required for the removal of suspended solids and other particles from the feed water, to protect the membranes from being damaged and from blockage. This can be achieved by using standard sand filters. c) Pre-Treatment through the introduction of anti-scalants to promote the breaking down high salt concentration which tends to precipitate onto filter membranes, causing blockage and ultimately prevents to membranes from functioning. d) High Pressure Pump is required to force the pre-treated feed water through the membranes by producing in the order of 60 bar of pressure in front of the membranes, ensuring a recovery of almost 50 %. e) Post-treatment by means of hardness correction and chlorination is necessary to bring the permeate water up to standard for human consumption and network distribution. f) Brine Effluent is produced at a rate of 383m3/d and discharged into the evaporation ponds for safe storage. g) Permeate Water is delivered to a 0.5 ML fresh water storage tank at 383m3/d from where it will be available for distribution into the municipal water network. This will help address the problem of back-up storage regarding the required 48 h backup storage capacity from one water supply and 24 h backup storage capacity required for two water supplies (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). The desalination plant with all the specialized equipment and instruments are to be housed in a secure outbuilding of 6 x 12 m in size. This will ensure that the chemicals used are kept away from human contact; entrance to the plant is restricted with regards to vandalism and general public safety, as well as that ablution facilities are available for plant operators and personnel (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). The highly sophisticated and specialized nature of the processes and operation of the plant calls for the following:  The design and installation of the plant must be performed by a Desalination Treatment Plant Specialist Service Provider who has a good knowledge of RO treatment plants.  The abovementioned specialist service provider must be a well-established institution with a good track record in the field of RO treatment works.  All the various aspects such as Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Project Management, Operation and Maintenance, etc. must be incorporated within a single entity RO Specialist Service Provider to ensure that all the above mentioned aspects of the plant will be operated and maintained by them for a period not less than a year.  The plant must be operated by someone identified within the local municipality and this person must undergo onsite training from the specialist RO service provider for at least a year (preferably three years), after which period the municipal plant operator will be solely responsible for the running of the plant in terms of operation and maintenance.  Desalination Plant and associated infrastructure is designed for an initial peak flow of 383m3/d and upgrading of the plant is to take place after a period of ten(10) and twenty(20) years to accommodate for the projected peak water use of 435m3/d and 493m3/d respectively (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012).

September 2014 Page 2 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report

Figure 2-3: Photographic Examples of Reverse Osmosis Plants Brine Evaporation Ponds Using the peak water use of 383 m3/d will result in an over estimation of the required evaporation pond surface area, in that the default assumption is made that brine effluent production will occur at peak water usage for all the months in a certain year. The average water use of 349 m3/d (ref. par. 2.1.1 Table 2.2) together with a population growth rate of 1.27 % was used for projecting the volume of brine effluent production per day. A water use correction factor was applied to these values according to seasonal water use patterns in Brandvlei, in order to determine the brine storage values (Bi) over time in the evaporation ponds (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). The surface area required for the evaporation ponds to handle the brine effluent of 349 m3/d was determined at 52 000 m2 for the first ten years. After a period of ten (10) years the projected increase in water demand will require an additional pond surface area of 10 000 m2, hence the ponds must be expanded to 62 000 m2 (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). The following should be noted:  Water license applications must be submitted to DWA for the storage of waste water effluent, as well as for abstraction of groundwater from a natural water source.  provision must be made for appropriate lining according to set standards for brine disposal into the evaporation ponds (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). The cleaning of the RO membranes is essential for optimal functioning. If the following parameters change increase by more than 10-15% the membranes should be cleaned:  feed pressure  drop in pressure across the plant  salt passage or water conductivity (RO chemicals, 2013) With the cleaning of the RO membranes certain chemicals will be used. Chemicals used for this purpose could typically include the following:  Citric Acid  Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)  Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP)  Trisodium phosphate (TSP)  Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)  Calcium hydroxide/Sodium Hydroxide (Basic Assessment Report PDNA & SRK Consulting, 2008)  NaOH (Burger & Du Plessis, 2010)

Figure 4-5: Photographic Examples of Evaporation Ponds Brandvlei is located on the R27 road approximately 143 km South of Kenhardt or 150km North of Calvinia, which makes it accessible via major roads from distant city centres. The closest city centre being Cape Town from where specialized treatment plant materials and equipment will be imported and supplied is located 560 km to the south of Brandvlei.

September 2014 Page 3 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 1.2 Legal Requirements Environmental Impact Assessments, when conducted with the purpose of obtaining Environmental Authorisation for a development activity, are regulated by legislation. South African Environmental Law is grounded in the Constitution of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 1996). The Bill of Rights states that everyone has a right to a non-threatening environment and requires that reasonable measures are applied to protect the environment. This protection encompasses preventing pollution and promoting conservation and environmentally sustainable development. The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act 107 of 1998) expands on and specifies these principles. The act states that the principles of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) should be adhered to in order to ensure sustainable development. Accountability to the various parties that may be interested in and/or affected by the proposed development forms an integral part of the IEM procedure. This procedure requires public participation, starting during the application phase, when the application for authorisation is submitted to the competent authority and continued through towards the environmental impact assessment decision making phases. The purpose of the IEM procedure is to ensure that the environmental consequences of a development proposal are understood and adequately considered and that negative aspects are resolved or mitigated and positive aspects enhanced. Government Notices R 543 to 546 Government Gazette No. 33306, dated 18 June 2010, in terms of Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, Act No 107 of 1998 (as amended), contain the EIA Regulations, as well as a schedule of activities that may have substantial detrimental effects on the environment and therefore require authorisation from the competent environmental authority. The listed activities that will be associated with the proposed project include the following: Government Notice Activity 11 (iv) and (xi) The construction of dams; infrastructure or structures covering 50 square meter or more where such R544,GG 33306 dated construction occur within a watercourse or within 32 meters of a watercourse, measured from the 18 June 2010 edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind the development setback line. Note: This activity is applicable to the pipeline that would be implemented within the floodplain (according to NEMA the definition is a wetland) of the Sak Rivier. Government Notice Activity 18 (i) The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 5 cubic metres into, or the dredging, R544,GG 33306, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock of more than 5 cubic dated 18 June 2010 metres from a watercourse. Note: This activity is applicable to the pipeline that would be implemented within the floodplain (according to NEMA the definition is a wetland) of the Sak River. Government notice Activity 23 (i) or (ii) The transformation of undeveloped, vacant or derelict land to - R544, GG 33306, (i) residential, retail, commercial, recreational, industrial or institutional use, inside an urban area ,and dated 18 June 2010 where the total area to be transformed is 5 hectares or more, but less than 20 hectares, or (ii) residential, retail, commercial, recreational, industrial or institutional use, outside an urban area and where the total area to be transformed is bigger than 1 hectare but less than 20 hectares-; except where such transformation takes place- (i) for linear activities Note: It is currently unclear if the study area (including the RO, BTP, and boreholes) is within or outside the urban area due to its proximity to Brandvlei. This has to be cleared with the Local Municipality. Government notice Activity 56 Phased activities listed in this Schedule, which commenced on or after the effective date of this R544, GG 33306, Schedule, where any one phase of the activity may be below a threshold but where a combination of dated 18 June 2010 the phases, including expansions or extensions, will exceed a specified threshold; - excluding the following activities listed in this Schedule: 2; 11(i)-(vii); 16(i)-(iv); 17; 19; 20; 22(i) & 22(iii); 25; 26; 27(iii) & (iv); 28; 39; 45(i)-(iv) & (vii)-(xv); 50; 51; 53; and 54. Note: Request that this activity be added to provide for phased development to be conducted should it be needed.

September 2014 Page 4 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Government Notice Activity 2 (a) iii (bb) & (dd) The construction of reservoirs for bulk water supply with a capacity of more than 250 cubic metres R546,GG 33306 dated (a) In the Northern Cape province 18 June 2010 iii. Outside urban areas, in: (bb) sensitive areas as identified in an environmental management framework as contemplated in chapter 5 of the Act and as adopted by the competent authority; and (dd) Critical biodiversity areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in bioregional plans. Note 1: According to the “Hantam Municipality Map of Critical Biodiversity Areas” the study area is situated within the CBA2 Important Area and within an Ecological Support Area (DTEC, 2008) Note 2: It Is also currently unclear if the study area (including the RO, BTP, and boreholes) is within or outside the urban area due to its proximity to Brandvlei. This has to be cleared with the Local Municipality. Note 3: Development setback lines have not been delineated. Note 4: The EMF for Namakwa District has not been available to the EAP therefore it has been listed as a precaution. Government Notice Activity12(b) The clearance of an area of 300 square meters or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the R546,GG 33306 dated vegetation cover constitutes indigenous vegetation. 18 June 2010 (b) Within critical biodiversity areas identified in bioregional plans Note: According the “Hantam Municipality Map of Critical Biodiversity Areas” the study area is situated within the CBA2 Important Area and within an Ecological Support Area (DTEC, 2008) Government Notice Activity 13 (a) & (c) ii (cc), iii The clearance of an area of 1 hectare or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetative R546,GG 33306 dated (dd) cover constitutes indigenous vegetation, except where such removal of vegetation is required for: 18 June 2010 (1) The undertaking of a process or activity included in the list of waste management activities published in terms of section 19 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008), in which case the activity is regarded to be excluded from this list. (2) The undertaking of a linear activity falling below the thresholds mentioned in Listing Notice 1 in terms of GN no. 544 of 2010.

(a) Critical biodiversity areas and ecological support areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority. (c) In the Northern Cape: (ii) Outside urban areas, the following: (cc) Sensitive areas as identified in an environmental management framework as contemplated in chapter 5 of the Act and as adopted by the competent authority; (iii) In urban areas, the following: (dd) Areas on the watercourse side of the development setback line or within 100 metres from the edge of a watercourse where no such setback line has been determined. Note 1: See note below table regarding withdrawal of application in terms of NEM:WA due to repeal of GN 718 of GG No. 32368 dated 3 July 2009 and enactment of G.N 921 in G.G. 37083 of 29 November 2013. This activity was previously not applicable due to the applicability of the NEM: WA activities that now has been repealed and therefore necessitated the adding of this activity to the list of applicable activities. Note 2: It Is also currently unclear if the study area (including the RO, BTP, and boreholes) is within or outside the urban area due to its proximity to Brandvlei. This has to be cleared with the Local Municipality. Note 3: Development setback lines have not been delineated. Note 4: The EMF for Namakwa District has not been available to the EAP therefore it has been listed as a precaution. Government Notice Activity 14 (a) (i) The clearance of an area of 5 hectares or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetative R546, GG 33306, cover constitutes indigenous vegetation, except where such removal of vegetation is required for: dated 18 June 2010 (2) the undertaking of a process or activity included in the list of waste management activities published in terms of section 19 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008) in which case the activity is regarded to be excluded from this list; (a) In the Northern Cape: (i) All areas outside urban areas.

Note 1: See note below table regarding withdrawal of application in terms of NEM:WA due to repeal of GN 718 of GG No. 32368 dated 3 July 2009 and enactment of G.N 921 in G.G. 37083 of 29 November 2013.

September 2014 Page 5 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report This activity was previously not applicable due to the applicability of the NEM: WA activities that now has been repealed and therefore necessitated the adding of this activity to the list of applicable activities. Note 2: It Is also currently unclear if the study area (including the RO, BTP, and boreholes) is within or outside the urban area due to its proximity to Brandvlei. This has to be cleared with the Local Municipality. Note 3: Development setback lines have not been delineated. Note 4: The EMF for Namakwa District has not been available to the EAP therefore it has been listed as a precaution. Government Notice Activity 16 (iii) and (iv), (a) The construction of: R546, GG 33306, (ii), (dd) and (ff) (iii) buildings with a footprint exceeding 10 square meters in size dated 18 June 2010 or (iv) infrastructure covering 10 square meters or more where such construction occurs within a watercourse of within 32 meters of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind the development setback line. (a) In Eastern Cape, Free State, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape: ii. Outside urban areas, in: (dd) Sensitive areas as identified in an environmental management framework as contemplated in chapter 5 of the Act and as adopted by the competent authority; (ff) Critical biodiversity areas or ecosystem service areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in bioregional plans. Note 1: According the “Hantam Municipality Map of Critical Biodiversity Areas” the study area is situated within the CBA2 Important Area and within an Ecological Support Area (DTEC, 2008) Note 2: It Is also currently unclear if the study area (including the RO, BTP, and boreholes) is within or outside the urban area due to its proximity to Brandvlei. This has to be cleared with the Local Municipality. Note 3: Development setback lines have not been delineated. Note 4: The EMF for Namakwa District has not been available to the EAP therefore it has been listed as a precaution. An application for environmental authorisation through the execution of a basic EIA process has been motivated by the applicant and accepted by the DENC who is the competent authority in this regard. An application for authorisation has been accepted by the DENC (Appendix H). The following reference numbers were assigned: DENC REF No: NC/BA/NAM/HAN/BRA/20I2 Note: Since the acceptance of the downscale application, the list of waste management activities GN 718 of GG No. 32368 dated 3 July 2009 in terms of the NEM:Waste Act has been repealed, and another Schedule with a list of waste management activities that have, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the environment was enacted in G.N 921 in G.G. 37083 of 29 November 2013. In terms of the transitional provisions Regulation 7(8) of the NEM: Waste Act List of Activities provides that activities which falls outside the new threshold (as contained in the NEMA Regulations Listing Notices 1 & 2), where a decision was pending on the date of coming into effect of the Notices, will be considered as withdrawn if no other NEM: Waste Act activities, which are currently still listed, were triggered and included in the application. Find attached communication from Tinyko Mboweni of the IEM Framework and Policy Support Department of DEA (Appendix O) In light of the above as well as the amendments to the current Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Listing Notice 1 of 2010 by G.N. R. 922 of G.G. 37084 dated 29 November 2013 refers. Activity 55A has been inserted to the Listing Notice 1 stating: “The construction of facilities for the treatment of effluent, wastewater or sewage with a daily throughput capacity of more than 2 000 cubic metres but less than 15 000 cubic metres.” Bvi Consulting Engineers and SRK Consulting have calculated the average brine effluent to be 349 m3/day and peak brine effluent at 383 m3/day (Appendix M). This activity would therefore not constitute a listed activity in terms of Activity 55A and it would not be required to be listed additionally to the activities already applied for to DENC (NC/BA/NAM/HAN/BRA/2012).

September 2014 Page 6 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 1.2.1 Other Applicable Legislation and Policies In section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act No. 25 of 1999, the following is stipulated: “(1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (7), (8) and (9), any person who intends to undertake a development categorised as— (a) the construction of a road, wall, powerline, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or barrier exceeding 300m in length; (b) the construction of a bridge or similar structure exceeding 50 m in length; (c) any development or other activity which will change the character of a site— (i) exceeding 5 000 m2 in extent; or (ii) involving three or more existing erven or subdivisions thereof; or (iii) involving three or more erven or divisions thereof which have been consolidated within the past five years; or (iv) the costs of which will exceed a sum set in terms of regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority; (d) the re-zoning of a site exceeding 10 000 m2 in extent; or (e) any other category of development provided for in regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority, must at the very earliest stages of initiating such a development, notify the responsible heritage resources authority and furnish it with details regarding the location, nature and extent of the proposed development. (2) The responsible heritage resources authority must, within 14 days of receipt of a notification in terms of subsection (1)— (a) if there is reason to believe that heritage resources will be affected by such development, notify the person who intends to undertake the development to submit an impact assessment report. Such report must be compiled at the cost of the person proposing the development, by a person or persons approved by the responsible heritage resources authority with relevant qualifications and experience and professional standing in heritage resources management; or (b) notify the person concerned that this section does not apply. The responsible heritage resources authority in this case is the Northern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Agency (NCPHRA) and/or the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), as well as the Northern Cape Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. These authorities have been notified about the EIA process. A Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment and exemption from a Palaeontological Assessment are attached in Appendices D3 and D4. Find SAHRA’s comment attached in Appendix J6h. Section 9 of the Advertising on Roads and Ribbon Development Act, Act No 21 of 1940, states that “no person shall erect or permit the erection of any structure or any other thing which is attached to the land on which it stands, even though it does not form part of that land, or construct or lay or permit the construction or laying of anything under or below the surface of any land within a distance of 95 meters from the centre line of a building restriction road, provided that the preceding provisions of this section shall not apply in connection with – (d) an enclosure, a fence or a wall which does not rise higher than one comma six metres above the surface of the land on which it stands; (e) a water work as defined in Section 1 of the Water Act, 1956 (Act No 54 of 1956) (repealed), a farm dwelling-house or any other structure or thing on a farm intended to be used in connection with bona fide farming operations; and provided, further, that any permission granted under this section shall not legalize the doing of anything which is unlawful under any other law. Section 5 of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, Act No. 43 of 1983, prohibits the spreading of weeds and Section 6 and Regulation 15 and 15 E of GN R 1048 address the implementation of control measures for alien and invasive plant species. This aspect has been addressed in the Environmental Management Programme (Appendix F). This act also makes provision for the conservation of natural agricultural resources by the maintenance of the production potential of the land, by combating and prevention of erosion and weakening or destruction of the water resources, and by protecting the vegetation and combating weeds and invader plants. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is guided by this act. With the development of the mentioned activities the developer must take care of the following: Article 7.(3)b of Regulation 9238: Conservation of Agriculture Resources, 1983 (Act 43 of 1983) states as follow: Utilisation and protection of vlei, marshes, water sponges and water courses 7.(1) “…no land user shall utilize the vegetation in a vlei, marsh or water sponge or within the flood area of a water course or within 10 metres horizontally outside such flood area in a manner that causes or may cause the deterioration of or damage to the natural agricultural resources.” (3) “Except on authority of a written permission by the executive officer, no land user shall (b) cultivate any land on his farm unit within the flood area of a water course or within 10 metres horizontally outside the flood area of a water course.” Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, Act 70 of 1970 control the subdivision and, in connection therewith, the use of agricultural land. National Forests Act, Act No. 84 of 1998 and Regulations, Section 7: No person may cut, disturb, damage or destroy any indigenous, living tree in a natural forest, except in terms of a licence issued under Section 7(4) or Section 23; or an exemption from the provisions of this subsection published by the Minister in the Gazette. Sections 12-16 deal with protected trees, with the Minister having the power to declare a particular tree, a group of trees, a particular woodland, or trees belonging to a certain species, to be a protected tree, group of trees, woodland or species. In terms of Section 15, no person may cut, disturb, damage, destroy or remove any protected tree; or collect, remove, transport, export, purchase, sell, donate or in any other manner acquire or dispose of any protected September 2014 Page 7 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report tree, except under a licence granted by the Minister. The competent authority is the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The list of protected tree species was published in GN 716 of 7 September 2012. The Branch: Forestry and Natural Resource Management, DAFF, is mainly concerned about the potential impacts on protected tree species. See the National Forests Act, Act 84 of 1998 (NFA) as amended, section 12(1)(d) read with s15(1) and s62(2)(c). The list of protected tree species was published in GN 877 of 22 November 2013. No protected tree may be cut, removed, damaged, disturbed or destroyed without a valid Forest Act License. Environmental approvals in terms of other applicable legislation do not exempt the developer from complying with the NFA. National Veld and Forest Fire Act No.101 of 1998 (NVFFA) regulate Fire Protection Associations and the building of fire breaks. The competent authority is the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Please take note of roles and responsibilities in terms of the NVFFA. Section 17 of the Fencing Act, Act No. 31 of 1963, states that any person erecting a boundary fence may clean any bush along the line of the fence up to 1.5 metres on each side thereof and remove any tree standing in the immediate line of the fence. However, this provision must be read in conjunction with the environmental legal provisions relevant to protection of flora. Sections 9-11 of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality act, Act No. 39 of 2004, regulates national, provincial and local ambient air quality standards. Activities are addressed in Section 21. Section 22 addresses atmospheric emissions licenses. The national dust control regulations were published on 1 November 2013 in Government Gazette No. 36974, Government Notice No. R. 827 and the purpose of the regulations are to prescribe general measures for the control of dust in all areas. The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act No. 10 of 2004 provides for the MEC/Minister to list ecosystems that are threatened and in need of protection (Section 52) and to identify any process or activity in such a listed ecosystem as a threatening process (Section 53). A list of threatened and protected species has been published in terms of Section 56 (1) GG 29657 GN R 151 and GN R 152, Threatened or Protected Species Regulations. The act also deals with restricted activities involving alien species; restricted activities involving certain alien species totally prohibited; and duty of care relating to listed invasive species. The National Environmental Management Waste Act, Act No. 59 of 2008 reforms the law regulating waste management in order to protect health and the environment by providing reasonable measures for the prevention of pollution and ecological degradation and for securing ecologically sustainable development. The National Environmental Management Act: Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003) (NEM:PAA) provides for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes; for the establishment of a national register of all national, provincial and local protected areas; for the management of those areas in accordance with national norms and standards; for intergovernmental co-operation and public consultation in matters concerning protected areas; and for matters in connection therewith. Section 28 of the National Environmental Management Act, Act No. 107 of 1998 requires duty of care where reasonable measures are taken to prevent pollution or degradation from occurring, continuing or recurring, or, where this is not possible, to minimise and rectify pollution or degradation of the environment. Section 29 addresses the protection of workers refusing to do environmentally hazardous work. Section 30 addresses procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency incident which may impact on the environment. Access to environmental information and protection of whistle blowers are addressed in Section 31. In terms of the definitions contained in Section 1 of the National Water Act, Act No. 36 of 1998, a “water resource” includes a watercourse, surface water, estuary, or aquifer. “Aquifer” means a geological formation which has structures or textures that hold water or permit appreciable water movement through them. “Watercourse” means a river or spring; a natural channel in which water flows regularly or intermittently; a wetland, lake or dam into which, or from which, water flows; and any collection of water which the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare to be a watercourse, and a reference to a watercourse includes, where relevant, its bed and banks. Furthermore, in terms of the definitions contained in Section 1 of the National Water Act, waste “includes any solid material or material that is suspended, dissolved or transported in water (including sediment) and which is spilled or deposited on land or into a water resource in such volume, composition or manner as to cause, or to be reasonably likely to cause, the water resource to be polluted”. The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs is allowed to regulate activities which have a detrimental impact on water resources by declaring them to be controlled activities. No person may undertake a controlled activity unless such person is authorised to do so by or under this Act. Duty of Care to prevent and remedy the effects of pollution to water resources is addressed in Section 19. Section 20 addresses the procedures to be followed, as well as control of emergency incidents which may impact on a water resource. Recognised water uses are addressed in terms of Section 21 and the requirements for registration of water uses are stipulated in Section 26 and Section 34. A water use authorisation should be obtained from the Department of Water Affairs (DWA). An application for this license should be submitted well in advance (6-12 months before commencement of the construction phase). Section 25 of the Environment Conservation Act, Act No. 73 of 1989, as well as the National Noise Control Regulations GN R 154 dated 10 January 1992, regarding noise, vibration and shock, is applicable. Should the developer wish to obtain gravel for the concrete required for the evaporation dams rather than outsourcing the supply of concrete, the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act No. 28 of 2002 may become directly applicable. If the concrete supply is outsourced, this act would be indirectly applicable through the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 and the cradle-to-grave principles, by which the developer has an obligation to ascertain that the contractor supplying the concrete complies with the relevant legislation by only sourcing gravel from permitted areas. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act No. 85 of 1993 GN. R. 2281 of 1987 – 10-16: Environmental Regulations for Workplaces are applicable.

September 2014 Page 8 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report The Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act, Act No. 9 of 2009 addresses protected species in the Northern Cape and the permit application processes related thereto. NB: Any permits required should be obtained prior to start of construction activities. This department does not process permit applications without the relevant environmental authorisations. Therefore this permit should be applied for after the DENC has made and issued a decision on the final BAR that will be submitted in due course. The Act lists different categories of flora and is addressed in Schedules 1, 2, 3 and 6, and the fauna in Schedules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. One of the provisions in the Act is that no person may, without a permit, pick, import, export, transport, possess, cultivate or trade in a specimen of a specially protected plant or a protected plant species. The South African Civil Aviation Regulation Act, Act 13 of 2009 controls markings of structures that may influence aviation through the Civil Aviation Technical Standard, SA-CATS-AH 139.01.33 Obstacle Limitations and Markings outside Aerodrome or Heliports. It states that any structure exceeding 45 m above ground level, or structures where the top of the structure exceeds 150 m above the MEAN ground level, like on top of a hill, the mean ground level considered to be the lowest point in a 3 km radius around such structure. Structures lower than 45 m, which are considered as a danger or a potential danger to aviation, shall be marked as such when specified. Overhead wires, cables, etc., crossing a river, valley or major roads shall be marked and in addition, their supporting towers marked and lighted if an aeronautical study indicates that it could constitute a hazard to aircraft. Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act No 2 of 2000. To give effect to the constitutional right of access to any information held by the State and any information that is held by another person and that is required for the exercise or protection of any rights; and to provide for matters connected therewith. This act gives the requester a right to lodge a request from the information officer of a public or private body.

1.3 Terms of Reference Van Zyl Environmental Consultants has been appointed by the applicant, Hantam Municipality, as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to manage the Environmental Assessment Process including the Public Participation Process as stipulated in Government Notice R 543 to 546 Government Gazette No. 33306, dated 18 June 2010, in terms of Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, Act No 107 of 1998 (as amended) for the proposed project. Neither Van Zyl Environmental Consultants nor any of its specialist sub-consultants on this project are subsidiaries of or are affiliated to Hantam Municipality. Van Zyl Environmental Consultants does not have any interest in secondary developments that may arise from the authorisation of the proposed project. 1.4 Details of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner and Expertise to Conduct the EIA Van Zyl Environmental Consultants is an environmental consulting firm providing environmental management services, including environmental impact assessments and planning to evaluate risk and ensure compliance of proposed developments, as well as the implementation of environmental management tools. Irmé van Zyl conducted the basic environmental impact assessment process and compiled the environmental management programme. She is the sole member of Van Zyl Environmental Consultants and is fulfilling the duties as EAP. Irmé van Zyl completed a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management obtained from the University of the Free State and has been working in the environmental management field for 17 years. She has conducted processes for environmental impact assessment applications, waste licence applications, S24G applications, compilation of EMPs, prospecting applications, mining permit applications, public participation processes, acting as environmental control officer, screenings as well as advice to developers on a wide range of projects in the Northern Cape. These include a butchery, a meat processing plant, residential developments, establishment of a new cemetery and closure of an old cemetery (including management plans for cemeteries), bridges, tourism industry (caravan parks, chalets etc.), wastewater treatment works, a medical care waste treatment facility, illegal disposal of medical waste, a waste site, PV power stations, a runway, pipelines, borrow pits, roads, a reverse osmosis water purification and brine treatment plant as well as an eco-estate development. (Appendix N)

September 2014 Page 9 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 2. APPROACH TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY An investigation with regard to the environmental impacts associated with the proposed development is being conducted in compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published in Government Notices R 543 to R 546, promulgated on 2 August 2010 in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) (as amended). The Environmental Impact Assessment Process is being conducted by identifying the scope and conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including an Environmental Management Programme (EMP). 2.1 Methodology of the Environmental Impact Assessment The study describes the preliminary decision-making processes with regard to the project, including the investigation of development alternatives and the selection of preferred alternatives. The specific activities expected to form part of the proposed development are also described. The study provides a description of the receiving environment and investigates how this environment may be directly, indirectly and cumulatively affected by the proposed development. Potentially significant impacts (both social and biophysical) that may result from the construction, operation and maintenance phases of the proposed development are identified. An Impact Matrix (Appendix I) is used to determine any positive and/or negative impacts, whether direct, indirect or cumulative, that the proposed activities and development in this area may pose to the environment and people in the vicinity. Proposed mitigation through design and/or operational changes, as well as the significance of the impact thereafter is being investigated. The nature of the activity, extent, duration, intensity, and probability of the direct, indirect and cumulative identified impacts are assessed. These parameters are used to establish the significance of the impact of an activity that will take place or is already taking place. The parameters are then compared to the level of significance in the Significance Rating Scale. The EIA phase provides an overall social, economic and biophysical assessment of the environment surrounding the proposed development, as well as a detailed assessment of the site for development, in terms of environmental criteria. It also provides a discussion of alternatives to the proposal, which would meet the stated need for the activity, and ways to reduce the impact of the project by imposing mitigating measures. Significant impacts identified are rated and appropriate mitigation measures for potentially high environmental impacts are recommended in the EMP. The objective of the EIA is to provide environmental authorities with sufficient relevant and objective environmental information to make an informed decision regarding the proposed project. The Public Participation Process will be continued in order to ensure that I&AP issues and concerns are documented and addressed during the EIA process. This process also enables I&APs and stakeholders to review the environmental impact assessment report and to verify that the issues they have raised to date have been captured and adequately considered. The first phase of the participatory and transparent Public Participation Process has been conducted (Appendix J). The registered I&APs were also afforded the opportunity to review the Background Information document and submit comments on it (Appendix J1). The basic environmental impact assessment phase is based on the Application for Environmental Authorisation filed with and accepted by the Provincial Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC) for the proposed development. 2.2 Specialist Studies Specialist studies were conducted on a larger study area of approximately 220 ha. It comprised of:  a biodiversity/ecology impact study by Ekotrust CC (Appendix D1b)  Heritage impact study by Dr L. Webley and Jayson Orton (ACO Associates CC) (Appendix D2b)  Geohydrology study was conducted by SRK Consulting (Pty) Ltd (Appendix D3)  Palaeontology – Specialist indicated that there is no need for a site visit. Desktop study was conducted by Natura Viva cc (Appendix D4).

September 2014 Page 10 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report

Figure 6: 1:50 000 3020 AD Road to Kenhardt Brandvlei Location Map of the Proposed RO Plant, Brine Evaporation Ponds and Boreholes. Erven 339, 304 and 305, Brandvlei.

Reverse Osmosis Road to Carnavon Plant and Brine Evaporation Ponds

Road to Loeriesfontein Study Area: Van Zyl Boreholes

Environmental Consultants cc 2009/073037/23 Enquiries: Irmé van Zyl Mobile: 072 222 6194 Route 357 Telephone: 054 338 0722 Road to Williston Facsimile: 086 624 0306 Email: [email protected] Address: P.O. Box 567, Upington, 8800

Done For:

Hantam Local Municipality Route 27 Route 353

Plan No: 13/2011/BRANDVLEI/2

Scale: Not to Scale

Date: JUNE 2012 Road to Williston Road to Calvinia

September 2014 Page 11 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES NO If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for appointment of a specialist for each specialist thus appointed: Any specialist reports must be contained in Appendix D. 1. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION Describe the activity, which is being applied for, in detail1: 1.1 The Site The site was chosen for the following reasons:  Existing boreholes  Existing disturbed areas such as roads for the pipeline, electricity line and the raw water reservoir The following aspects would be investigated further within this section during the EIA phase:  Study Area Selection  Site Access  Availability and Accessibility of Infrastructure  Environmental Acceptability The boreholes are situated on erven 304 and 305 owned by the Hantam Local Municipality east of the town within the flood area of the Sak River (Appendix A). Two alternative routes were considered for the pipeline and electricity line (Appendix A). A shorter direct line through privately owned erven within the flood area and a longer route along the streets of Brandvlei towards the current reservoir situated on erf 339 (communal agricultural property owned by Hantam Local Municipality). The last option has been selected as the preferred route. A servitude and the related costs would then not be needed. The raw water reservoir, RO plant and brine evaporation ponds would be located next to the existing reservoir, north of Brandvlei, on erf 339. The site is located within the Bushmanland Basin Shrubland and Bushmanland Vloere vegetation units. Both the types have a conservation status of ‘least threatened’. None of it is conserved in statutory conservation areas, and less than 2% has been cleared for cultivation or transformed by the building of dams. 1.2. Land Use The land on the East of Brandvlei (erven 304, 305 and 338) is currently owned by the Hantam Local municipality, which was used in the past for irrigation purposes. Erven 304 and 305 are currently used by communal farmers in the area. Erf 338 is being rented by the Emerging Farmers Association (Ontluikende Boerevereniging). 1.3 Desalination Plant and Associated Infrastructure The Hantam Local Municipality proposes the construction and operation of the following infrastructure and associated activities in order to ensure continued provision of reliable potable water to residents of Brandvlei and surrounding area:  Borehole Pump Station  High Voltage electrical Supply Line of either 11 kV or 22 kV (not more than 33 kV)  The transportation of the water via a 125 mm diameter Class 9 uPVC supply line with a length of 2 650 m to a 0.5 ML raw water reservoir.  Reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plant to treat water to a potable standard  Brine evaporation ponds to treat the brine, a by-product of the RO process Brandvlei is located on the R27 road approximately 143 km South of Kenhardt and 150km North of Calvinia, which makes it accessible via major roads from distant city centres. The closest city centre being Cape Town is located 560 km to the south of Brandvlei from where specialized treatment plant materials and equipment will be imported and supplied. 1.3.1. Desalination Plant for Reverse Osmosis Treatment The desalination plant consists of various specialized equipment and materials and purifies the highly saline feed water at a 50% recovery rate to produce the permeate water and brine effluent. The desalination plant with all the specialized equipment and instruments are to be housed in a secure outbuilding of 6 x 12 m in size. This will ensure that the chemicals used are kept away from human contact; entrance to the plant is restricted with regards to vandalism and general public safety; and that ablution facilities are available for plant operators and personnel (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). 1.3.2. Brine Effluent Evaporation Ponds Using the peak water use of 383 m3/d will result in an over estimation of the required evaporation pond surface area, in that the default assumption is made that brine effluent production will occur at peak water usage for all the months in a certain year. The average water use of 349 m3/d together with a population growth rate of 1.27 %, was used

1 Please note that this description should not be a verbatim repetition of the listed activity as contained in the relevant Government Notice, but should be a brief description of activities to be undertaken as per the project description. September 2014 Page 12 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report for projecting the volume of brine effluent production per day. A water use correction factor was applied to these values according to seasonal water use patterns in Brandvlei, in order to determine the brine storage values (Bi) over time in the evaporation ponds (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). The surface area required for the evaporation ponds to handle the brine effluent of 349 m3/d was determined at 52 000 m2 for the first ten years. After a period of ten (10), years the projected increase in water demand will require an additional pond surface area of 10 000 m2, hence the ponds must be expanded to 62 000 m2 (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). The following should be noted:  Water license applications must be submitted to DWA for the storage of waste water effluent, as well as for abstraction of groundwater from a natural water source.  Provision must be made for HDPE lining of 1.5 mm thickness within the ponds (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). 1.3.3. Saline 0.5 ML Raw Water Storage Reservoir The existing 0.5 ML storage reservoir which currently is used for storing Fluoride rich water from Romanskolk, only makes provision for 20h of backup storage with regards to the peak water demand of 384 m3/d. The required water storage for a single water source according to the “Guidelines for Human Settle & Design”, is 48h of peak demand which is equivalent to 768 m3/d. The proposed new 0.5 ML storage reservoir is 16 m in diameter to a height of 3.5 m, consisting out of 200 mm thick reinforced concrete foundation, floor slab, walls and roof slab. The outfall of the saline raw water will be at full water level within the storage reservoir. The raw saline water runs through the outflow at reservoir floor level and feed to the RO treatment plant via a 125 mm diameter Class 6 uPVC pipe (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). No alternatives were considered regarding the desalination plant. 1.3.4 Water management Storm Water Management and Design Attention should be given to the design of the storm water runoff measures in order to prevent, control and minimise erosion. The natural drainage patterns of the area should be utilised to transport storm water off the site towards natural watercourses and eventually the episodic Sak River. The objective of the storm water management plan should be to manage the storm water resources of the collective watersheds to:  prevent flood damage;  preserve or restore the natural and beneficial functions of the natural drainage system; and  preserve and enhance the quality of water that pass through this drainage system. Borehole Pump Stations The groundwater resource for this project exists out of identified three (3) number of boreholes BV1, BV2, and BV3 of which BV2 is suitable only for monitoring purposes. The pump test investigation was carried out by SRK Consulting who appointed WellTek Services to develop the wellfields in September 2011. The production boreholes BV1 and BV3 are more than capable to deliver the required water demand in Brandvlei (ref. par. 2.1.2), with good recovery results as indicated in the SRK Wellfield Development report. The alternatives considered was to replace the diesel pumps at the Romanskolk pump station to solar energy driven pumps or Eskom powered pumps. See point 1.1 regarding the alternatives mentioned in the background to the study. Raw Water Pump Line The Raw Water Pump line would consist of a pump system which requires for a 125 mm diameter Class 9 uPVC pipe to be installed over the total distance of L= 2 650 m. The diameter of the pipe and the combined flow rate of 13.3 L/s for the multi-stage pumps running simultaneously in parallel, will ensure an adequate flow velocity V=1.18 m/s. The pipeline is to be installed at a depth of 1.0 m below the natural ground level, measured from the top of the pipe. From the borehole pump station the pipeline runs 888 m to the West and from there 1 193 m in a Northern direction, alongside the municipal erf boundaries within the internal road reserve. The last 570 m of the pipeline runs within municipal commonage grounds up to the proposed new 0.5 ML saline raw water storage reservoir (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012) It should be noted that the original route of the raw water pump line had a total length of 2 000 m. This option was deemed not feasible due the fact that the pipeline passed through municipal erven situated at the East of the town, thus creating problems with regards to way leaves and tile deeds on privately owned municipal property (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). The other alternative was to replace the existing dilapidated Romanskolk pipeline of ~40 km. Water for construction The water required for the construction phase of the project would be supplied by the current water supply from Romanskolk. The water pumped from the boreholes cannot be used for construction activities such as mixing of cement or dust control, due to the chemical composition (salinity). Water abstraction and water supply Feed water demand for the desalination plant was calculated at approximately 670 m3/d to produce 330 m3/d of fresh water (pers. com. Mr Abrie Wessels of Veolia Water in Paarl and Pieter van Dyk of BVi in Upington). The capacity of the aquifer was investigated and summarized in detail in the SRK Wellfield Development report. It indicates that for a peak demand of 383 m3/d for Brandvlei, it is feasible to abstract the required feed water demand of 766 m3/d from the two (2) identified production boreholes BV1 and BV3 situated within the aquifer. The water quality as discussed in this report allows for a 50% recovery after desalination of the feed water. This means that each borehole should be pumped for 16 hrs/d at a delivery rate of 24 m3/h, to supply this initial 766 m3/d feed demand, which is double the peak water demand of 383 m3/d due to the 50 % recovery rate. Having a yield capacity of 1 210 m3/d, it is evident that after periods ten (10) and twenty (20) years the boreholes will be able deliver 870 m3/d and 986 m3/d respectively. The 24 m3/h delivery rate will require 18 h/d and 20.5 hrs/d of operation time. It is however strongly suggested that :

September 2014 Page 13 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report

 Monitoring data obtained from boreholes to be reviewed on regular basis by SACNAS qualified hydrogeoligist. 1.3.5. High Voltage Power Supply The electrical high voltage power supply will be provided from the municipal power grid, at a substation close to the entrance road to the site as indicated on the site layout. The power supply will also include the following:  Installation of a 200 kVA power connection point for the RO Treatment Plant  Installation of a 50 kVA power connection point for the Borehole Pump Station.  Installation of low voltage electrical supply cables from the transformers to the RO plant.  Installation of the Borehole Pump station.  Installation of all smaller materials. The preliminary design indicates that the high voltage power supply line will be between 11 kV to 22 kV and not more than 33 kV. The power supply line would be installed adjacent to the municipal main water distribution line, close to the entrance road and 3 m parallel to the 125 mm diameter raw water supply line. Note: It is also recommended that critical spares (e.g. high-pressure pump, membranes, etc.) be kept in store near the site to cater for unforeseen breakdown events that cannot be fixed through normal maintenance and trouble-shooting exercises (Burger & Du Plessis, 2010). 1.4 Construction Phase Activities 1.4.1 Surveys Before construction can commence, a number of surveys might be required including, but not limited to, a geotechnical survey, a site survey to confirm the micro footprint, and a survey of the evacuation power line corridor/servitude (32 meter). 1.4.2 Access Roads to the Site and Internal Roads Two traffic routes providing access to other towns such as Calvinia, Loeriesfontein, Williston and Upington together with a rail transport system, ensure effective linkages within and outside of the region. The large scale street infrastructure consists mainly of the R27 and R357 routes that run through Brandvlei. The existing roads to the site will be upgraded to facilitate the movement of construction vehicles during the construction as well as the maintenance and operational phases. The upgrading of the roads will require widening and levelling by using in situ materials. If it is not possible to use in situ material, material should be obtained from a registered borrow pit. The layout of the roads would be determined by the identification of the environmental sensitivities related to the site. No alternatives were considered regarding the access roads. 1.4.3 Site Preparation and Construction of Laydown Areas The lay down area is an area on site which has been cleared for the temporary storage of equipment and supplies. Laydown areas are covered with rock and/or gravel to ensure accessibility and safe manoeuvrability for transport and off-loading of vehicles. Suitable areas for the construction camp and laydown areas should be identified prior to site establishment and commencement of the construction phase. It should be located within the study area of this EIA. Site preparation activities would include the removal of vegetation and levelling of the laydown and storage areas for the construction equipment as well as the footprint of each project component. The topsoil would be stripped and stockpiled, backfilled and/or spread on the site. Areas where construction would take place would be levelled. A construction camp and offices, an area for the storage and use of petrochemicals, oils and lubricants (POL), and a storage area for construction equipment and infrastructure, machinery and vehicles would be established. Temporary ablution facilities for workers on site would be implemented and a waste storage area would be implemented with bins for recyclable and non-recyclable materials to be removed weekly. 1.4.4 Transportation of Equipment, Infrastructure and Materials to Site Where possible the bulk of the material would be obtained locally to stimulate the local economy and job creation locally. Equipment and materials not available locally would be transported to the area from various parts of the country. Civil construction equipment would need to be brought to the site. These could include, among other types of equipment, excavators, trucks, graders, compaction equipment, and cement trucks. 1.4.5 Ancillary Infrastructure Perimeter fencing all along the border of the construction site shall be established and remain in place for the duration of the construction phase. The fencing is required for the established site. A workshop is planned where general and emergency maintenance will be done on site in cooperation with local contractors. A lightning protection system might possibly be required to protect the infrastructure from any damages that could be caused by lightning. A security fence will surround the entire plant during the operational phase. It should be constructed prior to the start of the operational phase and prior to the removal of the construction site perimeter fence. Excavation and laying of foundations for buildings and other structures would be required.

September 2014 Page 14 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report The temporary water usage during construction phase is mainly for construction of concrete foundations and service water. A concrete batching plant could possibly be erected on site or pre-mixed concrete obtained from an external supplier. The distance to the site from Upington and Calvinia would however be a limiting factor. Concrete would be required for ancillary infrastructure such as outbuildings, ablution facilities, concrete foundations for the reservoir etc. The total amount of water is mainly determined by the total amount of concrete. The total amount of concrete depends on the selected technology. Potable water would be supplied via trucks or small trailers where personnel are working. The sewage system for the ablution facilities during the operational phase should be a closed cell waterborne system. The grey and sewage water would be contained in closed-cell tanks of a size sufficient to contain a month’s effluent. When the tank is full, the contractor/operator or, preferably, the local municipality, would remove sewage to the Brandvlei waste water treatment works. The contractor is also responsible for the frequent (weekly or more frequent) removal of general waste according to South African legislation and regulations. Hazardous waste would be stored at a secure area at site until collection from a certified company. During the construction phase the contractor would be responsible for the power supply. The electricity that is available at the RO Plant site during operational phase will be supplied by the municipal power grid. Generators would most likely be used for power supply at the pump station until the electrical infrastructure has been implemented. 1.5 Decommissioning of Construction Areas after Completion of Construction Work All the clean and solid construction waste would be used in backfill or onsite landscaping where possible. This is a use/reuse matter and is usually the most cost-effective as well. Construction waste that is not appropriate for backfill or for landscaping would be disposed of at the closest municipal waste site where it could possibly be used as cover material. Construction rubble and other waste would be removed to nearest general waste site. The construction camp, infrastructure, equipment, machinery and vehicles that would not be used during the operation and maintenance phase would be removed. Compacted areas would be ripped where necessary. Topsoil would be replaced in areas where the operational phase would not continue and rehabilitated where practical and reasonable. 1.6 Operational & Maintenance Phase Activities Operation and maintenance of infrastructure and services:  Water supply  Electricity supply  Waste removal when needed  Access and internal roads  Storm water drainage Electrical and mechanical maintenance of the RO plant and associated infrastructure and all ancillary infrastructure will take place as and when necessary. Chemicals that will be used in the pre-treatment of the water (i.e. Dual Media Filters) will be contained in and discharged along with the brine. These might include:  Flocculant (Ferric Chloride);  Non-oxidising biocide; and  Antiscalants. The following substances that might be used for the cleaning of the RO membranes, would be contained in waste water disposed of either via the municipal sewage system, at a suitable waste disposal site, or contained in the brine discharged into the evaporation ponds:  Citric Acid;  Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA);  Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP);  Trisodium phosphate (TSP);  Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS);  Calcium hydroxide/Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic soda);  Hydrochloric acid (HCI);  Ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH); and  Sodium metabisulphite (SMBS). 1.7 Decommissioning Phase Activities Should infrastructure be properly implemented, the proposed development would not reach an end of life. However, should any section of the proposed development become redundant or out of use or upgraded, it should be planned and executed according to the stipulations set in the Environmental Management Program. Infrastructure and areas disused should be removed and rehabilitated to a set standard. Physical Removal of Infrastructure Infrastructure, including temporary fencing, would be removed and reused at other areas or sold as second-hand material. Structures would be demolished and rubble removed to the nearest general waste site. It could then be used as cover material or filling for other construction sites. Should corrugated iron structures be used, they could September 2014 Page 15 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report either be moved to other sites or sold. Rehabilitation Compacted areas would be contoured and ripped. If plant growth should not establish within one season, active seeding and planting of vegetation would be conducted. Decommissioning of RO plant In case the plant would be decommissioned the site would be returned to a state similar to its original state and conditions. The RO plant components would be recycled and the area would be cleaned from all equipment and material, e.g. foundations, cables, etc. Furthermore, the soil will be inspected for any industrial waste or other remaining contamination. Such parts will be decontaminated and cleaned according to international and South African standards. Compacted areas would be contoured and ripped. If plant growth should not establish within one season, active seeding and planting of vegetation would be conducted.

2. FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES “alternatives”, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to— (a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; (b) the type of activity to be undertaken; (c) the design or layout of the activity; (d) the technology to be used in the activity; (e) the operational aspects of the activity; and (f) the option of not implementing the activity. Describe alternatives that are considered in this application. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity could be accomplished in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. The determination of whether site or activity (including different processes etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. After receipt of this report the competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent. 2.1 Alternative Technologies Three options have been identified to improve Brandvlei’s water supply from groundwater resources, namely;  Replacement of the Romanskolk pipeline and conversion of the borehole pumps to solar energy driven.  Replacement of the Romanskolk pipeline and conversion of the borehole pumps to Eskom Power.  Desalination in Brandvlei using existing nearby boreholes for raw water supply. The estimated costs (VAT Incl.) for implementation of these options are R12 651 468, R15 927 828 and R8 586 889, respectively. Operating costs are R2.33, R3.75 and R4.11 per m3, whilst the unit costs, taken over a 20 year payback period at interest and capital repayment of 17,5% per annum, are R14.74, R19.38 and R12.53 per m3, respectively. It can be concluded that Option 3, i.e. desalination of water from existing boreholes at Brandvlei, is the least expensive and is therefore, from a financial viewpoint the preferred alternative in this case. Environmental and health cost of the RO plant and oxidation ponds vs Romanskolk well field:  Location: RO plant is next to Brandvlei and Romanskolk is situated ~40km south east of Brandvlei: o Construction phase: Environmental costs related to size of area damaged to implement the RO plant would be less than replacing the pipeline and possibly build a power line to Romanskolk.  The RO plant would generate salts and chemicals would be used to maintain the plant. This can be managed and mitigated by ensuring that lining of the oxidation dams are appropriate and ensure the proper disposal of the used chemicals etc. to prevent environmental contamination and damage. At Romanskolk CO2 emissions and related carbon footprint would be high should diesel pumps continued to be used and also the distance that need to be travelled to the site. This could be mitigated by changing to electrical pumps.  Currently the high fluoride content of the water from Romanskolk is not treated. Should this well field be continued to be used, the responsible authority should implement a treatment plant that would reduce the fluoride content of water to acceptable levels. 2.2 Preferred Alternative: RO Plant and Oxidation Ponds 2.2.1 Alternative Site Location Pipeline Route Two alternative routes were considered for the pipeline and electricity line (Appendix A) for the RO plant. A shorter direct line through privately owned erven within the flood area and a longer route along the streets of Brandvlei towards the current reservoir situated on erf 339 (communal agricultural property owned by Hantam Local Municipality). The last option has been elected as the preferred route. A servitude and the related costs would then not be needed. Study Area Selection No alternatives were provided for the location of the RO plant and oxidation dams. The area required for the development of the RO plant should preferably be as flat and open as possible. It should also be situated as close as possible to the town of Brandvlei and boreholes to curb costs. The site was chosen by the municipality with this in mind. September 2014 Page 16 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Site Access Two traffic routes providing access to other towns such as Calvinia, Loeriesfontein, Williston and Upington together with a rail transport system, ensure effective linkages within and outside of the region. The large scale street infrastructure consists mainly of the R27 and R357 routes that run through Brandvlei. The existing roads to the site will be upgraded to facilitate the movement of construction vehicles during the construction as well as the maintenance and operational phases. The upgrading of the roads will require widening and levelling by using in situ materials. If it is not possible to use in situ material, material should be obtained from a registered borrow pit. The layout of the roads would be determined by the identification of the environmental sensitivities related to the site. Environmental Acceptability The Brandvlei site is located within the Bushmanland Basin Shrubland and Bushmanland Vloere vegetation units. Both the types have a conservation status of ‘least threatened’. None of this type is conserved in statutory conservation areas, and less than 2% has been cleared for cultivation or transformed by the building of dams. (Appendix D1b) 2.2.2 Infrastructure, Technology & Process Brine Effluent Evaporation Ponds The two alternatives for the lining of the evaporation ponds are a HDPE lining with a 1.5 mm thickness or a STD – 219 Multi-Liner. The STD – 219 Multi-Liner was provided by DWA as the suitable liner (Appendix K). Electricity Supply As an alternative or supplementary to Eskom electricity provision, solar technology could be utilised for solar electricity generation, namely Photovoltaic (PV) technology, more commonly known as solar modules. Solar energy power plants use the energy from the sun to generate electricity through a process known as the Photovoltaic Effect. This is achieved through the use of a PV cell that is made of silicone, which acts as a semiconductor. The cell absorbs solar irradiation, which energises the electrons inside the cells and produces electricity. PV cells are linked and placed behind a protective glass sheet to form a PV module (Figure 7). As a single cell produces a small amount of electricity, the proposed activity would require numerous cells arranged in arrays that would be fixed to a support structure (Figures 7 to 8). CSP technology (Concentrating Solar Power) would not be a viable option in this regard as the concentrating panels are highly reflective. This would not be suitable for this type of development because it is too close to the town Brandvlei. Wind energy generation could also be investigated as an option for energy supply but the height of the infrastructure would be a negative aspect and visually obtrusive in this regard. PV technology is widely used for supplying electricity to single households, but can also be used to generate higher volumes of electricity for distribution by an electricity supplier like Eskom. It is also used to supply electricity for isolated units like boats, motor vehicles, chargers, lampposts, telecommunication towers and billboards. PV technology has lower infrastructure requirements than CSP technology and delivers lower volumes of electricity. It is therefore considered to be suitable for developments such as this with relatively low electricity needs during certain periods of the day which could easily be supplied for by means of PV technology.

Figure 7-8: PV Solar Panels 2.2.3 Resources The following types of resources are to be obtained:  financial resources to drive the process;  high quality, financially viable resources/suppliers for the infrastructure; and  resources such as gravel, sand and water for the concrete.

September 2014 Page 17 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 2.2.4 Technical Competence Technical competence is needed from the planning to the operational and maintenance phases of the project. In some cases it might be viable to import competent technicians in the short term especially during the construction phase. The project could, especially during the operational phase, add future socio-economic value to the area as it could be regarded as an opportunity to further train and educate technicians etc. to implement new technology. Local or regional construction companies could be involved in the construction process. 2.2.5 Demand The area is extremely water scarce and demand for water is very high as the town cannot expand without the availability of water. Water availability is therefore a limiting factor. The water currently available to the town is high in fluoride that is not healthy in the long term. 2.2.6 Activity/Land Use The land that would be used to construct the pipeline, RO plant and oxidation dams is currently zoned as agriculture, belong to the municipality and is leased to communal farmers. The carrying capacity of this land is very low and the area that would be developed is very small compared to the carrying capacity and would have a negligent impact on the loss of grazing capacity. 2.2.7 Sewage The sewage system for the ablution facilities during the operational phase should be a closed cell waterborne system. An alternative sewage system that could be considered is the dry Enviro Loos. The Enviro Loo (Figures 9-10) is a waterless, onsite, closed-circuit, dry sanitation toilet system. No sewage treatment is required. It is odourless, does not attract flies, has minimum monthly operating costs; and allows for indoor installation, which requires the addition of a low wattage electrical fan. It does not require chemicals or electricity, but only radiant heat and wind to evaporate and dehydrate waste matter, turning it into a safe, stabilised and odourless dry material. It is built from tough, linear, low density, UV- treated polyethylene. It is supplied with a ceramic bowl and has no internal moving parts. As it is a sealed system, waste cannot leak out and, conversely, storm water cannot penetrate and flood the container. It can be assembled and installed within hours. The maintenance schedule depends largely on the volume of usage and climatic conditions. While high usage units may need to be serviced and waste removed more often, lower usage units may need attention less frequently. Safety clothing must be worn when conducting maintenance work. The Enviro Loo system should be serviced through the rear external inspection cover. It is to be ensured that the liquid level is below the drying plate and that the system is in an aerobic state of operation i.e. liquid and solid wastes are separated by the drying plate. The solid waste should be raked from under the pan section towards the open rear-end section of the drying plate. Debris such as bottles, cans, plastics etc. should be removed from the unit and safely disposed of at the general waste disposal site with the rest of the general solid waste. The dried waste can be deposited in a bucket or bag and safely disposed of at the local authority sewage works with the dried sludge from the sewage works. The remaining waste should be lightly covered with normal garden compost. Approximately three handfuls of new compost should be added to the front section of the unit via the ceramic toilet bowl. Ensure free operation of the wind turbine on top of the external vent pipe and free air flow to side inlet pipes. Daily cleaning procedures includes the cleaning of the ceramic toilet bowl using a damp toilet brush with only organic cleaners. Chemical detergents should not be used. The toilet seat can be cleaned with detergents ensuring that no excess enters the ceramic toilet bowl. The toilet lid should always be left in the closed position after cleaning the toilet bowl. The conventional waterborne sewage system/flushing system is well-known and robust, but still needs maintenance and cleaning. The Enviro Loo system must be used more carefully. Mere good hygienic practice should be promoted and maintained.

Figures 9-10: Enviro Loo System 2.2.8 ‘Do Nothing’ Alternative The ‘do nothing’ alternative is the option of not undertaking the proposed pipeline, brine treatment plant, reverse osmosis plant, and associated infrastructure. The area is currently utilised as grazing for communal farmers and this would continue irrespective if the development would take place or not. The identified area has a low grazing capacity and the project will not have a significant influence on the grazing capacity.

September 2014 Page 18 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report The identified site, at a local level, would then not be impacted on from an environmental perspective and would continue to be utilised for the current activities. The planning, construction and operation of the reverse osmosis plant, brine treatment plant and associated infrastructure would offer many potential socio-economic benefits for the area where unemployment and poverty is very high. This would not happen should this development not proceed. The proposed development is the least expensive of the three options investigated in the SRK Consulting report, May 2010 (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012). Economically it will be beneficial to Brandvlei and the Hantam Local Municipality. This would not be the case if the development does not proceed. Paragraphs 3 – 13 below should be completed for each alternative.

3. ACTIVITY POSITION Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees and decimal minutes. The minutes should have at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection. List alternative sites, if applicable.

Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Alternative S12 (preferred or only site alternative) 30o 27.389‘ 20o 29.358‘ and pumps 30o 27.863‘ 20o 30.307‘ Alternative S2 (if any) o ‘ o ‘ Alternative S3 (if any) o ‘ o ‘ In the case of linear activities: Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Alternative S1 (preferred or only route alternative)  Starting point of the activity 30o 27.822‘ 20o 30.317‘  Middle/Additional point of the activity 30o 27.861‘ 20o 29.756‘  End point of the activity 30o 27.387‘ 20o 29.227‘ Alternative S2 (if any)  Starting point of the activity 30o 27.822‘ 20o 30.317‘  Middle/Additional point of the activity 30o 27.488‘ 20o 29.575‘  End point of the activity 30o 27.387‘ 20o 29.227‘ Alternative S3 (if any)  Starting point of the activity o ‘ o ‘  Middle/Additional point of the activity o ‘ o ‘  End point of the activity o ‘ o ‘

For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates taken every 250 meters along the route for each alternative alignment. Note: Find the Alternative S1 and S2 for the pipeline route attached in Addendum 1

2 “Alternative S..” refer to site alternatives. September 2014 Page 19 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 4. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative activities/technologies (footprints): Alternative: Size of the activity: Alternative A13 (preferred activity alternative) 199 990m2 Alternative A2 (if any) m2 Alternative A3 (if any) m2 or, for linear activities: Alternative: Length of the activity: Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) 2 630 m Alternative A2 (if any) 2 015 m Alternative A3 (if any) m

Indicate the size of the alternative sites or servitudes (within which the above footprints will occur): Size of the site/servitude: Alternative: Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) 199 990 m2 Alternative A2 (if any) m2 Alternative A3 (if any) m2 5. SITE ACCESS Does ready access to the site exist? YES NO If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built

Describe the type of access road planned:

Note: Gravel track will be upgraded to accommodate larger trucks. Include the position of the access road on the site plan and required map, as well as an indication of the road in relation to the site. 6. SITE OR ROUTE PLAN A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this document.

The site or route plans must indicate the following: 6.1 the scale of the plan which must be at least a scale of 1:500; 6.2 the property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50 metres of the site; 6.3 the current land use as well as the land use zoning of each of the properties adjoining the site or sites; 6.4 the exact position of each element of the application as well as any other structures on the site; 6.5 the position of services, including electricity supply cables (indicate above or underground), water supply pipelines, boreholes, street lights, sewage pipelines, storm water infrastructure and telecommunication infrastructure; 6.6 all trees and shrubs taller than 1.8 metres; 6.7 walls and fencing including details of the height and construction material; 6.8 servitudes indicating the purpose of the servitude; 6.9 sensitive environmental elements within 100 metres of the site or sites including (but not limited thereto): . rivers; . the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWA); . ridges; . cultural and historical features; . areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or invested with alien species); 6.10 for gentle slopes the 1 metre contour intervals must be indicated on the plan and whenever the slope of the site exceeds 1:10, the 500mm contours must be indicated on the plan; and 6.11 the positions from where photographs of the site were taken. 7. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this form. It must be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable.

3 “Alternative A..” refer to activity, process, technology or other alternatives. September 2014 Page 20 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 8. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of 1:200 as Appendix C for activities that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity. 9. ACTIVITY MOTIVATION 9(a) Socio-economic value of the activity What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? ~R 27 240 860.78 What is the expected yearly income that will be generated by or as a result of the activity? NIL Note: This activity will form part of service delivery of good quality potable water by the local authority and would not generate an extra income to the local authority other than the set cost of water to the end user. Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES NO Is the activity a public amenity? YES NO How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development phase of the activity? None Note: Personnel currently in employment at the local authority will receive training to enable them to operate the plant. What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the development phase? Note: This information is included in the above estimate and was not provided separately to the EAP. What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? Note: This information was not provided to the EAP. How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of the activity? None Note: Persons currently employed at the local authority will be trained to maintain the plant. What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 years? Nil Note: Not any additional employment opportunities will be created. What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? 100% 9(b) Need and desirability of the activity Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity): NEED: 1. Was the relevant provincial planning department involved in the application? YES NO Note: The communication to this department is a parallel process to the EIA. 2. Does the proposed land use fall within the relevant provincial planning framework? YES NO 3. If the answer to questions 1 and / or 2 was NO, please provide further motivation / explanation:

DESIRABILITY: 1. Does the proposed land use / development fit the surrounding area? YES NO 2. Does the proposed land use / development conform to the relevant structure plans, SDF and planning visions for the YES NO area? 3. Will the benefits of the proposed land use / development outweigh the negative impacts of it? YES NO 4. If the answer to any of the questions 1-3 was NO, please provide further motivation / explanation:

5. Will the proposed land use / development impact on the sense of place? YES NO 6. Will the proposed land use / development set a precedent? YES NO 7. Will any person’s rights be affected by the proposed land use / development? YES NO 8. Will the proposed land use / development compromise the “urban edge”? YES NO 9. If the answer to any of the question 5-8 was YES, please provide further motivation / explanation.

September 2014 Page 21 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report BENEFITS: 1. Will the land use / development have any benefits for society in general? YES NO 2. Explain: Cost Benefit Analysis of RO plants There are various cost benefits to RO plants. One of these benefits is that whilst the prices of acid and caustic solutions continue to rise, the price of the membrane elements and the RO units decrease. The main operational cost of a RO system is the electricity consumption, but due to the small energy consumption the operation costs are quite low. The RO system does require regular downtime for semi-annual routine maintenance which does not take a significant time. This system also requires minimal operator interaction (Severn Trent Services, 2011-2013). Socio-Economic Factors The implementation of the proposed RO plant would:  improve the potable water quality to the end user;  reduce health risks to the end user as the fluoride content would be lower;  enable the municipality to expand housing projects as more water would be available;  benefit the end user by proven safety and reliability;  be easy operate and has very low maintenance requirements;  requires a minimal amount of power; and  promote water security (promote reliable, safe and clean water.) Environmental Factors  Clean water  Minimal environment impact  Quiet operation 3. Will the land use / development have any benefits for the local communities where it will be located? YES NO 4. Explain: Socio-Economic Factors The implementation of the proposed RO plant would:  improve the potable water quality to the end user;  reduce health risks to the end user as the fluoride content would be lower;  benefit the end user by proven safety and reliability; and  promote water security (promote reliable, safe and clean water.)

10. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are applicable to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations, if applicable:

Title of legislation, policy or guideline: Administering authority: Date: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No 108 of 1996) National Government 1996 National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) National and Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs 1998 National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No 59 of 2008) Department of Environmental Affairs 2008 National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act No 39 of 2004) Department of Environmental Affairs 2004 National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No 10 of 2004) Department of Environmental Affairs 2004 Environment Conservation Act (Act No 73 of 1989) Department of Environmental Affairs 1989 National Water Act (Act No 36 of 1998) Department of Water Affairs 1998 National Heritage Resources Act (Act No 25 of 1999) South African Heritage Resources Agency 1999 Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No 43 of 1983) National Department of Agriculture (DAFF) 1983 National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act No 101 of 1998) National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) 1998 National Forests Act (Act No 84 of 1998) DAFF 1998 Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act (Act No 9 of 2009) Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation 2009 Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act No 2 of 2000) National Department of Environmental Affairs 2000 Advertising on Roads and Ribbon Development Act (Act No 21 of 1940) Department of Roads and Public Works 1940 Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act (Act 70 of 1970) DAFF, Local Authorities 1970 Fencing Act (Act No 31 of 1963) DAFF 1963 South Africa Civil Aviation Regulation Act (Act 13 of 2009) SACAA 2009 Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) Department of Mineral Resources 1998 Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 85 of 1993) Department of Health 1993 Department of Labour September 2014 Page 22 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 11. WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT 11(a) Solid waste management Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase? YES NO If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? ~ 20 m3 How will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)? By truck Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)? The general construction waste, which cannot be re-used or re-cycled, would most probably be disposed of at the Brandvlei Municipal Waste Disposal Facility. Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? YES NO Note: Most of the waste would be packaging and cabling off cuts etc. which should mostly be recyclable. If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? ~3 m3 How will the solid waste be disposed of (describe)? Depending of the amount of waste, it will either be removed by a truck or a pick up vehicle. Where will the solid waste be disposed if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)? NA If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the relevant legislation? YES NO If yes, inform the competent authority and request a change to an application for scoping and EIA. Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility? YES NO If yes, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

11(b) Liquid effluent Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system? YES NO If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 10 470m3 Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site? YES NO Note: This is an application for a Brine Treatment plant and the effluent would be brine. No treatment will take place because the water will evaporate and the minerals will stay behind in the dams. If yes, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility? YES NO If yes, provide the particulars of the facility: Facility name: Contact person: Postal address: Postal code: Telephone: Cell: E-mail: Fax: Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any: None

11(c) Emissions into the atmosphere Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere? YES NO If yes, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO If yes, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. If no, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration: During construction the only emissions would be that from vehicles and machinery. That is controlled by legislation. During the operational phase it does not emit any emissions into the air.

11(d) Generation of noise Will the activity generate noise? YES NO If yes, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO If yes, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. If no, describe the noise in terms of type and level: During construction noise will be generated by vehicles and construction machinery during working hours. During operational phase noise will be generated by the pumps and the RO plant. The level of noise would be of low significance.

September 2014 Page 23 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 12. WATER USE Please indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity by ticking the appropriate box(es) municipal water board groundwater river, stream, dam or other the activity will not use water lake If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month: 22 980 kilolitres Does the activity require a water use permit from the Department of Water Affairs? YES NO If yes, please submit the necessary application to the Department of Water Affairs and attach proof thereof to this application if it has been submitted. Note: This application will be conducted by SRK and will be provided when available. Note: During the construction phase it is estimated that approximately 500 000ℓ of municipal water (from Romanskolk) would be used for activities such as toilets, dust control, concrete batching and compaction. During the operational phase approximately 22 980kℓ would be abstracted from the boreholes and pumped to the RO plant. The boreholes have been registered but the registration for the abstraction of the water will be conducted in a parallel process to the EIA by SRK. 13. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient: None Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any: The provision of electricity would be sourced from ESKOM.

September 2014 Page 24 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Important notes: 1. For linear activities (pipelines, etc.) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section C and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan. Section C Copy No. (e.g. A): 2. Paragraphs 1 - 6 below must be completed for each alternative. 3. Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES NO If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for each specialist thus appointed: All specialist reports must be contained in Appendix D.

Erf 339 ( RO plant and Brine Evaporation Ponds) Property description/physical address: Erven 304 and 305 (location of boreholes) Brandvlei (Farm name, portion etc.) Where a large number of properties are involved (e.g. linear activities), please attach a full list to this application. Hantam Local Municipality Brandvlei (Satelite Office) Calvinia (Main Office) In instances where there is more than one town or district involved, please attach a list of towns or districts to this application. Current land-use zoning: Agriculture In instances where there is more than one current land-use zoning, please attach a list of current land use zonings that also indicate which portions each use pertains to , to this application.

Is a change of land-use or a consent use application required? YES NO

Must a building plan be submitted to the local authority? YES NO

Locality map: An A3 locality map must be attached to the back of this document, as Appendix A. The scale of the locality map must be relevant to the size of the development (at least 1:50 000. For linear activities of more than 25 kilometres, a smaller scale e.g. 1:250 000 can be used. The scale must be indicated on the map.) The map must indicate the following:  an indication of the project site position as well as the positions of the alternative sites, if any;  road access from all major roads in the area;  road names or numbers of all major roads as well as the roads that provide access to the site(s);  all roads within a 1km radius of the site or alternative sites; and  a north arrow;  a legend; and  locality GPS co-ordinates (Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees and decimal minutes. The minutes should have at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection) 1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the site. Alternative S1: Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5 Alternative S2 (if any): Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5 Alternative S3 (if any): Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

September 2014 Page 25 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site: 2.1 Ridgeline 2.2 Plateau 2.3 Side slope of hill/mountain 2.4 Closed valley 2.5 Open valley 2.6 Plain 2.7 Undulating plain / low hills 2.8 Dune 2.9 Seafront 3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE Is the site(s) located on any of the following (tick the appropriate boxes)? Alternative S1: Alternative S2 (if Alternative S3 (if any): any): Shallow water table (less than 1.5m YES NO YES NO YES NO deep) Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas YES NO YES NO YES NO

Seasonally wet soils (often close to YES NO YES NO YES NO water bodies) Unstable rocky slopes or steep YES NO YES NO YES NO slopes with loose soil Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve YES NO YES NO YES NO in water) Soils with high clay content (clay YES NO YES NO YES NO fraction more than 40%) Any other unstable soil or YES NO YES NO YES NO geological feature An area sensitive to erosion YES NO YES NO YES NO

If you are unsure about any of the above or if you are concerned that any of the above aspects may be an issue of concern in the application, an appropriate specialist should be appointed to assist in the completion of this section. (Information in respect of the above will often be available as part of the project information or at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by the Council for Geo Science may also be consulted). 4. GROUNDCOVER Indicate the types of groundcover present on the site: 4.1 Natural veld – good condition E 4.2 Natural veld – scattered aliens E 4.3 Natural veld with heavy alien infestation E 4.4 Veld dominated by alien species E 4.5 Gardens 4.6 Sport field 4.7 Cultivated land 4.8 Paved surface 4.9 Building or other structure 4.10 Bare soil The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s). Natural veld with Natural veld - good Natural veld with Veld dominated heavy alien Gardens conditionE scattered aliensE by alien speciesE infestationE Building or other Sport field Cultivated land Paved surface Bare soil structure

September 2014 Page 26 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report If any of the boxes marked with an “E “is ticked, please consult an appropriate specialist to assist in the completion of this section if the environmental assessment practitioner doesn’t have the necessary expertise. Note: The site and surrounding areas are fairly disturbed and are heavily grazed by livestock (Van Rooyen, 2012). An ecology specialist studies have been conducted (Appendix D1b) 5. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA Indicate land uses and/or prominent features that does currently occur within a 500m radius of the site and give description of how this influences the application or may be impacted upon by the application: 5.1 Natural area 5.2 Low density residential 5.3 Medium density residential 5.4 High density residential 5.5 Informal residentialA 5.6 Retail commercial & warehousing 5.7 Light industrial 5.8 Medium industrial AN 5.9 Heavy industrial AN 5.10 Power station 5.11 Office/consulting room 5.12 Military or police base/station/compound 5.13 Spoil heap or slimes damA 5.14 Quarry, sand or borrow pit 5.15 Dam or reservoir 5.16 Hospital/medical centre 5.17 School 5.18 Tertiary education facility 5.19 Church 5.20 Old age home 5.21 Sewage treatment plantA 5.22 Train station or shunting yard N 5.23 Railway line N 5.24 Major road (4 lanes or more) N 5.25 Airport N 5.26 Harbour 5.27 Sport facilities 5.28 Golf course 5.29 Polo fields 5.30 Filling station H 5.31 Landfill or waste treatment site 5.32 Plantation 5.33 Agriculture 5.34 River, stream or wetland 5.35 Nature conservation area 5.36 Mountain, koppie or ridge 5.37 Museum 5.38 Historical building 5.39 Protected Area 5.40 Graveyard 5.41 Archaeological site 5.42 Other land uses (describe): If any of the boxes marked with an “N “are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity?

If any of the boxes marked with an "An" are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? If YES, specify and explain: If YES, specify:

September 2014 Page 27 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report

If any of the boxes marked with an "H" are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity. If YES, specify and explain: If YES, specify:

6. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of YES NO 1999), including Archaeological or palaeontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the site? Uncertain If YES, explain: If uncertain, conduct a specialist investigation by a recognised specialist in the field to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site. Briefly explain A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) (Appendix D2b) has been conducted at the study area and no significant heritage resources have been identified. the findings of Mitigation measures, which are to be taken in the event of any future discoveries of archaeological or paleontological features, have been addressed in the the specialist: EMP (Appendix F). Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? YES NO Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)? YES NO If yes, please submit or, make sure that the applicant or a specialist submits the necessary application to SAHRA or the relevant provincial heritage agency and attach proof thereof to this application if such application has been made.

September 2014 Page 28 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 1. ADVERTISEMENT The EAP conducting a public participation process took into account any guidelines applicable to public participation as contemplated in section 24J of the Act and gave notice to all potential interested and affected parties of the application which is subjected to public participation by— (a) fixing a notice board at the— (i) entrance gate to erf 339 near the proposed location of the reverse osmosis plant and brine evaporation dam; at the entrance gate to the location of the boreholes and posters at the KLK on the Main Road at Brandvlei and (ii) any alternative site mentioned in the application; (b) giving written notice to— (i) the owner or person in control of that land if the applicant is not the owner or person in control of the land; (ii) the occupiers of the site where the activity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken; (iii) owners and occupiers of land adjacent to the site where the activity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken; (iv) the municipal councillor of the ward in which the site or alternative site is situated and any organisation of ratepayers that represent the community in the area; (v) the municipality which has jurisdiction in the area; (vi) any organ of state having jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the activity; and (vii) any other party as required by the competent authority; (c) placing advertisements (Afrikaans and English) in— (i) one local newspaper (Gemsbok); or (ii) any official Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing public notice of applications or other submissions made in terms of these Regulations; (d) placing an advertisement in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper, if the activity has or may have an impact that extends beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan or local municipality in which it is or will be undertaken: Provided that this paragraph need not be complied with if an advertisement has been placed in an official Gazette referred to in subregulation 54(c)(ii); and (e) using reasonable alternative methods, as agreed to by the competent authority, in those instances where a person is desiring of but unable to participate in the process due to— (i) illiteracy; (ii) disability; or (iii) any other disadvantage. Note: Find proof of the first phase (notice to identified I&APs) of public participation attached in Appendices E and J1-J6. 2. CONTENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES The notice board, advertisement or notices: (a) indicate the details of the application which is subjected to public participation; and (b) state— (i) that the application has been submitted to the competent authority in terms of these Regulations, (ii) applied to the application, in the case of an application for environmental authorisation; (iii) the nature and location of the activity to which the application relates; (iv) where further information on the application or activity can be obtained; and (iv) the manner in which and the person to whom representations in respect of the application may be made. 3. PLACEMENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES Where the proposed activity may have impacts that extend beyond the municipal area where it is located, a notice must be placed in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper, indicating that an application will be submitted to the competent authority in terms of these regulations, the nature and location of the activity, where further information on the proposed activity can be obtained and the manner in which representations in respect of the application can be made, unless a notice has been placed in any Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing notice to the public of applications made in terms of the EIA regulations. Advertisements and notices must make provision for all alternatives. Note: It is not foreseen that the proposed RO plant would have any regional impact beyond the municipal area where it is located. An advert was placed, according to stipulations in regulations, in the Gemsbok, a local newspaper in the area. (Appendix J4) 4. DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE MEASURES The practitioner must ensure that the public participation is adequate and must determine whether a public meeting or any other additional measure is appropriate or not based on the particular nature of each case. Special attention should be given to the involvement of local community structures such as Ward Committees, ratepayers associations and traditional authorities where appropriate. Please note that public concerns that emerge at a later stage that should have been addressed may cause the competent authority to withdraw any authorisation it may have issued if it becomes apparent that the public participation process was inadequate.

September 2014 Page 29 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 5. COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT The practitioner must record all comments and respond to each comment of the public before the application is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a comments and response report as prescribed in the EIA regulations and be attached to this application. The comments and response report must be attached under Appendix E. 6. AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION Please note that a complete list of all organs of state and or any other applicable authority with their contact details must be appended to the basic assessment report or scoping report, whichever is applicable. Note: Complete list with contact particulars in Appendix L. Authorities are key interested and affected parties in each application and no decision on any application will be made before the relevant local authority is provided with the opportunity to give input. List of authorities informed:  Provincial Government Representatives (Northern Cape): o Department of Environment and Nature Conservation; o Department of Agriculture and Land Reform, o Department of Forestry (DAFF); o Department of Roads and Public Works; o Department of Water Affairs; o Department of Labour; o Department of Mineral Resources; o Department of Energy; o Department of Sports, Arts and Culture; and o Department of Tourism  Local and District Authorities: o Namakwa District Municipality; o Hantam Local Municipality and Ward Councillor; and  Other authorities: o South African Heritage Resources Agency; o Northern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Agency; and o South African Civil Aviation Authority;  Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations: o Endangered Wildlife Trust; and o Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa  Parastatals: o Eskom; and o Telkom;  Surrounding landowners. List of authorities from whom comments have been received: PPP 1: DAFF (Forestry) SAHRA TELKOM SACAA Note: Comments are being attached in Appendix E, J6a-J6h

September 2014 Page 30 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 7. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS Note that, for linear activities, or where deviation from the public participation requirements may be appropriate, the person conducting the public participation process may deviate from the requirements of that subregulation to the extent and in the manner as may be agreed to by the competent authority. Proof of any such agreement must be provided, where applicable. Has any comment been received from stakeholders? YES NO If “YES”, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach copies of any correspondence to and from the stakeholders to this application – Appendix E, J6a-J6h ): PPP1: DAFF (Forestry) DAFF is mainly concerned about potential impact on protected tree species. DAFF also wishes to be supplied with copies of the specialist ecology report, the Basic Assessment Report and the Environmental Management Plan. Ecology Report: Biophysical Survey refers 1. No protected trees was recorded on this site SAHRA SHARA requested that a Heritage Impact Assessment should be done. Phase 1 Palaeontological/Archaeological Impact Assessment Report. If any new evidence of archaeological sites or artefacts, palaeontological fossils, graves or other heritage resources is found during construction, SAHRA and a professional archaeologist and/or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the finds, must be alerted immediately. TELKOM Acknowledge receipt of notification of proposed reverse osmosis plant, brine treatment plant and associated infrastructure at Brandvlei. A reference number has been appointed to this project - Ref: CBDV/0034-12. The application was forwarded to the Network Infrastructure Department for assistance. The proposed application is approved (valid for 6 months) in terms of S 22 of the Electronic Communications Act No. 36 of 2005 as amended. Telkom SA existing plant will be affected by this proposal. Any damages that occur during construction will be repaired at the customer’s account. Mr Vivian Groenewald must be contacted before any commencement of work at 054 331 3705 / 081 362 6738 On completion of the project please certify that all requirements as stipulated in this letter have been met. SACAA CAA has no objection to the proposed development subject to a maximum height restriction of 6,0 m above ground level. The highest structure of the project and the OHEPTL were requested.

September 2014 Page 31 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT The assessment of impacts must adhere to the minimum requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2010, and should take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also be addressed in the assessment of impacts. 1. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES List the main issues raised by interested and affected parties. PPP1: Mrs HM Castleman (Owner Erf 301) She has questions regarding the chemicals that would be used as well as noise. Response from the practitioner to the issues raised by the interested and affected parties (A full response must be given in the Comments and Response Report that must be attached to this report as Annexure E): PPP1: DAFF (Forestry) Ecology Report: Biophysical Survey refers 1. No protected trees were recorded on this site SAHRA A HIA was done at the end of November 2012 and Dr John Almond indicated that a paleontology desktop study would suffice. TELKOM 1. Noted 2. Noted The information was provided to the applicant Mr Groenewald will be added to the I&AP list SACAA Information was provided as requested. Mrs HM Castleman (Owner Erf 301) These points will be addressed in the EIA and EMP that would be made available to Mrs Castleman.

2. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES List the potential direct, indirect and cumulative property/activity/design/technology/operational alternative related impacts (as appropriate) that are likely to occur as a result of the planning and design phase, construction phase, operational phase, decommissioning and closure phase, including impacts relating to the choice of site/activity/technology alternatives as well as the mitigation measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed. 2.1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT An environmental impact matrix (Appendix I) was used to identify possible positive and negative environmental issues for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning phases. The following issues were identified:  water resources;  soil and agricultural potential (risk of erosion linked to topography of area, land use potential and restriction of land use);  ecology and biodiversity (impacts on ecology, flora and fauna and especially avifauna);  social aspects on the macro-, meso-, and microlevel;  visual quality and aesthetics;  economic impacts (mostly positive);  traffic impacts (construction, upgrading and decommissioning phases);  noise (construction, upgrading and decommissioning phases);  air quality;  heritage resources; and  tourism activities. The identified possible impacts and possible cumulative effects are being discussed in detail in the Report. Regulatory and mitigatory measures with regard to these impacts have also been stipulated in a comprehensive Environmental Management Programme (EMP) (Appendix F), which forms part of the Report.

September 2014 Page 32 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 2.1.1 Construction and Operational Phase Impacts Many impacts associated with the project would only be effected during the construction phase and the action would thus be temporary in duration. However, actions performed during the construction phase may cause pollution that would have longer lasting effects on the environment. Construction phase impacts are therefore investigated further during this phase, especially with a view to limit and mitigate lasting effects. 2.1.1.1 Water Resources Construction-related activities that could have an impact on the water resources of the study area include:  land clearing;  construction of access and internal service roads;  operation of construction camps and storage of materials required for construction;  operation and maintenance of construction vehicles and machinery (petrochemicals, oils and lubricants [POL]);  construction of bases for the support structures; and  sewage storage and disposal measures. Operation-related activities that could have an impact on the water resources of the study area include:  maintenance activities and maintenance of vehicles;  presence of impermeable surfaces; and  operational water use for the ablution facilities and servicing the pumps. Potential impacts associated with these activities include:  surface water pollution/quality degradation;  groundwater pollution/quality degradation;  impact on sustainability of aquifers/groundwater of the area; and  hydrology: o impact on infiltration; o change in storm water drainage; o catchment areas; o ponding; and o change in amount and velocity of runoff. Other activities in the surrounding area including Salt Works and communal and commercial farmers are making use of either ground water or other water resources. The cumulative impact of the water usage must be assessed. Most of the study area is underlain by the fractured Ecca Group aquifer with intermittent occurrences of the intergranular and fractured dolorite aquifers (Visser et al., 2010). The sustainable yield rate of aquifers within the study area has been established through a study done by SRK consulting (Appendix D3) and the amount of water that would be available was determined by also taking into account other possible uses of these aquifers. Detailed information on the water requirements is included in the SRK consulting and the BVi Consulting Engineering reports (Appendix M). Hantam Municipality scored a Municipal Blue Drop Score of 81.64% and scored the highest in the Northern Cape. The Blue Drop Certification Programme was initiated to ensure safe tap drinking water. Water boards and Municipalities are challenged with a target of excellence (95%) to which they should aspire. This program is also focused on responsible treatment process operations and management. Attention is especially given to enhancing their management skills of the process controllers (Blue Drop Report, 2012). In all instances the spatial scale of contamination is likely to be localised, i.e. encompassing the zone between the source and the aquifer. The duration of this impact is likely to be either long-term (between 15 and 30 years) or between 5 and 15 years. Mitigation (other than natural mitigation) is likely to be difficult, expensive and time-consuming. The water during construction will be supplied by the current water supply from Romanskolk. The water pumped from the boreholes cannot be used for construction activities such as mixing of cement or dust control, due to the chemical composition. Potable water would be supplied via trucks or small trailers where personnel are working. Detailed information on the water requirements is being investigated by the engineering design team. Geohydrology SKR Consulting conducted a geohydrological study on the water supply of Brandvlei (Appendix D3). Three new production boreholes were subsequently drilled and the test data was analysed by means of the FC and other methods to determine the aquifer parameters, optimum yields and pumping schedules for boreholes. Two of the three boreholes drilled have sufficiently high yields to supply the feed water demand of the proposed desalination plant (Visser et al., 2010). Pump test data analyses indicate that boreholes BV1 and BV3 can each be pumped at 25.2 m3/hr for a 24 hr/day schedule to give a combined yield of 50.4 m3/hr, or ~1 200 m3/day, which is more than adequate to supply the ~670 m3/d required for the desalination plant (Visser et al., 2010). The groundwater from the boreholes is very saline with an EC of just over 5 200 mS/m and TDS of between 37 200 and 37 800 mg/L. The fluoride is also high varying between ~8 to ~10 mg/L. The water from BV1 and BV2 is turbid and suspended solids are high with values of between ~250 and ~580 mg/L (Note: BV2 is not recommended for abstraction). Although the lower rates recommended for production pumping in all likelihood will reduce the turbidity, it is expected that some sort of pre-filtering will be required (Visser et al., 2010). Based on the pumping test analysis results, the specific yield of the aquifer, the surface flow records of the Sak River and the throughflow calculations, it can be concluded that it is feasible to abstract the required 670 m3/d from the two new boreholes BV1 and BV3, provided that a monitoring programme is implemented and that the data are reviewed by a SACNAS registered hydrogeologist on at least a six-monthly basis (Visser et al., 2010). September 2014 Page 33 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Fractured aquifers are more vulnerable to pollution than aquifers where the storage and transmission of groundwater is primarily intergranular, due to the higher rates of groundwater movement and lower attenuation potential. Once polluted, such aquifers are difficult and expensive to remediate. Soluble pollutants are likely to travel downwards to the water table together with recharging water, and then move with the water in the direction of regional groundwater flow. Recharge mechanisms in this area are not fully understood, but are thought to be episodic, following sporadic heavy rainfall. The following possible risks to the groundwater have been identified:  Migration of hydrocarbon fuel spillages (chemical contamination) by construction vehicles and machinery into the subsurface; and  Spill of the salt contained by the evaporation dams In all instances the spatial scale of contamination is likely to be localised, i.e. encompassing the zone between the source and the aquifer. The duration of this impact is likely to be medium to long-term (between 5 and 30 years). Mitigation (other than natural mitigation) is likely to be difficult, expensive and time-consuming. Point and Diffusive Pollution Point pollution discharge pollutants at specific locations through drain pipes, ditches, or sewer lines into bodies of surface water. Examples include sewage treatment plants, factories and underground mines. Point pollution is not foreseen to take place. Diffusive pollution are scattered and diffuse and cannot be traced to any single site of discharge. Fractured aquifers are more vulnerable to pollution than aquifers where the storage and transmission of groundwater is primarily intergranular, due to the higher rates of groundwater movement and lower attenuation potential. Once polluted, such aquifers are difficult and expensive to remediate. Soluble pollutants are likely to travel downwards to the water table together with recharging water, and then move with the water in the direction of regional groundwater flow. Recharge mechanisms in this area are not fully understood, but are thought to be episodic, following sporadic heavy rainfall. The following possible risks to the groundwater have been identified:  leaching of herbicides that might be needed for alien plant control into the subsurface (Brine will have the same effect);  migration of hydrocarbon fuel spillages (chemical contamination) as well as oils and lubricants by construction vehicles and machinery into the subsurface;  contamination due to a defect in the RO plant and associated infrastructure; and  sewage storage and disposal. The duration of this impact is likely to be either long-term (between 15 and 30 years) or permanent. Mitigation (other than natural mitigation) is likely to be difficult, expensive and time- consuming. Prevention would therefore be better than cure. The likelihood of such an impact actually occurring is improbable should all the measures, as stipulated in the EMP, be implemented. Hydrology (Surface Water) Along the Sak River and the pans the vulnerability tends to be medium to high compared to the low to medium vulnerability of the aquifer. The study area is mainly drained by the northerly flowing Sak River and its tributaries (Visser et al., 2012). The utilisation of these water resources are complicated by the following factors  Funds (Namakwa DM IDP, 2002-2003)  The episodic nature of the Sak river  The current water network is old, but there are seldom faults on the water network (Jaarverslag HLM, 2010-2011).  Lime in the water causes the pipes and meters to be replaced on a regular basis (Jaarverslag HLM, 2010-2011). Potential impacts on the surface water include pollution and spillage from the evaporation ponds. Potable water needed during the operational phase could be obtained from the municipality nearest to the proposed development. Municipalities have to plan for long-term water use (population growth vs. domestic, commercial and industrial use within a municipal area) and availability has to be negotiated with the water users’ association by the municipality. Other aspects of infiltration are disturbance and sealing. Activities such as vehicular movement between the structures for cleaning purposes might disturb the soil surface. Agricultural activities result in the sealing of the soil surface, which would lead to reduced infiltration. Further, vehicular activity could lead to compaction, also reducing infiltration. Sands however are particularly resistant to compaction and sealing. Runoff that can be generated by a soil surface and rainfall is dependent on the intensity and duration of the rainfall, combined with the infiltration capacity of the soil. If runoff occurs in this arid environment, it occurs as storm flow that subsides quickly and the stream channel reverts to its normal dry condition. Thus it is also likely that there would be no effect on stream flow. Most of the water needed by the proposed RO plant would be required during the construction phase and the duration of the use is short-term. During the operational phase the use of water will increase due to the operation and the desalinization of water.

September 2014 Page 34 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures pertaining to water resources are contained in the following sections of the Environmental Management Programme (Appendix F)  Preconstruction phase o Planning of layout  Construction and operational phase o handling stockpiles o oil and chemicals o cement and concrete batching o provision of storage facilities for dangerous and toxic materials o bulk storage of fuels and oils o use of dangerous and toxic materials o toilets and ablution facilities o waste management o workshop equipment, maintenance and storage o erosion and sedimentation o no-go/sensitive areas o access road o internal service roads o hydrology o soil 2.1.1.2 Soil and Agriculture Construction-related activities that could have an impact on the soil and agricultural potential of the study area include:  land clearing/vegetation removal ;  construction of access road;  excavation activities for electricity -, water -, sewage -, and grey water reticulation;  operation and maintenance of construction camps, construction vehicles and machinery;  stockpiling (spoil, gravel for road building, sand and stone for buildings, bedding sand for electricity and other reticulation);  batching plant; and  dust suppression. Operation-related activities that could have an impact on the soil and agricultural potential of the study area include:  Operation and maintenance of o access roads; o infrastructure including ancillary infrastructure; and o vehicles. Potential impacts associated with the construction and operational phases include:  soil pollution;  soil degradation;  soil erosion;  soil displacement (from on area to another that contains different types of soil or different soil zones in one area)  soil forming properties  compaction of soils;  impacts on topography or slope;  impacts on land use potential or capability;  impacts on agricultural potential or capability; and  restriction of land use. Soils Soil erosion is when the natural ground level is lowered by wind or water and could occur due to chemical processes and physical transport of the soil on the land surface, which causes siltation in another area. The potential for soil to erode is the likelihood that erosion will take place when soils are exposed to water and/or wind due to construction activities. The potential for erosion is increased in areas with low-plasticity, fine-grained soils such as in this study area. Due to the flat gradient, percentage of vegetation cover, geology/soil composition of the site, the previously disturbed areas and according to the ecologist this area has a low to medium potential to erode (Van Rooyen, 2012). Soil pollution could take place due to spillage of hazardous chemicals such as petrochemicals that would be stored and used on the construction site. Spillage of the salt from the evaporation ponds can also occur. Soil degradation takes place through the removal, alteration or damage to soil and soil forming processes by land clearing, dust suppression and compaction of soil at roads and development footprints. The direct impacts of degradation and accelerated wind erosion of soil during and after the land clearing activities are considered.

September 2014 Page 35 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Wind and water erosion are the major natural causes of soil degradation in the Northern Cape, while changes in species composition, loss of plant cover, and bush encroachment, due to commercial farming, are the most frequent forms of vegetation degradation. (DEAT, 2006) Should erosion occur mitigation measures should be implemented as stipulated in the EMP (Appendix F). The highest threat to this vegetation type is overgrazing or unsound grazing/farming methods coinciding with prolonged droughts. Overgrazing and other unsound farming practices exacerbate changes in the vegetation composition and prolong droughts. With the predicted global warming or climate change the desertification of this vegetation type is expected to continue. (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006) Agriculture The study area is underlain by deep alluvial and loamy soils in the central and north-western parts of the site. Some areas are open abandoned cropland, while other areas are overgrazed and encroached by alien spp. in places. The northern parts the site is underlain by shallow loamy and gravelly soils. These sites that are already disturbed results in limited agricultural potential, which is further restricted by severe climatic conditions. Rainfall is very low while evaporation is extremely high, due to the high temperatures in summer. The carrying capacity for the area surrounding Brandvlei is approximately 1:46 for large stock and 1:8-10 for small stock. Construction activities would cause a loss of arable land but during the decommissioning phase most of these impacts would cease and the land would, over a period of time during the operational phase, return to a similar state to the surrounding environment, as construction phase impacts would lessen over time. Mitigation Measures The construction and operation of the RO plant would, in general, not impact on the agricultural potential of the surrounding area. Mitigation measures pertaining to soil and agricultural resources are contained in the following sections of the Environmental Management Programme (Appendix F):  Preconstruction phase o Site demarcation and development o Planning of layout  Construction and operational phase o handling stockpiles o oil and chemicals o provision of storage facilities for dangerous and toxic materials o bulk storage of fuels and oils o use of dangerous and toxic materials o dust o erosion and sedimentation o no-go/sensitive areas o access roads o internal service roads o hydrology o soil 2.1.1.3 Ecology and Biodiversity Construction-related activities that could have an impact on the ecology and biodiversity of study area include:  Implementation, operation and maintenance of construction camps, construction vehicles and machinery;  Storage and use of materials and chemicals such as petrochemicals required for construction;  land clearing/vegetation removal;  excavation activities for electricity -, water -, sewage -, and grey water reticulation  construction of storm water drainage systems;  soil and/or water contamination through the use and storage of petrochemicals.  11kV to 22kV overhead power supply line  lightning conductor masts with a height of 25m might be installed;  construction of infrastructure, associated infrastructure and implementation of services;  stockpiling (spoil, gravel for road building, sand and stone for buildings, bedding sand for electricity and other reticulation);  batching plant and batching activities; and  dust suppression. Operation- and maintenance-related activities that could have an impact on the ecology and biodiversity of the study area include:  use of access roads;  operation and maintenance of main and associated infrastructure;  presence of the overhead transmission line;  presence of impermeable surfaces; and  maintenance of vegetation in the area (veld management).

September 2014 Page 36 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Potential impacts associated with the construction and operational phases include:  habitat transformation and/or degradation;  loss of sensitive/pristine local habitat types;  increase in fragmentation, isolation and corridor functioning of local habitats and ecosystems due to fencing, roads and other infrastructure (long term impact);  aquatic habitat transformation can occur;  invasion of alien flora and fauna on disturbed land;  vegetation destruction (loss of economic use of vegetation);  flood zones alteration;  depletion of natural resources (e.g. grazing and underground water);  destruction of red data/threatened flora spp. (high ecological value);  floristic species changes;  impacts on common faunal spp.;  impacts on predator-prey interaction;  faunal interactions with structures, servitudes and personnel;  impacts on surrounding habitats and spp.;  impacts on South Africa’s conservation obligations and targets;  impacts on avifauna: o disturbance; o roosting/nesting; o perching; o nuisance (faeces); o collisions; o electrocutions; and o issues with regard to associated infrastructure. Areas that are considered to be sensitive are:  untransformed natural vegetation;  high diversity or habitat complexity;  areas containing Red Data species; and  systems that is vital to sustain ecological functions. Areas that have low sensitivity are transformed areas that are of little or no importance for the functioning of ecosystems. Development (or change in land use) usually contributes to habitat loss and degradation in many biodiversity important areas. Much of the impact can be minimized through careful planning and avoidance of sensitive areas. In many areas it is not the direct use of biological resources such as subsistence harvesting (especially of medicinal plants) and illegal collection for commercial trade (particularly of groups such as succulents) that is threatening their sustainability, but rather indirect pressures such as changing of land use, land degradation, clearing of indigenous vegetation, overgrazing, invasion of land by alien species, informal settlements, urban development, industrial and agricultural pollution, mining, impoundments, cultivation, water abstraction and climate change. Loss of habitat is therefore regarded as the foremost cause of loss of biodiversity. (Van Rooyen, 2012) Direct impacts especially relate to the construction phase and the development footprint and might possibly include the destruction of threatened and protected flora species, as well as sensitive/pristine regional habitat types, and direct impacts on common as well as threatened fauna species. Impacts that relate to the operational phase and the surrounding environment include potential floristic species changes in the development area, faunal interactions with all components of the development, and impacts on surrounding habitats and species. Cumulative impacts include impacts on national conservation obligations and targets, increases in or continuation of local and regional fragmentation or isolation of habitats, as well as increases in or continuation of environmental degradation. An ecological specialist study has been conducted on the study area by Dr Noel van Rooyen (Ekotrust cc) attached in Appendix D1b. An assessment of the significance of the impacts on the terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, rare and protected plant species and fauna was done. The significance of impacts was assessed by means of the criteria of certainty, severity (intensity and duration), direction (negative, neutral or positive) and scale (extent). The significance rating is determined by a combination of the impact and sensitivity ratings. (Van Rooyen, 2012) Vegetation The proposed reservoir and ponds system in the north of the site covers an area of about 9 ha and is located within the Bushmanland Basin Shrubland vegetation unit, which covers 34 691 km2 in the region. The site at the reservoir and ponds will cover approximately 9 ha and the pipeline will cover a distance of 2.65 km. The boreholes and proposed pump station in the south of the site occur in the Bushmanland Vloere vegetation unit, which covers 4707 km2 in the Northern Cape. These vegetation types have a conservation status of ‘least threatened’. None of the types is conserved in statutory conservation areas, and less than about 2% has been cleared for cultivation or transformed by building of dams. (Van Rooyen, 2012) The site under investigation is not located in a protected area according to the system of protected areas in South Africa (sections 9 to 15 of NEMA:PAA, 2003 as cited in Van Rooyen, 2012).

September 2014 Page 37 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Sensitive habitats No significant sensitive habitats such as quartzite ridges, dunes or permanent wetlands occur on site and therefore the general sensitivity of the area is regarded as very low. The impact of the proposed development on the terrestrial habitats is rated as low, and with a very low sensitivity, the overall significance rating is low. Because of the proximity of the site to Brandvlei, the area is fairly disturbed due to abandoned fields, overgrazing and many roads. Consequently, there are not any sensitive habitats or significant numbers of rare and protected flora and fauna on site. (Van Rooyen, 2012) Endemic plant species No endemic plant species were recorded on site (Van Rooyen, 2012). Aquatic plant communities There are no perennial aquatic communities on site. However, a small man-made hole occurs at the site of the boreholes and fill with water during the rainy season. Additionally the boreholes and proposed pump station in the southeast are located on the edge of the broad floodplains of the Sak River. However, the boreholes are approximately 700 m from the main channel of the Sak River. A drainage line occurs to the north of the reservoir/ponds area and is for most of the year dry and flow for short periods after relatively heavy rains. This seasonal drainage line is not considered to be a wetland in the strict sense of the word. However, the flow of water should not be impeded, but prevention of erosion and spillage into the wash should be a high priority if the adjacent areas are to be developed. (Van Rooyen, 2012) Protected flora and Rare plant species The impacts on the vegetation will be minimal along the pipeline but all vegetation will be cleared at the site of the reservoir and the ponds. However, no rare or protected plant species were recorded at the footprint of the site. None of the NCNCA Schedule 2 protected plant species are threatened. The dead Hoodia gordonii plants were found north of the site and did not occur within the footprint of the proposed ponds on site. The individual of Lessertia paucifora was found outside the proposed new project site, while Psilocaulon coriarium and Prenia tetragona occur widespread throughout the area. The latter two species are from the family Mesembryanthemaceae. Protection is given at the family level and therefore includes rather common and sometimes weedy plant species. (Van Rooyen, 2012) Alien plant species The Category 1 declared alien Opuntia ficus-indicawas recorded on site and should be eradicated. The establishment and spread of declared alien plants species during construction of the proposed development should be prevented/controlled. A number of individuals of Category 2 Prosopis velutina occurs on site and should preferably be eradicated. The potential spread of Prosopis spp. should be monitored. (Van Rooyen, 2012) Fauna The site and surrounding areas are fairly disturbed and are heavily grazed by livestock. The close proximity of the site to the town contributes to the lack of wild animals in the area. The fauna on site will probably be displaced from the site during construction but the area is surrounded by habitat in similar condition and without any fragmentation does not pose a problem. If trenches are dug for the pipeline they should be refilled as soon as possible as they act as pit traps for small animals. Nests of birds on electrical installations should be removed and nesting prevented. Indigenous trees form important food sources and habitats for various fauna and should be retained on the boundary of the property where they do not interfere with the facility. Any overhead power line construction should take avifauna into account, and an important mitigation measure must include the installation of ‘flappers’ or other objects to make the power lines more visible to the birds and to prevent collisions. The sensitivity and significance of the impact of the proposed development on the fauna will be low. (Van Rooyen, 2012) Species presence on site was mainly attained by means of direct or indirect sighting methods (animal, spoor, burrows, scats) whilst traversing the area on foot or by vehicle. The species lists can be found in the Ecology Report that is attached in Appendix D1b. Red data mammals Based on Du Plessis (1969), Mills & Hes (1997), Erasmus (1998), Friedmann & Daly (2004) and Skinner & Chimimba (2005), and the type of habitat on site, the habitat requirements of the species and personal observations during the field survey, no Red Data Book (RDB) species with a status higher than ‘least concern’ (LC) was recorded during the survey in November 2012. The aardvark does occur on the site where some deep loamy soils are found. The aardvark (Orycteropus afer), previously listed as Vulnerable, is now listed as “Least Concern” (Friedmann & Daly 2004) (Van Rooyen, 2012). Indirect impacts on fauna could occur due to loss of habitat and faunal interactions with the structures, servitudes and personnel. Contact would inevitably occur between personnel and animals, especially during the construction phase, when a large number of people would be required on the site. Although larger faunal species would tend to move away from the site and avoid contact with humans, encounters with snakes, scorpions, spiders and possibly larger predators would remain likely. The likelihood of animals being killed by means of snaring, poaching, poisoning, trapping and vehicles would inevitably increase due to the presence of humans in areas of natural habitat and measures should be taken to prevent and mitigate these impacts. Consequences of the construction phase may be the fragmentation of populations, reduction of area of occupancy and loss of genetic variation of affected species. While animals generally avoid contact with humans and human structures, they do grow accustomed to structures, and some species even to humans, after some time. Animals such as baboons and monkeys can climb on structures and possibly cause damage to structures. These animals are not likely to occur at this study area as water and high features, providing protection against predators, are limited or unavailable. These species normally occur nearer to the river systems where food, water and protection are more readily available. As the development would be fenced, specific impacts that would result from the type of fencing should be considered. Aardvarks burrow below fencing. This could create an entry point for perpetrators and could possibly be a security risk.

September 2014 Page 38 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Avifauna and Chiroptera Birds could be affected by the proposed development in various ways, involving their nesting and territorial habits, as well as collisions with the structures. Most of the long-term direct impacts would occur during the operational phase. Measures should be taken to prevent nesting on structures used during the construction phase, as they could create seemingly favourable nesting conditions for several species, including sociable weavers, crows, various raptor species and rock pigeons. The disturbance of resident birds, especially whilst breeding, could occur due to maintenance activities. Sensitivity An ecological sensitivity analysis was conducted by the ecologist, Dr Noel van Rooyen that can be found on page 45 of the Ecology Report in Appendix D1b. The plant communities on site were evaluated and ranked in terms of sensitivity (very low, low, moderate, high and very high sensitivity). The sensitivity rating for the flora and faunal component is based on the presence of rare and/or threatened flora and fauna on site and is a subjective assessment of the sensitivity on a scale ranging from very low (1) to very high (5) (see sensitivity ranking and rating scale above). The flora and fauna sensitivity is rated as low provided the protected tree species on site is conserved and offset land is available for dispersal of fauna. (Van Rooyen, 2012) Presence of biodiversity offset areas Biodiversity offsets are conservation actions intended to compensate for the residual, unavoidable harm to biodiversity caused by development projects or other harmful activities, so as to ensure no net loss of biodiversity (Table 5, CSIR 2005, De Witt et al., 2006 as cited in Van Rooyen, 2012). The need to consider a biodiversity offset is only triggered when residual biodiversity impacts of moderate to higher significance are evident. Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures pertaining to ecology and biodiversity aspects are contained in the following sections of the Environmental Management Programme (Appendix F):  Preconstruction phase o Site demarcation and development o Biodiversity off-set agreements o Planning of layout  Construction and operational phase o Fires o Erosion and sedimentation o Fauna o Flora o No-go/sensitive areas o Access routes/haul roads o Ecological specialist findings The development should be contained within the proposed footprint of the RO plant and unnecessary disturbance adjacent to the site should be avoided. The denuded and disturbed site should be re-vegetated as soon as possible. Prevent soil erosion from the disturbed areas. Minimise large-scale clearance of natural vegetation and disturbance along the pipeline and reservoir sites. (Van Rooyen, 2012) All declared alien invasive plant species should be destroyed. Establish a monitoring program for the early detection and control of alien invasive plant species. No alien plant species should be used in landscaping or gardens around the site. (Van Rooyen, 2012) Disturbance should be contained in the footprint of the proposed access road and unnecessary disturbance to the surrounding vegetation adjacent to the route be restricted. Run-off channels should be maintained to prevent erosion. Dust control measures should be implemented during construction. (Van Rooyen, 2012) Spillage from the reverse-osmosis and brine ponds into drainage lines should be prevented (Van Rooyen, 2012). Alien plants The alien invaders e.g. Prosopis velutina should be controlled on site. Introduction of other alien plants during construction should be prevented. Alien plant control should be continued after the construction of the site. Fauna Any above-ground power line construction should take avifauna into account, and an important mitigation measure must include the installation of ‘flappers’ or other objects to make the power lines more visible to the birds and to prevent collisions. 2.1.1.4 Social Environment The main social challenges experienced within the district include:  low economic growth rate that limits the material needs of communities;  negative population growth rate due to urbanisation;  lack of job creation and training institutions in the province resulting in high unemployment rates;  primary education;  a desperate need for social activities, services, and youth development; and  lack of basic services including sanitation.

September 2014 Page 39 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Potential impacts associated with the construction and operational phases include:  Mesosystem o safety and security o daily movement patterns o socio-economic impacts (social investment, job creation, job seekers, population increase, increased services demand, social problems) o impact on urban expansion o impact on tourism and recreation o economic impact o It will also have an influence on the interested and affected parties of this project.  Microsystem (physical presence of infrastructure) o health and safety of workers and public o sense of place (tourism and recreation) o land use impacts (cultivation and grazing) o traditional/cultural conflicts o It will also have an influence on the interested and affected parties of this project.

Social impacts at the mesosystem level derive from the fact that the RO plant would boost the development of economy and development of reverse osmosis technology. It will also have a long term social benefit by providing safe and affordable water to Brandvlei’s residents, businesses and tourists traveling to or through Brandvlei. The impacts from the effects of the project on employment opportunities and demand for infrastructure etc. will be assessed. The OR plant is also the most cost effective solution for the current water problem in Brandvlei. Impacts at the microsystem level are caused by the physical presence of the RO plant and evaporation ponds, and are confined to the occupants on the study area or directly adjacent to this infrastructure. Mesolevel Impacts The project is likely to have high long-term, indirect social impacts. The benefits of Reverse Osmosis includes the following:  simple processing,  installation costs are low,  low maintenance,  very poor quality water such as seawater can be used in RO technology,  it can be used to remove organic and inorganic contaminants,  small environmental impact,  minimal use of chemicals (UNEP, 1997). Employment opportunities created by the construction phases would have short-term positive impacts that in turn would improve the lives of individuals and families, but would possibly also cause intrusion by specialist and other workers from outside the community. The magnitude of this impact would depend on the number of construction workers to be employed, either by the developer itself or by contractors. Sourcing of construction workers from the local labour pool is likely to be limited to unskilled workers. However, the construction of a RO plant is relatively uncomplicated and therefore some of the employment opportunities created during the construction phases would be offered to local workers, with contractors importing their core team of management and specialist skilled staff. This could have some economic benefits for surrounding communities, although only of a temporary nature. In addition to creating employment opportunities for construction workers, the project might also offer other sources of temporary employment such as fencing and other ancillary works. The unemployment rate of this district is very high (25.7% in the IDP 2012-2013). Unfortunately most unemployed people in this district are unskilled. Poverty is a widespread problem in the Northern Cape. The construction of the RO plant would not result in a significant increase in traffic volumes. Microlevel Impacts The physical presence of the construction plant and construction activities would cause direct impacts to the area immediately surrounding the study area. These impacts might be experienced by landowners and residents in the area immediately surrounding the study area. Mitigation Measures It is important to establish the number of skilled labourers in the area, as well as the types of skills they have, through liaison with the municipality. Possible theft and crime would be mitigated by erecting the perimeter fence and security systems at commencement of construction as stipulated earlier in this report.

September 2014 Page 40 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Mitigation measures pertaining to the social environment are contained in the following sections of the Environmental Management Programme (Appendix F)  Preconstruction phase o Communication with stakeholders and I&APS  Construction and operational phase o Cognisance of other developments o Employment opportunities for local communities o Capacity building in local communities o HIV/Aids education o Crime, safety and security 2.1.1.5 Economic Impacts Potential impacts associated with the construction phase include:  financial and economic impacts;  stakeholder interest;  business risk/benefit; and  damage to property (landowner and developer). Positive economic and financial impacts have been sufficiently addressed in the social environment section. Local content While a high level of both stakeholder and business risk is involved, there are also potential benefits. This impact could only be mitigated by internalising the externalities and clearly identifying and defining aspects related to this development. The purpose of the EIA as a whole is to assist in addressing these aspects very early in the planning phase. The EIA will continue to do so as the project planning (critical project timeline) of the proposed development progresses. The risk to the landowner and the developer with regard to physical damage to infrastructure is moderate and has been taken into consideration in the EIA matrix. Mitigation measures would include good management control and housekeeping, as well as safety and security infrastructure and personnel. Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures have been addressed in the following sections of the Environmental Management Programme (Appendix F):  Preconstruction phase o Project contract and programme o Appointments and duties of project team  Construction and operational phase o Crime, safety and security 2.1.1.6 Traffic Impacts During the construction phase traffic impacts would be relatively low. All the parts of the infrastructure needed for the proposed development, including miscellaneous material and equipment (e.g. pumps, level sensors, valves, etc.) as well as machinery must be transported to and from the study area from various locations in the region. The RO plant would have an insignificantly low impact on the traffic volumes of the region as well as on the condition of the roads that would be used for bringing the infrastructure to the study area. Mitigation of traffic impacts would not be necessary during the operational phase. When upgrades or expansions are to be conducted on a large scale, activities and associated mitigation would revert back to the construction phase. Mitigation Measures Traffic to and from the study area would have to be monitored and controlled by the project manager to ensure that congestion and blocking of roads would not occur. Further mitigation measures are stipulated in the following sections of the EMP:  Preconstruction phase o Site demarcation and development o Planning of the layout  Construction and operational phase o Access route and haul roads o Traffic impacts o Visual impact 2.1.1.7 Noise Potential impacts associated with the construction phase include:  nuisance;  health and safety of workers and public;  traffic volumes; and  noise sensitive areas.

September 2014 Page 41 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report Potential impacts that have been investigated with regard to the operational phase include:  nuisances;  health and safety of employees and the public;  traffic volumes; and  noise sensitive areas. Noise associated with the proposed development would mostly be generated during the construction phases and, to a lesser extent, during the decommissioning phase, and would be limited to noise levels generally associated with construction. Being situated close to the town that carries low traffic volumes within a sparsely populated area, noise generated by the development during the operational phase is not expected to have a significant impact on the noise levels in the area. The noise will mostly come from the humming of the pumps. Generally the noise impact will be minimal. Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures pertaining to the noise impacts are contained in the construction and operational phase noise section of the Environmental Management Programme (Appendix F). 2.1.1.8 Air Quality Impacts on air quality would mostly occur during the construction and decommissioning phases and could involve dust nuisance and emissions by vehicles and construction equipment. Air quality impacts during the operational phase would be limited to vehicle emissions. Mitigation measures are included in the dust section of the construction and operational phase section of the EMP. 2.1.1.9 Visual and Aesthetical Impacts The presence of the proposed RO plant, including its ancillary infrastructure, would have a minimal visual impact on the visual and aesthetical aspects of the study area and surrounding areas. Impacts on observers close to the study area such as potentially sensitive receptors such as landowners and homesteads located within areas of potential visual exposure, must be considered. Potential impacts associated with the operational phase include visual impacts, reduction in aesthetic properties, littering and housekeeping. The aspects that need to be taken into consideration in the assessment of visual impacts have been discussed in the construction phase section. Mitigation Measures In most cases, the landscape and visual impacts occurring during the construction phase can be mitigated relatively effectively. Rehabilitation of the disturbed areas would prevent the exposure of soil, which may cause a reduction in the visual quality of the study area. Sensitive positioning of the construction camps and laydown yards should take advantage of the natural screening capacity of the study area by locating the camps outside of the views of sensitive visual receptors. Mitigation measures pertaining to the visual impacts are contained in the following sections of the Environmental Management Programme (Appendix F):  Preconstruction phase o Site demarcation and development o Planning of layout o Visual impacts (lighting)  Construction and operational phase o Dust o Crew camps o Traffic impacts o Visual impact o Ecological specialist recommendations o 2.1.1.10 Heritage Resources Archaeological Aspects Construction-related activities which could impact on the heritage resources of the study area include:  land clearing and excavation activities; and  possible establishment of borrow pits and spoil areas if necessary. A Heritage Impact Assessment was conducted by ACO Associates CC. A few scatters of 20th century dump material, such as glass fragments, rusted tin cans, ceramic and bone were identified and mapped. Concentrations are very low and they do not represent important historic dumps. The remains are considered to be of low significance. The proposed boreholes are located on the margins of the Sak River. The topsoil is very silty and there is no evidence of any archaeological or historical material. There will be no impact on the Built Environment, Cultural Landscape or Scenic Routes. It is recommended that the proposed development should proceed (Webley & Orton 2012), Mitigation measures pertaining to the heritage impacts are contained in the construction and operational phase heritage section of the Environmental Management Programme (Appendix F).

September 2014 Page 42 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 2.1.1.11 Impacts on Tourism The potential impacts on tourism would include but not be limited to the following:  visual impact on established tourism areas and products as well as potential tourists; and  potential for tourism development – the impact that the RO plant would have on the growth of tourism in the area (positive and negative). Tourism is very important to this area’s economic development especially in the flowering season. According to an economical analysis done for the Hantam Municipality IDP (2012- 2013), tourism and renewably energy projects will be the catalysts for the local economy in the future (Hantam LM IDP, 2012-2013). The small size of the population means that relatively few people would see the plant daily at this site. The impact of such a facility on tourism would be low in this instance (Hantam LM IDP, 2012-2013). Mitigation measures addressed within the EMP are as follows (Appendix F):  Pre-construction phase: Site demarcation and development;  Construction and operational phase: Visual impact.

September 2014 Page 43 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report 3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement that summarises the impact that the proposed activity and its alternatives may have on the environment after the management and mitigation of impacts have been taken into account, with specific reference to types of impact, duration of impacts, likelihood of potential impacts actually occurring and the significance of impacts.

3.1 Consideration of Alternatives The following alternatives were considered:  Alternative technologies: o Alternatives to the RO plant (different ways to improve Brandvlei’s water supply) o Site Location (routes for the pipeline and electricity line) o Environmental Acceptability o Study Area Selection o Infrastructure, Technology & Process . Brine Effluent Evaporation Ponds (types of lining for the evaporation ponds) . Electricity Supply  Technical competence  The ‘do-nothing’ alternative (the option not to proceed with the proposed development)

3.2 Conclusions drawn from the Evaluation of the Proposed Study Area Impacts that might potentially be associated with the RO plant include impacts on water resources; soil and agricultural potential (risk of erosion linked to topography of area, land use potential and restriction of land use); ecology and biodiversity (impacts on ecology, flora and fauna, and especially avifauna); social aspects on the meso- and microlevel; visual quality and aesthetics; economic impacts (mostly positive); traffic impacts (construction, upgrading and decommissioning phases); noise (construction, upgrading and decommissioning phases); air quality; visual and aesthetical impacts; heritage resources; and tourism activities. Most of the potential impacts identified are anticipated to be site-specific. No environmental fatal flaws were identified.

Alternative A (preferred alternative)

3.3 Potentially Significant Issues Related to the Construction and Operational Phase after Mitigation 3.3.1 Impacts on Water Resources Geohydrology SKR Consulting conducted a geohydrological study on the water supply of Brandvlei. Two of the three boreholes drilled have sufficiently high yields to supply the feed water demand of the proposed desalination plant. The groundwater from the boreholes is very saline and the fluoride is also high. The following possible risks to the groundwater have been identified:  Migration of hydrocarbon fuel spillages (chemical contamination) by construction vehicles and machinery into the subsurface; and  Spill of the salt (brine) contained by the evaporation dams The proposed development would probably have a negligible impact on the groundwater quality, as large quantities of petrochemicals would not be stored on site either during the construction or operational phase and this storage and use should be controlled by the correct implementation of measures of the Environmental Management Programme. It should be noted that the brine leaching into the soil would have the same effect as the leaching of herbicides. During the construction phase it is estimated that approximately 500 000ℓ municipal water (from Romanskolk) would be used for activities such as toilets, dust control, concrete batching and compaction. During the operational phase approximately 22 980kℓ would be abstracted from the boreholes and pumped to the RO plant. The boreholes has been registered but the registration for the abstraction of the water is currently handled, in a parallel process to this one, by SRK. Hydrology (surface water) Along the Sak River and the pans, the vulnerability tends to be medium to high compared to the low to medium vulnerability of the aquifer. The study area is mainly drained by the northerly flowing Sak River and its tributaries.

3.4 No-go alternative (compulsory) The ‘do nothing’ alternative is the option of not undertaking the proposed Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure. The area is currently utilised as grazing for communal farmers and this would continue irrespective if the development would take place or not. The identified area has a low grazing intensity and the project will not have a significant influence on the grazing capacity. The identified site, at a local level, would then not be impacted on from an environmental perspective and would continue to be utilised for the current activities.

September 2014 Page 44 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report The planning, construction and operation of the Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure would offer many potential socio-economic benefits for the area where unemployment and poverty is very high. This would not happen should this development not proceed. The proposed development is the least expensive of the three options investigated in the SRK Consulting report, May 2010 (BVi Consulting Engineers, 2012) and figures provided to the EAP. Economically it will be beneficial to Brandvlei and the Hantam Local Municipality. This would not be the case if the development does not proceed. The ‘do nothing’ alternative is not a preferred alternative in this application.

SECTION E. RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER

Is the information contained in this report and the documentation attached YES NO hereto sufficient to make a decision in respect of the activity applied for (in the view of the environmental assessment practitioner)?

If “NO”, indicate the aspects that should be assessed further as part of a Scoping and EIA process before a decision can be made (list the aspects that require further assessment):

If “YES”, please list any recommended conditions, including mitigation measures that should be considered for inclusion in any authorisation that may be granted by the competent authority in respect of the application: All recommendations and mitigation measures that should be included in the authorisation is addressed in the Environmental Management Programme. Should the BAR and EMP be accepted and authorised, all aspects that have been discussed within the report and programme would be addressed. It is imperative that the implementation of the EMP during pre-construction, construction and operational phase and continued compliance to it be ensured. Is an EMPr attached? YES NO The EMPr must be attached as Appendix F.

September 2014 Page 45 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report REFERENCES Burger A.J., & Du Plessis J.A., 2010. Port Nolloth Desalination study – Concept Design and Costing of Reverse Osmosis Plant. Stellenbosch University. South Africa. Bvi Consulting Engineers, 2012, Preliminary Design & Technical Investigation Report: Brandvlei Bulk Water Supply & RO Treatment Plant, Upington Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT). 2006. South Africa Environment Outlook. A Report on the State of the Environment. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria. 371pp.

Department of Water Affairs (DWA), 2012. 2012 Blue Drop Report. Department of Water Affairs, Republic of South Africa.

Hantam Local Municipality, 2012. Hantam Municipality. Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for 2012-2013, Calvinia

Hantam Local Municipality, 2010-2011. Hantam Munisipaliteit Jaarverslag 2010-2011, Calvinia.

Department of Tourism, Environment & Conservation (DTEC), 2008. Hantam Municipality. Map of Critical Biodiversity Areas

Miller, G.T., 2005. Living in the Environment. Principles, Connections, and Solutions. 14th ed. Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole-Thomson Learning.

Namakwa District Municipality, 2002, Namakwa District Municipality. Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for 2002-2003, Springbok

Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.) 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

PD Naidoo and Associates & SRK Consulting, 2008, Final Basic Environmental Assessment Volume 1, Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant, At The Transnet Iron Ore Handling Facility, Saldanha Bay, Western Cape

Reverse Osmosis Chemicals, 2013. RO chemicals – Advanced Reverce Osmosis Technologies. Manchester, United Kingdom. http://www.reverseosmosischemicals.com/reverse- osmosis-guides/reverse-osmosis-ro-membrane-cleaning

Severn Trent Services, 2011-2013. Use of Reverse Osmosis Increasing In Industrial Sector. Severn Trent Services, UK http://www.severntrentservices.com/eNews/vol10/ro.aspx

Sustainable Energy Africa, 2009. How to Implement Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Options. Support for South African Local Government. Sustainable Energy Africa.

United Nations Environmental Programme – International Environmental Technology Centre, 1997, Source Book of Alternative Technologies for Freshwater Augmentation in Latin America and the Caribbean, Washington, D.C

Van Rooyen, N. 2012. Ecological Report: Biophysical Assessment Of The Proposed Brandvlei Water Works Brandvlei. Pretoria

Visser, D., Goes, M., Esterhuyse, C., Vd Westhuizen, T., 2010, Wellfield Development for Feed Water Supply to Brandvlei’s Proposed Desalination Plant, SRK Consulting, Cape Town

Webley, L., & Orton, J., 2012. Heritage Impact Assessment of the proposed reverse osmosis plant and associated infrastructure, Brandvlei, Hantam Local Municipality. Northern Cape.

September 2014 Page 46 Construction and Operation of a Reverse Osmosis Plant, Brine Treatment Plant and Associated Infrastructure 13/2011– Draft Basic Assessment Report SECTION F: APPENDIXES

Addendum 1: Pipeline Points Appendix A: Locality Map Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Facility illustration(s)

Appendix D: Specialist reports (including terms of reference) Appendix D1a: ToR Ecology Study Appendix D1b: Ecology Report Appendix D2a: ToR Archaeological Study Appendix D2b: Heritage Impact Assessment Appendix D3: Geohydrology Study Appendix D4: PIA Desktop Study

Appendix E: Comments and Responses Report Appendix F: Environmental Management Programme (EMP) Appendix G: Property Ownership Information (Deedsweb) Appendix H: Application for Authorisation accepted by DENC Appendix I: Significance Rating Scale Impact Matrix

Appendix J: Public Participation Phases 1 J1: Background Information Document J2: Proof of Distribution of BID and Notification Letters J3: Notification Letters and Response Form Sent to Registered I&APs J4: Proof of Advertisement: Gemsbok Dated 27 Julie 2012 J5: Posters & Onsite Notices J6: COMMENTS FROM: J6a: SACAA J6b: TELKOM J6c: HANTAM LM J6d: NAMAKWA DM J6e: Me. HM CASTLEMAN J6f: Mr GERBER J6g: DAFF J6h: SAHRA

Appendix K: STD – 219 Multi-Liner Sump Details Appendix L: List of Registered I&APs Appendix M: Brandvlei Brine Treatment Plant Report BVi Consulting Engineers Appendix N: Curriculum Vitae – I.B. van Zyl Appendix O: Correspondence from DEA Regarding Closure of Licence Application

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Addendum 1:

Pipeline Points

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Appendix A:

Locality Map

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Appendix B:

Photographs

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Appendix C:

Facility Illustrations

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Appendix D:

Specialist reports (including terms of reference)

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Appendix E:

Comments and Responses Report

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Appendix F:

Environmental Management Programme

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Appendix G1:

Property Ownership Information

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Appendix H:

Communication from DENC

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Appendix I:

Significance Rating Scale Impact Matrix

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Appendix J:

Public Participation Process Phase 1 Notification of Possible I&APs

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Appendix K:

STD – 219 Multi-Liner Sump Details

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Appendix L:

List of Registered I&APs

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Appendix M:

Brandvlei Brine Treatment Plant Report

BVi Consulting Engineers

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Appendix N:

Curriculum Vitae – I.B. van Zyl

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Appendix O:

Correspondence from DEA Regarding Closure of Licence Application

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