Botanical Assessment for the proposed Arrestor Bed on the National Highway at Sir Lowry’s Pass, City of , Province

Report by Dr David J. McDonald Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC. 14A Thomson Road, Claremont, 7708 Tel: 021-671-4056 Fax: 086-517-3806

Report prepared for Aurecon (Pty) Ltd

August 2015 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The botanical assessment reported here was commissioned to support the environmental authorization process required for the proposed construction of an arrestor bed on the south side of the N2 National Highway at the base of Sir Lowry’s Pass, near , Western Cape Province. Only one alternative layout was investigated and assessed. The study area is found in the transition zone or ecotone between Boland Granite and Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos. Both are regarded as Vulnerable on a national conservation scale. The arrestor bed site would cover less than 0.5 ha and most of the vegetation found is natural. There are small clusters of woody invasive aliens as well as invasive grasses, notably Kikuyu grass. These plant species should be controlled prior to commencement of construction. Although there would be complete loss of natural fynbos vegetation on the site the impact assessment indicates that since the area is small and linear the overall direct impact of the arrestor bed in the construction and operational phases would be Minor negative . On-site mitigation to accommodate the loss of the fynbos vegetation would not be possible but other mitigation measures to avoid disturbance impacts beyond the footprint should be implemented. In addition, it is recommended that fynbos vegetation removed from the site should be mulched and used to rehabilitate the vegetation on the nearby disturbed track. The general conclusion is that the proposed arrestor bed development would not result in high impacts and no significant botanical constraints to the development were identified.

2 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

National Legislation and Regulations governing this report

This is a ‘specialist report’ and is compiled in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014.

Appointment of Specialist

David J. McDonald of Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC was appointed by Aurecon SA (Pty Ltd to provide specialist botanical consulting services for the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed Arrestor Bed on the N2 National Highway at Sir Lowry’s Pass, , Western Cape Province. The consulting services comprise an assessment of potential impacts on the flora and vegetation in the area for the proposed road project.

Details of Specialist

Dr David J. McDonald Pr. Sci. Nat. Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC 14A Thomson Road Claremont 7708 Telephone: 021-671-4056 Mobile: 082-876-4051 Fax: 086-517-3806 e-mail: [email protected] Professional registration: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions No. 400094/06

Expertise

Dr David J. McDonald: • Qualifications: BSc. Hons. (Botany), MSc (Botany) and PhD (Botany) • Botanical ecologist with over 35 years’ experience in the field of Vegetation Science. • Founded Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC in 2006 • Has conducted over 300 specialist botanical / ecological studies. • Has published numerous scientific papers and attended numerous conferences both nationally and internationally (details available on request)

3 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

Independence

The views expressed in the document are the objective, independent views of Dr McDonald and the survey was carried out under the aegis of, Bergwind Botanical Surveys and Tours CC. Neither Dr McDonald nor Bergwind Botanical Surveys and Tours CC have any business, personal, financial or other interest in the proposed development apart from fair remuneration for the work performed.

Conditions relating to this report

The content of this report is based on the author’s best scientific and professional knowledge as well as available information. Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC, its staff and appointed associates, reserve the right to modify the report in any way deemed fit should new, relevant or previously unavailable or undisclosed information become known to the author from on-going research or further work in this field, or pertaining to this investigation

This report must not be altered or added to without the prior written consent of the author. This also refers to electronic copies of the report which are supplied for the purposes of inclusion as part of other reports, including main reports. Similarly, any recommendations, statements or conclusions drawn from or based on this report must make reference to this report. If these form part of a main report relating to this investigation or report, this report must be included in its entirety as an appendix or separate section to the main report.

4 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

THE INDEPENDENT PERSON WHO COMPILED A SPECIALIST REPORT OR UNDERTOOK A SPECIALIST PROCESS

I David Jury McDonald , as the appointed independent specialist hereby declare that I: • act/ed as the independent specialist in this application; • regard the information contained in this report as it relates to my specialist input/study to be true and correct, and • do not have and will not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity, other than remuneration for work performed in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 and any specific environmental management Act; • have and will not have no vested interest in the proposed activity proceeding; • have disclosed, to the applicant, EAP and competent authority, any material information that have or may have the potential to influence the decision of the competent authority or the objectivity of any report, plan or document required in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 and any specific environmental management Act; • am fully aware of and meet the responsibilities in terms of NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 (specifically in terms of regulation 17 of GN No. R. 543) and any specific environmental management Act, and that failure to comply with these requirements may constitute and result in disqualification; • have ensured that information containing all relevant facts in respect of the specialist input/study was distributed or made available to interested and affected parties and the public and that participation by interested and affected parties was facilitated in such a manner that all interested and affected parties were provided with a reasonable opportunity to participate and to provide comments on the specialist input/study; • have ensured that the comments of all interested and affected parties on the specialist input/study were considered, recorded and submitted to the competent authority in respect of the application; • have ensured that the names of all interested and affected parties that participated in terms of the specialist input/study were recorded in the register of interested and affected parties who participated in the public participation process; • have provided the competent authority with access to all information at my disposal regarding the application, whether such information is favourable to the applicant or not; and • am aware that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 71 of GN No. R. 543.

Note: The terms of reference must be attached.

Signature of the specialist:

Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC

Name of company:

31 August 2015 Date:

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CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2

1. Introduction...... 7

2. Terms of Reference ...... 7

3. Study Area ...... 8

3.1 Locality ...... 8

3.2 Topography, Geology and Soils ...... 12

3.3 Climate ...... 13

4. Evaluation Method ...... 14

5. Limitations and assumptions ...... 15

6. The Vegetation ...... 15

6.1 General description ...... 15

6.2 The vegetation of the N2 Arrestor Bed site ...... 17

7. Impact Assessment ...... 25

7.1 Assessed impacts ...... 25 7.2 ‘No Go Alternative ...... 25 7.3 Direct Impacts ...... 26 7.4 Indirect Impacts ...... 29 7.5 Cumulative Impacts ...... 29 8. Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 29

9. References ...... 30 Appendix 1: METHODOLOGY FOR RANKING OF IMPACTS (from

Aurecon SA (Pty) Ltd)...... 32

Appendix 2: Curriculum Vitae ...... 37

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1. Introduction

The N2 National Highway at Sir Lowry’s Pass in the Western Cape Province has been the location of some serious road accidents, often attributed to the mechanical failure of heavy vehicles on the west-bound (downhill) carriageway. Part of the problem is the intersection of Sir Lowry’s Pass Road with the N2 at a traffic-light controlled intersection part-way along a long straight section of the N2 as it approaches Somerset West. This has been the site of at least one serious accident involving a heavy vehicle that experienced brake-failure.

It is now proposed that an arrestor bed should be constructed on the south side of the N2 highway along the straight section as it approaches the abovementioned intersection. An arrestor bed (also arrester bed) is described as follows:

A runaway truck ramp , runaway truck lane , escape lane , emergency escape ramp or truck arrester bed is a traffic device that enables vehicles that are having braking problems to safely stop. It is typically a long, sand or gravel-filled lane adjacent to a road with a steep down-hill grade, and is designed to accommodate large trucks. The deep filling allows the truck's momentum to be dissipated in a controlled and relatively harmless way, allowing the operator to stop it safely. (Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaway_truck_ramp)

Aurecon SA (Pty) Ltd is undertaking the environmental assessment process (Basic Assessment) for the application for authorization to construct the arrestor bed and Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC was appointed to carry out the required botanical assessment for the application.

The assessment of the vegetation of the area proposed for the arrestor follows the requirements and recommendations of CapeNature and the Botanical Society of South Africa for proactive assessment of biodiversity of proposed development sites and also published guidelines for evaluating potential impacts of developments such as the proposed arrestor bed on any natural vegetation (Brownlie 2005, De Villiers et al . 2005).

2. Terms of Reference

• Provide a broad, baseline description of the vegetation of the study area, placing it in a regional context;

• Assess maps of the vegetation communities to determine conservation value / sensitivity of the study area and identify any areas of specific concern, e.g. high sensitivity and/or

7 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

conservation status, including Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and/or Ecosystem Support Areas (ESAs) identified in systematic biodiversity plans or in bioregional plans;

• Provide guidance on any permits that would be required from any organ of state in respect of the conservation or removal of vegetation in the study area;

• Provide specific information relating to the vegetation with respect to each development alternative, with reference to any species of special concern and their conservation status, which can be used as baseline information for the assessment of potential impacts of the proposed project alternatives;

• Investigate ecological / biodiversity processes that could be affected by the proposed project;

• Identify, describe and assess the impacts of the proposed activities and any project alternatives on the vegetation; and

• Recommend appropriate, practicable mitigation measures that will reduce all major (significant) impacts or enhance potential benefits, if any.

3. Study Area

3.1 Locality

The study area for the proposed arrestor bed is at the lower end of Sir Lowry’s Pass near the Sir Lowry’s Pass Road and N2 Highway intersection. The closest town is Sir Lowry’s Pass Village and the closest main centres are Gordon’s Bay, Strand and Somerset West in the City of Cape Town Municipality, Western Cape Province (Figures 1 & 2). The proposed arrestor bed would be located on the south side of the N2 parallel to the westbound carriageway starting at S 34° 07’ 56.5” E 18° 54’ 48.3” (waypoint AR14) and extending to S 34° 07’ 49.6” E 18° 54’ 27.7” (waypoint AR 1). It would taper in width from the east end (0 m) to a maximum width of 12 m from the existing boundary fence at the road reserve and then taper again to meet the line of the boundary fence at the western end (Figure 3).

The land on which the arrestor bed would be constructed is conservation estate under the jurisdiction of CapeNature (Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve). The portion required for the arrestor bed would be excised and expropriated.

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Figure 1. The general location of the study area at the base of Sir Lowry’s Pass, Western Cape.

Figure 2. Portion of the 1:50 000 topographical map 3418 BB Somerset West (Chief Directorate: National Geospatial Information) with the black arrow indicating the proposed position of the arrestor bed.

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Figure 3. Engineers’ drawing of the layout of the proposed arrestor bed on the N2 at the base of Sir Lowry’s Pass near Somerset West.

10 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

Figure 4. The waypoints (green dots AR#) and sample track recorded during the botanical survey on the south side of the N2 highway in the zone earmarked for the arrestor bed.

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3.2 Topography, Geology and Soils

The study site is located on the lower moderately-sloping (Figure 4) west-facing mountain slopes of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range. The direction of the slope is downwards to the west and there is very little relief on the site earmarked for the arrestor bed, with little exposure of rock except at the eastern end.

The upper slopes, well above the study site, consist of ortho-quartzitic rocks of the Group. The eroded material from the rocky cliffs and peaks does not reach the site. However, of importance is that the Table Mountain Group sediments lie over rocks of the Stellenbosch Pluton of the Cape Granite Suite that have intruded below the sedimentary strata of the sandstone rocks. In addition the granite has intruded through the Formation, Malmesbury Group shale sediments such that a ‘tongue’ of shale extends from the direction of Gordon’s Bay north-eastwards along the lower and mid-slopes of the Hottentots-Holland range. There is thus a sequence of rock types that give rise to different soils with different nutrient status. Most of the arrestor bed study area is located on soils derived from shale and it is only at the far eastern end i.e. the highest part of the arrestor bed site that granite is to be found. The area where the arrestor bed would be located is mapped as land-type Fa143 (Land Type Survey Staff 1972—2006) (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Land type map indicating that the site for the proposed arrestor bed is located in land type Fa143 (Source: http://www.agis.agric.za).

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3.3 Climate

The arrestor bed study site is close to Somerset West and Gordon’s Bay so the climate is similar to that found at those centres. These towns receive a mean annual precipitation around 568 mm, mainly in winter. However, with the site of the arrestor bed being on the lower mountain slopes there is a distinct orographic effect and the rainfall is probably somewhat higher than that at lower altitudes but no accurate figures are available. This appears to agree with the higher rainfall figure (MAP) for Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos (Figure 8). The general climate is of a Mediterranean-type with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average midday temperature in February, the hottest summer month is in excess of 27 °C and the average night temperature around 16 °C. In the coldest moth of the winter, July, daytime temperature averages 16 °C and night temperature averages 7 °C. In summer strong katabatic south-east winds sweep down the west-facing slopes of the Hottentots Holland range and these have a desiccating effect on the vegetation. These winds also raise the risk of summer fires. In the winter, winds blow predominantly from the north- west and these are the rain-bearing winds. The Hottentots Holland mountain range presents a physical barrier to the passage of the winter cold fronts which deposit their moisture load in the form of rain in the catchments of the mountain range.

Figure 6. Average monthly rainfall for Gordon’s Bay, the closest main town to the arrestor bed site

Source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Saldanha-weather-averages/Western-Cape/ZA.aspx

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Figure 7. Average monthly temperatures for Gordon’s Bay, the closest main town to the arrestor bed site.

Source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Saldanha-weather-averages/Western-Cape/ZA.aspx

Figure 8. Climate diagram for Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos (from Rebelo et al. 2006 in Mucina & Rutherford, 2006) showing MAP – Mean Annual Precipitation; ACPV = Annual Precipitation Coefficient of Variance; MAT = Mean Annual Temperature; MFD = Mean Frost Days; MAPE = Mean Annual Potential Evaporation; MASMA = Mean Annual Soil Moisture Stress.

4. Evaluation Method

The study area was visited on 15 May 2015 in cool, cloudy weather. The site was reconnoitred on foot from east to west in the company of a road engineer and environmental practitioner and survey in more detail from the western limit eastwards to the starting point i.e. where the arrestor bed would begin. At various points along the route, waypoints were recorded where photographs were taken and notes compiled on the flora and vegetation.

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5. Limitations and assumptions

The vegetation of the study area was evaluated in early winter. It was a little early for the full expression of winter-flowering geophytes and spring annuals, however, it was within acceptable seasonal limits for a valid appraisal of the site. A single visit to a site, whenever it is undertaken also has its limitations but by using the observations made and a habitat- based approach and with most of the shrubby vegetation identifiable, a high degree of confidence was achieved in the survey.

6. The Vegetation

6.1 General description

Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos is a widespread vegetation type on shale-derived soils in the far Western Cape. It is described by Rebelo et al. (2006) as a moderately tall and dense shrubland dominated by proteoid and closed-scrub fynbos. Boland Granite Fynbos is described as a diverse fynbos type dominated by scrub, asteraceous and proteoid fynbos. According to the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Mucina, Rutherford & Powrie 2005, updated in 2009) at the arrestor bed site the entire site is located in Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos (Figure 9). This was checked and found to not be so, as described below.

Figure 9. Portion of the Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland (Mucina et al. 2006, updated in 2009) indicating the location of the arrestor bed site within Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos.

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Figure 10. The City of Cape Town Biodiversity Network map superimposed over and aerial photo, showing that the arrestor bed site (represented by the red dots [sample waypoints]) is located in a protected area (Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve)

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6.2 The vegetation of the N2 Arrestor Bed site

The vegetation of the arrestor bed site is undoubtedly fynbos but it is not well-defined as Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos. Based on the substrate the fynbos from sample waypoint AR11 westwards would be classified as Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos whereas the substrate at waypoints AR12, AR13 and AR14 is derived from granite and therefore may be considered to be Boland Granite Fynbos. However, the distinction between the different fynbos types is not clear with one intergrading into the other. The pattern in the vegetation more strongly reflects fire-history and other sources of disturbance rather than substrate. The vegetation observed at the sample waypoints is illustrated and briefly described in Table 1.

Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos is listed as a threatened ecosystem (Government Gazette 2011) and is classified as Vulnerable A1 (where A1 in this case means that there is irreversible loss of habitat with ≤60% of the original extent of the type remaining). It is conserved in provincial and municipal nature reserves in the Western Cape Province, however, Rebelo et al. (2006) highlight the fact that it is a poorly studied vegetation type and should be more thoroughly investigated. Boland Granite Fynbos is classified as Vulnerable D1 (where D1 in this case means that this type has threatened plant associations with ≥ 40 Red Data List plants species present). According to Pence (2014) the ‘threat status’ of both these vegetation types has not changed since the National Biodiversity Assessment in 2011 (Driver et al. 2012).

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Table 1. Observations made at the 14 waypoints sampled and some details of the vegetation encountered.

Co- Description Illustration Record ordinates

This waypoint is located at the fence where the arrestor bed would meet the existing road reserve at the western end. A patch of Acacia saligna (Port Jackson Willow) has been cleared but young plants are re-establishing. A fire occurred in this area within the past 8 years. Many skeletons of Protea sp. (cf. repens) were found S 34° 07’ 49.6” AR1 and the fire has resulted in a high cover of grass. Plant species E 18° 54’ 27.7” recorded include Anthospermum aethiopicum, Athanasia sp., Briza maxima, Diospyros glabra, Eragrostis curvula, Erepsia sp., Ficinia sp., Ischyrolepis capensis, Lobostemon sp., Merxmuellera stricta, Metalasia densa, Protea repens (seedlings), Roella ciliata Stoebe plumosa and Tribolium uniolae.

A dense patch of vegetation is found at this waypoint with Acacia saligna (Port Jackson Willow) and Acacia mearnsii (black wattle). Other species include Anthospermum aethiopicum, Athanasia crithmifolia, Athanasia trifurcata, Cliffortia sp., Erepsia sp., S 34° 07’ 50.2” Hyparrhenia hirta, Ischyrolepis capensis, Merxmuellera cincta, AR2 E 18° 54’ 28.9” Osteospermum moniliferum, Otholobium cf. fruticosum, Podalyria sp., Psoralea pinnata, Senecio pubigerus, Stoebe plumosa and Watsonia borbonica.

The general area is disturbed with an old farm track nearby.

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Waypoint AR3 is located in a disturbed area with sandstone fill and sandstone-derived soil. Some invasive alien plants (probably Acacia saligna ) have been removed. Only stumps remain.

S 34° 07’ 50.4” Species recorded include Acacia saligna (exotic invasive), AR3 Anthospermum aethiopicum, Athanasia sp., Cliffortia ruscifolia, E 18° 54’ 29.9” Erepsia sp., Hyparrhenia hirta, Ischyrolepis capensis, Lobelia sp., Merxmuellera stricta, Osteospermum moniliferum, Oxalis purpurea, Pentaschistis curvifolia, Protea repens, Searsia angustifolia and Watsonia borbonica.

At this waypoint is a vigorous patch of young black wattle that should be cleared and destroyed before any construction takes place. The fynbos is disturbed here with many skeletons of dead S 34° 07’ 51.0” Protea repens . Other species recorded include Athanasia AR4 E 18° 54’ 30.7” crithmifolia, Athanasia sp., Athanasia trifurcata, Cliffortia ruscifolia, Diospyros glabra, Elytropappus rhinocerotis, Metalasia densa, Passerina sp. (dwarf shrub), Protea repens (young shrubs 1 m tall), Stoebe plumosa and Ursinia nudicaulis.

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Waypoint AR5 is on a low rise that has been cut in the road reserve (Survey peg DC3737). Apart from disturbance caused by the deposition of stones and gravel the fynbos is in fair condition. Species recorded include Acacia saligna (exotic invasive), Anthospermum aethiopicum, Asclepias cancellata, Athanasia trifurcata, Berkheya armata, Bobartia indica, Carpobrotus edulis, S 34° 07’ 51.3” Chrysocoma ciliata, Diospyros glabra, Erepsia sp., Eriospermum AR5 E 18° 54’ 32.9” sp., Hyparrhenia hirta, Leucadendron salignum, Lobelia coronopifolia, Merxmuellera stricta, Metalasia densa, Osteospermum moniliferum, Passerina corymbosa, Podalyria sp., Protea repens, Ruschia sp., Searsia angustifolia, Searsia pubigerus, Senecio pubigerus, Serruria fasciflora (locally common), Stoebe plumosa, Trachyandra sp. , Tribolium uniolae and Watsonia sp. (fine leaves)

This waypoint is located at a stand of old, tall Protea repens (white flowers). A disturbed footpath runs through this area. The S 34° 07’ 52.2” vegetation on the west side of the footpath was not burnt in the AR6 E 18° 54’ 34.6” most recent fire. The plant species composition is the same as that found at waypoint AR6 with the addition species Eriocephalus africanus and Tetraria ustulata.

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The area to the east of the footpath was burnt in the last fire and is very grassy. Leucadendron salignum is scattered throughout the area and has resprouted from rootstocks. (The soil appears to be derived from sandstone).

S 34° 07’ 52.3” Grasses and restios are dominant and the area is grazed by cattle. AR7 E 18° 54’ 35.6” Plants species recorded include Anthospermum aethiopicum, Aspalathus sp. (1), Aspalathus sp. (2), Aspalathus sp. (3) – 1m tall [post-fire dominant] Athanasia trifurcata, Cymbopogon marginatus (co-dominant), Leucadendron salignum, Merxmuellera stricta (dominant), Montinia caryophyllacea, Protea repens (seedling) and Senecio pubigerus.

This waypoint is near a culvert close to the 80 km/hr road-sign. The area has the same vegetation as that at waypoint AR7. Invasive Eucalyptus cf. cladocalyx has been cut and is now coppicing. Hyparrhenia hirta has invaded from the road reserve and is now the dominant grass. East of this location the vegetation S 34° 07’ 53.1” is uniform to the culvert at waypoint AR10. The dominants shrub is AR8 Leucadendron salignum (seen in the illustration as scattered E 18° 54’ 37.7” yellow low shrubs). [The soil appears to be sandstone-derived.] The area is dominated by grasses (typical of early post-fire stage) amongst which is Themeda triandra . Observations suggest that the area has been burnt frequently. There is no sign of Protea repens here; it has probably been excluded by too-frequent fires. Scattered termite mounds occur here and mole-rats are active.

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At waypoint AR9 the vegetation is typically low fynbos but Stoebe S 34° 07’ 54.4” plumosa is common here. Athanasia trifurcata is also common and AR9 E 18° 54’ 41.6” Acacia saligna is invading. Both these latter species indicate disturbance.

Waypoint AR10 is at a culvert where there is invasion by exotic Kikuyu grass ( Pennisetum clandestinum ) and Hyparrhenia hirta S 34° 07’ 55.1” into the fynbos. AR10 E 18° 54’ 44.1” East of the culvert the vegetation was not burnt in the most recent fire in the area. The fynbos is mid-high and mature but the same community as found to the west.

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This waypoint is on sandstone rock! The fynbos is well-developed on sandy soil and has not burnt recently. Plant species recorded include Anthospermum aethiopicum, Asparagus rubicundus, S 34° 07’ 55.6” Cliffortia ruscifolia, Diospyros glabra, Eriospermum sp., AR11 E 18° 54’ 45.1” Ischyrolepis capensis, Leucadendron salignum (dominant), Merxmuellera stricta (dominant grass), Metalasia densa, Osteospermum moniliferum, Passerina corymbosa (dominant), Pentaschistis colorata, Stoebe plumosa and Willdenowia sulcata.

Waypoint AR12 is on an outcrop of Cape Granite. The rock is exposed with pockets of shallow sandy soil. Apart from grasses S 34° 07’ 56.5” the most noticeable plant is a mat-forming vygie. Plant species AR12 recorded around this waypoint include Athanasia crithmifolia , E 18° 54’ 47.5” Diospyros glabra, Eragrostis curvula, Eriocephalus africanus , Eriospermum sp., Hyparrhenia hirta and Passerina corymbosa. This area should be avoided if possible.

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Waypoint AR13 is at a thicket consisting of Diospyros glabra, S 34° 07’ 56.5” Maytenus oleoides, Osyris compressa, Passerina corymbosa and AR13 E 18° 54’ 48.3” Searsia angustifolia. These small trees and shrubs should be avoided if possible.

Waypoint AR14 is at a granite outcrop at the east end of the arrestor bed study area. The vegetation is mature (not burnt) with two strata. The upper stratum consists of mid-high to tall Protea repens . The low stratum is dominated by restios: Willdenowia sulcata and Thamnochortus gracilis. Other species in this vicinity include Agathosma sp. (common), Anthospermum aethiopicum, S 34° 07’ 57.3” Aspalathus sp. (broad leaves with sharp tips), Athanasia AR14 E 18° 54’ 50.8” crithmifolia , Babiana sp., Berkheya armata, Crassula fascicularis, Diospyros glabra, Elytropappus rhinocerotis, Erica sp., Lobelia coronopifolia, Metalasia densa, Passerina corymbosa, Protea longifolia, Serruria fasciflora, Spiloxene capensis, Stoebe plumosa and Watsonia sp.

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7. Impact Assessment

7.1 Assessed impacts

The assessment of the impact of the proposed arrestor bed is focused on the anticipated effect it would have on the vegetation in a strip of vegetation no wider than 12 m from the existing N2 road reserve fence and having a linear east-west extent of approximately 640 m. The arrestor bed would taper at the east end from 0 m to a maximum of 12 m and then taper again from 12 m to 0 m at the west end. The area of vegetation that would be affected would not exceed 0.5 ha.

A No Go Alternative and a single development alternative are assessed.

Three types of impacts are assessed:

° Direct impacts: Impacts occurring directly on the vegetation of the site as a result of the proposed development. ° Indirect impacts: Impacts that are not a direct result of the proposed activity (in this case the cemetery extension), but occur away from the original source of impact. ° Cumulative impacts : impacts caused by several similar projects, related strategic actions and existing trends.

7.2 ‘No Go Alternative

In the case of the ‘No Go’ option the proposed construction of the arrestor bed would not take place. The vegetation would remain much as it is unless some other future impact (not foreseen) was to be considered and implemented. It is possible that the vegetation could deteriorate due to inappropriate management or too frequent uncontrolled fires. All these possibilities are, however, speculative. If no negative activities or impacts occur on the site it is predicted that in the short to medium term the ‘No Go’ alternative would likely result in a Very Low Negative impact. In the long term it could result in a Low Negative impact since there would be minimal loss of fynbos vegetation in the study area.

It should be borne in mind that the arrestor bed site is within a proclaimed nature reserve, part of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve (CapeNature), and has the conservation status of being protected in perpetuity.

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7.3 Direct Impacts

Given that both Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos and Boland Granite Fynbos are Vulnerable vegetation types this must be taken into consideration when assessing impacts. The direct impact of construction and operation of the proposed arrestor bed on the fynbos vegetation and habitat are considered for the loss of vegetation type and habitat including plant species and ecological processes.

7.3.1. Loss of vegetation type, habitat and ecological processes due to construction and operation of the proposed N2 arrestor bed at the lower end of Sir Lowry’s Pass

The vegetation in the area of the proposed arrestor bed is in moderate to good condition. In some parts of the site the soil and vegetation have been disturbed and there is a low level of invasion by woody alien invasive plants in some places. In addition there is also some invasion by exotic grasses e.g. Kikuyu grass ( Pennisetum clandestinum ) and indigenous grasses such as Hyparrhenia hirta that are not typical of the fynbos plant communities but that have invaded from the adjacent disturbed road reserve.

Only one species of conservation concern (SCC) or Red List species was encountered namely Serruria fasciflora (Near Threatened) (Raimondo et al. 2009). A small localized population is found in the construction zone of the arrestor bed but it is likely that it occurs more widely in the fynbos beyond the limits of the arrestor bed footprint.

The layout given in Figure 3 is the only configuration of the arrestor bed that is feasible given the geographical location of the N2 highway. The vegetation occurring in the area earmarked for the arrestor bed has moderate sensitivity and moderate to high conservation value, especially the small area of Boland Granite Fynbos. It would be limited to a small area of <0.5 ha. Consequently construction of the arrestor bed infrastructure on the site would have a localized High Negative intensity but overall a Minor Negative impact in the construction phase, without mitigation. It would not be possible to implement any mitigation that would lower the impact.

The operational phase would not incur further impacts on the vegetation but since the arrestor bed would be in place

The assessment of impacts is summarised in Tables 2 – 4 for the construction, operational and decommissioning phases.

26 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

Table 2. Impact and Significance – Loss of fynbos vegetation and habitat in the footprint of the proposed arrestor bed during the construction phase.

IMPACT DESCRIPTION: Construction of arrestor bed Predicted for project Construction phase: Dimension Rating Motivation PRE-MITIGATION The construction phase would be relatively short. It is Duration Short term (2) envisaged to take no longer Consequence: than 6 months Slightly Extent Very limited (1) Limited to less than 0.5 ha Significance: detrimental (-8) Minor - negative Intensity x High - negative All vegetation would be lost (-56) type of impact (-5) from the site

Probability Certain (7) Certain of impacts on vegetation

MITIGATION: Since all the vegetation would be lost from the site i.e. total transformation, no on-site mitigation would be possible. The area is not rich in geophytes and the single Red List species, Serruria fasciflora, would not transplant. Search and rescue is therefore not advocated.

POST-MITIGATION There would be no change Duration Short term (2) from pre-mitigation Consequence: Extent Very limited (1) Limited to less than 0.5 ha Slightly detrimental (-8) Significance: Intensity x High - negative All vegetation would be lost Minor - negative type of impact (-5) from the site (-56)

Probability Certain (7) Certain of impacts on vegetation

BROADER CONSIDERATIONS Confidence High Based on experience in fynbos ecosystems in the Western Cape Reversibility Moderate The site could be restored to fynbos at the end of the project life The area that would be affected is small and the same plant community is Not found in the adjacent area that would not be affected by construction. This Irreplaceability irreplaceable could be used as a source of seed and plants for restoration after decommissioning.

Table 3. Impact and Significance – Loss of fynbos vegetation and habitat in the footprint of the proposed arrestor bed during the operational phase.

IMPACT DESCRIPTION: Operation of arrestor bed Predicted for project Operation phase: Dimension Rating Motivation PRE-MITIGATION The operational phase could Duration Long term (4) be more than 15 years. This is not clear at present. Consequence: Extent Very limited (1) Limited to less than 0.5 ha Moderately Significance: detrimental (-10) Minor - negative Intensity x High - negative All vegetation would be lost (-70) type of impact (-5) from the site

Probability Certain (7) Certain of impacts on vegetation

27 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

MITIGATION: No mitigation would be possible during the operational phase

POST-MITIGATION Up to beginning of Duration Long term (4) decommissioning phase Consequence: Extent Very limited (1) Limited to less than 0.5 ha Moderately Significance: Minor - negative Intensity x High - negative All vegetation would be lost detrimental (-10) (-70) type of impact (-5) from the site Probability Certain (7) Certain of impacts on vegetation BROADER CONSIDERATIONS Confidence High Based on experience in fynbos ecosystems in the Western Cape Reversibility Moderate During the operational phase there would be no reversal of impacts Not Irreplaceability The vegetation would only be restored after the operational phase irreplaceable

Table 4. Impact and Significance – Restoration of fynbos vegetation and habitat in the footprint of the proposed arrestor bed during the decommissioning phase.

IMPACT DESCRIPTION: Decommissioning of arrestor bed Predicted for project Decommissioning phase: Dimension Rating Motivation PRE-MITIGATION Vegetation would not be lost Duration Short term (2) but would be restored on the site Consequence: Extent Very limited (1) Limited to less than 0.5 ha Slightly beneficial Significance: Revegetation of the site would (6) Minor - positive Intensity x Moderate - result in a positive impact after (36) type of impact positive (3) operation Highly probable Probability Certain of impacts on vegetation (6)

MITIGATION: Mitigation of the overall negative impact can be achieved by restoration of the fynbos vegetation on the site during the decommissioning phase. All infrastructure should be removed and the site should be carefully prepared to receive fynbos plants with a species mix the same as that in the adjacent undisturbed vegetation.

POST-MITIGATION Duration Short term (2) Extent Very limited (1) Limited to less than 0.5 ha Consequence: Slightly beneficial Revegetation of the site would Significance: Intensity x Moderate - (6) result in a positive impact after Minor - positive type of impact positive (3) operation (36) Highly probable Probability Certain of impacts on vegetation (6) BROADER CONSIDERATIONS

Confidence High Based on experience in fynbos ecosystems in the Western Cape

The negative impacts of the arrestor bed on the vegetation would be Reversibility Moderate moderately reversible since the original undisturbed vegetation could never be fully restored. No Irreplaceability The vegetation is not irreplaceable irreplaceable

28 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

7.3.1.1 Mitigation

No on-site mitigation would be possible during the construction and operational phases. The best that could be done during construction would include the following actions: • Limit all construction activities to the arrestor bed footprint. There should be no incursion into the surrounding fynbos. • All alien woody alien invasive plants in the footprint area should be cleared and destroyed before construction commences. • All exotic grass, in particular Kikuyu grass ( Pennisetum clandestinum ) that is highly invasive in disturbed areas should be treated with herbicide and removed to a certified landfill. It should not be dumped outside the footprint. • Fynbos vegetation removed from the footprint could be mulched and used for restoration of the disused track in the vicinity of the arrestor bed. This should be done in consultation with CapeNature.

In the decommissioning phase, assuming that the arrestor bed would no longer be required or used, the site should be cleared of all infrastructure and restored to fynbos vegetation using best practice techniques under the guidance of a qualified restoration practitioner.

7.4 Indirect Impacts

The only indirect impact identified of the proposed arrestor bed is the potential for increased water runoff into the area south of the N2 that has natural habitat. This could cause localized erosion and if this occurs remedial action would be necessary.

7.5 Cumulative Impacts

The arrestor bed would account for a very small loss (areal extent) of natural fynbos vegetation. The vegetation map in Figure 9 shows that the arrestor bed would be located entirely in Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos. This is not strictly true since the eastern end is in Boland Granite Fynbos. Neither of these vegetation types would be strongly negatively influenced by the proposed arrestor bed and the cumulative negative impact would be very small to negligible in the construction, operational and decommissioning phases.

8. Conclusions and Recommendations

• The vegetation types found at the site of the proposed arrestor bed alongside the N2 at the base of Sir Lowry’s Pass are Boland Granite Fynbos and Cape

29 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

Winelands Shale Fynbos. Distinction between these two types at the site is not clear since the site is ecotonal with these vegetation types intergrading with each other. • The site falls within a proclaimed nature reserve but is linear along a disturbed road margin. It would therefore not introduce in greater negative edge effect than is already present. • The proposed arrestor bed would impact less the 0.5 ha and the significance of the negative impact of loss of fynbos vegetation is low. • A single Red List plant species (or species of conservation concern), Serruria fasciflora (Near Threatened) was found on the site. This species would not require Search & Rescue since the population on the site is small and it is predicted to be more widespread in the fynbos adjacent to the arrestor bed site. • Mitigation during the construction and operational phases would be limited to applying avoidance of disturbance where possible. The site should be fenced and there should be no incursion of vehicles or people into the adjacent natural veld. No other on-site mitigation would be possible during construction and operation but at decommissioning the site should be rehabilitated to fynbos similar to that occurring now, under the guidance of a qualified restoration practitioner. • Fynbos vegetation removed from the arrestor bed site should be mulched and used in restoration of the disturbed track near the arrestor bed site. This should be carried out in conjunction with CapeNature. • The only indirect impact identified is the possible greater runoff of water from the arrestor bed that could in turn result in greater soil erosion off the site. This should be monitored. • Even though both vegetation types identified on the arrestor bed site are classified as Vulnerable ecosystems, the loss of fynbos vegetation would be minimal and would result in a very low cumulative negative impact. • The construction of the arrestor bed is thus supported from a botanical perspective.

9. References

Brownlie, S. 2005. Guideline for involving biodiversity specialists in EIA processes: Edition 1. CSIR Report No. ENV-S-C 2005-053 C. Provincial Government of the Western Cape: Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

De Villiers, C.C. Driver, A. Clark, B. Euston-Brown, D.I.W. Day, E.G. Job, N. Helme, N.A. Holmes, P. M. Brownlie, S. and Rebelo, A. G. 2005. Fynbos Forum Ecosystem

30 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

Guidelines for Environmental Assessment in the Western Cape . Fynbos Forum, Cape Town, pp 94.

Driver A., Sink, K.J., Nel, J.N., Holness, S., Van Niekerk, L., Daniels, F., Jonas, Z., Majiedt, P.A., Harris, L. & Maze, K. 2012. National Biodiversity Assessment 2011: An assessment of South Africa’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Synthesis Report . South African National Biodiversity Institute and Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria.

Government Gazette No. 34809. 2011. Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems in South Africa.

Land Type Survey Staff 1972—2006. Land Types of South Africa: Digital Map (1 250 000 scale) and soil inventory databases. ARC – Institute for Soil, Climate & Water, Pretoria.

Mucina, L., Rutherford, M.C., & Powrie, L.W. (Eds.). 2005. Vegetation map of South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland 1:1 000 000 scale sheet maps. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. ISBN 1-919976-22-1.

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

Pence. G. Q. K. 2014. Western Cape Biodiversity Framework 2014 Status Update: Critical Biodiversity Areas of the Western Cape. Unpublished CapeNature project report. Cape Town, South Africa.

Raimondo, D., Von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. & Manyama, P.A. (eds) 2009. Red List of South African plants 2009. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Rebelo, A.G., Boucher, C., Helme, N., Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. 2006. Fynbos . In: Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.), The Vegetation of South Africa. Lesotho & Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

______Report submitted: 31 August 2015

31 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

Appendix 1: METHODOLOGY FOR RANKING OF IMPACTS (from Aurecon SA (Pty) Ltd)

The assessment of the predicted significance of impacts for a proposed development is by its nature, inherently uncertain – environmental assessment is thus an imprecise science. To deal with such uncertainty in a comparable manner Aurecon ranks impacts using a standardised and internationally recognised methodology adhering to ISO 14001 and World Bank/IFC requirements.

For each predicted impact, criteria are applied to establish the significance ranking of the impact based on likelihood and consequence, firstly in the case of no mitigation being applied and then with the most effective mitigation measure(s) in place.

The criteria establish the consequence of the impact by estimating the expected intensity , which also includes the type of impact, being either a positive or negative impact; the duration (temporal scale); and the extent (spatial scale). The sensitivity of the receiving environment and/or sensitive receptors is incorporated into the consideration of consequence by appropriately adjusting the thresholds or scales of the intensity, duration and extent criteria, based on expert knowledge and best practice. For each predicted impact, the specialist applies professional judgement in ascribing a numerical rating for each of these criteria respectively as per the examples provided in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3 below. The consequence is then established using the formula:

Consequence = type x (intensity + duration + extent).

Depending on the numerical result, the impact’s consequence would be defined as either extremely, highly, moderately or slightly detrimental; or neutral; or slightly, moderately, highly or extremely beneficial. These categories are provided in Table 5.

To determine the significance of an impact, the probability (or likelihood) of that impact occurring is also taken into account. In assigning a probability factor the specialist takes into account the likelihood of occurrence but also takes cognisance of uncertainty and detectability of the impact. The most suitable numerical rating for probability is selected from Table 4 below and applied with the consequence as per the equation:

Significance = consequence x probability

Depending on the numerical result, the impact would fall into a significance category as either, negligible, minor, moderate or major, and the type would be either positive or negative. Examples of these categories are provided in Table 6.

Once the significance of an impact occurring without mitigation has been established, the specialist will apply their professional judgement to assign ratings for the same impact after the proposed mitigation has been implemented.

32 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

The tables on the following pages show the scales used to classify the above variables, and define each of the rating categories.

Table 1 | Definition of Intensity ratings

Criteria Rating Negative impacts Positive impacts (Type of impact = -1) (Type of impact = +1) Irreparable damage to natural systems Noticeable, on-going benefits to which and human health. Irreplaceable loss of have improved the quality and extent of 7 species. natural systems, including formal protection. Irreparable damage to natural systems Great improvement to ecosystem 6 and the contravention of legislated processes and services. standards. Very serious impacts and irreparable On-going and widespread positive 5 damage to components of natural benefits to natural systems. systems. On-going damage to natural system Average to intense positive benefits for 4 components and species. natural systems. Damage to natural system components Average, on-going positive benefits for 3 and species. natural systems. Minor damage to natural system Low positive impacts on natural systems. components and species. Likely to 2 recover over time. Ecosystem processes not affected. Negligible damage to individual Some low-level benefits to degraded 1 components of natural systems. natural systems.

*NOTE: Where applicable, the intensity of the impact is related to a relevant standard or threshold, or is based on specialist knowledge and understanding of that particular field.

Table 2 | Definition of Duration ratings

Rating Criteria 7 Permanent: The impact will remain long after the life of the project

6 Beyond project life : The impact will remain for some time after the life of the project

5 Project Life: The impact will cease after the operational life span of the project

4 Long term : 6-15 years

3 Medium term: 1-5 years

2 Short term: Less than 1 year

1 Immediate : Less than 1 month

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Table 3 | Definition of Extent ratings

Rating Criteria 7 International: The effect will occur across international borders

6 Na tional: Will affect the entire country

5 Province/ Region: Will affect the entire province or region

4 Municipal Area: Will affect the whole municipal area

3 Local: Extending across the site and to nearby settlements

2 Limited: Limited to the site and its immediate surroundings

1 Very limited: Limited to specific isolated parts of the site

Table 4 | Definition of Probability ratings

Rating Criteria Certain/ Definite: There are sound scientific reasons to expect that the impact will 7 definitely occur 6 Almost certain/Highly probable: It is most likely that the impact will occur

5 Likely: The impact may occur

4 Probable: Has occurred here or elsewhere and could therefore occur Unlikely: Has not happened yet but could happen once in the lifetime of the project, 3 therefore there is a possibility that the impact will occur Rare/ improbable: Conceivable, but only in extreme circumstances and/ or has not happened during lifetime of the project but has happened elsewhere. The possibility of 2 the impact manifesting is very low as a result of design, historic experience or implementation of adequate mitigation measures 1 Highly unlikely/None: Expected never to happen.

Table 5 | Application of Consequence ratings

Range Significance rating

-21 -18 Extremely detrimental

-17 -14 Highly detrimental

-13 -10 Moderately detrimental

-9 -6 Slightly detrimental

-5 5 Negligible

6 9 Slightly beneficial

10 13 Moderately beneficial

14 17 Highly beneficial

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18 21 Extremely beneficial

Table 6 | Application of significance ratings

Range Significance rating

-147 -109 Major - negative

-108 -73 Moderate - negative

-72 -36 Minor - negative

-35 -1 Negligible - negative

0 0 Neutral

1 35 Negligible - positive

36 72 Minor - positive

73 108 Moderate - positive

109 147 Major - positive

Despite attempts at providing a completely objective and impartial assessment of the environmental implications of development activities, environmental assessment processes can never escape the subjectivity inherent in attempting to define significance. The determination of the significance of an impact depends on both the context (spatial scale and temporal duration) and intensity of that impact. Since the rationalisation of context and intensity will ultimately be prejudiced by the observer, there can be no wholly objective measure by which to judge the components of significance, let alone how they are integrated into a single comparable measure.

This notwithstanding, in order to facilitate informed decision-making, environmental assessments must endeavour to come to terms with the significance of the potential environmental impacts associated with particular development activities. Recognising this, Aurecon has attempted to address potential subjectivity in the current EIA process as follows:

• Being explicit about the difficulty of being completely objective in the determination of significance, as outlined above; • Developing an explicit methodology for assigning significance to impacts and outlining this methodology in detail. Having an explicit methodology not only forces the specialist to come to terms with the various facets contributing towards the determination of significance, thereby avoiding arbitrary assignment, but also provides the reader with a clear summary of how the specialist derived the assigned significance; • Wherever possible, differentiating between the likely significance of potential environmental impacts as experienced by the various affected parties; and • Utilising a team approach and internal review of the assessment to facilitate a more rigorous and defendable system.

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Although these measures may not totally eliminate subjectivity, they provide an explicit context within which to review the assessment of impacts.

The specialists appointed to contribute to this Impact Assessment have empirical knowledge of their respective fields and are thus able to comment on the confidence they have in their findings based on the availability of data and the certainty of their findings (Example provided in Table 7).

Table 7 | Definition of Confidence ratings

Rating Criteria Low Judgement is based on intuition

Medium Determination is based on common sense and general knowledge

High Substantive supportive data exists to verify the assessment

36 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

Appendix 2: Curriculum Vitae

Dr David Jury McDonald Pr.Sci.Nat.

Name of Firm: Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC. (Independent consultant) Work and Home Address: 14 A Thomson Road, Claremont, 7708 Tel: (021) 671-4056 Mobile: 082-8764051 Fax: 086-517-3806 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bergwind.co.za Profession: Botanist / Vegetation Ecologist / Consultant / Tour Guide Date of Birth: 7 August 1956

Employment history:

• 19 years with National Botanical Institute (now SA National Biodiversity Institute) as researcher in vegetation ecology.

• Five years as Deputy Director / Director Botanical & Communication Programmes of the Botanical Society of South Africa

• Nine years as private independent Botanical Specialist consultant (Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC)

Nationality: South African (ID No. 560807 5018 080) Languages: English (home language) – speak, read and write – speak, read and write

Membership in Professional Societies:

• South Africa Association of Botanists • International Association for Impact Assessment (SA) • South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions ( Ecological Science, Registration No. 400094/06 ) • Field Guides Association of Southern Africa

Key Qualifications :

• Qualified with a M. Sc. (1983) in Botany and a PhD in Botany (Vegetation Ecology) (1995) at the . • Research in Cape fynbos ecosystems and more specifically mountain ecosystems. • From 1995 to 2000 managed the Vegetation Map of South Africa Project (National Botanical Institute) • Conducted botanical survey work for AfriDev Consultants for the Mohale and Katse Dam projects in Lesotho from 1995 to 2002. A large component of this work was the analysis of data collected by teams of botanists.

37 Botanical Assessment: Arrestor Bed, N2 Highway, Sir Lowry’s Pass

• Director: Botanical & Communication Programmes of the Botanical Society of South Africa (2000—2005), responsible for communications and publications; involved with conservation advocacy particularly with respect to impacts of development on centres of plant endemism. • Further tasks involved the day-to-day management of a large non-profit environmental organisation.

• Independent botanical consultant (2005 – to present) over 300 projects have been completed related to environmental impact assessments in the Western, Southern, Northern and Eastern Cape, Karoo, Gauteng, Limpopo and Lesotho. A list of reports (or selected reports for scrutiny) is available on request.

Higher Education

Degrees obtained and major subjects passed: B.Sc. (1977), University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg Botany III Entomology II (Third year course)

B.Sc. Hons. (1978) University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg Botany (Ecology /Physiology)

M.Sc - (Botany), University of Cape Town, 1983. Thesis title: 'The vegetation of Swartboschkloof, Jonkershoek, Cape Province'.

PhD (Botany), University of Cape Town, 1995. Thesis title: 'Phytogeography endemism and diversity of the fynbos of the southern Langeberg'.

Certificate of Tourism: Guiding (Culture: Local) Level : 4 Code: TGC7 (Registered Tour Guide: WC 2969).

Employment Record :

January 2006 – present: Independent specialist botanical consultant and tour guide in own company: Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC August 2000 - 2005 : Deputy Director, later Director Botanical & Communication Programmes, Botanical Society of South Africa January 1981 – July 2000 : Research Scientist (Vegetation Ecology) at National Botanical Institute January 1979—Dec 1980 : National Military Service

Further information is available on my company website: www.bergwind.co.za

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