PROPOSED ROAD AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES ON THE NHLABANE ROAD (D1559) WITHIN THE UMFOLOZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU-NATAL
WETLAND AND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR PHASE 2
PROPOSED UPGRADE OF THE D1559, UMFOLOZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU-NATAL WETLAND AND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT REPORT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
PROPOSED ROAD AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES ON THE NHLABANE ROAD (D1559), UMFOLOZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU-NATAL
WETLAND AND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR PHASE 2 OF THE D1559 UPGRADES
Report prepared for: Report prepared by:
Department of Transport ACER (Africa) Environmental Consultants 13 Bronze Street PO Box 503 Kuleka Mtunzini Empangeni 3867 38803
MAY 2020
PROPOSED UPGRADE OF THE D1559, UMFOLOZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU-NATAL WETLAND AND VEGETATION REPORT I DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
1. PROPONENT
Proponent KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport
Contact person Lawrence Mtambo
Physical address 13 Bronze Street, Kuleka, Empangeni
Postal Code 3880
Telephone 0357871442
Email [email protected]
2. INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT
Consultant ACER (Africa) Environmental Consultants
Contact person Mr Giles Churchill
Physical address Suites 5&6, Golden Penny Centre, 26 Hely Hutchinson Road,Mtunzini
Postal address PO Box 503, Mtunzini, 3867
Telephone 035 340 2715
Email [email protected]
3. INDEPENDENT WETLAND AND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST
Consultant ACER (Africa) Environmental Consultants
Contact person Ms Salona Reddy under peer review of MR Wayne Westcott
Physical address Suites 5 & 6, Golden Penny Centre, 26 Hely Hutchinson Road, Mtunzini
Postal address PO Box 503, Mtunzini, 3867
Telephone 035 340 2715
Email [email protected]
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
I, Salona Reddy, declare that I am an independent consultant and have no business, financial, personal or other interest in the proposed development project, application or appeal in respect of which I was appointed other than fair remuneration for work performed in connection with the activity, application or appeal. There are no circumstances that compromise the objectivity of my performing such work.
Signed…………………………………………. Date……21.05.2020…………………….
PROPOSED UPGRADE OF THE D1559, UMFOLOZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU-NATAL WETLAND AND VEGETATION REPORT II DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ...... 4 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Project purpose, need and desirability ...... 1 1.3 Project Description ...... 2 1.3.1 Nhlabane Road (D1559) ...... 2 1.3.2 Phase 2 ...... 2 1.4 Location of the Study Area ...... 5 1.5 Relevant Legislative Framework ...... 6 2. ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ...... 9 3. OBJECTIVES ...... 10 4. METHODOLOGY ...... 11 4.1 Wetland Delineation ...... 11 4.1.1 Desktop Assessment ...... 11 4.1.2 Site Inspection ...... 11 4.1.3 In-field delineation verification ...... 11 4.1.4 Wetland Delineation ...... 12 4.1.5 Present Ecological Status ...... 12 Wetland Ecological ...... 13 4.1.6 Importance and Functionality Assessment (EIS) ...... 13 4.1.7 Impacts and Risk Matrix (RAM) Methodology (DWS, 2014) ...... 14 4.2 Vegetation Impact Assessment ...... 16 4.2.1 Desktop Assessment ...... 16 4.2.2 Criteria of Impacts that are identified and quantified ...... 16 5. DESKTOP ASSESSMENT ...... 18 5.1 Biodiversity Sector Plan: KZN ...... 18 5.2 Threatened Ecosystems ...... 20 5.3 Regional Geology ...... 23 5.4 Hydrogeology ...... 23 5.5 Regional Vegetation ...... 25 6. RESULTS ...... 27 6.1 Delineation of Watercourses ...... 27 6.1.1 In-Field Delineated HGM units ...... 27 6.2 Soil Wetness Indicator ...... 30 6.3 Buffer Zone Determination ...... 31 6.4 Description of HGM units identified on site ...... 34 6.5 Wetland Condition ...... 36 6.6 Wetland EcoServices ...... 36 6.7 Risk Matrix...... 38 6.8 Vegetation Impact Assessment ...... 43 6.8.1 Degraded areas ...... 45 6.8.2 Transformed areas...... 47 6.8.3 Wooded Grassland ...... 48 7. MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 49 8. CONCLUSION ...... 53 9. REFERENCES ...... 57
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LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Location of the proposed Phase 2 of the D1559 Upgrade Project ...... 5 Table 2 Category score for the Present Ecological State (PES) ...... 13 Table 3 Components considered for the assessment of the ecological importance and sensitivity of a riparian system...... 13 Table 4 EIS Category definitions ...... 14 Table 5 Criteria used in describing the potential impacts of the proposed development on the receiving environment...... 16 Table 6 Criteria used in deriving significance impacts ratings ...... 17 Table 7 Summary of the relevant KZN biodiversity plan planning units found within the study area . 18 Table 8 Summary of the Regional Vegetation Types relevant to the proposed project...... 25 Table 9 The impact categories of each HGM unit and the extent (ha) of watercourse within Phase 2 the proposed development footprint...... 28 Table 10 HGM units delineated on site for Phase 2 ...... 28 Table 11 Presentation of the soil wetness indicators recorded within each zone of wetness of the watercourses delineated within the study area, as well as an image ...... 30 Table 12 Presentation of the calculated buffer zones that should be implemented during the construction and operational phases associated with the proposed development for Phase 2...... 32 Table 13 PES and EIS for wetland HGM units on site for Phase 2...... 36 Table 14 Presentation of the ecosystem services that the at-risk HGM unit systems were calculated to supply, or have the potential to supply, the surrounding environments for Phase 2...... 37 Table 15 Risk Assessment Matrix for Phase 2...... 39
LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 D1559 Phase 2 Locality Map...... 3 Figure 2 Phase 2 section of the D1559 that will be realigned ...... 4 Figure 3 Critical Biodiversity Areas within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559: Phase 2...... 19 Figure 4 Threatened Ecosystems within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559: Phase 2...... 21 Figure 5 Threatened Ecosystems with relation to the vegetation units within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559: Phase 2...... 22 Figure 6 The geology within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559: Phase 2...... 24 Figure 7 Vegetation composition within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559...... 26 Figure 8 Delineated HGM units within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559...... 29 Figure 9 HGM unit delineation with calculated construction phase buffers for at risk HGM units: Phase 2...... 33 Figure 10 Vegetation units associated with the study area...... 44 Figure 11 Preferred Layout Alternative 1 ...... 54 Figure 12 Alternative number 2 ...... 55 Figure 13 Alternative number 3 ...... 56
LIST OF PLATES Plate 1 A typical Unchannelled Valley-bottom Wetland System (Ollis et al., 2013)...... 34 Plate 2 An example of an UVB wetland along the D1559...... 35 Plate 3 General condition recorded within the Degraded Area vegetation unit...... 46 Plate 4 General condition recorded within the Transformed Area vegetation unit...... 47 Plate 5 General condition recorded within the Transformed Area vegetation unit...... 48
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
PROPOSED UPGRADE OF THE D1559, UMFOLOZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU-NATAL WETLAND AND VEGETATION REPORT IV DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
DoT KZN Department of Transport ACER ACER (Africa) Environmental Consultants (ACER) GN General Notice WULA Water Use License Application GA General Authorisation NEMA National Environmental Management Act HGM Hydrogeomorphic EIS Ecological Importance and Sensitivity DHSWS Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation GIS Geographical Information System PES Present Ecological State ESS Ecosystem Services NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute CR Critically Endangered EN Endangered VU Vulnerable
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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background
This report is the Wetland and Vegetation Report for the proposed Phase 2 upgrade to the existing Nhlabane Access Road (D1559) which entails the upgrading and surfacing of the existing gravel road to a tarred surface, the establishment of drainage infrastructure/ structures, minor realignments and the construction of a culvert crossing.
The proposed project will be completed in Nhlabane which is located within the uMfolozi Local Municipality, one of five municipalities administered within the King Cetshwayo District Municipality (Figure 1). This report has been prepared on behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport by ACER (Africa) Environmental Consultants (ACER), in terms of the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2014 (as amended), published under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA).
1.2 Project purpose, need and desirability
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Transport (DoT) oversees the construction, maintenance and repair of the provincial road network. This institution aims to provide a safe, integrated, regulated, accessible and affordable transportation infrastructure for communities in KZN. In recent years, the DoT has prioritized the development and improvement of road infrastructure in rural areas, with the purpose of improving/uplifting the socio-economic conditions experienced by rural communities in KZN. This has been in support of both the national and provincial growth and development strategies.
The road being upgraded (D1559) provides access to Nhlabane and surrounding settlements to nearby basic services (clinics, schools) and main roads that connect the communities to major towns, i.e. Kwambonambi and Richards Bay. At present the D1559 provides little assistance to the surrounding community due to the roads poor condition. Commuting on the road provides challenges particularly in wet conditions where the road becomes flooded and slippery, making the road dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists.
The proposed development aims to address these safety shortfalls through the surfacing of the gravel road to a tarred/asphalt surface along with formalised drainage and traffic control structures. This will improve accessibility to the area and provide year-round access to public transport for residents. Additionally, the proposed project will benefit the community in the following manner:
Provision of safer and more stable crossing points across watercourses for the community.
Improve stormwater drainage and eliminate water accumulation/flooding on the road.
Improved safety of motorists and pedestrians with the implementation of traffic control measures.
Improvement of response and delivery time for public and emergency services, such as ambulances, service infrastructure and mobile basic services.
PROPOSED UPGRADE OF THE D1559, UMFOLOZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU-NATAL WETLAND AND VEGETATION REPORT 1 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
1.3 Project Description 1.3.1 Nhlabane Road (D1559)
Phase 2 of the proposed project entails the upgrading and minor realignment of the Nhlabane gravel road (D1559), which involves the surfacing of the existing gravel road to a tarred surface from the Provincial Road (P-515) turnoff, past the Nhlabane Clinic to where it re-joins the P-515. The project will also include the construction of a new section of road (realignment section) and a culvert crossing. The majority of the proposed works will be in situ. The project will be undertaken in two phases; however this report describes the Wetland delineation, Buffer Zone determination, description of HGM units, wetland condition, wetland EcoServices and Risk Assessment Matrix for Phase 2 only (Figure 1).
1.3.2 Phase 2
The section of road to be upgraded in Phase 2 will require Environmental Authorisation from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DEDTEA) as the upgrades and realignment of a section of the road triggers listed activities in terms of the current Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2014 (as amended), published under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA). (Figure 1). In order to meet the required safety standards of the DoT (Figure 2) a section of the road will need to be realigned across a drainage line. The re-alignment section of Phase 2 triggers water uses in accordance with DWS GN 509 published within Government Gazette no. 40229 under Section 39 of the National Water Act (Act no. 36 of 1998), Phase 2 of the proposed D1559 Road upgrade falls within the ambit of a full WULA for Section 21(c) and (I) water uses.
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Figure 1 D1559 Phase 2 Locality Map.
PROPOSED UPGRADE OF THE D1559, UMFOLOZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU-NATAL WETLAND AND VEGETATION REPORT 3 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
Figure 2 Phase 2 section of the D1559 that will be realigned
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1.4 Location of the Study Area
The project area, Nhlabane, is approximately 30 km north of Richards Bay, located within the uMlalazi Local Municipality, which is one of five municipalities administered under the King Cetshwayo District Municipality.
The proposed project site falls within an area broadly administered by the Ingonyama Trust and locally administered by the Mbonambi Traditional Authority. The project (being a linear project) traverses several properties along the existing gravel access road (D1559) within the Nhlabane settlement.
Table 1 Location of the proposed Phase 2 of the D1559 Upgrade Project
Province KwaZulu-Natal District Municipality King Cetshwayo District Municipality Local Municipality uMfolozi Local Municipality Landowner Traditional Authority: Mbonambi Tribal Authority Ward Number(s) 3 and 4 Co-ordinates (Start Point) 28˚37’47.43’’ S and 32˚15’19.61’’E Co-ordinates (Centre Point) 28°38’25.25’’ S and 32°13’39.47’’ E Co-ordinates (End Point) 28˚37’11.79’’ S and 32˚14’9.29’’ E Farm name Reserve 4 Farm name Lot K 55 Surveyor General Code N0GV00000001582300000 N0GV00000001582300026 N0GV00000001582300029 N0GV00000001582300027 N0GV00000001672400000 Physical Address Nhlabane reserve, eNhlabane reserve, Meerensee 3901 KZN
To access the project site from Richards Bay, take the John Ross highway/R34 south bound and continue onto Anglers Road. Drive along Anglers Road, until the four way stop opposite Mzingazi Community Centre, where you’ll take a left turn. Continue in an easterly direction until you reach the four way stop and take a right turn onto the RBM Haulage road. Take a left turn onto the P515, continue along the road until you reach a stop sign on your right and turn right into the gravel road (D1559), which is the project site.
PROPOSED UPGRADE OF THE D1559, UMFOLOZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU-NATAL WETLAND AND VEGETATION REPORT 5 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
1.5 Relevant Legislative Framework
1.5.1 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (No 108 of 1996)
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act places a duty on the State and citizens to protect the environment. Section 24 provides that:
“Everyone has the right – b) to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other measures that (i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation. (ii) promote conservation. (iii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting (iv) justifiable economic and social development”.
1.5.2 National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998)
The principles underpinning environmental management contained in the National Environmental Management Act (no 107 of 1998) (NEMA) must be considered by any organ of state in the exercise of any power that may impact on the environment. Section 2 (4a) states that sustainable development requires the consideration of all relevant factors including the following:
That the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity are avoided, or where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimized and remedied. That pollution and degradation of the environment are avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimized and remedied. That the development, use and exploitation of renewable resources and the ecosystems of which they are a part do not exceed the level beyond which their integrity is jeopardized. That negative impacts on the environment and on people’s environmental rights be anticipated and prevented, and where they cannot be altogether prevented, are minimized and remedied.
The NEMA Regulations (2017) require approval for various activities related to construction within 32 m of watercourses and wetlands.
PROPOSED UPGRADE OF THE D1559, UMFOLOZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU-NATAL WETLAND AND VEGETATION REPORT 6 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
1.5.3 Listed activities triggered by the project
Activities from Listing Notice 1 (GN R.327) and Listing Notice 3 (GN R.324) are triggered by the project and are detailed in Table 2.
Table 2 Listed Activities proposed to be triggered by the D1559 and Infrastructure upgrades.
No. Listed activity as described in GN R. 327 and GN R. 324 Description of project activity that may (EIA Regulations 2014, as amended) trigger the listed activity. 1 Listing Notice 1 (GNR 327 of 07 April 2017). As a result of the deviation and the Activity 19: construction of the culvert crossing, the The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 10 construction of the new section of road cubic metres into, or the dredging, excavation, removal or will require the excavation and removal of moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock of material. more than 10 cubic metres from a watercourse; The excavation of material within the watercourse will be in excess of 10 m3, therefore triggering this listed activity. 2 Listing Notice 3 (GNR 324 of 07 April 2017). The new section of road proposed to be Activity 4: constructed traverses a watercourse The development of a road wider than 4 metres with a which has been delineated as a Critical reserve less than 13.5 metres. Biodiversity Area (CBA) by EKZNW. The KwaZulu-Natal new section of road will be approximately viii. Critical biodiversity areas as identified in systematic 7,5 m in width with a road reserve less biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in than 13,5 m, therefore triggering this bioregional plans; listed activity. xii. Outside urban areas: (aa) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or world However, the EKZNW layers are broadly heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any terrestrial protected delineated and are not always a true area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core areas of reflection of the area as this watercourse a biosphere reserve; (UVB2) is highly eroded by alien and invasive plant species. 3 Listing Notice 3 (GNR 324 of 07 April 2017). The project site falls within a threatened Activity 12: ecosystem, Kwambonambi Hygrophilous The clearance of an area of 300 square metres or more of Grasslands, as listed in terms of section indigenous vegetation except where such clearance of 52 of the NEMBA and the proposed new indigenous vegetation is required for maintenance purposes section of road traverses a watercourse undertaken in accordance with a maintenance management delineated as a CBA. plan. During the construction of the new section KwaZulu-Natal of road, the clearance of indigenous iv. Within any critically endangered or endangered ecosystem vegetation in excess of 300 meters will be listed in terms of section 52 of the NEMBA or prior to the required therefore triggering this listed publication of such a list, within an area that has been activity. identified as critically endangered in the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment 2004; 4 Listing Notice 3 (GNR 324 of 07 April 2017). The physical footprint of the proposed Activity 14: culvert crossing will be greater than 10 The development of— meters squared and will be within a watercourse delineated as a CBA. (ii) infrastructure or structures with a physical footprint The culvert crossing is also within 5 of 10 square metres or more; kilometres of the Nhlabane Nature Reserve and therefore triggers this listed
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No. Listed activity as described in GN R. 327 and GN R. 324 Description of project activity that may (EIA Regulations 2014, as amended) trigger the listed activity. where such development occurs— activity. (a) within a watercourse; (b) in front of a development setback; or (c) if no development setback has been adopted, within 32 metres of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse;
KwaZulu-Natal vii. Critical biodiversity areas or ecological support areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in bioregional plans; (aa) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any terrestrial protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core area of a biosphere reserve;
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2. ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS In order to apply generalized and often rigid scientific methods or techniques for the assessment of natural, dynamic environments, a number of assumptions are made. Furthermore, a number of limitations exist when assessing such complex ecological systems.
The following constraints are noted in this assessment:
Although the vegetation was taken into account, protected and threatened species, such as bulbs that have not emerged, may not have been identified. If development is to extend into sensitive areas (such as buffer areas), a vegetation detailed survey will be required prior to construction commencing. The classification of the long-term wetness indicator proved to be limiting as soils within the study area were disturbed both by current and historic agricultural practices and plantations. The wetland delineation was based on sample data obtained from transects taken at selected points along the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) units closest to the proposed project footprint. This data was then extrapolated to represent the entire HGM unit. Although every effort was made to ensure accuracy as far as possible, the wetland delineation represented in this report may differ marginally from the reality in some instances. It is also imperative to note that any changes to the wetlands systems within the study boundary after field work had commenced were not considered for this assessment. Any discrepancies as a result of this have not been regarded. The field study was a once off study and does not account for any seasonal variations that may occur subsequent to October 2019. The study delineated watercourses/wetlands that were determined to be at-risk of being impacted on the proposed development. These wetlands/watercourses were delineated in-depth in field. The surrounding wetlands that occur in the 500 m buffer were delineated at a desktop level.
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3. OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to conduct an integrated ecological vegetation and wetland impact assessment for the proposed Phase 2 upgrade of the D1559. In order to achieve this aim, the following objectives were considered:
The identification and the delineation of all wetland areas deemed at-risk within the regulated area (500 m) under consideration for the access road. A description and characterisation/classification of the identified wetland areas. Determination of the wetland ecological integrity (WET-Health) of the HGM units. Determination of the Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) of the HGM units. The description of ecosystem services (WET-EcoServices) that were, or could be provided by the HGM units. An impact assessment of the construction and operation of the access road, and Provision of management and mitigation and/or rehabilitation measures for the identified impacts on the HGM units on site. Determine a risk classification according to GN509 for the HGM units within the proposed area to indicate if a GA may be granted by the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation (DHSWS).
The aim of the Vegetation Impact Assessment is to identify the vegetation units within the proposed area. It is important to determine the general vegetation sensitivity and composition of the units through which the proposed development traverses. The composition of the vegetation included the identification of Alien Invasive species and Species of Conservation Concern (SCC).
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4. METHODOLOGY
4.1 Wetland Delineation
4.1.1 Desktop Assessment
A desktop assessment was conducted prior the physical visit to the study area, during which potential wetlands areas were highlighted and delineated using available datasets and aerial imagery. The desktop delineation was then mapped using Geographical Information System (GIS) tools (QGIS) and Google Earth to better understand the layout and structure of the surroundings environment. The potential wetland areas identified during the desktop study were then confirmed on-site during the site investigation.
The NFEPA (National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas) project was a multi-partnered project between various government departments and research institutions. The aim of this project was to identify freshwater ecosystem priority areas within South Africa to meet National biodiversity goals, and to develop a basis for implementing effective measures to protect freshwater ecosystem priority areas (Nel et al., 2011). The NFEPA project produced spatial priority layers for conserving freshwater systems in South Africa, which were made available through the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). One of these spatial layers was a national wetland layer which provided coverage for the Nhlabane area. This layer was largely based on remotely sensed data with limited in-field verification. The site was mapped using Geographical Information System tools (QGIS) and Google Earth to illustrate the site and the surrounding environment. These layers were further imported to Google Earth and overlain with the satellite imagery to completely understand the area of interest.
Wetlands in the catchment were mapped to address the first objective of the study. This was undertaken with the use of previously delineated wetland spatial data, guidance from consultants, contours and satellite imagery. The data was used to determine the sensitivities of the site.
4.1.2 Site Inspection
A site inspection of the watercourses situated within the study area was conducted in October 2019. During the site inspection a visual investigation of the study area was conducted to identify land-uses within the area, which could influence the health and functionality of the at- risk watercourse. The land-uses observed and the condition of the study area was also photographed and documented.
4.1.3 In-field delineation verification
A field Assessment of the watercourses situated within the study area associated with the Phase 2 development was conducted on the 15th of October 2019. The in-field delineations were based on the activities, and location of the HGM units, in relation to the proposed development. The objectives of the in-field delineation verification were to:
Delineate the HGM units that were considered to be of high or medium risk of being impacted. Identifying disturbances and areas of degradation in relation to the reference or natural state to determine the current ecological integrity of the surrounding catchment areas.
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Conduct analysis of the Present Ecological State (PES) of the HGM units that were classified as at-risk. The Ecosystem Services (ESS) were determined considering the surrounding environments.
4.1.4 Wetland Delineation
The data obtained for each of the HGM units to this point relied heavily on desktop information and modelled spatial datasets and ground truthing the presence of wetlands in the catchment, as mapped in the datasets. Potentially at-risk HGM units were then delineated using methods outlined by DWAF (2005), which state that wetlands must have at least one or more of the following characteristics:
Hydromorphic soils which show characteristics of prolonged saturation. The presence, even if only occasionally, of hydrophytic vegetation species. A water table that results in saturation at or near the surface, leading to anaerobic conditions developing in the top 50cm of the soil profile.
The primary indicators used to delineate the selected HGM units were hydromorphic soils and vegetation. Soil samples were taken with a Dutch hand soil auger at each of the selected HGM units (soils were observed in-field for wetness indicators). Each investigation began in the area that was perceived to be a permanently wet zone (from the presence of obligate vegetation and saturated soil characteristics) and radiated outwards away from this zone into terrestrial habitat to determine the edge of the boundaries of the permanent, seasonal and temporary wetland zones. Samples were taken at random intervals along the transect lines where notable changes in elevation and/or vegetation characteristics were observed and assessed in-field. At each sample point along the transect line, the following characteristics were noted:
GPS coordinates. Soil characteristics were identified by describing the texture of the soil and the presence and abundance of mottles at each soil auger depth and colour as prescribed by DWAF (2005) to determine the permanently wet, seasonally wet and temporary wet zones; and Dominant vegetation species (obligate, facultative or terrestrial species). Soil and vegetation samples were assessed and noted in field as prescribed by the rapid method. Photographs and notes were taken, and vegetation samples were reviewed by an experienced ecologist where there was uncertainty with the identification.
4.1.5 Present Ecological Status
A Present Ecological State (PES) analysis was conducted to establish baseline integrity (health) of the relevant at-risk wetlands. To determine the integrity (health) of the characterised HGM units within the project area, the WET-Health tool was applied. According to Macfarlane et al. (2009) the health of a wetland can be defined as a measure of the deviation of wetland structure and function from the wetland’s natural or reference condition. The health assessment attempts to evaluate the hydrological, geomorphological and vegetation health in three separate modules to estimate similarity to or deviation from natural or reference conditions. The PES is determined according to Table 3.
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Table 3 Category score for the Present Ecological State (PES)
Impact category Description Impact Present
score State W range category eNone Unmodified, natural 0-0.9 A t Small Largely natural with few modifications. A slight change in 1-1.9 B l ecosystem processes is discernible and a small loss of a natural habitats and biota may have taken place. nModerate Moderately modified. A moderate change in ecosystem 2-3.9 C d processes and loss of natural habitats has taken place but the natural habitat remains predominantly intact. ELarge Largely modified. A large change in ecosystem processes 4-5.9 D c and loss of natural habitat and biota and has occurred. oSerious The change in ecosystem processes and loss of natural 6-7.9 E l habitat and biota is great but some remaining natural o habitat features are still recognizable. gCritical Modifications have reached a critical level and the 8-10 F i ecosystem processes have been modified completely with c an almost complete loss of natural habitat and biota. a l 4.1.6 Importance and Functionality Assessment (EIS)
In order to assess the importance of wetlands identified on site from an ecological perspective, considering aspects related solely to the maintenance of ecological diversity and functionality, the EIS tool was used. For this methodology a series of determinants are assessed using a ranking scale of 0-4 from which the median of each determinant is used to allocate an ecological management class.
Table 4 Components considered for the assessment of the ecological importance and sensitivity of a riparian system.
Primary determinants 1. Rare & Endangered Species 2. Populations of Unique Species 3. Species/taxon Richness 4. Diversity of Habitat Types or Features 5 Migration route/breeding and feeding site for wetland species 6. Sensitivity to Changes in the Natural Hydrological Regime 7. Sensitivity to Water Quality Changes 8. Flood Storage, Energy Dissipation & Particulate/Element Removal
Modifying determinants 9. Protected Status 10. Ecological Integrity
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Table 5 EIS Category definitions
EIS Category Range of Mean Recommended Ecological Management Class Very high Wetlands that are considered ecologically important and sensitive on a national or even international level. The >3 and <=4 A biodiversity of these wetlands is usually very sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. High Wetlands that are considered to be ecologically important and sensitive. The biodiversity of these wetlands may be >2 and <=3 B sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. Moderate Wetlands that are considered to be ecologically important and sensitive on a provincial or local scale. The >1 and <=2 C biodiversity of these wetlands is not usually sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. Low/marginal Wetlands that are not ecologically important and sensitive at any scale. The biodiversity of these wetlands is >0 and <=1 D ubiquitous and not sensitive to flow and habitat modifications.
4.1.7 Impacts and Risk Matrix (RAM) Methodology (DWS, 2014)
The following tables present and explain the scoring within the DWS required RAM for all watercourse with the 500 m regulated area around a Section 21I and (i) water use.
Table 4.3a: Severity - How severe does the aspects impact on the environment and resource quality characteristics (flow regime, water quality, geomorphology, biota, habitat)?
Insignificant/ non- harmful 1
Small/ potential harmful 2
Significant / slightly harmful 3
Great / harmful 4
Disastrous / extremely harmful and/or wetland(s) involved 5
Where “or wetland(s) are involved” it means the activity is located within the boundary (the 6 temporary, seasonal or permanent zone) of the watercourse
Table 4.3b: Spatial scale - How big is the area that the aspect is impacting on?
Area specific (at impact site) 1 Whole site (entire surface right) 2 Regional / neighbouring area (downstream within quaternary catchment) 3 National (impacting beyond secondary catchment or provinces) 4 Global (impacting beyond SA Boundary) 5
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Table 4.3c: Duration - How long does the aspect impact on the environment and resource quality?
One day to a month, PES EIS and/or REC not impacted 1 One month to one year, PES, EIS and/or REC impacted but no change in status 2 One year to 10 years, PEC, EIS and/or REC impacted to a lower status but can be improved 3 over this period through mitigation Life of the activity, PES, EIS and/or REC permanently lowered 4 More than life of the organisation/facility, PES, EIS scores a E or F 5
Table 4.3d: Frequency of activity - How often do you do the specific activity?
Annually or less 1 6 monthly 2 Monthly 3 Weekly 4 Daily 5
Table 4.3e: Frequency of incident/impact - How often does the activity impact on the environment?
Almost never/ almost impossible / >20% 1 Very seldom / highly unlikely /> 40% 2 Infrequent / unlikely /seldom />60% 3 Often / regularly / likely / possible / >80% 4 Daily / highly likely / definitely / >100% 5
Table 4.3f: Legal issues - How is the activity governed by legislation?
No legislation 1 Fully covered by legislation (wetlands are legally governed) 5 Located within the regulated areas (within the outer edge of the 1:100yr flood line, or delineated riparian area as measured from the middle of the watercourse measured on both banks, or within a 500m radius from the outer boundary of any wetland).
Table 4.3g: Detection - How quickly can the impacts/risks of the activity be observed on the environment (water resource quality characteristics), people and property?
Immediately 1 Without much effort 2 Need some effort 3 Remote and difficult to observe 4 Covered 5
Table 4.3h: Rating classes
Consequence = Severity + Spatial Scale + Duration Likelihood=Frequency of Activity + Frequency of Incident +Legal Issues + Detection Significance \Risk= Consequence X Likelihood
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Table 4.3i: Calculations
RATING CLASS MANAGEMENT DESCRIPTION 1 – 55 (L) Low Risk Acceptable as is or consider requirement for mitigation. Impact to watercourses and resource quality small and easily mitigated. Wetlands may be excluded 56 – 169 M) Moderate Risk Risk and impact on watercourses are notably and require mitigation measures on a higher level, which costs more and require specialist input. Wetlands are excluded
170 – 300 (H) High Risk Always involves wetlands.
Watercourse(s) impacts by the
activity are such that they impose a
long-term threat on a large scale
and lowering of the Reserve
A low risk class must be obtained for all activities to be considered for a GA (GN509,2016)
4.2 Vegetation Impact Assessment
The study area was stratified into relatively homogeneous vegetation/habitat units based on the morphology of the terrain and the growth-form of the vegetation. This was done with the help of 1:50 000 topographical maps and Google earth aerial photos of the study areas as well as the information sampled during the in-field vegetation survey that was conducted on the 15th of October 2019. A species list was compiled during the site visit of the study area to ensure that representative species were captured.
4.2.1 Desktop Assessment
Vegetation in the catchment were mapped to address the first objective of the study. This was undertaken with the use of previously delineated wetland spatial data, guidance from consultants, contours and satellite imagery. The data was used to determine the sensitivities of the site.
4.2.2 Criteria of Impacts that are identified and quantified
Table 6 Criteria used in describing the potential impacts of the proposed development on the receiving environment.
TERM DEFINATION Cumulative Impacts that are a result of combined previous and current impacts and takes into account foreseeable future impacts. Direct Impacts that are strongly associated with an activity such that the impact occurs either at the same time (simultaneously) or directly after the activity is carried out. Indirect Impacts that occur as a result of an activity rather than in conjunction with an activity. These are often off site impacts due to cascading effects.
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Potential impacts were assigned a significant value according to the following equation
Significance = (Intensity + Duration + Extent) x Probability
These factors/components were scored according to Table 7 below with a maximum total significance score of 100 being attainable.
Table 7 Criteria used in deriving significance impacts ratings
COMPONENT DEFINITION AND SCORING SYSTEM The magnitude or size of the impact:
Small: No visual effects. 0 Intensity Minor: Impact on processes 2
Low: Minimal effect on ecological processes 4
Medium/Moderate: The environment is altered but is able to perform 6 ecological processes in a modified state, despite being negatively affected
High: The ecological processes are altered such that they cease due to 8 drastic changes to the structure and function of systems.
Very high: The ecological processes severely altered and complete 10 destruction of patterns and permanent cessation of processes. Duration The temporal scale/predicted lifetime of the impact: Very short term: 0 - 1 years 1 Short term: 2 - 5 years 2 Medium term: 5 -15 years 3
Long term: > 15 years. 4
Permanent: Will persist indefinitely unless mitigated 5
Extent The spatial scale of the impact: Specific to site of impact. 1 Local scale: Immediate surroundings. 2 Regional scale: Province related scale. 3 National: Specific to country. 4 International: Worldwide/global. 5 Probability The likelihood of the impact occurring: Very improbable: Possibility that will likely never occur. 1 Improbable: Some low possibility of occurrence. 2 Probable: Distinct possibility 3 Highly probable: Most likely to occur. 4 Definite: Impact will occur regardless of any prevention measures. 5
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5. DESKTOP ASSESSMENT
5.1 Biodiversity Sector Plan: KZN
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Biodiversity Plan, developed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, is mainly a combination of the four KwaZulu-Natal Systematic Conservation assessments (marine, estuarine, freshwater and terrestrial plan). The main objective of the biodiversity plan is to identify critical biodiversity areas (Irreplaceable and Optimal) and ecological support areas within KZN and provide the necessary management and conservation guidelines with the aim of meeting both national and provincial biodiversity conservation targets.
Table 8 Summary of the relevant KZN biodiversity plan planning units found within the study area
Biodiversity Priority Area Category Description/ Definition KZN Critical Biodiversity Area: Irreplaceable Areas considered critical for meeting biodiversity targets and thresholds, and which are required ensure the persistence of viable populations of species and the functionality of ecosystems.
According to the KZN biodiversity plan, the proposed project was recorded to transect one (1) Critical Biodiversity Area 1 (CBA 1): Irreplaceable unit. This CBA1 unit was situated in the section of the proposed route at (28°37'30.5"S; 32°14'56.3"E). The CBA1 was observed to be in good condition, with numerous protected Barringtonia species identified within a generally indigenous section (Figure 3).
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Figure 3 Critical Biodiversity Areas within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559: Phase 2.
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5.2 Threatened Ecosystems
The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) provides a listing of ecosystems that are threatened and in need of formal protection, which have been categorised into one of four groups: critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU) or protected. It is required that impacts should be avoided, minimised, mitigated and/or offset as appropriate, in order to prevent further degradation of threatened ecosystems during development. (EKZNW, 2016).
The majority of the study area at a desktop level is comprised of the Kwambonambi Hygrophilous Grasslands threatened ecosystem, which falls under the category; critically endangered (Figure 4). However, this area has been largely modified by agricultural activities in the form of commercial and subsistence farming as well as cultivation and human settlements hence should not be classified as critically endangered within the proposed development area (Figure 5).
Plate 1 Transformed UVB along the D1559.
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Figure 4 Threatened Ecosystems within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559: Phase 2.
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Figure 5 Threatened Ecosystems with relation to the vegetation units within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559: Phase 2.
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5.3 Regional Geology
As illustrated in Figure 6, the study area is composed of the Maputaland Group overlain by associated unconsolidated sediments, and is described as follows:
Maputaland Group
The Maputaland Group is comprised of a series of lagoon, fluvial, aeolian and shoreline to shallow marine deposits of the Late Miocene to Holocene Age. These quaternary deposits accumulated in response to the fluctuation of sea-level and epeirogenic-isostatic uplift, and are considered amongst the most recent geological formations that are found in Southern Africa. Commonly, the Maputaland Group is exposed along the beaches and parallel complex dune systems in northern KwaZulu-Natal. (Barath, 2015). This group is sedimentary in nature and consists of sandy and clayey colluvium sediments, paleosoils, decalcified sand in inland dune cordons, conglomerate, coquina, calcarenite and to some extent alluvial sediments. The Maputaland Group is subdivided into the following formations:
Uloa Formation Umkwelane Formation Port Dunford Formation Kosi Bay Formation Isipingo Formation Kwabonambi Formation Sibayi Formation
The most recent coastal dune systems within this group are often exploited for their economic value as they contain heavy minerals such as ilmenite, zircon and rutile.
5.4 Hydrogeology
The Maputaland Group and associated formations are composed of material/sediment varying from fine to coarse grained. The finer sediments, have low to slightly moderate permeability and high to medium moisture retention, compared to medium to coarse grained sediments. As a result of their low permeability, fine grained sediments provide storage to feed the underlying coarse material. This is frequently observed with the fine grain material/sediment of the Kwambonambi, Kosi Bay and Port Dunford, which act as storage units for the coarse-grained material within these formations and the underlying Uloa and Umkwelane Formations. Although these formations form part of the Maputaland Group, they are tertiary in age and are essentially are composed of coquina, conglomerate and calcarenites, therefore have higher groundwater potential and constitute good aquifers.
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Figure 6 The geology within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559: Phase 2.
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5.5 Regional Vegetation
The study area falls within the Indian Ocean Costal Belt biome and based on the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Mucina and Rutherford, 2012), the study area extends into two regional vegetation types; the Maputaland Coastal Belt and Maputaland Wooded Grassland. Within KZN, both these vegetation types occur on the flat landscape of the Maputaland coastal plain (Figure 7 and Table 9).
Maputaland Costal Belt The Maputaland Coastal Belt vegetation type extends along the Indian Ocean from the Mozambican boarder to Mtunzini. The vegetation landscape is characterised by patches of various forest types, thickets, primary and secondary grasslands and cane fields. Due to agricultural activities and infrastructural developments, the vegetation is highly transformed. Invasive and alien plants, mainly scattered populations of Chromolaena odorata and Lantana camara, have also played a significant role in the transformation and continue to be a threat. According to EKZNW (2011), the Maputaland Coastal Belt vegetation type is classified as Endangered and although an estimated 16.8% of this vegetation type is under protection or within protected areas in KZN, the conservation target of 25% has still not been met.
Maputaland Wooded Grassland The Maputaland Wooded Grassland is found within the KZN Province and in southern Mozambique. This vegetation type is characterised by coastal sandy grasslands rich in geoxylic suffrutices, dwarf shrubs, small trees and rich herbaceous flora. According to Mucina and Rutherford (2006), 46% of this vegetation group has been transformed as a result of mainly agricultural activities (forestry: timber wood plantations), sugarcane fields and informal settlements. Regionally, the conservation status of the Maputaland Wooded Grassland is classified as Endangered, whereas nationally, this is vegetation type is listed as a threatened ecosystem and classified as Vulnerable. According to the KZN Biodiversity Plan (2011), a conservation target of 25% has been put in place, although currently, only an estimated 17.7% of this ecosystem falls within protected areas, mainly in the isiMangaliso Wetland Park.
Table 9 Summary of the Regional Vegetation Types relevant to the proposed project.
Biome Veld Type Conserva tion Target (%) Remainin g natural Habitat; 2008 (%) Conserva tion Status (EKZNW) (%) Total Protected (%) Area
Transform Habitat;ed 2008 (%)
Vegetation Type Name Maputalan Indian Sour-veld 25 37.7 62.3 Endangered 17.7 d Wooded Ocean Grassland Costal Belt Maputalan Indian Sour-veld 25 36.6 63.4 Endangered 16.8 d Coastal Ocean Belt Coastal Belt
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Figure 7 Vegetation composition within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559.
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6. RESULTS
6.1 Delineation of Watercourses
The delineation was completed using the four wetland indicators: terrain indicator, soil form, soil wetness characteristics and wetland vegetation. The following sections will describe the presence of the four indicators on site. One major HGM unit was recorded on site which was an Unchannelled Valley-bottom (UVB) wetland. There were no streams or rivers located within the study area. The HGM units which were identified as at-risk were delineated in field with the use of a delineation manual. ‘A Practical Field Procedure for Identification and Delineation of Wetland and Riparian Areas’ (DWAF, 2008). The wetness indication was recorded in the field during the field survey which is associated with the proposed development.
Table 10 represents the areas of HGM units recorded on site and Figure 8 shows their distribution. A total of 12.83 ha of HGM unit habitat were delineated on site largely made up of UVB wetlands (12.83 ha).
6.1.1 In-Field Delineated HGM units
Various HGM units identified which were categorised according to the HGM unit, the location of the HGM units in relation to the proposed development, the hydrological indication of the HGM unit and the present land use practices within a catchment area. The HGM units that were situated directly along the proposed development, or within 32 m of the proposed development of the D1559 was classified as at risk. HGM units that were located 33 – 50 m downstream of the proposed development of the D1559 within the same minor catchment was classified as a medium risk HGM unit. These HGM units were delineated in the field and analysed within their three components of soil, hydrology and vegetation. The risk categories in Table 10 indicate the impact category that was determined for each HGM unit together with the total extent of the watercourse that will be impacted as a result of the proposed development. The watercourses that were determined to be of a medium to high risk of being impacted on by the proposed development were assessed further (Figure 8).
Table 11 indicates the area of the HGM units that were delineated within the 500 m buffer. The figures represented in Table 11 represent the areas of wetland that occur within the 500m buffer of the proposed development. These areas consist of the HGM units which are classified in the risk rating of both high and medium.
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Table 10 The impact categories of each HGM unit and the extent (ha) of watercourse within Phase 2 the proposed development footprint.
Extent within proposed developments 500 HGM unit code Risk Rating m buffer UVB01, UVB02 High UVB01 (4.10)+ UVB02 (5.93) = 10.03 ha UVB015 UVB015 (2.8) Within 32 m of the proposed Medium development
Table 11 HGM units delineated on site for Phase 2
HGM Unit Area (ha) Proportion of total HGM units on site (%) Unchannelled Valley Bottom (UVB) 15.63 100 Total 15.63 100
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Figure 8 Delineated HGM units within the proposed development and upgrade of the D1559.
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6.2 Soil Wetness Indicator Soil wetness indicators and the slope profile were used to determine the edge of the temporary, permanent and seasonal zones. Prolonged saturation of soil results in the development of anaerobic conditions, which has a characteristic effect on soil morphology, causing two important redoximorphic features: mottling and gleying. Table 12 indicates the soil wetness indicating zones that are temporary, seasonal and permanent with the presence of mottles and gleying which determine the zones.
Table 12 Presentation of the soil wetness indicators recorded within each zone of wetness of the watercourses delineated within the study area, as well as an image
Soil wetness Wetness Zone Wetness indicator Soil Texture Seasonal Few to no mottles Sandy loam present. Sandy and gleying present
Permanent Gleyed Matrix Clay loam No mottles present Wetness
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Temporary Gleying in 20% of Clay loam the matrix Moderate abundance of mottles Frequently saturated
Seasonal Few to no mottles Sandy loam present. Oxidized roots are present.
Temporary Few to no mottles Sandy loam present. Oxidized roots are present.
6.3 Buffer Zone Determination
The proposed development was assessed as ‘transport infrastructure: paved roads’ development. Buffer zones are defined as a strip of land with a use, function or zoning specifically designed to protect one area of land against impacts from another (DWA, 2005). Buffer zones were determined using the Buffer Zone Guideline Tool by Macfarlane & Bredin (2016), for all at-risk HGM units within the study area. Table 13 presents the calculated buffer zones that must be applied to all at-risk HGM units within the area. Figure 9 presents all the calculated buffers for both high and medium (in filed delineated HGM units) at risk HGM units.
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Table 13 Presentation of the calculated buffer zones that should be implemented during the construction and operational phases associated with the proposed development for Phase 2.
Systems Construction Phase Operation Phase (m) Final Aquatic Impact (m) Buffer Requirement (m) UVB 1 23 25 25 UVB 2 20 24 24 UVB015 25 27 27
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Figure 9 HGM unit delineation with calculated construction phase buffers for at risk HGM units: Phase 2.
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6.4 Description of HGM units identified on site
Unchannelled Valley-Bottom Wetland Natural State The UVB wetlands are located at the lowest position in a landscape where the water drained from the local slopes accumulate. These wetland systems play important functions such as sediment trapping, flood attenuation and nutrient-cycling. The UVB wetlands on site receive sediment and flow from the surrounding slopes. This offers an opportunity for contact between solute laden water and the wetland vegetation, thus providing an opportunity for flood and contaminant (nutrients, pesticides, herbicides) attenuation. Extensive areas of these wetlands remain saturated as stream channel input is spread diffusely across the valley bottom, even at low flows (Job et al., 2018). The uniform average gradient throughout the UVB wetlands having no sections where channelled flow or intentional depositional features which alter the through- flow of the system. The native vegetation would be dominated by a variety of wetland plants which rage between hydrophilic poaceae species and distributed woody vegetation.
Plate 2 A typical Unchannelled Valley-bottom Wetland System (Ollis et al., 2013).
Current State The area is dominated by diffuse flows, erosion, sedimentation, pollution, compaction, wetland habitat disturbance and increased presence of alien and invasive vegetation. There are indications of infill along with upstream and adjacent infrastructural developments such as houses and roads which have altered the hydrological flow through and out of the UVB wetlands.
The area presented an average gradient with a gravel road which alters the flow and impacts on the natural deposition characteristics of HGM units: UVB01, UVB02, and UVB015. HGM units that present areas that are degraded with soil particles with little or no cohesion are a result of clearing because of the development of the gravel road and the surrounding plantations. The various infill and excavation features present in the UVB HGM units play a part in confining the horizontal flow and allow vertical draining, however reduce vertical infiltration in the direct infill area. The HGM units were mostly found to have seasonal and temporary
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wetness zones with a few permanent which were delineated with the use of soil wetness and vegetation indicators. Further impacts to the geomorphological integrity included infilling. Evidence of depositional impacts of gravel and sand from the road which has been deposited in the systems via stormwater runoff or the drains that were observed within the HGM units.
The vegetation of the HGM units has changed from their natural state as a result of the changes in land cover surrounding the HGM unit and within the HGM unit’s catchment, and as a result of disturbances within the wetlands in the form of infilling which is present at varying intensity within the wetlands. As the vegetation in small portions of the wetland has been shortened (cut) and cleared, surface roughness was scored as having decreased by one class from its historic state which appeared denser and taller in historic satellite imagery. The HGM unit was dominated by alien plant species with a few indigenous plant species.
Within the D1559 development footprint, the existing impacts on the watercourses and respective catchment areas include:
The presence of water-demanding alien species that have replaced natural wetland vegetation and coastal forest. Farming within watercourses (small scale subsistence farming). The clearance of natural habitat for settlements and pathways between houses. Concentrated flow paths from drain outlets/dongas along the roads in some of the wetlands. Erosion and sedimentation. Litter around the site. Cattle grazing in wetlands – potential for a change in vegetation species composition to occur, soil erosion (cattle path erosion is prevalent in the area) and water pollution.
The HGM units presented a system that is degradational with increased levels of sediment coming into the system resulting in a loss of yield.
Plate 3 An example of an UVB wetland along the D1559.
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6.5 Wetland Condition
The general features of the identified HGM units within the project area were assessed in terms of impacts on the integrity of these systems using the WET-health methodology. The manual for rapid assessment by Roundtree et al. (2013) is used to assess the current PES and EIS of each impacted HGM unit. The identified impacts include activities such as damming, increased hardened surfaces due to the presence of roads through wetlands, alien plant species invasion and trampling by livestock (which promote the processes of erosion). Culverts, where roads cross wetlands, also contribute to the negative effects on wetlands on site. The natural diffuse nature of the water-flow through wetlands is altered, as culverts cause confinement of flow to occur, reducing the time for infiltration and typically promote erosional processes. Table 14 represents the PES scores for the wetland HGM units identified on site.
The Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) assessment was undertaken to rank wetlands in terms of:
Provision of goods and service or valuable ecosystem functions which benefit people; - biodiversity support and ecological value; and Reliance of subsistence users (especially basic human needs uses).
Water resources which have high values for one or more of these criteria may thus be prioritised and managed with greater care due to their ecological importance (for instance, due to biodiversity support for endangered species), hydrological functional importance (where water resources provide critical functions upon which people may be dependent, such as water quality improvement) or their role in providing direct human benefits (Rountree, 2013).
Table 14 PES and EIS for wetland HGM units on site for Phase 2.
Wetland/HGM Module Health Score PES Score EIS Unit UVB 1 Hydrology 6 D(↑) Geomorphology 2.2 C(↑) Vegetation 0.7 F(↑) Moderate Overall Score 3.4 C(↑) (↑) State is likely to improve over the next 5 years. UVB 2 Hydrology 3.5 C(→) Geomorphology 2.9 C(→) Vegetation 3.5 C(↑) High Overall Score 3.3 C(→) (→) State is likely to remain stable over the next five (5) years UVB 15 Hydrology 10.0 F(→) Geomorphology 2.3 C(→) Vegetation 2.9 C(↑) Moderate Overall Score 5.7 D(↑) (↑) State is likely to improve over the next 5 years.
6.6 Wetland EcoServices
The general features of each HGM unit were assessed in terms of ecosystem service delivery and potential delivery and thus the overall functionality of the HGM unit was then determined at a landscape level. The results from the WET-Eco Services assessment of the respective at-risk
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HGM units are presented in Table 15 for Phase 2; and highlight that the HGM units on site generally provide services that are rated as Low to Moderate High.
Table 15 Presentation of the ecosystem services that the at-risk HGM unit systems were calculated to supply, or have the potential to supply, the surrounding environments for Phase 2.
ECOSYSTEM GOODS AND SERVICES
UVB02
UVB01
UVB 15 Flood attenuation 1,4 I 1,8 I 1,3 I Streamflow regulation 0,7 ML 0,5 ML 0,3 L Sediment trapping 1,9 I 1,7 I 1,4 ML Phosphate trapping 1,8 I 2,0 I 1,7 I Nitrate removal 1,5 I 2,0 I 1,6 I Toxicant removal 1,7 I 1,8 I 1,4 I Erosion control 1,8 I 2,5 I 2,2 I Carbon storage 1,0 ML 1,7 I 1,3 ML Maintenance of biodiversity 1,8 I 1,8 I 2,1 MH Water supply for human use 1,3 I 0,8 ML 0,7 ML Natural resources 2,4 MH 2,0 MH 2,4 MH
Cultivated foods 2,2 MH 1,8 I 2,2 MH
Cultural significance 1,0 ML 0,5 ML 1,0 ML Tourism and recreation 0,1 L 0,1 L 0,1 L Education and research 0.5 L 0.5 L 0.5 L KEY: L- Low, ML- Moderately Low, I- Intermediate, MH- Moderately High
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6.7 Risk Matrix
The majority of Phase 2 of the proposed D1559 (Nhlabane) Road upgrade will entail the upgrading of the existing gravel road within the exact same footprint that it currently evident on- site. However, a portion of Phase 2 across UVB02 will involve a road realignment into an undisturbed area within UVB02, outside of the existing gravel road footprint. This will result in the permanent alteration to an undisturbed portion of UVB02, which will not be able to be remediated in a post-mitigation state. Therefore, in accordance with DWS GN 509 published within Government Gazette no. 40229 under Section 39 of the National Water Act (Act no. 36 of 1998), Phase 2 of the proposed D1559 Road upgrade falls within the ambit of a full WULA for Section 21(c) and (I) water uses.
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Table 16 Risk Assessment Matrix for Phase 2.
Phase Activity Aspect Impacts Severity Consequences Likelihood Significance Risk Rating Borderline Low/Moderate Pre- Establishment Increase in surface-area of Potential encroachment by invasive Low Identify and demarcate the extent of the N/A All watercourses at low construction of the site compacted/hardened surfaces. and alien plant species. 1 4 10 40 construction site as indicated on the approved risk and PES and EIS Phase camp and the construction site layout plan using barrier tape scores not impacted on Pre- erection of Clearing and grubbing. Potential destruction of native and/or with steel droppers; N/A in post-mitigation state construction temporary indigenous plant species. 1,5 3,5 9 31,5 Low (i.e. UVB01, UVB15 Phase stores, offices, Minimise the extent of the construction site and UVB02) Pre- workshops and Upgrading of existing access routes to Disruption to soil profile and footprint as much as possible; N/A construction ablution the site camp. consequent creation of excess 1 3 9 27 Low Phase facilities on sediment. Ensure that the main site camp is completely Pre- precast yards Potential application of herbicide to fenced and has controlled security access; N/A construction within clear land (outside of watercourse Compaction of the soil profile; 1,75 4,75 9 42,75 Low Phase previously boundaries and buffer zones). 32 m buffer should be implemented during the Pre- degraded land. Accidental spilling of waste and/or Removal of potential natural resources construction and operation phase for the fat risk N/A construction potentially harmful pathogens into the and culturally significant species; HGM units; and environment. 2 5 10 50 Low Construction Alteration to the physicochemical Conduct all activities in a sustainable, least risk Phase properties of the downstream aquatic manner; Pre- Construction vehicle activities in close systems; Mitigation plan implementation (e.g. reinstate the N/A construction proximity to watercourses. natural flow regime and habitat composition); and 1,25 4,25 10 42,5 Low Construction Cleared areas must be tilled and re-vegetated Phase directly after the construction period
Pre- Demarcation of Erection of silt fencing around all spoil Demarcate all wetland boundaries and buffer N/A All watercourses at low construction buffer zones sites and waste dumps (including 1 3 9 27 Low zones with droppers and danger tape on-site risk and PES and EIS Phase and no-go coverage). during construction; scores not impacted on Pre- areas and the N/A in post-mitigation state construction creation of All spoil sites must be located at-least 100m (i.e. UVB01, UVB15 The dumping of waste and spoil at the Disruption of the soil profile and thus and spoil sites 1.25 4,25 11 46,75 Low away from UVB01, UVB15 and UVB02 and their and UVB02) designated sites using haulage routes. creation of excess sediment; Construction (topsoil associated buffer zones.
Phase separate from Potential disturbance to native and/or Pre- subsoil), waste Solid waste is to be stored onsite in an N/A indigenous plant species; construction dump sites and appropriate manner until it can be disposed at
Phase construction the nearest identified, licensed waste fill site. Aesthetic and potentially noise vehicle routes. disturbance within the area; Contractor is to exercise strict care in the
Input of dropper or wooden poles to disposal of construction waste, with proof of
extend danger tape or paint for easy 1 3 8 24 Low disposal at an approved site provided after off-
identification. loading each waste load and this
logged/registered within the environmental file that must be maintained at the contractor’s camp for duration of construction.
Topsoil is to be kept separate from subsoil and
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Phase Activity Aspect Impacts Severity Consequences Likelihood Significance Risk Rating Borderline Low/Moderate handled twice only – once to strip and stockpile, and once to replace and level. Topsoil stockpiles must be positioned on the higher side of a disturbed area, and above the 1:50 year flood line wherever possible. The stockpile height must not exceed 2 m.
Stockpiles, spoil sites and exposed earth should be watered to reduce dust. Chemical soil binding agents may be used if there is a shortage of water. The chemical agents used must be approved by the Environmental Control Officer (ECO). All spoil sites must be located at-least 100m away from UVB01, UVB02 and UVB15 and their associated buffer zones.
Pre- Construction Movement of construction vehicles over Contamination of freshwater resources Demarcate all access and haulage routes that N/A Potential to impact on construction vehicle loose soil particles. by input of sediment and potentially may be used by the construction vehicles; UVB01, UVB15 and and movement over harmful pathogens (e.g. hydrocarbons, 1,75 3,75 13 48,75 Low UVB02. PES and EIS Construction existing road oil, chemicals); If excess dust is observed, apply dust remain unchanged in Phase developed suppression techniques to the areas of concern; post-mitigation state. Pre- across Accidental spills (e.g. hydrocarbons, Consequent destruction of habitat and 2 6 9 54 Low N/A construction, watercourses chemicals, cement, asphalt etc.) flowing killing of floral and faunal species; All spill kit must be available at all time and Construction during the via surface runoff into downstream Increased surface runoff and reduction training on the use must be conducted. Training and project watercourses. in soil infiltration/permeability; aligned with a spill procedure. Operational lifespan. Phase
Construction Upgrading of Disturbance of hydrophytic plants Improved throughflow within UVB01, 5 7 8 56 Moderate Remove all hydrophytic vegetation without Low Upgrade activities Phase the existing directly adjacent to the proposed Phase UVB15 and UVB02 wetland in destroying the root system and place the species within boundaries of D1559 within 2 upgrade within UVB01, UVB15 and comparison to current state (Positive in a demarcated area. These species must be UVB01, UVB15 and the exact same UVB02. impact); watered daily and replanted in disturbed areas UVB02. PES scores footprint as part post-construction; temporarily altered Construction of Phase 2 of Potential construction vehicle Disturbance of habitat adjacent to 5 7 8 56 Moderate Low during construction, Phase the proposed movement within the UVB01, UVB15 proposed Phase 2 upgrade; Construction vehicles must use one access route however can be upgrade. and UVB02 wetlands. Sedimentation of the downstream into the site from either bank to reduce reduced to low in post- Construction Upgrading of existing stormwater portions of UVB01, UVB15 and UVB02 5 7 8 56 Moderate unnecessary disturbance of the aquatic Low mitigation state. Phase infrastructure within the existing systems; ecosystem; footprint of Phase 2 in UVB01, UVB15 and UVB02. Increased presence of construction All stormwater infrastructure must be constructed personnel, and thus elevated probability on the floor of the wetland with no excavation of litter and harvesting of indigenous beyond surface level to avoid scouring. floral plants within wetlands." Sediment traps must be correctly erected around and downslope of all excavations, or areas of bare soil;
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Phase Activity Aspect Impacts Severity Consequences Likelihood Significance Risk Rating Borderline Low/Moderate
Gabion structures must be constructed in areas where the cut and fill results in slopes of greater than 10%;
All disturbed areas must be landscaped with topsoil, tilled and revegetated within either hydrophytic vegetation in the outer boundaries, or a mixture of terrestrial grasses within the adjacent terrestrial areas.
Construction Construction of Infilling of UVB02 for construction of "Improved throughflow downstream of 5 9 11 99 Moderate All hydrophytic and Swamp Forest vegetation in Not PES and EIS of UVB02 Phase new road new alignment through UVB02. UVB02 (Positive impact); the direct footprint of the new road alignment, as Possible will be altered in a post- Construction alignment Clearing of vegetation within the new 5 9 10 90 Moderate well as within a 15m construction working Not mitigation state. Phase through UVB02 road alignment through UVB02. Permanent conversion of hydric soil to corridor, must be uprooted and planted within an Possible Mitigation to Low not Construction as part of Construction vehicle movement within well-drained soil within the direct 5 9 10 90 Moderate onsite, or offsite, nursery for storage until Not possible. Phase Phase 2. undisturbed areas of UVB02. footprint of the proposed realignment transplantation can occur. If possible, Possible Construction Construction of new stormwater through UVB02; 5 10 10 100 Moderate transplantation into an area directly adjacent to Not Phase structure within UVB02. the uprootment site must occur directly post- Possible Permanent destruction of hydrophytic uprootment; vegetation within the proposed realignment footprint through UCB02; The old road alignment must be completely decommissioned and the footprint rehabilitated to Potential loss of indigenous vegetation a near-natural condition. This process must be if not correctly transplanted. " guided by a suitably qualified botanist with experience with Swamp Forest vegetation; All additional disturbance areas outside of the project footprint must be rehabilitation post- construction; New stormwater infrastructure must be constructed with the base of the culvert on the floor of the wetland, not below.
Rehabilitation Decommission Reshape disturbed area to near-natural Positive Impacts Post-mitigation: 5 7 8 56 Moderate TLB to use existing road to enter UVB02 and Low PES and EIS of UVB02 Phase existing road topography. Reinstate near-natural flow regime; excavation of the old road alignment must occur improved through Rehabilitation alignment Revegetate the disturbed areas with Improve hydrological processes within 5 7 8 56 Moderate from one side of the road to the other. No Low rehabilitation efforts. Phase through vegetation removed from new road the old road alignment footprint; additional access routes to the decommissioning UVB02. alignment footprint within UVB02. area within UVB02 must be made; Removal of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) during All landscaping must be done in consultation with decommissioning and rehabilitation a suitably qualified wetland ecologist; process; Vegetation uprooted from within the footprint of Creation of an undulating micro- the new road alignment should be transplanted topography within the rehabilitated to within the decommissioned road area to areas to create a mosaic of wetness improve ground cover;
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Phase Activity Aspect Impacts Severity Consequences Likelihood Significance Risk Rating Borderline Low/Moderate zones." Hydrophytic plant plugs can be sourced from adjacent wetland and added to the decommissioned area to improve homogeneity of species within the disturbed area.
Rehabilitation De- Tillage of areas of bare-soil and Positive impacts: Increase surface 1.75 3,75 9 33,75 Low The principle of progressive reinstatement must N/A All watercourses at low Phase establishment revegetate with a mixture of indigenous roughness and reduce the velocity of be followed wherever possible. This includes the risk and PES and EIS of site camp, grass species the surface runoff; reinstatement of disturbed areas on an ongoing scores not impacted on Rehabilitation spoil sites, Reshape local topography to natural 1,75 3,75 9 33,75 Low basis, immediately after the specified N/A in post-mitigation state Phase waste dumps slope if necessary Decrease erosion potential; construction activities for that area are (i.e. UVB01, UVB15 etc. and Increase biodiversity; concluded. and UVB02) rehabilitate temporary Remove all potential contaminants; As soon as a section of road is finished and a access/haulage Reinstate natural topography. construction site vacated, the disturbed areas roads must be rehabilitated by levelling, alien plant eradication, topsoil dressing, vegetation establishment and landscaping, including the planting of replacement trees where trees have had to be removed.
Erosion control measures must be implemented and the effectiveness thereof must be monitored and corrected where necessary. Environmental damage due to the failure of erosion control measures must be rehabilitated to a state agreed with DEDTEA.
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6.8 Vegetation Impact Assessment
During the field survey there were a number of floral communities that were delineated within the study area. The broad vegetation communities were delineated within the study area are discussed in the sections to follow. The major regional vegetation types were classified as the Maputuland Wooded Grassland and the Maputuland Coastal Belt. These regional vegetation types include the Forest and Savanna Biomes (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006).
The broad vegetation units delineated within the study area include:
1. Degraded areas, 2. Transformed areas 3. Grassland areas
These units are mapped and can be observed in Figure 10.
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Figure 10 Vegetation units associated with the study area.
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6.8.1 Degraded areas
Degraded areas which were identified and delineated along the D1559. The result was based on various impacts which significantly alter the natural floral state. These impacts include croplands, servitudes, excavation and infill. The encroachment of alien invasive tree, bush and shrub species is evident along the D1559. This type of encroachment resulted in a degradation of the biodiversity in comparison to the areas natural state. There are indigenous species scattered throughout the Degraded Area unit, however the presence of these species make the areas they are present incapable of being delineated under other vegetation units.
The flatter areas and shoulder sections of the D1559 was characterised by bare patches of gravelly soil sparsely covered by, pioneer shrubs, forbs and grass species, many of which are exotic and invasive species. Examples of such pioneer species are: Graminoids: Eragrostis plana, Eragrostis spp., Urochloa panicoides, Chloris virgate, Digitaria sanguinalis (Exotic) and Mariscus macrocarpus; Forbs: Bidens bipinnata (Exotic), Cirsium vulgare (Category 1 Invasive Alien), Conyza spp. (Exotic), Tagetes minuta (Exotic); Larger Shurbs: Psidium guajava (Category 2 Invasive Alien), Solanum mauritianum (Category 1 Invasive Alien), Tithonia diversifolia (Category 1 Invasive Alien), Ricinus communis var. communis (Category 2 Invasive Alien), Senna didymobotrya (Category 3 Invasive Alien), Lantana camara (Category 1 Invasive Alien). Other common species in this unit include: Eucalyptus globulus, Cenchrus ciliaris, Cyathea capensis, Psidium cattleyanum, Phoenix reclinata, Pomoea purpurea, Centella asiatica, Canna indica, and Pinaceae.
Within the degraded unit the HGM units have been severely degraded due to fragmentation, overgrazing and trampling (cattle) and the invasion by large numbers of alien plants especially large stands of Psidium gaujava (Category 2 Invasive Alien). No rare, endangered or endemic species were found in this vegetation unit. It was determined that the proposed activity should not impact the degraded vegetation unit which proliferates along the majority of the proposed project. However, the contractor should avoid all woody tree species within the unit and remain on the existing gravel road.
The vegetation unit was recorded to have been disturbed and degraded by development, encroachment and plantations hence the sensitivity of this unit was determined to be low. The scattered indigenous vegetation and disturbed nature of the area, as well as dominance by plantations, does not accurately reflect the Endangered classification of the Maputuland Coastal Belt vegetation type.
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Plate 4 General condition recorded within the Degraded Area vegetation unit.
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6.8.2 Transformed areas
Majority of the area has been severely transformed to plantations and degraded with almost none of the original vegetation still present. These plantations are made up of Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum). Transformation is the result of a number of activities including historical cultivation practices, current cultivation practices, livestock (over)grazing, sand-mining activities, the presence of numerous smaller roads (secondary gravel roads), invasion by a large number of exotics and alien invasive species. Due to the disturbed and transformed state of this unit, as well as the low diversity of indigenous species and the high number of exotic and alien species this unit has a low conservation value and ecosystem function, and thus can be regarded as a Low Sensitive Area.
Plate 5 General condition recorded within the Transformed Area vegetation unit.
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6.8.3 Wooded Grassland
The wooded grassland areas along Phase 2 of the D1559 occur amongst the degraded and transformed areas. These areas are mostly where the watercourses presently exist. The area supports dwarf shrubs, trees and rich herbaceous flora. The species that dominated this area, but are not limited to, include: Hyphaene coriacea, Aristida junciformis, Barringtonia racemosa, Strelitziaceae, Burkea africana, Polystichumm, Tagetes minuta, Ficus spp., Hibiscus rosa- sinensis, Columba palumbus, Albizia adianthifolia, Cyperus papyrus, Cyperus latifolius, Cyperus dives, Nymphaea odorata and Pheonix reclinata. This habitat unit is present with several Alien Invasive plant species which include: Robinia pseudoacacia (Category 2 Invasive Alien), Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, Solanum mauritianum, Montanoa hibiscifolia (Category 2 Invasive Alien) and which were present. Other species which were present in the area are Eucalyptus globulus, Cenchrus ciliaris, Cyathea capensis, Psidium cattleyanum, Phoenix reclinata, Pomoea purpurea, Centella asiatica, Canna indica, and Pinaceae.
The B. racemose were located along the woody areas particularly around UVB02 which is formally protected under the National Forest Act (NFA) (Act no. 84 of 1998) within GN no. 877 of 2013. The relevant permit to remove, cut or trim the protected B. racemosa must be obtained from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as per the NEM:BA (Act 10 of 2004): Threatened or protected species regulations (GG 29657: No. R. 152, 2007). As this study was not exhaustive, a thorough walkthrough of the pegged-out road upgrade will need to be conducted by a suitably qualified botanist prior to the construction phase commencing to ascertain the exact number of B. racemosa trees on-site. The identification of B. racemosa within the unit also increase the ecological importance of the overall Wooded Grassland vegetation unit. Plate 5 below provides an illustration of the general condition and structure of the Wooded Grassland unit.
Plate 6 General condition recorded within the Transformed Area vegetation unit.
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7. MITIGATION MEASURES
Construction and earthworks activities have a direct impact on the HGM units physical habitat characteristics. Disturbance of the physical habitat characteristics and ecological continuum at one site may result in impacts upstream or downstream of the HGM unit and can trigger lateral changes. Altering these physical habitat characteristics can result in negative impacts on the HGM unit habitat.
These changes can result in long term impacts to the downstream HGM units and habitats present. As result it is critical within the HGM unit areas that mitigation measures are stringently implemented.
The following mitigation measures must be incorporated into the Environmental Management Programme(EMPr) for the Phase 2 D1559 upgrade to reduce the impacts of the activity on the HGM units.
Where construction activity takes place within or in proximity to HGM unit areas, the active construction areas and disturbance footprint is kept to an absolute minimum, with as small as possible an area being disturbed at a time, and with rehabilitation following close behind.
The following mitigation measures apply with respect to activity within proximity to the HGM units identified in this study. General mitigation measures and best practice regarding environmental management within the project EMPr also apply.
Infrastructure design:
Culverts should be placed in a manner that allows for the free movement of water and sediment. Culverts should be placed at the same level as the base of the channel. Culverts need to allow for the natural flows of water across the freshwater ecosystems and not confine flows. Culverts should have sufficient grade to be self-scouring or self-cleaning and not be prone to sedimentation build up within the culverts. However, the culverts must be equipped with energy breakers at the outlet to ensure the downstream freshwater ecosystems do not scour or erode as a result of the culvert grade. Construction of the causeway should ensure that the banks of the stream channels are stabilised so as not to erode at the edges. The crossing support infrastructure should be constructed at right angles to the freshwater habitat.
Construction phase:
On steep slopes draining towards the identified freshwater ecosystems, small-scale diversion berms should be constructed, to reduce the risk of the earthworks becoming a preferred surface flow path leading to erosion. “Trench-breakers”, which are in-trench barriers, should be installed within any trench excavations to minimise the accumulation of surface runoff water from upslope areas running down the trenches. During earthworks, the layers to a depth that presents the absence of wetness or clay materials soils must be removed and stockpiled, to be replaced once activities have been completed. This is to maintain the existing seed bed and hydric soil profiles as best as possible.
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Excavated soils should be placed on the upslope side, to allow the excavated area to intercept any erosion and excess sediment, minimizing the risk of the loose soils entering the freshwater ecosystems. The construction footprint across the systems must be as narrow as practically possible. i.e. machinery must utilise the same route through the systems at all times so as to avoid unnecessary disturbance to areas outside of the development footprint. The use of timber could also be utilized to minimise disturbance for machinery to move across the system by creating tracks for the machinery to move over. Each construction working area must be clearly demarcated with danger tape. Vehicle access routes must not pass through watercourses or any areas of sensitive vegetation. Where access routes have to cross the HGM unit communities these must be single track entry and exit routes. The Environmental Control Officer ECO must be notified of any spills or leakages in these sections. These spills/leaks should be treated with hydrocarbon degrading bacteria (products such as or similar to biologX or Oil Spill GobblerTM). Existing roads, tracks and pathways should be used wherever possible, and multiple pathways must not be allowed to develop. Disturbance of steep slopes must be kept to an absolute minimum. The activity must cover as small a working area as is feasible to minimise the area of disturbance. Vehicle and personnel traffic must be minimised and must strictly be kept to within designated working areas. Strict buffers must be established around all the HGM units outside of necessary access routes and designated work areas. It is recommended that a 32m buffer be maintained from the edge of the HGM units that presented a low impact rating of the proposed development (Macfarlane et al., 2010). However, the buffers recommended for the HGM units that presented a high and moderate impact rating of the proposed development are indicated in section 6.3 of this report and in table 14. These limits are subject to review by authorities. The buffers, outside of necessary access routes and designated work areas, become strict no-go areas where habitats must not be disturbed and with personnel and machinery not permitted entry unless directed by the ECO during rehabilitation. The removal, damage or disturbance of any flora outside the working areas is not permitted. Fishing must be strictly prohibited in and around the working areas. Clearing or pruning of indigenous vegetation at the site of activity must be kept to an absolute minimum. This must be done under the supervision of an appropriately qualified specialist. Any trimming or clearing of any Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) will require a permit from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Where clearing is required outside of earthwork/construction areas, vegetation should be brush-cut rather than cleared to speed re-establishment following site closure. No herbicides may be used on indigenous vegetation, particularly within proximity to the HGM units. Where protected or otherwise important fauna and flora are encountered and require removal, the ECO should be consulted and the individuals transferred to a nearby ‘safe’, similar habitat. No project workers are permitted to catch, trap, poison, kill or disturb any animals present in the project areas. No disturbance of nesting or feeding sites and fauna habitat is allowed. Advice from the ECO should be sought if such sites are encountered. Where construction activity takes place within flood lines of watercourses, temporary berms would need to be formed to ensure the construction site and disturbed soils are
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protected from flooding, stormflows and erosion. Construction activities should not take place outside of the dry season. Erosion that takes place during rainfall events must be rehabilitated immediately. A stock of suitable materials (e.g. subsoil stockpiles from excavated areas) for this purpose must be kept in a secure facility. Stormwater control measures must be implemented where required, with all stormwater generated within disturbed earthwork areas channelled to temporary, constructed settling ponds which allow the water to naturally filter back to the watercourse after settling. Stormwater retention and other constructed settling ponds must be suitably sited or protected so that river channel high flows will not cause flooding of the ponds. Siting of such ponds must be undertaken by a suitably qualified specialist (e.g. agricultural/wetland engineer) who must also provide advice as to size and maintenance of the ponds. Fuel and hazardous material storage, handling and refuelling areas must not fall within the 1:100 year flood line of HGM units and buffer zones. Such storage areas must be located 100m (horizontal distance) from the HGM units and any other sensitive environments. All spills of foreign or hazardous materials or fluids must be cleaned up immediately, with all spills larger than 20 Litres being reported to the ECO immediately. A record must be kept of all spills and the corrective action taken. Vehicles should not be parked in or near sensitive areas, such as watercourses or drainage areas. No cleaning of persons or equipment may take place near rivers, streams or watercourses. Appropriate provision must be made for ablutions during construction. If chemical toilets are used, they must be well serviced, and must be placed on level surfaces well away from any watercourses, drainage lines or seeps and any areas which may be subject to flooding. No spillage must occur during servicing and contents must be correctly removed from site.
Site rehabilitation following construction;
All disturbed areas are to be rehabilitated, with the HGM units at the crossing points and areas where disturbance has resulted from excavation being restored to near-natural conditions. This must be implemented immediately following completion of construction activity at each localised crossing as outlined below:
The crossings should be rehabilitated to ensure that no barriers exist within the stream and that in-stream habitat is comparable to the natural or, at a minimum, preconstruction state. Re-vegetation and rehabilitation must take place at worked sections immediately following completion so that vegetation can re-establish as quickly as possible. Within, and in proximity to the HGM units, successful re-vegetation is crucial to stabilise soils and limit infestation by invasive alien plant species and dominance by ruderal species. Simple re-vegetation with terrestrial species will not be suitable. Correct species for the HGM units of the region must be re-established in consultation with an appropriately qualified specialist (e.g. botanist/vegetation ecologist). Progress of vegetation establishment must be monitored regularly, with slow recovery requiring intervention to ensure site recovery and integrity, as well as physical stability. Vehicle access tracks, footpaths and other areas of soil compaction and vegetation denudation as a result of the construction activities must be appropriately contoured, scarified and re-vegetated where required.
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Any soil stockpile sites, and sites of excavation must also be rehabilitated in the same fashion. Rehabilitation of such sites must be monitored, and the results reported to the ECO. All excess soil stockpile not taken off site or used to fix erosion issues, must be spread evenly over the disturbed areas, with topsoil on top, prior to rehabilitation and re- vegetation. Construction areas must be rehabilitated to a land surface which integrates with the surrounding slope morphology and river channel form so as not to create areas of soil instability, or flow paths which incorrectly direct stormflows and floods, thereby causing scour, erosion and damage to adjacent habitats and infrastructure. Areas subject to concentrated water flows during rainfall or high flow events must receive particular attention during rehabilitation and re-vegetation. Where possible these must be identified prior to commencement of construction activities. Where required, erosion protection structures may need to be designed and installed. Artificial embankments, depressions and holes created by the construction activity must be contoured/rehabilitated to minimise risk to, and death of, all fauna types from large mammals to small invertebrates. Upon site closure all infrastructure, foreign materials, waste, litter and contaminated water, rock or soil must be removed from site and disposed of in accordance with best environmental practice.
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8. CONCLUSION The rapid assessments of wetland delineation conducted along the D1559, presented the ratings of the HGM units that were directly impacted by the development and upgrading of the D1559. It is important to note that to achieve low impacts on the HGM units and achieve a moderate to low risk rating the mitigation methods mentioned in this report should be put into practice.
The potential impacts or risks of the proposed Phase 2 D1559 upgrade on wetland habitats are associated with both the construction and operational phases. During the upgrade of Phase 2, the construction phase may result in the HGM units attaining the most impact. The construction phase has the potential to impact on the HGM unit health and water quality however if correct mitigation is implemented the impact could be kept to a minimum. The highest risks to water quality during the construction phase relate to the introduction of foreign and hazardous materials to the habitat such as fuels and oils, cement, and other construction materials. Erosion and degradation of the HGM units is a risk as a result of vegetation clearing and earthworks associated with construction. Coupled with the operational phase impact of increased storm flow volumes discharged by the road upgrades, mitigation of erosion within the receiving watercourses forms a key requirement. The construction of culverts should allow for adequate through flow. The construction of the culvert structures and should be set to the current floor of the HGM units which should be considered as a mitigation measure.
Reasoned opinion
It is the specialist’s opinion that Phase 2 of the proposed upgrade of the D1559 be authorised by the DHSWS as a full Water Use Licence on condition that the proposed mitigation measures put forward in this Wetland and Vegetation Assessment Report and the accompanying EMPr are implemented on site. The following recommendations and findings are outlined below:
Majority of the systems identified along Phase 1 of the D1559 were determined to be in moderate condition. The overall PES scores range between C, D and F where C is moderately modified, D is critically modified, and F is critically modified. Risks to the systems are moderate, the anticipated construction phase related impacts of the D1559 upgrade can largely be controlled and mitigated and that rehabilitation through an appropriate and comprehensive environmental management plan is possible. The HGM units assessed were predominantly classified as disturbed as they are infested by invasive alien plants.
The HGM unit UVB02 is the proposed area of construction. This area is of unique value and condition which could be described as a swamp forest vegetation unit. However upon the site visit and vegetation study it was observed that the swamp forest area will be avoided by the preferred alternative. Within this unit the presence of B. racemose which are protected, irreplaceable, highly sensitive, and a known protected species. It is important to note that within the described vegetation units alien invasive species are rife however protected species of B. racemose scatter these units and require permits form Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal to be removed. For this reason three alternatives were considered.
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Layout alternatives
Alternative 1 (Preferred Alternative) The preferred alternative is to realign a section of the D1559 (300 m) through the UVB2 watercourse. The preferred alternative, although impacts the UVB2 watercourse does not impact the swamp forest HGM unit and maintains the DoT safety standard which contributed to the more favourable and the preferred alternative. (Figure 11).
Figure 11 Preferred Layout Alternative 1
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Alternative No. 2. Alternative 2 for the proposed upgrade of the D1559 is to upgrading the existing alignment of the road. This alternative presents a low impact on the receiving environment however does not pass the safety standards of the DoT. Considering the aforementioned reasons this alternative was deemed unfeasible (Figure 12)
Figure 12 Alternative number 2
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Alternative No.3 This alternative was considered, however presented the highest impact on the receiving environment by impacting the swamp forest HGM unit and additional watercourses. This alternative impacted a larger area of wetlands which present indigenous species such as Barringtonia racemose that require permits to be cut or trimmed as they are normally protected under the National Forest Act (NFA) (Act no. 84 of 1998) within GN no. 877 of 2013. This alternative was considered unfavourable. (Figure 13)
Figure 13 Alternative number 3
Risk Assessment Matrix The majority of Phase 2 of the proposed D1559 (Nhlabane) Road upgrade will entail the upgrading of the existing gravel road within the exact same footprint that it currently evident on- site. However, a portion of Phase 2 across UVB02 will involve a road realignment into an undisturbed area within UVB02, outside of the existing gravel road footprint. This will result in the permanent alteration to an undisturbed portion of UVB02, which will not be able to be remediated in a post-mitigation state. Therefore, in accordance with DWS GN 509 published within Government Gazette no. 40229 under Section 39 of the National Water Act (Act no. 36 of 1998), Phase 2 of the proposed D1559 Road upgrade falls within the ambit of a full WULA for Section 21(c) and (I) water uses.
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9. REFERENCES
Africa. SANBI Biodiversity Series 28. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, 2005. A Practical Field Procedure for Identification and Delineation of Wetland and Riparian areas. Edition 1, September 2005. DWAF, Pretoria.
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, 2005. A Practical Field Procedure for Identification and Delineation of Wetland and Riparian areas. Edition 1, September 2005. DWAF, Pretoria.
Department of Water and Sanitation. 2014. A Desktop Assessment of the Present Ecological State, Ecological Importance and Ecological Sensitivity per Sub Quaternary Reaches for Secondary Catchments in South Africa. Secondary: W11C, WW13B, W12H. Compiled by RQIS-RDM: https://www.dwa.gov.za/iwqs/rhp/eco/peseismodel.aspx accessed on 2018/02/15
DWAF (2008) Updated Manual for the Identification and Delineation of Wetlands and Riparian Areas, prepared by M. Rountree, A. L. Batchelor, J. MacKenzie and D. Hoare. Stream Flow Reduction Activities, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Pretoria, South Africa.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW), 2011a, KwaZulu-Natal provincial pre-transformation vegetation type map – 2011 (kznveg05v2_011_inhouse_w31.zip), GIS coverage, Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW), 2016, EKZNW Stewardship boundaries 2016 (stewardship_wll_jan2016_draft.zip), GIS coverage, Biodiversity Spatial Planning and Information, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Pietermaritzburg.
Job, N., Mbona, N., Dayaram, A. & Kotze, D. 2018. Guidelines for mapping wetlands in South
Macfarlane, D.M., Kotze, D.C., Ellery, W.N., Walters, D., Koopman, V., Goodman, P. and Goge, C. 2007. WET-Health: A technique for rapidly assessing wetland health, Version 2. WRC Report No TT 340/09, Water Research Commission, Pretoria.
Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C. (eds.) 2006. The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute.
Nel, J.L., A. Driver, W.F. Strydom, A. Maherry, C. Petersen, L. Hill, D.J. Roux, S. Nienaber, H. Van Deventer, E.R. Swartz, L.B. Smith-Adao. 2011. Atlas of freshwater ecosystem priority areas in South Africa: Maps to support sustainable development of water resources. Water Research Commission, WRC Report NO. TT 500/11, South Africa.
Ollis, D.J., Snaddon, C.D., Job, N.M. & Mbona, N. 2013. Classification System for Wetlands and other Aquatic Ecosystems in South Africa. User Manual: Inland Systems. SANBI Biodiversity Series 22. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Rountree, M. W., Malan, H. L., Weston, B. C., (EDS). 2013, Manual for the Rapid Ecological Reserve Determination of Inland Wetlands (Version 2.0). Report to Report to the Water Research Commission and Department of Water Affairs: Chief Directorate: Resource Directed Measures. WRC Report No. 1788/1/12
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