PALAEONTOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT of the CONSTRUCTION of the PROPOSED VILJOENSKROON MUNIC 132 Kv LINE, VIERFONTEIN SUBSTATION and RELATED PROJECTS

PALAEONTOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSED VILJOENSKROON MUNIC 132 kV LINE, VIERFONTEIN SUBSTATION AND RELATED PROJECTS

Prepared for:

PGS Heritage (Pty) Ltd

June 2017

Prepared by

BANZAI ENVIRONMENTAL (PTY) LTD P.O. BOX 11023 UNIVERSITAS BLOEMFONTEIN 9323

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Banzai Environmental Pty (Ltd) was appointed by PGS Heritage to undertake a Palaeontological Impact assessment, evaluating the palaeontological impact of the planned construction of the Viljoenskroon Munic 132kV line, Vierfontein substations and related projects in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality and Moqhaka Local Municipality, Free State. According to the National Heritage Resources Act (Act No 25 of 1999, section 38), a palaeontological impact assessment is required to detect the presence of fossil material within the proposed development footprint and to assess the impact of the construction and operation of the project on the palaeontological resources.

The proposed Viljoenskroon Munic 132 KV Line, Vierfontein Substation, related projects as well as all alternatives is entirely underlain by the Vryheid Formation, Ecca Group and Cenozoic superficial deposits. The Vryheid Formation of the Ecca Group has a high palaeontological sensitivity according to the SAHRIS PaleoMap. However, the proposed development footprint and all alternatives, lack fossil exposures and the usage of the land as agricultural land over many years (thus disturbing the environment) permits that a moderate Palaeontological sensitivity is allocated. Fossils in the Cenozoic Superficial deposits are generally sparse, low in diversity, and occur over a wide geographic area, thus the palaeontological sensitivity within the study region is rated as low.

It is therefore recommended that no further palaeontological heritage studies, ground truthing and/or specialist mitigation are required for the commencement of this development, pending the discovery or exposure of any fossil remains during the construction phase.

Should fossil remains be discovered during any phase of construction, either on the surface or exposed by fresh excavations, the ECO responsible for these developments should be alerted immediately. Such discoveries ought to be protected (preferably in situ) and the ECO should alert SAHRA (South African Heritage Research Agency) so that appropriate mitigation (e.g. recording, sampling or collection) can be taken by a professional palaeontologist.

The specialist involved would require a collection permit from SAHRA. Fossil material must be curated in an approved collection (e.g. museum or university collection) and all fieldwork and reports should meet the minimum standards for palaeontological impact studies developed by SAHRA.

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 1.1.1 Project description ...... 4 1.1.2 Site alternatives ...... 6 1.2 LEGISLATION ...... 10 2 Objective ...... 11 3 GEOLOGICAL AND PALAEONTOLOGICAL HISTORY ...... 12 3.1 Geology ...... 12 3.2 Palaeontological Heritage ...... 13 4 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF THE SITE ...... 16 5 METHODS ...... 16 5.1 Assumptions and Limitations ...... 16 6 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 17 7 IMPACT RATINGS ...... 18 8 REFERENCES ...... 25 9 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF THE AUTHOR ...... 26 10 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ...... 26

1 INTRODUCTION The Free State operating Unit of Eskom Distribution proposes the upgrade of various infrastructure in the Viljoenskroon area, Fezile Dabi District Municipality and Moqhaka Local Municipality, Free State. The work are associated with network strengthening, refurbishment and electrification. Two general work packages are scheduled to be undertaken which in turn triggering two listed activities under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (GN R 982 of 2014) and associated Listing Notices (LN) (GN R 983, GN R 984 and GN R 985). The proposed development footprint will be located on the following farms • Portion 17 of the farm Groenfontein 313 • Portion 39 of the farm Groenfontein 313 • Portion 4 of the farm Grootrietpan 451 • Portion 1 of the farm Grootrietpan 451 • Portion 2 of the farm Grootrietpan 451 • Portion 3 of the farm Grootrietpan 451 • Portion 0 of the farm Jagters Spruit 73 • Portion 0 of the farm Jagtershoek 77 • Portion 3 of the farm Jagtershoek • Portion 2 of the farm Marseilles 24 • Portion 5 of the farm Tevreden • Portion 4 of the farm Tevreden • Portion 3 of the farm Tevreden • Viljoenskroon Townlands Streets and Squares 411 • Portion 6 of the farm Rendezvous 398 • Portion 0 of the farm Rendezvous 398 • Portion 0 of the farm Lizetta 87

1.1.1 Project description The proposed construction activities triggering GN R 983 are highlighted in bold text while the remainder of the activities are considered associated activities and infrastructure. (Information provided by Aurecon). Viljoenskroon Municipality Substation-related Projects • Decommission 1.64km 88kV T-off line that is aligned from the 88kV Vierfontein- Viljoenskroon Munic Substation power line to Senwesco Substation;

• Construct a 17.24km 132kV single circuit monopole single Kingbird conductor line on the eastern side from the new Viljoenskroon Municipality Substation along the tar road until it reaches the Reitzburg 132kV line; • Construct a new 132kV switching station at a proposed location, and name it Marseilles Switching Station; • Construct a ±4.6km 11kV twin Hare line from the new Viljoenskroon Municipality Substation to the new Senwesco Substation; • Construct a new Viljoenskroon 132kV substation next to the existing Viljoenskroon Municipality substation. This line will require a 31m wide corridor approval (15.5m from the centreline of the powerline to both sides); • Construction of a new 1x11/6.6kV 10MVA Senwesco substation next to the existing Senwesco substation; • Disconnect the Vierfontein-Viljoenskroon 88kV Line from the 88/11kV Vierfontein Rural Substation, and decommission the existing 88/11kV Vierfontein Substation; • Connect the Vierfontein-Viljoenskroon Kingbird line to the new 132kV Viljoenskroon Municipality Substation; and • Decommission the existing 88/11kV Viljoenskroon Municipality Substation.

Vierfontein Substation-related Projects • Construct a new 1.969km 132kV single circuit single Kingbird mono-structure line from the 132kV Grootkop 1 powerline, which is near the existing Vierfontein Rural Substation, to the newly constructed 132kV Vierfontein Rural Substation; • Demolish 4km 132kV Panther line from MERGRO 49 towards the new Marseilles Switching Station; • Construction of a new Vierfontein rural 132/11kV Substation next to existing substation; • Connect the Vierfontein-Viljoenskroon Kingbird line to the new 132kV Vierfontein Substation; and • Decommission the existing 5.96km Vierfontein-Jersey 88kV power line.

Listed activities triggered Description GN R983, Activity 11: Construction of: The development of facilities or infrastructure • 17.24km 132kV Single circuit Mono pole for the transmission and distribution of single Kingbird conductor line from the new electricity- Viljoenskroon Municipality Substation to the (i) outside urban areas or industrial complexes Reitzburg 132kV line, occurring within a 31m- with a capacity of more than 33 but less than wide corridor to allow micro-siting of poles; 275 kilovolts; • Viljoenskroon Municipality 132kV substation; • Marseilles 132kV switching station; • Senwesco 1x11/6.6kV 10MVA substation; • 1.969km 132kV single circuit Kingbird mono- structure line from Grootklop 1 line to the proposed Vierfontein 11kV rural substation; and • Vierfontein rural 132/11kV substation.

GN R983, Activity 27: Less than 20 hectares of indigenous vegetation The clearance of an area of 1 hectares or more, may be cleared for the construction of the but less than 20 hectares of indigenous Viljoenskroon Municipality 132 kV substation, vegetation. the Marseilles 132 kV switching station, the Senwesco substation and the Vierfontein rural 11kV substation.

1.1.2 Site alternatives For the Marseilles Switching Station: Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) Newly constructed switching station would be located east of the R76 road Location: 27° 5'38.06"S 26°52'14.85"E Alternative 2 Newly constructed switching station would be located west of the R76 road Location: 27° 5'42.95"S 26°52'0.12"E

For the new Vierfontein Substation Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) The newly constructed substation would be located directly north of the existing substation

Location: 27° 5'33.35"S 26°46'31.15"E Alternative 2 The newly constructed substation would be located directly south of the existing substation Location: 27° 5'34.51"S 26°46'31.73"E Alternative 3 Newly constructed substation would be located east of the existing substation. This alternative is least preferred due to the presence of existing infrastructure on this location Location: 27° 5'33.60"S 26°46'32.81"E

For the Viljoenskroon to Reitzburg line: Alternative S1 (preferred) Location : Starting point: 27°10'57.62"S 26°56'22.81"E Middle point: 27° 8'10.53"S 26°54'38.56"E End point: 27° 5'38.06"S 26°52'14.85"E Alternative S2 Location : Starting point: 27°10'57.62"S 26°56'22.81"E Middle point: 27° 8'14.14"S 26°54'35.00"E End point: 27° 5'38.06"S 26°52'14.85"E

For the new Vierfontein line: No alternatives are considered in this case, as the line will be located on an area already disturbed by similar activities. Considering alternatives would entail locating the line on an undisturbed area Starting point: 27° 6'11.54"S 26°46'21.45"E Middle point: 27° 5'50.58"S 26°46'46.52"E End point: 27° 5'31.59"S 26°46'31.14"E

No-go alternative: No new switching station would be constructed where Marseilles switching station is proposed. This would result in the new 132 kV line from Viljoenskroon substation not being connected. The proposed 132 kV line from Viljoenskroon to Marseilles switching station would not be constructed as there would be no switching station to connect it to. The substation at Vierfontein would remain in its location, with the additional substation not being constructed next to it on any of the three proposed locations.

The existing line at Vierfontein would remain where it is currently located, and no new line would be constructed or connected at the substation. There would be no impacts on the environment as a result of the proposed strengthening, refurbishment and electrification activities. However, it would lead to a lack of reliable electricity in the Viljoenskroon and Vierfontein areas.

6.43 km

Figure 1: The location of the proposed Viljoenskroon Munic 132 KV Line, Vierfontein Substation and Related Projects, and all alternatives, Fezile Dabi District Municipality and Moqhaka Local Municipality, Free State (Map modified from Google Earth, 2016).

1.2 LEGISLATION

Cultural Heritage in South Africa is governed by the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999). This Palaeontological Environmental Impact Assessment forms part of the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) and complies with the requirements of the above mentioned Act. In accordance with Section 38, an HIA is required to assess any potential impacts to palaeontological heritage within the site.

SECTION 35 OF THE NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES ACT 25 OF 1999

In Section 3 of The National Heritage Resources Act, various categories of heritage resources are recognized as part of the National Estate. This include among others: • geological sites of scientific or cultural importance • palaeontological sites • palaeontological objects and material, meteorites and rare geological specimens

• The protection of archaeological and palaeontological sites and material and meteorites is the responsibility of a provincial heritage resources authority. • All archaeological objects, palaeontological material and meteorites are the property of the State. • Any person who discovers archaeological or palaeontological objects or material or a meteorite in the course of development or agricultural activity must immediately report the find to the responsible heritage resources authority, or to the nearest local authority offices or museum, which must immediately notify such heritage resources authority. • No person may, without a permit issued by the responsible heritage resources authority—

o Destroy, damage, excavate, alter, deface or otherwise disturb any archaeological or palaeontological site or any meteorite;

o Destroy, damage, excavate, remove from its original position, collect or own any archaeological or palaeontological material or object or any meteorite;

o Trade in, sell for private gain, export or attempt to export from the Republic any category of archaeological or palaeontological material or object, or any meteorite; or

o Bring onto or use at an archaeological or palaeontological site any excavation equipment or any equipment which assist in the detection or recovery of metals or

archaeological and palaeontological material or objects, or use such equipment for the recovery of meteorites. • When the responsible heritage resources authority has reasonable cause to believe that any activity or development which will destroy, damage or alter any archaeological or palaeontological site is under way, and where no application for a permit has been submitted and no heritage resources management procedure in terms of section 38 has been followed, it may—

o Serve on the owner or occupier of the site or on the person undertaking such development an order for the development to cease immediately for such period as is specified in the order; and/or

o Carry out an investigation for the purpose of obtaining information on whether or not an archaeological or palaeontological site exists and whether mitigation is necessary.

2 Objective

According to the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Guidelines: Minimum Standards for the Archaeological and Palaeontological Components of Impact Assessment Reports, the aims of the palaeontological impact assessment are: • To identify exposed and subsurface rock formations that are considered to be palaeontologically significant; • To assess the level of palaeontological significance of these formations; • To comment on the impact of the development on these exposed and/or potential fossil resources; and • To make recommendations as to how the developer should conserve or mitigate damage to these resources.

The objective is therefore to conduct a Palaeontological Impact Assessment, which forms of part of the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) and the EIA Report, to determine the impact of the development on potential palaeontological material at the site.

When a palaeontological desktop/scoping study is conducted, the potentially fossiliferous rocks (i.e. groups, formations, members, etc.) represented within the study area are determined from geological maps. The known fossil heritage within each rock unit is collected from published scientific literature; fossil sensitivity maps; consultations with professional colleagues, previous palaeontological impact

11 studies in the same region and the databases of various institutions may be consulted. This data is then used to assess the palaeontological sensitivity of each rock unit of the study area on a desktop level. The likely impact of the proposed development on local fossil heritage is subsequently established on the basis of the palaeontological sensitivity of the rocks and the nature and scale of the development itself (extent of new bedrock excavated).

If rocks of moderate to high palaeontological sensitivity are present within the study area, a Phase 1 field-based assessment by a professional palaeontologist is necessary. Generally, damaging impacts on palaeontological heritage occur during the construction phase. These excavations will modify the existing topography and may disturb, damage, destroy or permanently seal-in fossils at or below the ground surface that are then no longer available for scientific study.

When specialist palaeontological mitigation is suggested, it may take place prior to construction or, even more successfully, during the construction phase when new, potentially fossiliferous bedrock is still exposed and available for study. Mitigation usually involves the careful sampling, collection and recording of fossils, as well as relevant data concerning the surrounding sedimentary matrix. Excavation of the fossil heritage will require a permit from SAHRA and the material must be housed in a permitted institution. With appropriate mitigation, many developments involving bedrock excavation will have a positive impact on our understanding of local palaeontological heritage.

3 GEOLOGICAL AND PALAEONTOLOGICAL HISTORY

Research on the 2726 Kroonstad Geological map of 1962 and 2000 displays a discrepancy between the two map versions. On the 1962 map the proposed development area and all alternatives are underlain by the Vryheid Formation of the Permian Ecca Group. However, on the Kroonstad Geological map of 2000 the development area and all alternatives are shown to be underlain only by Cenozoic superficial deposits. It could be that the later map showed only superficial sediments and did not take the deeper Ecca sediments in account. This report will thus combine the two geological maps and both the Vryheid Formation, Ecca Group and Cenozoic superficial sediments will be discussed.

3.1 GEOLOGY The Vryheid Formation consists mainly of light grey coarse- to fine-grained sandstone and siltstone sediments. Dark coloured siltstones can be attributed to the presence of carbon enrichment and coal

12 beds. Deltaic mudrocks and sandstones, locally coastal and fluvial deposits, and occasional coal seams are also present. The sediments are interpreted as been deposited on a sandy shoreline, beyond which lay vast swamplands. Plant material accumulating within these swamps formed the coal deposits that are mined today (Johnson et al, 2006).

Cenozoic superficial Various types of superficial deposits of Late Caenozoic (Miocene to Pliocene to Recent) age occur throughout the Karoo Basin (Partridge et al. 2006). They include pedocretes (e.g. calcretes), colluvial slope deposits, down wasted surface gravels, river alluvium, wind-blown sands as well as spring and pan sediments. Hill slopes are usually mantled with a thin to thick layer of colluvium or slope deposits (e.g. sandstone and dolerite scree).

3.2 PALAEONTOLOGICAL HERITAGE Vryheid Formation The Vryheid Formation of the Ecca Group is world renowned for the occurrence of coal beds which has been formed due to the accumulation of plant material (mainly Glossopteris sp.) over long periods of time. Trace fossil assemblages of the non-marine Mermia Ichnofacies, are dominated by the ichnogenera Umfolozia (arthropod trackways) and Undichna (fish swimming trails). Mesosaurid reptiles, palaeoniscoid fish, small eucarid crustaceans, insects, trace fossils (e.g. king crab track ways and shark coprolites), palynomorphs (organic-walled spores and pollens), petrified wood (mainly of primitive gymnosperms, silicified or calcified) and sparse vascular plant remains (Glossopteris leaves, lycopods etc.) are also present in this formation.

Cenozoic superficial The Cenozoic superficial deposits have been relatively neglected in palaeontological terms. They may occasionally contain important fossil biotas, e.g. bones, teeth and horn cores of mammals as well as remains of reptiles like tortoises. Non-marine molluscs (bivalves, gastropods), ostrich egg shells, trace fossils (e.g. calcretised termitaria, coprolites), and plant remains such as peats or palynomorphs (pollens, spores) in organic-rich alluvial horizons and siliceous diatoms in pan sediments have also been found. However, these fossil assemblages are generally sparse, low in diversity, and occur over a wide geographic area. The palaeontological sensitivity of the study region is thus rated as low.

Figure 2: The surface geology of the Viljoenskroon Munic 132 KV Line and Vierfontein Substation and

Related Projects. The proposed development footprint and all alternatives on this map is completely underlain by Cenozoic superficial sediments. Proposed line and substations are indicated in black. Map modified from the 2726, Kroonstad 1:250 000 Geological map (2000). 11

Figure 3: The surface geology of the Viljoenskroon Munic 132 KV Line and Vierfontein Substation and Related Projects. The proposed development footprint and all alternatives on this map is completely underlain by the Vryheid Formation of the Ecca Group. The proposed development and alternatives is indicated in red. Map drawn by QGIS using an older geological map version 15 (1962) of the 1: 250 000 2726 Kroonstad Geological Map. 4 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF THE SITE

The proposed site is located northwest of the town of Viljoenskroon, Free State Province, South Africa (Fig.1). The proposed transmission lines would cross agricultural land, wetlands, and several private properties. These transmission lines would as far as possible follow existing servitudes which are already disturbed. Where the transmission lines traverse agricultural land, the land can continue to be used for agriculture once the lines are constructed, due to the relatively small disturbance footprint of the towers. In addition, given that the Vierfontein substation and associated proposed transmission line corridors are located within a landscape that already contains a well-established and extensive transmission network, the current proposal would not be out of place in the existing landscape.

5 METHODS 5.1 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

The accuracy and reliability of desktop Palaeontological Impact Assessments as components of heritage impact assessments are normally limited by the following restrictions: • Old fossil databases that have not been kept up-to-date or are not computerised. These databases do not always include relevant locality or geological information. South Africa has a limited number of professional palaeontologists that carry out fieldwork and most development study areas have never been surveyed by a palaeontologist. • The accuracy of geological maps where information may be based solely on aerial photographs and small areas of significant geology have been ignored. The sheet explanations for geological maps are inadequate and little to no attention is paid to palaeontological material. • Impact studies and other reports (e.g. of commercial mining companies) - is not readily available for desktop studies.

Large areas of South Africa have not been studied palaeontologically. Fossil data collected from different areas but in similar Assemblage Zones might however provide insight on the possible occurrence of fossils in an unexplored area. Desktop studies therefore usually assume the presence of unexposed fossil heritage within study areas of similar geological formations. Where considerable exposures of bedrocks or potentially fossiliferous superficial sediments are present in the study area, the reliability of a Palaeontological Impact Assessment may be significantly improved through field-survey by a professional palaeontologist.

6 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The construction of the proposed Viljoenskroon Munic 132 KV Line and Vierfontein Substation and Related Projects as well as all the alternatives is entirely underlain by Vryheid Formation, Ecca Group and Cenozoic superficial deposits (Fig. 2-3).

Vryheid Formation The Vryheid Formation of the Ecca Group is world renowned for the occurrence of coal beds which has been formed due to the accumulation of plant material (mainly Glossopteris sp.) over long periods of time. Trace fossil assemblages, unique mesosaurid reptiles, palaeoniscoid fish, small eucarid crustaceans, insects, trace fossils (e.g. king crab track ways and shark coprolites), palynomorphs (organic-walled spores and pollens), petrified wood (mainly of primitive gymnosperms, silicified or calcified) and sparse vascular plant remains (Glossopteris leaves, lycopods etc.) are also present in this formation. According to the SAHRIS PaleoMap the Vryheid Formation has a very high Palaeontological sensitivity. However, the proposed development footprint and all alternatives, lack fossil exposures and the usage of the land as agricultural land over many years (thus disturbing the environment) permits that a moderate Palaeontological sensitivity is allocated to the development footprint.

Cenozoic superficial The Cenozoic superficial deposits have been relatively neglected in palaeontological terms. They may occasionally contain important fossil biotas, e.g. bones, teeth and horn cores of mammals as well as remains of reptiles like tortoises. Non-marine molluscs (bivalves, gastropods), ostrich egg shells, trace fossils (e.g. calcretised termitaria, coprolites), and plant remains such as peats or palynomorphs (pollens, spores) in organic-rich alluvial horizons and siliceous diatoms in pan sediments have also been found. However, these fossil assemblages are generally sparse, low in diversity, and occur over a wide geographic area, thus the palaeontological sensitivity of the study region is rated as low.

Heritage Research Agency) so that appropriate mitigation (e.g. recording, sampling or collection) can be taken by a professional palaeontologist.

7 IMPACT RATINGS Please see p 5-8 of this report for the descriptions of the proposed activities. • For the Marseilles Switching Station:

o Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) In Impact chart test 1 o Alternative 2 In Impact chart test 2 • For the new Vierfontein Substation

o Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) In Impact chart test 3 o Alternative 2 In Impact chart test 4 o Alternative 3 In Impact chart test 5 • For the Viljoenskroon to Reitzburg line:

o Alternative S1 (preferred) In Impact chart test 6 o Alternative S2 In Impact chart test 7 • For the new Vierfontein line

NOTE: ALL ACTIVITIES AND ALL ALTERNATIVES ARE UNDERLAIN BY THE VRYHEID FORMATION AND CENOZOIC SUPERFICIAL DEPOSITS AND THUS ALL IMPACTS WILL BE THE SAME 1. Impact tables for the Vryheid Formation 2. Impact tables for the Cenozoic Deposits

1. Vryheid Formation, Ecca Group

Criteria Negative impacts (-) Positive impacts (+) Rating

Very high degree of damage to Great improvement to ecosystem or natural or social systems or social processes and services or Very high resources. These processes or resources. (-/+ 4) resources may restore to their pre- project condition over very long periods of time (more than a typical High Highh degree lif idamage ) to natural or Intense positive benefits for natural or social system components, species social systems or resources. (-/+ 3) or resources. Moderate Moderate damage to natural or Average, on-going positive benefits for social system components, species natural or social systems or resources. (-/+ 2) or resources. Minor damage to natural or social Low positive impacts on natural or system components, species or social systems or resources. Low resources. Likely to recover over (-/+ 1) time. Ecosystems and valuable social processes not affected. Negligible damage to individual Limited low-level benefits to natural or components of natural or social social systems or resources. Negligible systems or resources, such that it is (0) hardly noticeable.

Table 1: Definition of Duration ratings

Rating Criteria

2 Long-term: The impact will continue for 6-15 years. 1 Medium-term: The impact will continue for 2-5 years. 0 Short-term: The impact will continue for between 1 month and 2 years.

Table 2: Definition of Extent ratings

Rating Criteria

2 Regional: The impact will affect the entire region 1 Local: The impact will extend across the site and to nearby properties. 0 Site specific: The impact will be limited to the site or immediate area.

Table 3: Definition of Probability ratings

Rating Criteria 4 Certain/ Definite: There are sound scientific reasons to expect that the impact will definitely occur. 3 Very likely: It is most likely that the impact will occur. 2 Fairly likely: This impact has occurred numerous times here or elsewhere in a similar environment and with a similar type of development and could very conceivably occur. 1 Unlikely: This impact has not happened yet but could happen. 0 Very unlikely: The impact is expected never to happen or has a very low chance of occurring.

Table 4: Application of Consequence ratings

Rating Consequence rating

-8 Extremely detrimental -7 to -6 Highly detrimental -5 to -4 Moderately detrimental -3 to -2 Slightly detrimental -1 to 1 Negligible 2 to 3 Slightly beneficial 4 to 5 Moderately beneficial 6 to 7 Highly beneficial 8 Extremely beneficial

Table 5: Application of significance ratings

Rating Significance rating

-4 Very high - negative

-3 High - negative -2 Moderate - negative -1 Low - negative 0 Very low 1 Low - positive 2 Moderate - positive 3 High - positive 4 Very high - positive

2. Cenozoic deposits

Table 6: Definition of Intensity ratings

Criteria Negative impacts (-) Positive impacts (+) Rating

Table 7: Definition of Duration ratings

Rating Criteria

2 Long-term: The impact will continue for 6-15 years. 1 Medium-term: The impact will continue for 2-5 years. 0 Short-term: The impact will continue for between 1 month and 2 years.

Table 8: Definition of Extent ratings

Rating Criteria

Table 9: Definition of Probability ratings

Table 10: Application of Consequence ratings

Rating Consequence rating

Table 11: Application of significance ratings

Rating Significance rating

-4 Very high - negative

-3 High - negative -2 Moderate - negative -1 Low - negative 0 Very low 1 Low - positive 2 Moderate - positive 3 High - positive 4 Very high - positive

8 REFERENCES ALMOND, J., PETHER, J, and GROENEWALD, G. 2013. South African National Fossil Sensitivity Map. SAHRA and Council for Geosciences. Schweitzer et al. (1995) pp p288

JOHNSON, M.R, ANHAUSER, C.R, and THOMAS, R.J. 2006. The Geology of South Africa. Geol. Soc. S. Africa. Council for Geoscience, Pretoria.

MCCARTHY, T & RUBIDGE, B. 2005. The Story of Earth Life: A southern African perspective on a 4.6- billion-year journey. Struik. Pp 333

MACRAE, C. 1999. Life etched in stone. Fossils of South Africa. 305 pp. The Geological Society of South Africa, Johannesburg.

9 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF THE AUTHOR The author (Elize Butler) has an MSc in Palaeontology from the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. She has been working in Palaeontology for more than twenty three years. She has been conducting Palaeontological Impact Assessments since 2014.

10 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

I, Elize Butler, declare that – General declaration: • I act as the independent palaeontological specialist in this application • I will perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant • I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work; • I have expertise in conducting palaeontological impact assessments, including knowledge of the Act, Regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity; • I will comply with the Act, Regulations and all other applicable legislation; • I will take into account, to the extent possible, the matters listed in section 38 of the NHRA when preparing the application and any report relating to the application; • I have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity; • I undertake to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing - any decision to be taken with respect to the application by the competent authority; and - the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority; • I will ensure that information containing all relevant facts in respect of the application is distributed or made available to interested and affected parties and the public and that participation by interested and affected parties is facilitated in such a manner that all interested and affected parties will be provided with a reasonable opportunity to participate and to provide comments on documents that are produced to support the application; • I will provide the competent authority with access to all information at my disposal regarding the application, whether such information is favourable to the applicant or not • All the particulars furnished by me in this form are true and correct;

• I will perform all other obligations as expected a palaeontological specialist in terms of the Act and the constitutions of my affiliated professional bodies; and • I realise that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 71 of the Regulations and is punishable in terms of section 24F of the NEMA.

Disclosure of Vested Interest

• I do not have and will not have any vested interest (either business, financial, personal or other) in the proposed activity proceeding other than remuneration for work performed in terms of the Regulations;

PALAEONTOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: Banzai Environmental (Pty) Ltd CONTACT PERSON: Elize Butler Tel: +27 844478759 Email: [email protected]

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