5.9 Aquatic Ecology (Streams, Wetlands & Pans)

5.9 AQUATIC ECOLOGY (STREAMS, WETLANDS & PANS)

5.9.1 Scope of Work

5.9.1.1 Wetland Baseline Investigation

o Review and re-familiarisation with existing information; o Conduct a desktop and field investigation to extend the wetland delineation into areas not covered by existing information; o Classify wetlands according to HGM (SANBI, 2009); o Determine the Present Ecological State (PES) and Ecological Importance and Sensitivity of any wetlands on site using the Wetland Index of Habitat Integrity; and o Compile a detailed wetland delineation and assessment report, including a map of delineated wetlands and sensitive areas.

5.9.1.2 Aquatic Ecosystems Assessment

o Review of existing information; o Bioassessment: Ecological assessment of aquatic biota (aquatic macroinvertebrates, diatoms) in streams and pans potentially impacted by the proposed borrow pits; o Present Ecological State (PES) of instream habitats and riparian areas (DWAF, 1999a, b); o Analysis of Water quality samples for major anions and cations, total dissolved solids, conductivity and pH; o Baseline aquatic ecosystems report compilation.

The wetland delineation and assessment was undertaken as per the wetland delineation guidelines published by the Department of Water Affairs (2005), as well as the Mpumalanga Requirements for Biodiversity Assessments. More details on the methodology are provided below.

5.9.2 Field Work and Research Conducted

Field work for the wetland delineation study was undertaken on the following dates:

o 6-7 September 2011 o 5 January 2012

In addition, existing wetland data from the following previous studies was consulted and utilised where applicable:

o Wetland Delineation and Impact Assessment for the proposed Sasol Fine Ash Dam Project, Wetland Consulting Services, 2011.

o Wetland Delineation and Impact Assessment for Various Infrastructure Developments Associated with the Shondoni Shaft near Secunda, Mpumalanga Province, Wetland Consulting Services, 2011. o Phase 1: Wetland Delineation and Assessment for the Sasol Mining Middelbult (Block 8) Shondoni Project, Wetland Consulting Services, 2010. o Wetland Assessment for the Proposed Brandspruit Mine, Impumelelo Shaft near Secunda in Mpumalanga, South Africa, Wetland Consulting Services, 2009.

5.9.2.1 Wetlant Definition

“Land which is transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface, or the land is periodically covered with shallow water, and which land in normal circumstances supports or would support vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soil.”

The presence of wetlands in the landscape can be linked to the presence of both surface water and perched groundwater. Wetland types are differentiated based on their hydro-geomorphic (HGM) characteristics; i.e. on the position of the wetland in the landscape, as well as the way in which water moves into, through and out of the wetland systems.

A schematic diagram of how these wetland systems are positioned in the landscape is given in the Figure below.

Figure 5.9.2.1 (a): Diagram illustrating the position of the various wetland types within the landscape.

5.9.2.2 Wetland Delineation and Classification

Use was made of 1:50 000 topographical maps, 1:10 000 orthophotos and Google Earth Imagery to create digital base maps of the study area onto which the wetland boundaries could be delineated using ArcMap 9.0. A desktop delineation of suspected wetland areas was undertaken by identifying rivers and wetness signatures on the digital base maps. All identified areas suspected to be wetlands were then further investigated in the field.

Wetlands were identified and delineated according to the delineation procedure as set out by the “A Practical Field Procedure for the Identification and Delineation of Wetlands and Riparian Areas” document, as described by DWAF (2005) and Kotze and Marneweck (1999). Using this procedure, wetlands were identified and delineated using the Terrain Unit Indicator, the Soil Form Indicator, the Soil Wetness Indicator and the Vegetation Indicator.

For the purposes of delineating the actual wetland boundaries use is made of indirect indicators of prolonged saturation, namely wetland plants (hydrophytes) and wetland soils (hydromorphic soils), with particular emphasis on hydromorphic soils. It is important to note that under normal conditions hydromorphic soils must display signs of wetness (mottling and gleying) within 50cm of the soil surface for an area to be classified as a wetland (A practical field procedure for identification and delineation of wetlands and riparian areas, DWAF).

The delineated wetlands were then classified using a hydro-geomorphic classification system based on the system proposed by Brinson (1993), and modified for use in South African conditions by Marneweck and Batchelor (2002).

5.9.2.3 Functional Assessment

A functional assessment of the wetlands on site will be undertaken using the level 2 assessment as described in “Wet-EcoServices” (Kotze et al., 2005). This method provides a scoring system for establishing wetland ecosystem services. It enables one to make relative comparisons of systems based on a logical framework that measures the likelihood that a wetland is able to perform certain functions

5.9.2.4 Present Ecological State and Ecological Importance & Sensitivity

A present ecological state (PES) and ecological importance and sensitivity (EIS) assessment was conducted for every hydro-geomorphic wetland unit identified and delineated within the study area. This was done in order to establish a baseline of the current state of the wetlands and to provide an indication of the conservation value and sensitivity of the wetlands in the study area.

For the purpose of this study, the scoring system as described in the document “Resource Directed Measures for Protection of Water Resources. Volume 4. Wetland Ecosystems” (DWAF, 1999) was applied for the determination of the PES.

5.9.2.5 Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Assessment

Aquatic macroinvertebrates were assessed using the SASS 5 (South African Scoring System) methodology. SASS5 is based on the presence or absence of sensitive aquatic macroinvertebrates collected and analysed according to the methods outlined in Dickens and Graham (2002). A high relative abundance and diversity of sensitive taxa present indicates a relatively healthy system with good water quality. Disturbance to water quality and habitat results in the loss of sensitive taxa.

As this method was developed specifically for perennial rivers, the methods of collection and analysis were modified for seasonal wetlands. This meant sampling vegetation and substrate biotopes only, as no stone biotopes were available, and interpreting the PES for aquatic macroinvertebrates in terms of overall diversity and assemblage patterns. SASS5 scores for perennial rivers were interpreted according to guidelines given in Dallas 2007. Table 5.9.2.5(a) summarises the categories used to classify sites according to aquatic macroinvertebrates.

Table 5.9.2.5(a): Descriptive categories used to describe the present ecological status (PES) of biotic components (adapted from Kleynhans, 1999). BIOTIC CATEGORY DESCRIPTION OF GENERALLY EXPECTED CONDITIONS INTEGRITY Unmodified, or approximates natural conditions closely. The biotic A Excellent assemblages compares to that expected under natural, unperturbed conditions.

Largely natural with few modifications. A change in community characteristics may have taken place but species richness and presence of B Good intolerant species indicate little modifications. Most aspects of the biotic assemblage as expected under natural unperturbed conditions.

Moderately modified. A lower than expected species richness and presence of most intolerant species. Most of the characteristics of the biotic C Fair assemblages have been moderately modified from its naturally expected condition. Some impairment of health may be evident at the lower end of this class.

Largely modified. A clearly lower than expected species richness and absence or much lowered presence of intolerant and moderately intolerant D Poor species. Most characteristics of the biotic assemblages have been largely modified from its naturally expected condition. Impairment of health may become evident at the lower end of this class.

Seriously modified. A strikingly lower than expected species richness and general absence of intolerant and moderately tolerant species. Most of the E Very Poor characteristics of the biotic assemblages have been seriously modified from its naturally expected condition. Impairment of health may become very evident.

Critically modified. Extremely lowered species richness and an absence of intolerant and moderately tolerant species. Only intolerant species may be present with complete loss of species at the lower end of the class. Most of F Critical the characteristics of the biotic assemblages have been critically modified from its naturally expected conditions. Impairment of health generally very evident.

5.9.2.6 Water Quality Assessment

o Water quality: Analysis of major anions and cations, conductivity, TDS, pH and temperature. These were interpreted in terms of ecological responses only. o Diatoms: Diatoms provide a rapid response to specific physico-chemical conditions in aquatic ecosystems and are often the first indication of change. The presence or absence of indicator taxa can be used to detect specific changes in environmental conditions such as eutrophication, organic enrichment, salinisation and changes in pH. Preparation of diatom slides followed the Hot HCl and KMnO4 method as outlined in Taylor et al. (2007a). A Nikon microscope with phase contrast optics (1000x) was used to identify 400 diatom valves per sample. Diatom analysis included measures of abundance so as to infer water quality based on species dominance.

5.9.2.7 Habitat Integrity Assessment

Instream and marginal/riparian habitats were assessed in terms a modified index of habitat integrity, which describes the broad habitat integrity or condition, based on the extent of different human activities. This approach is based on the assessment of physical habitat disturbance in rivers (Kleynhans, 1997), modified here for seasonal wetlands. The following impacts were investigated, namely:

o Water abstraction, o Flow modification (in valley bottom wetlands), o Bed modification, o Channel modification, o Inundation, o Exotic macrophytes, o Solid waste disposal, o Indigenous vegetation removal, o Exotic vegetation encroachment, and o Bank erosion.

5.9.3 Assumptions made during the Study

While an effort was made to visit every wetland within the study area, not every wetland boundary was walked. Wetland boundaries were verified in the field through sampling a number of points along transects running perpendicular to the wetland edge and located along the wetland edge. The wetland edge was then delineated by interpolating between sampling points along these transects using aerial imagery, and the wetness signatures visible on these, as a background image.

Large parts of the study area are characterised by vertic, black clay soils. These soils show hydric indicators only poorly, if at all, and thus provide a considerable obstacle to accurate delineation of wetland boundaries.

In such areas wetland delineations are based mostly on vegetation indicators, though disturbances such as cultivation which completely remove the natural vegetation also remove these indicators. Frosting back of vegetation during the winter months followed by heavy grazing and/or burning also removes vegetation indicator species. Wetland delineations undertaken in disturbed areas on vertic soils, or undertaken outside of the growing season on vertic soils, can thus only provide low confidence in the accuracy of the delineated boundaries. In this specific study, Borrow Pits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9 were surveyed in September 2011 prior to the first significant summer rains and the onset of the growing season.

Further to this, due to the scale of the remote imagery used (1:10 000 orthophotos and Google Earth Imagery), as well as the accuracy of the handheld GPS unit used to delineated wetlands in the field, the delineated wetland boundaries cannot be guaranteed beyond an accuracy of about 15 m on the ground. Should greater mapping accuracy be required, the wetlands would need to be pegged in the field and surveyed using conventional survey techniques.

o Reference conditions are unknown. This limits the confidence with which the present ecological category is assigned; o Aquatic ecosystems vary both temporally and spatially. Once-off surveys such as this are therefore likely to miss substantial ecological information, thus limiting accuracy, detail and confidence; and o Detailed groundtruthing for the wetland delineation was limited to the study area boundaries and immediate vicinity. The delineations provided for areas outside the study area are based on desktop wetland mapping only.

5.9.4 Study Area

Sasol Mining originally identified a total of 10 potential Borrow Pit sites within the general Secunda area that have been included in this wetland assessment. However, after this study has been completed, one of the Borrow Pits was removed from the study (Borrow Pit Number 2) and the borrow Pits were re- numbered. The maps used to illustrate this study still refer to the original 10 Borrow Pits. However, the text has been altered to reflect the new Borrow Pit numbers as relating to the 9 Borrow Pits now to be assessed.

Figure 5.9.4.(a) shows the location and extent of the original 10 Borrow Pit sites. The new Numbers have been superimposed in a Table on the Map. In total the 9 Borrow Pits cover an area of 313 ha.

NEW BORROW PIT NUMBERS

New Borrow Pit 1 (Old 1) New Borrow Pit 2 (Old 3) New Borrow Pit 3 (Old 4) New Borrow Pit 4 (Old 5) New Borrow Pit 5 (Old 6) New Borrow Pit 6 (Old 7) New Borrow Pit 7 (Old 10) New Borrow Pit 8 (Old 8) New Borrow Pit 9 (Old 9)

Figure 5.9.4.(a): Locality Map of Borrow Pits (old numbers on map and new numbers in Table on Map)

5.9.5 Relevant Catchments

All the proposed Borrow Pits are located within the Vaal River Catchment (primary catchment C), and more specifically within the quarternary catchments C12F and C12D. Both the affected catchments are drained by the Waterval River and its tributaries. Information regarding mean annual rainfall, runoff and evaporation potential per quarternary catchment is provided in the table below (Middleton, B.J., Midgley, D.C and Pitman, W.V., 1990). Figure 5.9.5 (a) indicates the position of the proposed Borrow Pits in relation to the affected quaternary catchments.

Table 5.9.5(a): Table providing details on the mean annual rainfall and run-off of the affected quaternary catchments Mean Annual Catchment Mean Annual Quaternary Run-off MAR as % of Surface Precipitation Catchment (MAR) in MAP Area (ha) (MAP) in mm mm C12D 81.343 666.88 59.3 8.9 % C12F 75 655 634.9 49.1 7.7 %

5.9.6 Geology and Soils

The geology of the study area is typical of the Mpumalanga Highveld, being characterised by lithologies associated with the Karoo Sequence, most notably sandstones of the Vryheid Formation and intrusive dolerites, with dolerites being the dominant rock formation expected to occur within the borrow pits (based on the 1:250 000 Geological Map Series, 2628 East Rand).

Dolerites tend to weather to form soils with high clay content, with vertic black clay soils being common in the area. Most of the borrow pit areas where characterised by such soils, with the wetlands typically located on the Rensburg soil form. Rensburg soils consist of a vertic A horizon overlying a G horizon, with the gleying in the G horizon indicating extended saturation of this horizon.

Vertic soils, and soils with a high clay content, tend to expand when wet and encourage surface run-off rather than infiltration. This is evident in the relatively high (in a regional context) percentage of mean annual precipitation that ends up as run-off out of the catchment, specifically catchment C12D. As a consequence of the higher run-off, hillslope seepage wetlands tend to be less common in areas characterised by clayey soils and valley bottom wetlands tend to be the most widespread wetland type.

NEW BORROW PIT NUMBERS

Figure 5.9.5 (a): Map showing the Study Area in relation to the Quaternary Catchments C12D and C12

5.9.7 Vegetation

According to “The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland” (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006) the study area falls within the Grassland Biome, Mesic Highveld Grassland Bioregion. At a finer level, the study area is classed as Soweto Highveld Grassland.

Soweto Highveld Grassland occurs mostly within Mpumalanga and Gauteng in a broad band roughly between the N17 Ermelo to Johannesburg highway and the Vaal River, and extending westwards along the southern edge of the Johannesburg Dome as far as Randfontein.

Altitude ranges from 1 420 m to 1 760 m above sea level. The landscape is gently to moderately undulating and supports a short to medium-high, dense, tufted grassland dominated by Themeda triandra. Dominant species listed by Mucina and Rutherford (2006) are as follows:

Graminoids: Andropogon appendiculatus, Brachiaria serrata, Cymbopogon pospischilii, Cynodon dactylon, Elionurus muticus, Eragrostis capensis, E. chloromelas, E. curvula, E. plana, E. planiculmis, E. racemosa, Heteropogon contortus, Hyparrhenia hirta, Setaria nigrirostris, S. sphacelata, Themeda triandra, Tristachya leucothrix.

Herbs: Hermannia depressa.

5.9.8 Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas

Based on the recently published Atlas of Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas in South Africa (Nel et al., 2011), no river or wetland FEPA’s (Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas) are located within the study area. However, all of the proposed Borrow Pits are located within sub-quarternary catchments that have been classed as “Upstream Management Areas” in the Atlas. This implies that these catchments should be managed to prevent degradation of downstream FEPA’s and fish sanctuaries.

NEW BORROW PIT NUMBERS

Figure 5.9.7 (a): Map showing the Vegetation type of the Area – Soweto Highveld Grassland (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).

5.9.9 Wetland Delineation

A number of wetlands were identified within and adjacent to the proposed Borrow Pits, as illustrated in Figure 5.9.9 (a) and detailed in Table 5.9.9(a).

The total extent of wetlands located directly within the proposed Borrow Pit footprints is equal to 25.56 ha, or 5.2 % by area.

Table 5.9.9 (a). Extent of wetland habitat that will be directly impacted by the proposed borrow pits. Borrow Channelled Unchannelled Hillslope Pan Dam TOTAL Pit valley bottom valley bottom seepage 1 --- 0.02 1.25 ------1.26 2 2.12 --- 0.15 ------2.27 3 ------1.55 ------1.55 4 0.50 --- 13.93 --- 0.07 14.50 5 --- 1.81 1.44 --- 0.05 3.31 6 ------0.00 7 ------0.47 0.03 --- 0.51 8 1.65 ------1.65 9 0.32 --- 0.19 ------0.50 TOTAL 4.59 1.83 18.97 0.03 0.12 25.56

Table 5.9.9 (b). Table showing the percentage of each proposed borrow pit site covered by wetlands. Borrow Pit Wetlands (ha) Borrow pit (ha) Percentage wetland 1 1.26 15.53 8.11 % 2 2.27 64.92 3.50 % 3 1.55 64.4 2.41 % 4 14.5 66.93 21.66 % 5 3.31 139.1 2.38 % 6 0.00 26.31 0.00 % 7 0.51 11.25 4.53 % 8 1.65 25.45 6.48 % 9 0.50 51.6 0.97 %

Hillslope seepage wetlands are the dominant wetland type encountered within the 9 Borrow Pit sites, probably as a result of the fact that most of the proposed Borrow Pit sites are located close to the crest of the landscapes and if they do intrude on wetlands, mostly intrude on the extreme upper reaches of wetlands, typically valley head hillslope seepage wetlands. The presence of the hillslope seepage wetlands however, together with the presence of water within a number of the old and existing quarries on site, indicates that any excavations within these areas could encounter perched water tables or even shallow groundwater, even outside of the delineated wetland areas.

NEW BORROW PIT NUMBERS

Figure 5.9.9 (a): Map of the delineated Wetlands within and surrounding the proposed Borrow Pit sites.

Each of the Borrow Pits will now be discussed individually, with the following information provided for all of the wetlands falling within each of the Borrow Pits:

o Brief description of each wetland unit; o Dominant vegetation species observed in the wetlands; o Wetland functional assessment; o Present Ecological Status; and o Ecological Importance and Sensitivity.

5.9.9.1 Borrow Pit 1 (Number 1 on Map)

Two wetlands, a hillslope seepage wetland and an unchannelled valley bottom wetland, were delineated within the footprint of the proposed Borrow Pit 1. Both these wetlands are located along the base of a dolerite ridge and drain in an easterly direction towards the Wolwespruit. The unchannelled valley bottom wetland, a seasonally saturated system, has been largely cultivated in the past and is characterised by a number of pioneer and weedy species such as Cynodon dactylon, Verbena bonariensis, Cirsium vulgare and Oenothera rosea in these areas. Those areas not cultivated supported species such as Hyparrhenia hirta, Paspalum spp. and some Themeda triandra. A seasonal spring appears to be located within the upper reaches of this wetland, though the spring was dry at the time the field work was undertaken. It is assumed that the spring could be classified as a Type 1 spring (Kotze, 2001, as quoted in Parsons, 2004). Type 1 springs are shallow seasonal springs that emanate from shallow perched water tables (localised discharge of interflow) and are not connected to the groundwater flow system.

Figure 5.9.9.1 (a): Map of Delineated Wetlands within the proposed Borrow Pit 1 (Number 1 on Map)

The hillslope seepage wetland on site feeds into a small farm dam that was presumably constructed to provide surface water for livestock watering. The northern edge of this wetland has also been cultivated, while most of the remainder of the wetland has been substantially impacted by heavy livestock grazing and trampling. An active quarry is located immediately adjacent to the upper reaches of the wetland. Typical species included Fingerhuthia africana, Hyparrhenia hirta, Setaria spp., Themeda triandra, Bidens formosa, Oenothera rosea and Verbena bonariensis. A single Salix babylonica was found on the dam wall.

Figure 5.9.9.1 (b): Photographs of the hillslope seepage (left) and unchannelled valley bottom (right)

The results of the functional assessment undertaken using the WET-EcoServices tool (Kotze et al., 2007) are illustrated in the radial plots in Figure 5.9.9.1 (c).

Hillslope Seepage Wetland Unchannelled Valley Bottom

Flood attenuation Flood attenuation Education and Streamflow Education and Streamflow 4.0 research4.0 regulation Tourismresearch and regulation Tourism and Sediment trapping Sediment trapping recreation recreation Cultural 2.0 Cultural 2.0 Phospahte trapping Phospahte trapping significance significance Cultivated foods 0.0 Nitrate removal Cultivated foods 0.0 Nitrate removal

Natural resources Toxicant removal Natural resources Toxicant removal Water supply for Water supply for Erosion control Erosion control humanMaintenance use of humanMaintenance use of Carbon storage Carbon storage biodiversity biodiversity

Figure 5.9.9.1 (c): Results of the WET-EcoServices Assessment for the wetlands in Borrow Pit 1

Both the hillslope seepage wetland and the unchannelled valley bottom wetland are taken to be indicators of good quality water moving through the landscape and being discharged into downstream wetlands. Both wetlands provide habitat that differs from the surrounding terrestrial habitats and thus contribute to biodiversity support, while the extended presence of water within the soil profile contributes to increased productivity.

The retention of water in the soil and slow movement of this water through the soil also supports conditions that facilitate both sulphate and nitrate reduction as interflow emerges through the organically rich wetland soil profile, and these wetlands are thus thought to contribute to water quality improvement and/or the provision of high quality water. The wetlands are not considered to play a major role in flood attenuation, though some flood attenuation is likely to occur at the beginning of the rainy season when wetland sediments are dry. Through the slow release of water into downstream wetlands, these wetlands are expected to play a role in stream flow augmentation, though this role is probably more correctly attributed to the landscape characteristics and setting rather than the wetland itself, which is just the surface expression of this water.

In terms of the present ecological state of the wetlands within Borrow Ppit 1, the hillslope seepage wetland is considered to be in a moderately modified condition (PES C), while the unchannelled valley bottom wetland is considered to be largely modified (PES D), mostly as a result of the extensive cultivation within the wetland. See Table 5.9.9.1(a) below.

Table 5.9.9.1(a). Summarised results of the PES Assessment HGM Unit Hydrology Geomorphology Vegetation Overall Score Hillslope seepage 3.0 0.3 3.2 2.29 (C) Unchannelled valley bottom 3.5 2.2 8.3 4.5 (D)

The results of the Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) assessment are provided in full in Appendix 1 of the Specialist Report attached to the EIAR. Both wetlands are considered to be of Low (D) ecological importance and sensitivity, mostly as a result of their small size and state of degradation.

5.9.9.2 Borrow Pit 2 (Number 3 on Map)

Portions of three wetland systems were delineated as falling within the proposed footprint of Borrow Pit 2, as illustrated in Figure 5.9.9.2 (a), namely:

o Channelled valley bottom associated with the Wolwespruit o Channelled valley bottom associated with a minor tributary of the Wolwespruit o Hillslope seepage wetland – extreme upper reaches

Together the delineated wetlands on site cover 2.27 ha, making up 3.5 % of the Borrow Pit footprint. Construction of the Impumelelo Conveyor is currently taking place on site, with both channelled valley bottom wetlands directly affected by construction activities.

The Wolwespruit flows past to the west and south west of the proposed borrow pit site and marginally extends into the borrow pit footprint. The wetland is clearly incised and low flows are restricted to the channel. Channel overtopping is however expected to occur following large rain events, though the main source of water supporting the wetland margins, specifically also the extent of wetland within the borrow pit site, is flow off the side slopes. A small dam has been constructed across the channel west of the borrow pit site, while the public gravel road also crosses the Wolwespruit wetland.

Figure 5.9.9.2 (a): Map of the delineated wetlands within proposed Borrow Pit 2 (Number 3 on Map).

Figure 5.9.9.2 (b). Photographs of some of the wetlands within the Borrow Pit 2 footprint – the small channelled valley bottom (left) and the Wolwespruit

The second channelled valley bottom wetland on site is a small, seasonal tributary of the Wolwespruit. Construction of the conveyor route is currently taking place immediately alongside the wetland and the disturbances marginally intrude into the wetland. Other than the presence of some sedges, the vegetation of this wetland largely resembles the surrounding terrestrial grassland, being dominated by Themeda triandra and Eragrostis chloromelas.

The hillslope seepage wetland on site represents the extreme upper reach of a small tributary that eventually also drains into the Wolwespruit. Most of the hillslope seepage wetland is currently cultivated and little natural vegetation remains. As with the other two wetlands within Borrow Pit 2, the wetland soils are characteristically vertic.

Channelled valley bottom - Wolwespruit Hillslope seepage wetland Flood attenuation Flood attenuation Education 4.0and Streamflow Education 4.0and Streamflow Tourismresearch and regulation Tourismresearch and regulation Sediment trapping Sediment trapping recreation 2.0 recreation 2.0 Cultural significance Phospahte trapping Cultural significance Phospahte trapping Cultivated foods 0.0 Nitrate removal Cultivated foods 0.0 Nitrate removal

Channelled valley bottom - Small Flood attenuation Education 4.0and Streamflow Tourismresearch and regulation Sediment trapping recreation 2.0 Cultural significance Phospahte trapping

Cultivated foods 0.0 Nitrate removal

Natural resources Toxicant removal Water supply for Erosion control humanMaintenance use of Carbon storage biodiversity

Figure 5.9.9.2 (c): Results of the WET-EcoServices Assessment

The WET-EcoServices results above indicate that once again the most important role played by the hillslope seepage wetland is that of provision of good quality water to downstream wetlands. Cultivation of the wetland has in this case again resulted in the wetland supporting little natural vegetation and as such playing only a minor role in biodiversity support.

The Wolwespruit valley bottom wetland, given its large size, is expected to play a locally significant role in flood attenuation when flood flows overtop the channel banks and spread across the full width of the wetland, slowing down flows and trapping sediment. Low flows however are restricted to the channel. As most of the wetland is also still characterised by natural vegetation, the wetland plays an important role in biodiversity support (for which it received the highest score in the WET0-EcoServices assessment) and in providing grazing for livestock (productivity).

The small size of the second channelled valley bottom wetland on site prevents the wetland from contributing significantly in terms of hydrological functions, though the wetland is likely to contribute to biodiversity support through the provision of habitat differing from the surrounding terrestrial landscape.

The results of the PES assessment are provided in Table 5.9.9.2(a). From the results it is clear that the hillslope seepage wetland has been mostly impacted by cultivation which has completely transformed the vegetation of the wetland, while the large Wolwespruit valley bottom wetland has been mostly impacted by changes to its supporting hydrology. The small channelled valley bottom is still in a largely natural condition.

Table 5.9.9.2 (a): Summarised results of the PES Assessment HGM Unit Hydrolog Geomorphology Vegetation Overall Score y Channelled valley bottom - 6 2.3 2.1 3.8 (C) Wolwespruit Channelled valley bottom - 1 0.4 2.7 1.3 (B) small Hillslope seepage 3 1.8 10.1 4.7 (D)

The results of the Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) assessment are provided in full in Appendix 1 of the Specialist Report attached to the EIAR. The hillslope seepage wetland is considered to be of Low (D) ecological importance and sensitivity, the Wolwespruit valley bottom of Moderate (C) ecological importance and sensitivity, and the small channelled valley bottom wetland also of Moderate (C) ecological importance and sensitivity.

5.9.9.3 Borrow Pit 3

A single hillslope seepage wetland draining towards an unnamed tributary of the Waterval River was delineated within the proposed footprint of Borrow Pit 3. Within the footprint of the Borrow Pit, the hillslope seepage wetland has been completely cultivated and no natural vegetation remains, though the lower reaches of the seep fall within an area of natural grassland, again dominated by Themeda triandra. Immediately downslope of the borrow pit a shallow farm dam has been constructed across the seep. Though dry at the time of the site visit, the dam results in an area of extended wetness characterised by a number of sedges, including Eleocharis, Schoenoplectus and Fuirena species. In addition to the wetland, an old quarry is also located along the boundary of the site, with low points within the quarry supporting small pools of surface water.

Figure 5.9.9.3 (a): Photographs of the shallow dam within the seepage wetland (left) and the old quarry (right) at Borrow Pit 3 (Number 4 on Map)

Figure 5.9.9.3 (b): 1 Map of the delineated wetlands within proposed Borrow Pit 3 – Number 4 on Map

As is the case with most hillslope seepage wetlands, the wetland supports conditions that facilitate both nitrate and sulphate reduction and thus contributes to maintaining water quality. Under natural conditions the wetland would also be expected to play an important role in biodiversity support, though the complete removal of the natural vegetation through cultivation within that section of the wetland falling within the borrow pit footprint has negated this function. The wetland is not expected to play a significant role in flood attenuation or stream flow regulation, though some attenuation of flows will occur at the beginning of the wet season and some flow augmentation might occur for a short period at the start of the dry season, though most of the water within the wetland is likely to be lost to evapo-transpiration.

Hillslope Seepage Wetland

Flood attenuation Education and research3.0 Streamflow regulation Tourism and recreation Sediment trapping 2.0 Cultural significance 1.0 Phospahte trapping 0.0 Cultivated foods Nitrate removal

Natural resources Toxicant removal Water supply for human Erosion control use Maintenance of biodiversity Carbon storage

Figure 5.9.9.3 (c): Results of the WET-EcoServices Assessment

Table 5.9.9.3(a): Summarised results of the PES assessment HGM Unit Hydrology Geomorphology Vegetation Overall Score Hillslope seepage 3.5 1.5 7 3.93 (C/D)

5.9.9.4 Borrow Pit 4 (Number 5 on Map)

The proposed Borrow Pit 4 is located alongside and parallel to the Kaalspruit valley bottom wetland to the south east of the R547 crossing over the Kaalspruit. The proposed footprint infringes only marginally into the valley bottom wetland (0.5 ha), but a number of small hillslope seepage wetlands totalling approximately 14 ha are located within the proposed footprint. Wetlands thus make up 21.66 % of the site, which is the highest percentage across all the proposed borrow pits.

The wetlands on site have been heavily grazed and also impacted by a number of activities, including sand mining/excavations, alien vegetation (stand of Eucalyptus trees), conversion to planted pasture (Eragrostis spp.) and a number of roads crossing the wetlands. Those sections of wetland still characterised by natural vegetation supported Hyparrhenia hirta, Eragrostis curvula, E. chloromelas, E. gummiflua, Imperata cylindrica, Scirpoides burkei, Stoebe vulgaris, Monopsis decipiens and Verbena bonariensis.

This vegetation composition reflects the more sandy soils encountered on large portions of this site when compared to the other borrow pit sites investigated. Sandy soils allow easier infiltration of rainwater into the soil and then also laterally through the soil along aquitards, and are thus more suitable to the formation of hillslope seepage wetlands than areas characterised by vertic soils that are less permeable.

As is the case with most hillslope seepage wetlands, the wetlands support conditions that facilitate both nitrate and sulphate reduction and thus can contribute to maintaining water quality. Under natural conditions the wetlands would also be expected to play an important role in biodiversity support, though this function has been limited by the nature of disturbances on site.

The wetlands are not expected to play a significant role in flood attenuation or stream flow regulation, though some attenuation of flows will occur at the beginning of the wet season and some flow augmentation might occur for a short period at the start of the dry season, though most of the water within the wetlands is likely to be lost through evapo-transpiration. For the purpose of the WET- EcoServices assessment, all the 5 hillslope seepage wetlands were grouped together, given their similarities and close proximity to each other.

Figure 5.9.9.4 (a): Map of the delineated wetlands within proposed Borrow Pit 4 (Number 5 on Map)

Hillslope seepage wetlands - Pit 5 Valley bottom - Kaalspruit

Flood attenuation Flood attenuation Education and Streamflow Education and Streamflow Tourismresearch and regulation Tourismresearch and regulation Sediment trapping Sediment trapping recreation 2.0 recreation 2.0 Cultural significance Phospahte trapping Cultural significance Phospahte trapping 0.0 0.0 Cultivated foods Nitrate removal Cultivated foods Nitrate removal Natural resources Toxicant removal Natural resources Toxicant removal Water supply for Water supply for Erosion control Erosion control humanMaintenance use of humanMaintenance use of Carbon storage Carbon storage biodiversity biodiversity

Figure 5.9.9.4 (b) Results of the WET-EcoServices assessment

The Kaalspruit is considered important from a biodiversity maintenance perspective, and this is supported by the SASS5 assessment undertaken for the area (see results below) as well as the otter tracks and scats observed on site which indicates a largely healthy ecosystem. The WET-EcoServices assessment indicates a relatively low score for flood attenuation, though the size of the system would imply that the importance of this function should not be underestimated. Evidence of fishing was also observed on site, indicating some importance in terms of natural resource provision and/or recreational value.

The impacts to the wetlands on site has been briefly summarised above. As a result of these impacts, the PES scores for the wetlands indicate that the hillslope seepage wetlands are largely modified (PES D), while the Kaalspruit is moderately modified (PES C).

Table 5.9.9.4 (a): Summarised results of the PES Assessment HGM Unit Hydrology Geomorphology Vegetation Overall score Hillslope seepage wetlands 5 1.2 6 4.2 (D) Channelled valley bottom - 6 1.5 3.1 3.9 (C) Kaalspruit

The results of the Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) assessment are provided in full in Appendix 1. The hillslope seepage wetland is considered to be of Low (D) ecological importance and sensitivity, while the Kaalspruit is considered to be of Moderate (C) ecological importance and sensitivity.

5.9.9.5 Borrow Pit 5 (Number 6 on Map)

Approximately only 2.4 % of the proposed Borrow Pit 5 site is considered to be wetland, consisting of a small seemingly isolated hillslope seepage wetland and associated shallow dam, and an unchannelled valley bottom wetland in the south of the site that feeds into a tributary of the Waterval River.

Most of the hillslope seepage wetland appears to have been cultivated in the past but has been lying fallow for a number of years and is dominated by Eragrostis species. A shallow trench has been dug through a section of the seepage wetland to convey flows into the small dam, presumably for livestock watering. A large powerline also crosses the hillslope seepage wetland. The wetland appears isolated and has no clear link to the surrounding drainage network. The low slope of the area results in the extended retention of water on site, while the shallow soils ensure that the water stays near the surface and supports wetland conditions.

The unchannelled valley bottom wetland has also been impacted by cultivation in its upper reaches and is crossed by a farm access road. The lower reaches are located in natural grassland. The wetland drains into a dam located on the tributary to the Waterval River.

For both wetlands the WET-EcoServices assessment highlighted the water improvement functions (sediment, nitrate and phosphate trapping) as the most important functions. Some flood attenuation is also performed by the wetlands, though the small size of these wetlands limits the importance of this function.

Figure 5.9.9.5 (a): Results of the WET-EcoServices Assessment

Figure 5.9.9.5 (b): Map of the delineated wetlands within proposed Borrow Pit 5 (Number 6 on Map)

Table 5.9.9.5 (a): Summarised results of the PES Assessment HGM Unit Hydrology Geomorphology Vegetation Overall score Hillslope seepage wetlands 3 2.1 6.5 3.7 (C) Unchannelled valley bottom 7 3.2 5.5 5.5 (D)

The hillslope seepage wetland is considered to be moderately modified (PES C), with most degradation due to transformation through past cultivation of the site, though the presence of the dam and associated trench/gully has also altered the supporting hydrology to some degree.

The unchannelled valley bottom wetland is more significantly degraded, being rated as largely modified, due to past cultivation of the upper reaches, but also due to significant changes in hydrology brought about by the road crossing and stormwater flows that enter the wetland from the road, as well as through erosion of a channel through a previously unchannelled system.

Both wetlands are considered to be of Low (D) ecological importance and sensitivity.

5.9.9.6 Borrow Pit 6 (Number 7 on Map)

No wetlands were found to occur directly within the footprint of the proposed Borrow Pit 6. However, a small unnamed tributary of a tributary to the Trichardtspruit is located immediately to the east of the site. A small dam has been built across this tributary which is fed by a small hillslope seepage wetland and the extreme upper reaches of the valley bottom wetland.

Of interest are a number of sinkholes (assumed to be the result of surface subsidence due to underground mining) that are located to the north of the site. These sinkholes form shallow, inwardly draining depressions that accumulate water during the rainy season and small depression wetlands have formed in the low points of most of these sinkholes. One of the sinkholes is located right across the small channelled valley bottom to the east of the site. No sinkholes were observed within the proposed borrow pit footprint, however a more detailed survey would be required to confirm this.

The small hillslope seepage wetland which is in closest proximity to the borrow pit footprint is a temporary wetland located on vertic soils and is characterised by typical grassland vegetation that does not appear to differ much from the surrounding terrestrial vegetation (Themeda triandra dominated), though with the presence of some additional species that point towards occasional saturation of the soil profile, e.g. Fingerhuthia africana and Berkheya spp. Two blue cranes were also observed in the cultivated field immediately to the south of the site. The blue cranes are listed as Vulnerable on the Red Data List.

Figure 5.9.9.6 (a): Map of the delineated wetlands within proposed Borrow Pit 6 (Number 7 on Map)

The wetland is considered to still be in a largely natural state as both the hillslope seepage wetland and most of its catchment are still characterised by natural grasslands and the supporting hydrology of the wetland system is also still largely intact. The channelled valley bottom wetland below the dam is however somewhat more degraded and considered to be in a moderately modified state (PES C). The ecological importance and sensitivity of the wetland is considered to be C (moderate).

Figure 5.9.9.6 (b): Photograph of the small dam adjacent to the Borrow Pit 6 site, dry at the time of the site visit

5.9.9.7 Borrow Pit 7 (Number 10 on Map)

A small ephemeral pan was identified and delineated along the eastern boundary of the proposed Borrow Pit 7. The pan is fed by a hillslope seepage wetland that is considered to be temporarily saturated following heavy rain. The ephemeral nature of the wetlands has resulted in the wetlands being characterised by mostly terrestrial vegetation, with only the presence of some sedges such as Kyllinga erecta and Eleocharis spp. and the grass Eragrostis plana indicating the extended wetness in these areas. During initial field work in the area the small pan was overlooked, but following heavy rainfall towards the end of December 2011/beginning January 2012, the pan filled up with water and the seepage wetland became saturated. See photograph in Figure 5.9.9.7 (b).

A large gold mining tailings storage facility (TSF) is located to the east of the site, with a trench around the perimeter of the TSF to intercept seepage from the TSF. The presence of Typha capensis within this trench indicates the near permanent presence of water.

Figure 5.9.9.7 (a): Map of the delineated wetlands within proposed Borrow Pit 7

Figure 5.9.9.7 (b): Photograph of the pan wetland.

Pans, being inwardly draining and often isolated from the stream network, tend to play only minor roles in flood attenuation and are typically not important in terms of stream flow augmentation or water quality enhancement. The ephemeral nature and small size of this pan further reduce its role in terms of these functions. The main function of the pan and associated seepage wetlands is considered to be biodiversity support.

Figure 5.9.9.7 (c): Results of the WET-EcoServices Assessment

Table 5.9.9.7(a): Summarised results of the PES Assessment HGM Unit Hydrology Geomorphology Vegetation Overall Score Hillslope seepage 4 1 1.5 2.4 (C) Pan 3 1 1.9 2.1 (C)

Both the hillslope seepage wetland and the associated pan are considered to be moderately modified (PES C) and of Low ecological importance and sensitivity (EIS D).

5.9.9.8 Borrow Pit 8 (Number 8 on Map)

Two small channelled valley bottom wetlands were identified within the proposed Borrow Pit 8 site, collectively making up 6.5 % of the site. Both wetlands form the extreme upper reaches of small tributaries of an unnamed tributary to the Trichardtspruit. Extensive invasion of the alien weed Cosmos, Bidens formosa, indicates disturbance to the wetland vegetation. Other species included Hyparrhenia hirta, Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis chloromelas and a stand of Populus canescens along the southern channelled valley bottom wetland.

Other disturbances to the two wetlands included:

o An old quarry/excavation extends into the northern wetland; o Active erosion features within the wetlands; o A breached dam in the southern wetland; and o Dumping of large numbers of dead animals (Wildebeest, Springbok, and Gemsbok – at least 20 in total) within and immediately adjacent to the southern wetland.

Figure 5.9.9.8 (a): Map of the delineated wetlands within proposed Borrow Pit 8 (Number 8 on Map)

Figure 5.9.9.8 (b): Photographs of the southern of the two channelled valley bottom wetlands within Borrow Pit 8. Note the invasion by cosmos and Populus, and the dumping of dead animals

The WET-EcoServices assessment for the two wetlands was combined, given the large similarities between the two systems. Being small channelled valley bottom wetlands, flows tend to be conveyed rapidly through the system and the short retention time and limited contact between flows and the wetland sediments and vegetation limits the water quality enhancement functions that the wetlands perform. Under natural conditions, the most important role of these types of wetlands is likely to be biodiversity support, though this has been compromised by the disturbances to the vegetation.

Figure 5.9.9.8 (a): Results of the WET-EcoServices Assessment

Table 5.9.9.8(a): Summarised results of the PES assessment HGM Unit Hydrology Geomorphology Vegetation Overall score Channelled valley bottoms 5 1.4 5.6 4.1 (D)

Both channelled valley bottom wetlands are placed in a present ecological state category of D, indicating largely modified systems. The wetlands are considered to be of Low ecological importance and sensitivity.

5.9.9.9 Borrow Pit 9 (Number 9 on Map)

Three wetlands extend marginally into the proposed footprint of Borrow Pit 9, namely:

o 2 hillslope seepage wetlands o Channelled valley bottom wetland

The two hillslope seepage wetlands appear to be small, isolated wet patches within an area that had been completely cultivated in the past. These two hillslope seepage wetlands could not be investigated in detail in the field due to access difficulties. However, in the case of the wetlands the desktop assessment provided here is considered more than adequate.

The channelled valley bottom on site represents the extreme upper reach of a small tributary to the Bosjesspruit.

In addition to these wetlands, a large old quarry/excavation was observed on site, as well as a shallow erosion gully that drains towards an unchannelled valley bottom wetland located to the south of the proposed borrow pit footprint.

The major portion of the proposed Borrow Pit 9 is located within the footprint of a proposed new fine ash dam that is to be developed by Sasol. The environmental application for the proposed ash dam is currently being reviewed by the authorities and, if approved, will result in significant impacts to the wetlands on site and potentially in the complete loss of the channelled valley bottom wetland to the south of the site as well as the channelled valley bottom wetland on site.

Figure 5.9.9.9 (a): Map of the delineated wetlands within proposed Borrow Pit 9

Figure 5.9.9.9 (b): Results of the WET-EcoServices Assessment

Table 5.9.9.9 (a): Summarised results of the PES Assessment HGM Unit Hydrology Geomorphology Vegetation Overall score Hillslope seepage wetlands 4 2.6 7.1 4.5 (D) Channelled valley bottoms 3 2.3 1.6 2.4 (C)

5.9.10 Aquatic Ecosystem Assessment

5.9.10.1 Sampling Sites

Aquatic ecosystems occurring within the sub-catchment of each borrow pit were sampled. The position of the sampling sites, relative to proposed borrow pits, rivers and quaternary catchments, is shown in Figure 5.9.10.1 (a) and described in Table 5.9.10.1(a).

Table 5.9.10.1(a): Summary of aquatic sampling sites. Numbers indicate the specific borrow pits drained by the watercourse sampled. The numbers are the old numbers prior to re-numbering. Site Name of Watercourse Coordinates Quaternary BP 1-3 US Wolwespruit 26° 36.020'S 28° 53.451'E BP1-3 DS Wolwespruit 26° 37.941'S 28° 55.461'E BP 1-2 Tributary of the Wolwespruit 26° 38.416'S 28° 55.013'E C12 F BP 4 Waterval River Tributary 26° 38.038'S 29° 00539'E BP 5 Kaalspruit 26° 36.386'S 29° 00.338'E BP 6 Waterval River 26° 36.187'S 29° 01.924'E BP 7 Waterval River Tributary 26° 35.296'S 29° 03.944'E BP 8 Waterval River Tributary 26° 36.169'S 29° 05.893'E BP 9 Not sampled. No watercourse directly drains the borrow pit area. A tributary of the Grootbossiespruit flows about 980 metres to the C12 D north of the site and north of the R546 before flowing past a number of tailings dams. BP 10 Waterval River 26° 31.801'S 29° 01.996'E WV DS Waterval River, downstream site 26° 37.588'S 29° 01.398'E

5.9.10.2 Water Quality

Dams and channelled valley bottom wetlands often have naturally elevated nutrient and salinity levels in comparison to some freshwater systems, and interpretation of water quality data should proceed with caution. Similarly, any attempt to use indices of biotic integrity suitable for freshwater ecosystems in South Africa (Specific Pollution Index IPS, Coste in CEMAGREF, 1982, Biological Index for Diatoms BDI, Lenoir and Coste, 1996, Prygiel and Coste, 2000) will likely result in misleading interpretations.

Diatoms

Analyses of diatoms were therefore based on measures of relative abundance and species composition (i.e. assemblage patterns) to infer baseline water quality conditions at these sites. Appendix 1 displays a list of species and abundances recorded for each site and Table 5.9.10.2(a) gives the diatom based ecological classification for water quality.

To further determine water quality based on diatom composition at the SASOL Borrow Pits sites, diatoms assemblages collected from 179 sites throughout the Highveld were included in an NMS ordination plot to provide a more reliable and complete pollution gradient (Figure 5.9.10.2(a).

NEW BORROW PIT NUMBERS

Figure 5.9.10.1 (a): Aquatic Sampling Sites relative to the proposed Borrow Pits, Rivers and Quaternary Catchments

Table 5.9.10.2 (a): Generic diatom based ecological classification for the aquatic ecosystems sampled within the proposed Borrow Pits in September 2011 (New numbers)

Oxygen Site pH Salinity Organic nitrogen levels Trophic status

Tolerating very small Fairly High Fresh-brackish BP1 & 2 concentrations of Alkaline Eutrophic DS organically bound (>75%

nitrogen saturation)

Needing continuously Low elevated BP1 Alkaline Brackish-fresh concentrations of Eutrophic (>30% organically bound saturation) nitrogen

Tolerating elevated Low Fresh-brackish concentrations of BP3 Alkaline Eutrophic organically bound (>30%

nitrogen saturation)

Tolerating very small Fairly High Fresh-brackish concentrations of Meso- BP4 Alkaline organically bound (>75% eutrophic

nitrogen saturation)

Tolerating very small Moderate Fresh-brackish concentrations of BP5 Alkaline Eutrophic organically bound (>50%

nitrogen saturation)

Tolerating elevated Low Circumneutral Fresh-brackish concentrations of BP6 Eutrophic organically bound (>30% (around pH 7) nitrogen saturation)

Needing continuously Low Fresh-brackish elevated BP7 Alkaline concentrations of Eutrophic (>30% organically bound saturation) nitrogen

Needing continuously Moderate Fresh-brackish elevated BP8 Alkaline concentrations of Eutrophic (>50% organically bound saturation) nitrogen

NEW BORROW PIT NUMBERS

Pollution gradient (nutrients, salts & organics)

BPAxis2 5

BP8 BP1-3DS BP4 BP10 BP6

BP7 BP1-2

Axis 1

Figure 5.9.10.2 (a): NMS ordination plot of aquatic sampling sites (marked in red) indicating diatom assemblage patterns relative to 179 wetland and tributary sites sampled on the Highveld (Old Numbers).

Diatom assemblage patterns at the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits are typical of channelled wetlands and suggest the following (remembering that ‘pollution indicators’ used to determine anthropogenic stress in freshwater systems may be equally tolerant to the natural stressors that accompany healthy, eutrophic wetland systems) – text refers to new numbers:

o Samples from sites BP 1, BP 6 and BP 7 are dominated by taxon Nitzschia palea (less so at Site BP 6), a species associated with elevated nutrients and electrolytes, often from fertiliser runoff. o Samples from BP 1 and BP 3 are comprised of extremely pollution tolerant species such as Stephanodiscus minutulus, Navicula veneta, Navicula trivialis and Navicula erifuga indicative of eutrophic electrolyte-rich waters. At site BP 3, the presence of taxa Gomphonema parvulum and Mayamaea atomus var. permitis points to organic enrichment of the system.

o Site BP 6 is comprised of species such as Nitzschia archibaldii, Epithemia sorex and Epithemia adnata which are typical of eutrophic, standing waters with moderate to high electrolyte content. o The samples from BP 7 (Waterval River) is comprised of species indicative of heavy organic pollution often associated with sewage effluent such as Gomphonema parvulum, Mayamaea atomus var. permitis, Craticula accomoda, Eolimna subminuscula and Nitzschia umbonata. o Sites BP 1, BP 2, BP 4 and BP 5 are largely dominated by Achnanthidium minutissimum indicative of well oxygenated conditions, i.e. no or little oxygen depletion due to bacterial decomposition of introduced organic material (Prygiel and Coste, 2000). Studies have however also revealed Achnanthidium minutissimum to develop abundant populations at sites contaminated with different metals (Deniseger et al. 1986, Genter et al. 1987, Medley and Clements 1998, Ivorra et al. 1999, Gold et al. 2002, 2003, Cattaneo et al. 2004, Ferreira da Silva et al. 2009). It is important to be aware of the discrepancies surrounding A.minutissimum’s ecology when inferring water quality based on diatom communities for this system. Other species present such as Epithemia adnata, Epithemia sorex and Rhopalodia gibba are all typical wetland taxa found in standing and slow flowing waters of moderate to high electrolyte content. o Site BP 8 is dominated by taxa of the Achnanthidium group, mainly A. saprophilum which is common in nutrient enriched, eutrophic waters. The presence of Nitzschia palea further suggests an elevation of nutrients and electrolytes from surrounding land-uses. Sub-dominant Nitzschia paleacea points to moderate to high electrolyte content, alpha-mesosaprobic conditions.

The ordination plot of Sasol Mining Borrow Pits sites in relation to 179 wetland sites across the Highveld (Figure 5.9.10.2(a) shows diatom assemblages clustering along a gradient of nutrients and salts. Results displayed the following:

o Samples from sites BP 1 and BP 6 were grouped with stagnant water bodies an agricultural setting, with elevated electrolytes and nutrients, mainly from fertiliser runoff. o BP 7 was related to samples high in organics and salts. o BP 3 was related to a channelled valley bottom in a dolomitic area, naturally high in calcium and magnesium with some degree of sewage/organic contamination. o BP 8 was grouped with a dam system high in nutrients originating from surrounding agricultural activities. o BP 1, BP 2, BP 4 and BP 5 were all closely related to various channelled systems, dominated by Achnanthidium taxa. Water quality could therefore not accurately be assessed according to diatom assemblages as testing for heavy metals was not undertaken at any of these sites.

Water Quality

Water quality Measurements are given in Table 5.9.10.2(b). Water at all sites was alkaline, possibly due to naturally high carbonate levels. Salinities reflected hydrology, with high salinities recorded from stagnant pools within seasonal watercourses (e.g. BP 1, BP 3). High salinities at these sites are due to the concentrating effects of evaporation. Sulphate levels were particularly high (well in excess of chloride concentrations) at sites BP 1 and BP 2 (the Wolwespruit) and BP 3 (a small unnamed tributary of the Waterval River), suggesting possible contamination at these sites.

Sulphates can form complex reactions that affect the pH, and therefore the solubility of metals and other substances. For example, under anaerobic conditions sulphate ions are reduced by bacteria to hydrogen sulphide, which is highly toxic (Dallas and Day 1993).

The effects of increased salinities are difficult to predict but usually involves a change in community patterns as sensitive species are lost and tolerant species increase. An increase in salinity tends to improve the clarity of water, with consequent implications for increased algal production (associated with lower dissolved oxygen concentrations during the day) and algal species composition. Salinity levels exceeding 250mg/ℓ can change the algal species composition (Chutter and Walmsley 1994).

Freshwater invertebrates are generally tolerant of elevated salinities of up to about 1000 mg/ℓ, providing the changes are not sudden (Chutter and Walmsley 1994). Likewise, fish are generally tolerant of salinities of up to 750mg/ℓ, although juveniles and eggs are significantly more sensitive (Chutter and Walmsley 1994). With this in mind, fish populations within the Wolwespruit (BP 1 and BP 2) are at risk from salinization.

Table 5.9.10.2 (b): Water quality results for aquatic sampling sites within the vicinity of the proposed borrow pits. Wolwespruit Unnamed tributaries of the Wolwespruit Tributary Kaalspruit Waterval River Waterval River BP 1-3 US BP 1-2 BP 5 BP 10 BP 6 WV DS BP 4 BP 8 BP 7 pH 8.48 7.75 8.4 7.73 8.42 7.65 8.42 9.58 8.34 Ec (mS/m) 87 114 56 29.3 56 51 168 34 33.5 Fluoride (1.5) 0.37 0.71 0.71 0.52 0.51 0.55 Nitrite (4.0) 0 0 0 11 0 0 Nitrate (44.0) 0 0 3.77 11.51 0 0.53

Chloride (250) 18.26 23.5 23.01 34.91 106.67 19.6

Resultspending Resultspending Resultspending Sulphate (500) 136.02 40.71 25.97 63.38 269.67 19.6 0 0 0 0 0 0 Phosphate Carbonate (20.0) 10.2 3.3 5.1 0 11.4 19.8 Bicarbonate 492.88 297.68 335.5 168.97 808.25 179.34 Sodium Carbonate 18.02 5.83 9.01 0 20.14 34.98 Sodium Bicarbonate 0 0 42.93 0 0 26.71 Alkalinity 421 249.5 283.5 138.5 681.5 180 Temp. Hardness 404 244 249.45 138.5 662.5 131.1 Perm. Hardness 144.24 69.53 0 30.11 168.1 0 Sodium (400) 57.16 45.46 35.73 42.15 162.3 25.22 Potassium (400) 1.46 4.19 3.06 7.13 9.3 3.99 Calcium (200) 116.15 90.81 51.66 32.86 164.75 15.54 Magnesium (100) 62.68 21 29.02 18.9 101.8 22.03 0.01 0.01 0.07 0.63 0.01 0.12 Boron (1.5) Total dissolved solids 648.56 378.16 345.25 306.52 1229 216.33

5.9.10.3 Habitat Integrity

Observed impacts on each aquatic ecosystem sampled are rated and summarized in Table 5.9.10.3(a). The main impacts included channelization, bank erosion and water quality impacts. PES categories for habitat integrity were allocated as follows:

Category B (Largely Natural): The Wolwespruit, within the vicinity of Borrow Pits 1 and 2, as well as the Waterval River tributary at site BP 3, were considered least impacted in terms of instream and marginal habitats. The main impacts at all sites included bank erosion and channelization, as well as trampling by cattle. Dams were located upstream of all sites and all sites are likely to have received agricultural runoff (containing, for example, fertilisers and pesticides). Possible water quality impacts were detected within the Wolwespruit and at site BP 3 but these could not be conclusively linked to human activities (and may well be natural). BP 3 was probably an unchannelled/seepage wetland under natural conditions that have become eroded as a result of upstream dams. (Aquatic habitats were therefore assessed in terms of flowing water ecosystems, rather than wetlands). The Wolwespruit acts as a migration corridor for otter (evident at both sites) and it is important that habitat condition, food availability (crabs, etc) and longitudinal connectivity is maintained along this river.

Category C (Moderately Modified): The Kaalspruit, the Waterval River (at sites BP 5 and BP 7) and its tributary at sites BP 6 and BP 8 were more modified in terms of aquatic habitats. These were all highly eroded, channelized systems that had very little lateral connectivity between the channel and riparian areas, with only a very narrow band of marginal vegetation evident. Otter tracks were observed along the Kaalspruit at site BP4. BP 7 is located adjacent to a tailings dam, although no direct evidence of contamination was evident.

Category C/D (Moderately to Largely Modified): The downstream Waterval River site has been seriously impacted in terms of water quality. Algae were prolific at this site, smothering benthic and marginal habitats.

Table 5.9.10.3 (a): Estimated Habitat Integrity based on impacts observed at each aquatic sampling site. Wolwespruit Unnamed tributaries of the Waterval Wolwespruit Tributary Kaalspruit Waterval River River INSTREAM HABITAT INTEGRITY BP 1-3 USBP 1-3 DS BP 1-2 BP 5 BP 10 BP 6 WV DS BP 4 BP 8 BP 7 WATER ABSTRACTION 4 6 7 5 5 4 5 0 6 3 FLOW/HYDROLOGICAL MODIFICATION 5 6 8 7 4 5 5 2 11 5 BED MODIFICATION /SEDIMENTATION 7 7 2 10 8 9 9 6 12 9 CHANNEL/STRUCTURAL MODIFICATION 5 5 4 11 12 10 12 8 12 15 WATER QUALITY 9 6 5 4 8 5 15 9 6 4 INUNDATION 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 EXOTIC MACROPHYTES 2 2 4 3 5 2 11 2 2 2 EXOTIC FAUNA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 RUBBISH DUMPING 2 0 0 0 2 0 5 0 0 0 Total Score 34 32 30 40 44 35 62 27 55 38 RIPARIAN/MARGINAL INTEGRITY BP 1-3 USBP 1-3 DS BP 1-2 BP 5 BP 10 BP 6 WV DS BP 4 BP 8 BP 7 VEGETATION REMOVAL 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 EXOTIC VEGETATION 0 0 2 2 5 3 6 2 2 2 BANK EROSION 9 9 6 11 9 11 7 9 9 14 CHANNEL MODIFICATION 9 9 8 12 9 9 13 9 12 11 WATER ABSTRACTION 4 4 6 4 4 2 4 2 5 5 INUNDATION 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 FLOW/HYDROLOGICAL MODIFICATION 3 3 5 4 5 3 3 5 12 5 WATER QUALITY 4 4 4 5 5 4 8 4 4 4 Total Score 32 32 31 38 37 32 41 31 48 41

Estimated Overall PES B B B C B/C B/C C B C C Impact Rating: 0 = None, 1-5 = Small; 6-10 = Moderate; 11-15 = Large; 16-20 = Serious Impact

Figure 5.9.10.3 (a): Photos taken at aquatic sampling sites from streams within the vicinity of the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits.

5.9.10.4 Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

Aquatic macroinvertebrate results are summarized in the Table below. Aquatic macroinvertebrates were most diverse, with the highest prevalence of sensitive taxa, within the Wolwespruit (BP 1 and BP 2), Kaalspruit (BP 4), sections of the Waterval River (BP 5) and its tributary (BP 6).

Taxa sensitive to changes water quality and habitats included: o More than two species of baetid mayfly at site BP 6; two species at BP 1; o Atyid shrimps (sensitive to changes in marginal vegetation and flow) at sites within the Wolwespruit, Waterval River and its tributary at site BP 8; o Dixid midges (highly sensitive to changes in water quality) were present within the Wolwespruit and within the Waterval River at site BP 5; o Aeshnid dragonflies, together with other Odonata, are sensitive to changes in turbidity and marginal vegetation; o Hydraenid beetles within the Wolwespruit (BP 1 and BP 2) are sensitive to changes in water quality and habitat (marginal vegetation).

Otter tracks, scats and spraint were observed along the Wolwespruit (both BP 1 and BP 2, Upstream and Downstream Sites) and at site BP 4 (the Kaalspruit). Otters feed primarily on crabs, other invertebrates as well as frogs and fish. Therefore, any impacts on water quality and habitats may affect the availability of their food source.

PES categories according to aquatic macroinvertebrates were assigned according to the guidelines given in Dallas (2007). These guidelines cannot be applied to seasonal streams (BP 1, BP 3) which were therefore excluded from this categorization. The Wowespruit sites, BP 5 and BP 6 were considered Largely Natural (Category B). The Waterval River at BP 7 was considered Largely Natural/Moderately Modified (B/C), while the Kaalspruit was considered Moderately Modified (Category C) for aquatic macroinvertebrates.

Water quality, together with SASS5 score and ASPT, declined markedly at the downstream Waterval River site (immediately upstream of its confluence with the Kaalspruit). This site is situated downstream of a road crossing, local settlements and a trading store and is probably contaminated by domestic waste water and sewage effluent. Algae were prolific at this site.

Table 5.9.10.4 (a): Summarised SASS5 results for aquatic sampling sites (old numbers) within the vicinity of the proposed Sasol Borrow Pits.

Wolwespruit Unnamed tributaries of the Wolwespruit Tributary Kaalspruit Waterval River Waterval River SITE BP 1-3 US BP 1-3 DS BP 1-2 BP 5 BP 10 BP 6 WV DS BP 4 BP 8 BP 7 Temp (°C): 19.8 22.3 23.9 21.9 23.5 20.2 17.6 18.7 20.8 24.7 pH: 9.9 9.2 7.75 8.8 7.73 9 8.4 9.8 9.5 8.34 Cond (mS/m): 89.3 81.3 114 52.4 29.3 56 52.7 161.4 33.1 33.5 Biotopes Stones 0 0 0 1 1 2 4 0 0 0 Rated 1-5 Aquatic vege 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 Marginal vege 2 2 3 4 2 3 2 3 3 3 Mud 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 TOTAL No. SASS TAXA 19 18 15 16 19 18 14 15 13 18 SASS Score 95 92 72 75 81 87 50 63 57 91 Average Score per Taxon 5.0 5.1 4.8 4.7 4.3 4.8 3.6 4.2 4.4 5.1 Estimated PES B B N/A C B/C B D N/A D B

5.9.10.5 Aquatic Ecosystems: Summarised Assessment

In terms of the sensitivity of aquatic ecosystems that may be impacted, either directly or indirectly, by the proposed Sasol Mining Borrow Pits, the following conclusions can be drawn:

. The Wolwespruit is considered most sensitive to disturbance as it supports a number of aquatic invertebrate taxa that are sensitive to changes in habitats or water quality. The Wolwespruit also provides food (crabs and other invertebrates and frogs) and habitat for otter that migrate along its banks. This river is least impacted by human disturbance and has a relatively high degree of connectivity between instream and marginal areas, marginal vegetation being diverse and abundant. Borrow Pits 1 and 2 may impact upon the Wolwespruit, either directly (e.g. runoff) or indirectly (e.g. seepage or dust). . The Waterval River at site BP 6 and its tributary, at sites BP 3 and BP 6 can be regarded as moderately sensitive. Sites BP 5 and BP 6 have a relatively high prevalence of aquatic macroinvertebrates that are sensitive to changes in habitat or water quality. BP 3 is more sensitive in terms of habitat although the seasonal nature of this stream reduces its importance to some degree. . The Kaalspruit (site BP 4) is sensitive in terms of providing food and habitat for otter.

5.9.11 Manner of Potential Environmental Impacts

The manner of potential impacts on the wetland systems relate to the availability and quality of the surface water and ground water which feed these systems as well as the sustained presence of the physical wetland habitat. The excavation of the Borow Pits and the possible interception of both surface water and ground water during the operational phase and post closure mining activities will impact these aquatic features. Any surface water and/or ground water pollution entering these systems will also impact their current status.

5.10 AIR QUALITY

JMA Consulting Pty Ltd appointed EHRCON to conduct a base line air quality assessment for the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits project.

5.10.1 Regional Setting with the Highveld Priority Airshed

The overarching constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being is captured in the objectives of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (No. 39 of 2004) (NEMAQA). Importantly, the promulgation of NEMAQA marked a turning point in the approach to air pollution control and governance in South Africa, introducing the philosophy of Air Quality Management, in line with international policy developments and the environmental right, i.e. Section 24 of the Constitution (Act No. 108 of 1996). The focus shifted from source control to management of pollutant levels in the ambient environment. Numerous tools and instruments are incorporated into the NEMAQA, including the establishment of Priority Areas approach (Sections 18 to 20) of the NEMAQA in so-called “hot-spot” areas where ambient air quality standards are exceeded or may be exceeded. This important air quality management tool has three strategic drivers:

i. It effectively allows for the concentration of limited air quality management capacity (human, technical and financial) for dealing with acknowledged problem areas in order to obtain measurable air quality improvements in the short-, medium- and long-term; ii. It prescribes a cooperative governance regime by effectively handing-up air quality management authority to the tier of government that can provide leadership and coordination; and iii. It allows for cutting edge air quality management methodologies that take into account all contributors to the air pollution problem, i.e. “air-shed” air quality management.

The Highveld area in South Africa is associated with poor air quality and elevated concentrations of criteria pollutants occur due to the concentration of industrial and non-industrial sources. The Minister of Environmental Affairs therefore declared the Highveld Priority Area (HPA) on 23 November 2007. As the area declared overlaps provincial boundaries, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) functions as the lead agent in the management of the priority area and is required in terms of Section 19(1) of the NEMAQA to develop an AQMP for the priority area.

The Highveld Priority Area covers 31 106 km2, including parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces, with a single metropolitan municipality, three district municipalities, and nine local municipalities (see Figure 5.10.1(a) below).

Figure 5.10.1 (a): Locality of the Highveld Priority Area (from AQMP for the HPA, DEA 2010)

The baseline assessment for the HPA made a succinct presentation of the major issues to be addressed. Concerns have been highlighted in the areas of ambient air quality, technology and capacity. These issues will be carried forward into the strategy analysis and management planning stages of the AQMP development. The Logical Framework Approach workshop will assist in developing these aspects of the AQMP, where stakeholders will work towards the interventions to be implemented in the HPA.

5.10.2 Meteorology

The macro-ventilation characteristics of a region are determined by the nature of the synoptic systems that dominate the circulations of the region, and the nature and frequency of occurrence of alternative systems and weather perturbations over the region. Meso-scale processes affecting the dispersion potential include thermo-topographically induced circulations, the development and dissipation of surface inversions, and the modification of the low-level wind field and stability regime by urban areas.

Atmospheric processes at meso-scale were taken onto account in the characterisation of the atmospheric dispersion potential of the study area. Reference was made to hourly average meteorological data recorded by the South African Weather Service, modelled to the site of the Impumelelo Shaft.

Parameters that need to be taken into account in the characterisation of meso-scale ventilation potentials include wind speed, wind direction, extent of atmospheric turbulence, ambient air temperature and mixing depth.

5.10.2.1 Summary of Climatic Region H - The Highveld

The South African Weather Service has partitioned the country into 15 climatic regions. This division is based firstly on geographic considerations, more specifically the prominent mountain ranges (great escarpment) which after constitutes the main climatic divides, besides also other features such as rivers and political boundaries; secondly, on the interior plateau, use has been made of the change from BW to BS and from BS to C climates according to the Köppen classification.

The average annual precipitation in the Highveld region varies from about 900mm on its eastern border to about 650mm in the west. The rainfall is almost exclusively due to showers and thunderstorms and falls mainly in summer (85% of annual rainfall), from October to March, the maximum fall occurring in January. Heavy falls of 125 to 150mm occasionally fall in a single day. The annual average number of thunderstorms is 75. These storms are often violent with severe lightning and strong gusty south-westerly winds and are sometime accompanied by hail. The region has the highest hail frequency in South Africa; about 4 to 7 occurrences can be expected annually in one spot.

Average daily maximum temperature is roughly 27°C in January and 17°C in July but in extreme cases these may rise to 30°C and 26°C respectively. Average daily minima range from about 13°C in January to 0°C in July, whereas extremes can sink to 1°C and -13° respectively. The period during which frost is likely to form lasts on the average for about 120 days from May to September.

Air temperature is important, both for determining the effect of plume buoyancy (the larger the temperature difference between the plume and the ambient air, the higher the plume is able to rise), and determining the development of mixing and inversion layers.

5.10.2.2 Surface Wind Field

Dispersion comprises vertical and horizontal components of motion. The wind field largely determines the horizontal dispersion of pollution in the atmospheric boundary layer. The wind speed determines both the distance of downwind transport and the rate of dilution as a result of plume stretching. The generation of mechanical turbulence is similarly a function of the wind speed, in combination with the surface roughness. The wind direction and the variability in wind direction, determine the general path pollutants will follow, and the extent of cross-wind spreading.

In the study area, the mean daytime surface winds are predominantly northwesterly as a result of the prevalent anticyclonic circulation, with easterly winds being the next most frequent. In the winter, the frequency of southwesterly winds increases because of the passage of cyclonic westerly waves.

Light topographically induced winds from the eastern sector are common at night. The so-called Escarpment Breeze that develops at night under weak pressure gradients is up to 1 000m deep.

Winds are mostly light except during thunderstorms. Very occasionally tornadoes do occur. Sunshine duration in summer is about 60% and in winter about 80% of the possible.

An annual average surface wind speed of 3.2m/s was recorded from 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2011.

Period, diurnal, and seasonal wind roses for the period 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2011 are presented in Figures 5.10.2.2 (a) through (h). Wind roses comprise 16 spokes, which represents the directions from which winds blew during the period. The colours used in the wind roses reflect the different categories of wind speeds. The dotted circles provide information regarding the frequency of occurrence of wind speed and direction categories. The value given in the centre of the circle describes the frequency with which calms occurred, i.e. periods during which the wind speed was below 1m/s.

Figure 5.10.2.2(a): Annual Wind Rose

Figure 5.10.2.2(b): Day-time Wind Rose

Figure 5.10.2.2(c): Evening Wind Rose

Figure 5.10.2.2(d): Night-time Wind Rose

Figure 5.10.2.2(e): Spring Wind Rose

Figure 5.10.2.2(f): Summer Wind Rose

Figure 5.10.2.2(g): Autumn Wind Rose

Figure 5.10.2.2(h): Winter Wind Rose

5.10.2.3 Mixing Height and Atmospheric Stability in the HPA

The high frequency of anticyclonic circulation and associated subsidence in the upper air reaches a maximum in winter. The subsidence is conducive to the formation of elevated temperature inversions throughout the year with a frequency of 60% and winter base height of about 1 300 and 2 600 m AGL in summer.

Stable and clear conditions are ideal for the formation of surface temperature inversions at night. The winter inversions in the HPA region vary in strength from 5°C to 7°C and in depth from 300 to 500m AGL. These inversions occur between 80 and 90% of winter nights, varying in n strength from 3°C to 11°C and from 100 m to 400 m in depth. Inversions of more than 10°C occur more than 25% of winter nights. In summer, the surface inversions are weaker and seldom exceeded 2°C in strength. The maximum midday mixing depths vary between 1 000m and 2 000m AGL in winter and may exceed 2 500m in summer.

The presence of subsidence induced semi-permanent absolutely-stable layers at approximately 800 hPa (about 350 m AGL) and 500 hPa (about 3500 m AGL) were shown to extend over the southern African sub-continent. The vertical transport of aerosols between the surface and the tropopause is controlled by these stable layers. Aerosols typically accumulate below the base of the respective layers and in turn, the layers promote transport of the aerosols at their respective levels. Trajectories pass through different height levels, but become trapped between absolutely-stable layers.

5.10.2.4 Atmospheric Transport into and out of the HPA

Considerable research effort has focused on the meteorological circulation responsible for the accumulation and recirculation of pollutants in the HPA region. Westerly ventilation (WV) of the HPA region occurs mostly during winter with the passage of westerly waves across or south of the subcontinent. The westerly airflow over the HPA region is warm, dry and relatively free of pollutants as it originates from a source-free area. The easterly ventilation (EV) originates with a strongly ridging (or budding) anticyclone up the east coast, resulting in an onshore flow and easterly winds over the HPA. The ridging anticyclone to result in a recirculation path that loops to the north of the HPA in winter (see Figure 5.10.2.4(a)) and to the east and south of the HPA region in summer due to the seasonal north-south shift of the anticyclonic high-pressure belt.

Four major transport pathways exist to the HPA region in the lower troposphere. The most frequently occurring transport mode is from the Atlantic Ocean, occurring 43% of times. Transport from the Indian Ocean (26%) and from the African continent (25%) account for half of the transport to the HPA region. Regional-scale advection exclusively over southern Africa accounts for less than 10% of the transport. Air from the south and central Atlantic reaching the HPA region is likely to be free of industrial pollutants, while African transport may carry pollutants from central and southern Africa, particularly industrial pollutants from the Zambian copper-belt, from biomass burning in winter, and Aeolian dust.

Figure 5.10.2.4(a): Characteristic wind paths during strong anticyclonic ridging in from May to June (left) and August to April (right) (from Air Quality Management Plan for the HPA, DEA 2010)

Significant seasonal variation exists in the transport of air to the HPA region. Noteworthy is the high percentage of Indian Ocean transport (51%) in summer and by contrast, the high percentage of Atlantic transport (51%) in winter. The sub-continental scale recirculation does not vary much with season.

There are two main transport modes out of the HPA region, direct and re- circulated transport. In the direct transport mode (45%), material is transported out of the HPA region with little decay in a westerly (to the Indian Ocean), easterly (to the Atlantic Ocean), northerly (to the south Indian Ocean, or southerly (equatorial Africa) transport mode. The second mode is re-circulated transportation where material re-circulates over the subcontinent towards the point of its origin, on a regional or sub-continental scale (33%). The overall re- circulating time ranges from 2 to 9 days, depending on the scale of the recirculation.

Approximately 41% of all air transported from the HPA region affects countries bordering South Africa through either direct or re-circulated transport. Transport to Mozambique occurs more than 35% of the time, and more than 30% of the time to Botswana. Transport to Swaziland, Namibia and Zimbabwe is between 15% and 23% with less to other southern African countries.

5.10.2.5 HPA Meteorology and Air Quality

The predominant anticyclonic circulation over the HPA, particularly in winter, results in light winds, clear skies and the development of surface temperature inversions at night that persist well into the morning. The mechanisms to disperse pollutants that are released at or near ground level into this stable atmosphere are typically weak. Pollutants tend therefore to accumulate near their source or to travel under the light near-surface drainage winds. Relatively high ambient concentrations may occur especially at night and in the morning when the surface inversions are strongest. This meteorology is particularly relevant to low-level industrial stacks, domestic fuel burning and motor vehicles.

During the day, surface warming induces the break-up of the surface inversion and promotes convection, which enhances the dispersion the nigh-time pollution build-up. Convection, on the other hand, may bring emissions from taller stacks down to ground level, so-called fumigation, that result in episodes of high ambient pollutant concentrations.

Immediately above the surface inversion, the low-level jet (LLJ), a strong nocturnal wind system, provides an effective mechanism to transport pollutants from taller stacks away from their source. The LLJ occurs over the much of the HPA at night and is stronger and more persistent in winter.

Westerly flow into the HPA is associated with the introduction of clean, mostly maritime, air. Hence, ambient air quality improves with the passage of wintertime westerly waves over the HPA and ambient pollutant concentrations decrease. Convective summer showers and thundershowers wash pollutants out of the atmosphere on a relatively local scale, while widespread convective rain activity can reduce ambient pollutant concentrations on a larger scale.

Pollutants released in the HPA do not only affect the HPA. Easterly airflow associated with a ridging Indian Ocean Anticyclone results in recirculation over the subcontinent. Pollutants emitted in the HPA are recirculated at different spatial and temporal scales depending on the strength of the ridging anticyclone. The recirculation may be limited to the HPA for a few days only or for a number

of days of resulting in increases in ambient pollutant concentrations. Recirculation on larger spatial scales may transport pollutants emitted in the HPA well beyond its boundaries and into neighbouring municipalities and even across international borders.

5.10.3 Topography and Land Use

The topography of the study area is relatively flat with undulating plains, isolated hills and rocky ridges or outcrops. There are no significant topographical features. The average area elevation ranges from 1572 to 1 716m AMSL.

The Sasol Mining Borrow Pit Project exists entirely in the Grassland Biome ecosystem, but as with virtually all ecosystems in South Africa, it has been modified or transformed by human activities. These include cultivation for commercial crops or subsistence agriculture; livestock; the invasive spread of alien plants; urbanisation and settlements; the impoundment of rivers; mining; transportation and industrialisation.

5.10.4 Existing Air Quality

The outdoor sources of air pollution resulting from human activities comprise three broad categories.

Stationary sources, which can be subdivided into; rural area sources, e.g. agriculture, mining and quarrying and industrial point and area sources, e.g. manufacturing of chemicals, non-metallic mineral products, basic metal industries and power generation. Community sources, e.g. heating of homes and buildings, municipal waste and sewage sludge incinerators, fireplaces, cooking facilities, laundry services and cleaning plants. Mobile sources, such as combustion-engine vehicles, e.g. light duty petrol- powered cars, light and heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles, motorcycles, aircraft and line sources such as fugitive emissions from vehicle traffic.

Air pollutants are traditionally classified into suspended particulate matter (dusts, fumes, mists and smokes), gaseous pollutants (gases and vapours) and odours.

Particulate matter suspended in air includes total suspended particles (TSP), PM10 (SPM with a aerodynamic diameter of less than 10µm), PM2.5 (SPM with a aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5µm), fine and ultra fine particles, diesel exhaust, coal fly-ash, mineral dusts (e.g. coal, asbestos, limestone and cement), metal dusts and fumes (e.g. zinc, copper, iron, lead), acid mists (e.g. sulphuric acid), fluoride particles, paint pigments, pesticide mists, carbon black, oil smoke and many others.

Gaseous pollutants include sulphur compounds (e.g. sulphur dioxide and sulphur trioxide), carbon monoxide, nitrogen compounds (e.g. nitric oxide, nitrogen oxide and ammonia), organic compounds (e.g. hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and halogen derivatives, aldehydes etc.), halogen compounds (e.g. HF and HCl) and odorous substances.

Secondary pollutants may be formed from gaseous pollutants by thermal, chemical or photochemical reactions. For example, by thermal action sulphur dioxide can be oxidised to sulphur trioxide which, dissolved in water, gives rise to the formation of sulphuric acid mist. Photochemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and reactive hydrocarbons can produce ozone, formaldehyde and peroxyacetyl nitrate; reactions between hydrochloric acid and formaldehyde can form bischloromethyl ether.

While some odours are known to be caused by specific chemical agents such as hydrogen sulphide, carbon disulphide and mercaptans, others are difficult to define chemically.

The main source of information on air pollution in developing countries is the Air Management Information System (AMIS) set up the World Health Organisation (WHO). AMIS is based on voluntary reporting of data by municipalities of the WHO member states. The AMIS core data base collects information on annual (arithmetic) mean and high (95-, 98-) percentiles of daily mean concentrations of SO2, NO2, O3, CO, SPM, lead and other potentially monitored compounds in more than 100 cities. In principle data from three types of monitoring stations are stored: ‘industrial’ reflecting levels in areas affected by emissions from industry, ‘city centre/commercial’ reflecting levels mostly affected by traffic and ‘residential’ which should reflect the lowest level of population exposure.

5.10.4.1 Highveld Priority Area Air Quality

The state of ambient air quality in the HPA has been the subject of investigation and monitoring for more than 30 years in step with the growing power generation industry, mining and other industrial sectors such as the petrochemical and metallurgical sectors. The state of air quality in the Highveld region is described in the Air Quality Baseline Assessment for the Highveld Priority Area (DEA, 2010).

The total annual emissions of PM10 on the HPA is estimated at 279 630 tons, of which approximately half is attributed to dust entrainment on mine haul roads. The emission of PM10 from the primary metallurgical industry accounts for 17% of the total emission, with 12% of the total from power generation. By contrast, power generation contributes 73% of the total estimated NOx emission of 978 781 tons per annum and 82% of the total estimated SO2 emission of 1 622 233 tons per annum.

Industrial sources in total are by far the largest the contributor of emissions in the HPA, accounting for 89% of PM10, 90% of NOx and 99% of SO2.

Major sources in the HPA are grouped into the following categories:

1. Power Generation 2. Coal Mining 3. Primary Metallurgical Operations 4. Secondary Metallurgical Operations 5. Brick Manufacturers 6. Petrochemical Industry

7. Ekurhuleni Industrial Sources (excluding the above) 8. Mpumalanga Industrial Sources (excluding the above) 9. Agricultural operations (seasonal)

Parts of the HPA experience relatively good air quality, but generally ambient air quality in the HPA is poor and eight extensive areas occur where ambient SO2, PM10 and O3 concentrations exceed air quality standards. These “hotspots” are illustrated in Figure 5.10.4.1(a) by the number of modelled exceedances of the 24- hour SO2 and PM10 standards.

The air quality hotspots result mostly from a combination of emissions from the different industrial sectors and residential fuel burning, with motor vehicle emissions, mining and cross-boundary transport of pollutants into the HPA adding to the base loading.

Available monitoring data confirms that the areas of concern are in the vicinity of Kendal, Witbank, Middelburg, Secunda, Ermelo, Standerton, Balfour, and Komati where exceedances of ambient SO2 and PM10 air quality standards occur.

Figure 5.10.4.1(a): Modelled frequency of exceedance of 24-hour ambient SO2 and PM10 standards and the 1-hour NO2 standard in the HPA, indicating the air quality Hot Spot areas (from Air Quality Management Plan for the HPA, DEA 2010)

The effects of poor dispersion conditions in the winter are evident throughout the monitoring record for all pollutants, resulting in greater frequency of exceedances of the standards. PM10 displays this seasonal trend most strikingly, showing a sharp contrast between wintertime peaks and summer minimum values at monitoring sites. Seasonal trends are clearly observed for O3 in the monitoring record, as springtime peaks are easily identified. Monitoring data show CO and benzene to be within acceptable limits at the new sites. Trends in pollutant concentrations, based on current data, cannot be conclusively identified, marred in particular by poor data collection.

Exceedances of ambient air quality standards present situations where potential impacts on human health can occur. Ambient monitoring and dispersion modelling have identified eight areas on the HPA where ambient concentrations of PM10, SO2 or NO2 exceed the ambient standards. Exposure may be high where these exceedances coincide with populated areas and the risks to human health may be significant.

5.10.4.2 The Secunda Hotspot

The Secunda Hotspot in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality is characterized by a number of modelled exceedances of the 1-hour and 24-hour ambient standard for SO2.

Exceedances of the SO2 standards are also recorded at the four monitoring stations in the Secunda, most notably Langverwacht and Bosjesspruit, but the frequency of exceedance is within the tolerance level (Figure 5.10.4.2 (a) and 5.10.4.2 (b)). The frequency of exceedance of the 24- hour PM10 standard at the Secunda site exceeds the tolerance (Figure 5.10.4.2 (c)).

The Elandsfontein monitoring station is ideally located on the HPA to provide representative ambient data. The frequent exceedance of the 8-hour O3 standard in at this monitoring station is further evidence of a regional scale ozone problem, resulting from NOx and VOC chemistry.

Figure 5.10.4.2 (a): Monitored ambient 1-hour (top) and 24-hour (bottom) SO2 concentrations at Langverwacht

Figure 5.10.4.2 (b): Monitored ambient 1-hour (top) and 24-hour (bottom) SO2 concentrations at Bosjesspruit

Figure 5.10.4.2 (c): Monitored ambient 24-hour PM10 concentrations at Secunda

Monitoring shows contributing sources to PM10 concentrations exist all around the site, however elevated levels are associated with westerly winds (Figure 5.10.4.2 (d)). The low-income areas surrounding the site contribute to PM10 levels, as well as the Sasol industrial complex to the east.

Figure 5.10.4.2 (d): PM10 Secunda January to May 2009 (Wind direction on x-axis, concentration on y-axis).

This is mostly attributed to emissions from the petrochemical processes, power generation and residential fuel burning (Figure 5.10.4.2 (e)). Here emissions from power generation and residential fuel burning affect air quality. The contribution of industries in the area dominates the source apportionment, showing clearly that residential fuel burning, motor vehicles and coal mining are far less significant in considering the total air quality loading for all pollutants.

Figure 5.10.4.2 (e): Contribution of different sources to ambient concentrations in the Secunda Hotspot

5.10.4.3 The Lekwa Hotspot

The Lekwa Hotspot is characterized by two nodes with monitored and modeled exceedances of the 24-hour PM10 standard (Figure 5.10.4.3 (a)). The Standerton node is mostly attributed to residential fuel burning. The modeled Thutuka node is relatively small and results mostly from power generation emissions.

Figure 5.10.4.3 (a): Monitored ambient 24-hour PM10 concentrations at Standerton

5.10.4.4 The Balfour Hotspot

The Balfour Hotspot in the Dipaleseng Local Municipality is characterized by monitored exceedances of the 24-hour PM10 standard and the 8-hour ozone standard (Figure 5.10.4.4 (a)). Balfour is relatively distant from major industrial sources of PM10 and the observed exceedances are attributed mostly to residential fuel burning. The ozone exceedances are attributed to high ozone concentrations on a regional scale on the HPA.

Figure 5.10.4.4 (a): Monitored ambient 24-hour PM10 concentrations at Balfour

5.10.4.5 Particulate Matter

Particulate matter is the criteria pollutant of note which is likely to be emitted in significant quantities from the Sasol Mining Borrow Pit Project.

Particulate matter (PM) is a broad term used to describe the fine particles found in the atmosphere, including soil dust, dirt, soot, smoke, pollen, ash, aerosols and liquid droplets. The most distinguishing characteristic of PM is the particle size and the chemical composition. Particle size has the greatest influence on the behaviour of PM in the atmosphere with smaller particles tending to have longer residence times than larger ones. PM is categorized, according to particle size, into TSP, PM10 and PM2.5.

Total suspended particulates (TSP) consist of all sizes of particles suspended within the air smaller than 100 micrometres (μm). TSP is useful for understanding nuisance effects of PM, e.g. settling on houses, deposition on and discolouration of buildings, and reduction in visibility.

PM10 describes all particulate matter in the atmosphere with a diameter equal to or less than 10μm. Sometimes referred to simply as coarse particles, they are generally emitted from motor vehicles (primarily those using diesel engines), factory and utility smokestacks, construction sites, tilled fields, unpaved roads, stone crushing, and burning of wood.

Natural sources include sea spray, windblown dust and volcanoes. Coarse particles tend to have relatively short residence times as they settle out rapidly and PM10 is generally found relatively close to the source except in strong winds.

PM2.5 describes all particulate matter in the atmosphere with a diameter equal or less than 2.5μm. They are often called fine particles, and are mostly related to combustion (motor vehicles, smelting, incinerators), rather than mechanical processes as is the case with PM10.

PM2.5 may be suspended in the atmosphere for long periods and can be transported over large distances.

Fine particles can form in the atmosphere in three ways: when particles form from the gas phase, when gas molecules aggregate or cluster together without the aid of an existing surface to form a new particle, or from reactions of gases to form vapours that nucleate to form particles.

Particulate matter may contain both organic and inorganic pollutants. The extent to which particulates are considered harmful depends on their chemical composition and size, e.g. particulates emitted from diesel vehicle exhausts mainly contain unburned fuel oil and hydrocarbons that are known to be carcinogenic. Very fine particulates pose the greatest health risk as they can penetrate deep into the lung, as opposed to larger particles that may be filtered out through the airways‟ natural mechanisms.

In normal nasal breathing, particles larger than 10μm are typically removed from the air stream as it passes through the nose and upper respiratory airways, and particles between 3μm and 10μm are deposited on the mucociliary escalator in the upper airways. Only particles in the range of 1μm to 2μm penetrate deeper where deposition in the alveoli of the lung can occur.

Coarse particles (PM10 to PM2.5) can accumulate in the respiratory system and aggravate health problems such as asthma. PM2.5 which can penetrate deeply into the lungs, are more likely to contribute to the health effects (e.g. premature mortality and hospital admissions) than coarse.

People with existing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and asthmatics, as well as the elderly and children, are more at risk to the inhalation of particulates than normal healthy people.

Mortality outcomes calculated for South African urban areas estimate that outdoor air pollution caused 3.7% of total mortality from cardiopulmonary disease in adults aged 30 years and older, 5.1% of mortality attributable to cancers of the trachea, bronchus, and lung in adults, and 1.1% of mortality from acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age.

5.10.5 Manner of Potential Environmental Impacts

The proposed open cast mining activities and the associated transport of dolerite by road along the gravel roads until it reaches the tar roads, carries a significant potential for dust generation, due to the following activities.

o Soils stripping and stockpiling. o Excavations in the open pit. o Stockpiling of dolerite. o Dolerite loading onto trucks for transport. o Transport of dolerite coal from the mine along the gravel roads.

5.11 NOISE

5.11.1 Introduction and Purpose

M2 Environmental Connections CC (henceforth known as MENCO) was contracted by JMA Consulting (Pty) Ltd to determine the ambient sound character in the vicinity of nine separate proposed Sasol Mining (Pty) Ltd Borrow Pits. The closest proposed Borrow Pit is approximately 10 km’s south-west of Secunda (next to the community of Embalenhle) while the farthest is roughly 30 km’s. The proposed project is based in the Mpumalanga Province.

This Baseline Noise Report is the result of a four site visitations where the existing ambient sound character was investigated.

5.11.2 Brief Project Description

Sasol Mining proposes to develop nine Borrow Pits with the closest borrow pit being 10 km’s south-west of Secunda.

Heavy plant equipment to remove and transport materials from the Borrow Pits may include:

o One New Holland D180 grader/excavator or similar per borrow pit; o One New Holland 385B excavator or similar per borrow pit; o One dust suppression tanker truck per borrow pit; o One possible rotating sieve or vibrator on one of the borrow pits; and o Various 8 – 20 ton trucks for material transportation per borrow pit.

The proposed Borrow Pits will all be located within a vicinity of 22 km from each other in a study area of approximately 105 km2.

5.11.3 Study Area

The study area is described in terms of environmental components that may contribute or change the sound character in the area. The study area is approximately 105 km2 in size, with nine individual Borrow Pit areas proposed to be sourced for materials.

At the onset of the project, the proposed number of Borrow Pits was 10, but subsequent to the finalization of the Figures and Maps for this base line report, Sasol Mining has indicated that 1 of the proposed Borrow Pits will no longer be included in the application. The original Borrow Pit 2 was removed from the application and some of the remaining Borrow Pits were re-numbered. The Table below indicates the old and new numbers. Although the Figures in this base line description still carries the old numbers, the text has been adapted to reflect the new numbers as will be used in the application. The Figures will be updated for the EIA phase of this project.

Table 5.11.3 (a): New Number Allocation for 9 Borrow Pits Original Number New Allocated Number Borrow Pit 1 Borrow Pit 1 Borrow Pit 2 Removed by Sasol Mining Borrow Pit 3 (original quarry) Borrow Pit 2 Borrow Pit 4 Borrow Pit 3 Borrow Pit 5 Borrow Pit 4 Borrow Pit 6 Borrow Pit 5 Borrow Pit 7 Borrow Pit 6 Borrow Pit 8 Borrow Pit 8 Borrow Pit 9 Borrow Pit 9 Borrow Pit 10 Borrow Pit 7

5.11.3.1 Surrounding Land Use

The land use is mostly agriculture and rural. However an industrial zone from the existing Sasol Synfuels facility is allocated just east of the study area, and two existing Borrow Pits were viewed to the west of the study area. Many small dwellings were visited and their status confirmed during the site visitations which took place on the 24 August, 30 August, 18 November and 20 November 2011.

5.11.3.2 Roads

Traffic on the roads in the study area was clearly audible and is considered to be the main contributors to the ambient sound levels in the study area.

Three tar main or provincial roads traverse the study area namely the R547, R50 and R546 main roads (refer Figure 5.11.1(a) - roads marked as yellow lines). Vehicles traversing these roads were seen to travel between the speeds of 100 – 120 km/h in both directions. However many construction vehicles were seen to travel the R547 and R50 roads due to construction taking place at various locations on these two roads. Two currently under construction tar roads (as confirmed by the author during the monitoring dates), only identified as the road to Boshmansfontein was also viewed. This road is currently a gravel road, and splits up at a junction nearby the proposed borrow pit two. Conceptual data was used to determine the amount of vehicles traversing down this road, as currently (as viewed by the author during the monitoring dates) was dominated by construction vehicles.

Three secondary gravel roads were also seen and to have significant amount of vehicles travelling on them. No samples of these roads were obtained nor were they identified, but they are illustrated in Figure 5.11.1 (a) as orange lines. The vehicles travelling on these roads were estimated to travel at no more than an average of 60 km/h in both directions of the road.

NEW BORROW PIT NUMBERS

New Borrow Pit 1 (Old BP1) New Borrow Pit 2 (Old BP3) New Borrow Pit 3 (Old BP4) New Borrow Pit 4 (Old BP5) New Borrow Pit 5 (Old BP6) New Borrow Pit 6 (Old BP7) New Borrow Pit 7 (Old BP10) New Borrow Pit 8 (Old BP8) New Borrow Pit 9 (Old BP9)

Figure 5.11.1 (a): Site Map indicating location of proposed Project and Roads

NEW BORROW PIT NUMBERS

Figure 5.11.3.2 (a): Site Map indicating location of proposed Project and Roads

5.11.3.3 Residential areas

Besides the Embalenhle community just outside the study area, there are no residential areas close to the proposed borrow pit sites, however there are a number of occupied dwellings scattered around area.

5.11.3.4 Other industrial Activities

There are no industrial areas or significant noise sources besides roads in the vicinity of the study area. The existing Sasol Synfuels facility to the east of the proposed borrow pits did not contribute to the existing ambient sound levels in the study area. The busy R546 road also exists between the industrial area and the NSD’s in the study area, with the road noise dominating. The two existing borrow pits to the west of the study area around proposed Borrow Pit 1 were also confirmed, however was not heard or monitored to be a major contributor to the existing soundscape.

5.11.3.5 Ground Conditions and Vegetation

Natural vegetation was sparse over the landscape. Most areas consisted of either low growing grass or cultivated/ploughed agricultural crop land. This helped to contributed to the flat vegetation as there was not much obstruction of view to the horizon from monitoring points or noise-sensitive developments (NSD’s) during site visit.

Little or no vegetation existed along all roads, and road conditions seemed dry and hard during the site visit (just before spring on the 24 and 30 August 2011, and during summer time on the 18 and 20 November monitoring dates).

A small amount of trees were seen at most NSD’s, most probably to provide landscape and/or shading for the dwellings.

5.11.3.6 Topography

The landscape is a relatively flat, but the landscape does undulate in character slightly, with a downward slope gradient starting at roughly 1 600 mamsl found at the eastern side of the study area, decreasing to 1 560 mamsl to the western side of the study area.Due to the relatively flat terrain of the study area, a direct line of sight was achieved from most noise-sensitive developments to one or more of the tar or gravel roads.

5.11.3.7 Existing Background Ambient Noise Levels

Based on the available information, the study area has rural character in terms of the background ambient noise levels in areas away from roads and industrial activities. Ambient sound levels and measurements of the existing soundscape are discussed in more detail later in the report.

5.11.4 Potentially Sensitive Receptors

Noise-Sensitive Developments were initially identified using Google Earth™, supported by site visits to confirm the status of the identified dwellings. The site visits took place on the 24 August, 30 August, 18 November and 20 November 2011.

Noise-Sensitive Developments in and around the proposed Sasol borrow pits are presented in Figure 5.11.4 (a). The locations of the noise sensitive-developments are defined in Table 5.11.45.11.4(a).

Table 5.11.4(a): Locations of the identified receptors (Datum type: WGS84) (New Borrow Pit Numbers in Table) Ave. distance Receptor Location, Location, from nearest LReq,d Longitude Latitude borrow pit (dBA) (meters) Borrow Pit 9 NSD01 -26.585090° 29.117017° 1,500 45 Borrow Pit 8 NSD02 -26.607166° 29.103989° 650 45 NSD03 -26.599586° 29.089835° 1,800 45 NSD04 -26.594808° 29.083270° 1.900 45 Borrow Pit 6 and 5 NSD05 -26.596859° 29.061861° 80 45 NSD06 -26.603675° 29.058731° On the site 45 NSD07 -26.610229° 29.060969° On the site 45 NSD08 -26.592742° 29.044684° 300 45 NSD09 -26.608067° 29.037850° 1.300 45 NSD10 -26.620423° 29.042594° 2.000 45 Borrow Pit 3 NSD11 -26.617668° 29.033045° 2.300 45 NSD12 -26.620389° 29.031842° 2,100 45 NSD13 -26.623406° 29.032613° 2,100 45 NSD14 -26.627302° 29.025647° 1,400 45 NSD15 -26.629767° 29.024419° 1.300 45 NSD16 -26.629437° 29.019008° 700 45 NSD17 -26.634686° 29.018271° 900 45 NSD18 -26.635248° 29.018813° 1,000 45 NSD19 -26.636968° 29.018162° 1,100 45 NSD20 -26.636848° 29.016750° 1,000 45 NSD21 -26.637591° 29.018111° 1,150 45 NSD22 -26.638186° 29.017146° 1,150 45 NSD23 -26.638241° 29.017836° 1,200 45 NSD24 -26.645714° 29.015025° 1,800 45 NSD25 -26.639793° 29.019713° 1,400 45 NSD26 -26.634802° 28.997991° 260 45 NSD27 -26.636490° 28.981791° 1,250 45 NSD28 -26.619897° 28.988274° 1,300 45 Borrow Pit 4 NSD29 -26.612406° 28.993765° 1,650 45 NSD30 -26.612768° 28.987817° 2,100 45 NSD31 -26.586396° 28.990338° 950 45

NSD32 -26.596572° 29.003834° 10 45 NSD33 -26.600873° 29.008211° 30 45 NSD34 -26.605861° 29.011410° On the site 45 Borrow Pit 7 NSD35 -26.540967° 29.042000° 1,400 45 NSD36 -26.515983° 29.032183° 1,000 45 Borrow Pit 1 NSD37 -26.638976° 28.914599° 220 45 NSD38 -26.648859° 28.907739° 1,200 45 NSD39 -26.634140° 28.905617° 170 45 NSD40 -26.631000° 28.913077° 480 45 NSD41 -26.629641° 28.922018° 1,150 45 NSD42 -26.625524° 28.912247° 1,000 45

During the site visitation a discussion with the tenants at NSD20 identified the group of NSD’s from NSD19 to NSD23 as well as NSD25 as a small close community who worked at the farm house found at NSD24.

NSD16 was seen to be a General goods store with no visible accommodation area next to it.

NSD06 was a workshop and store area, however the foreman at the area did mention that there was accommodation on the property where residents did stay. The foreman also indicated that NSD31 was a school in the vicinity.

NSD42 could not be confirmed as an occupied dwelling, as no access to the premises was obtained due to a closed gate at the premises. No visible occupancy could be determined at this NSD. NSD39 and NSD40 were also seen to be offices for a quarry area however no access could be obtained to these premises. NSD40 was confirmed to be a quarry office by a resident in the area. Confirmation as to whether NSD39 belonged to the quarry as an office could not be attained.

The study area was also seen to have numerous derelict houses scattered at various locations. Some of these derelict houses still seemed to be in a good condition, however the status of their occupancy was confirmed with the closest occupied NSD from the derelict houses.

Figure 5.11.4 (a): Potentially Noise-Sensitive Developments (NSD’s).

5.11.5 Legal Context, Policies and Guidelines

5.11.5.1 The Republic Of South Africa Constitution Act (“The Constitution”)

The environmental rights contained in section 24 of the Constitution provide that everyone is entitled to an environment that is not harmful to his or her well-being. In the context of noise, this requires a determination of what level of noise is harmful to well-being. The general approach of the common law is to define an acceptable level of noise as that which the reasonable person can be expected to tolerate in the particular circumstances. The subjectivity of this approach can be problematic which has led to the development of noise standards.

“Noise pollution” is specifically included in Part B of Schedule 5 of the Constitution, which means that noise pollution control is a local authority competence, provided that the local authority concerned has the capacity to carry out this function.

5.11.5.2 The Environment Conservation Act

The Environment Conservation Act (“ECA”) allows the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (“now the Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs”) to make regulations regarding noise, among other concerns. The Minister has made noise control regulations under the ECA adopted by the Gauteng, Free State and Western Cape Provinces.

5.11.5.3 The National Environmental Management Act

The National Environmental Management Act (“NEMA”) defines “pollution” to include any change in the environment, including noise. A duty therefore arises under section 28 of NEMA to take reasonable measures while establishing and operating the operation to prevent noise pollution occurring. NEMA sets out measures which may be regarded as reasonable. They include the following measures:

1. to investigate, assess and evaluate the impact on the environment 2. to inform and educate employees about the environmental risks of their work and the manner in which their tasks must be performed in order to avoid causing significant pollution or degradation of the environment 3. to cease, modify or control any act, activity or process causing the pollution or degradation 4. to contain or prevent the movement of the pollution or degradation 5. to eliminate any source of the pollution or degradation 6. to remedy the effects of the pollution or degradation

5.11.5.4 National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (“AQA”)

Section 34 of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act 39 of 2004) makes provision for:

(1) the Minister to prescribe essential national noise standards - (a) for the control of noise, either in general or by specified machinery or activities or in specified places or areas; or (b) for determining – (i) a definition of noise (ii) the maximum levels of noise (2) When controlling noise the provincial and local spheres of government are bound by any prescribed national standards. This section of the Act is in force, but no such standards have yet been promulgated. Draft regulations have however, been promulgated for adoption by Local Authorities. An atmospheric emission licence issued in terms of section 22 may contain conditions in respect of noise.

5.11.5.5 Draft Model Air Quality Management By-Law for Adoption and Adaptation by Municipalities

Draft model air quality management by-laws for adoption and adaptation by municipalities was published by the Department of Environmental Affairs in the Government Gazette of 15 July 2009 as General Notice (for comments) 964 of 2009.

Section 18 specifically focuses on Noise Pollution Management, with sub-section 1 stating:

“No person shall make, produce or cause a disturbing noise, or allow it to be made, produced or caused by any person, animal, machine, device or apparatus or any combination thereof.”

The draft regulations differ from the current provincial Noise Control Regulations, because it defines a disturbing noise as a noise that is measurable or calculable of which the rating level exceeds the equivalent continuous rating level as defined in SANS 10103:2003.

5.11.5.6 Noise Control Regulations

In terms of section 25 of the ECA, the national noise-control regulations (GN R154 in Government Gazette No. 13717 dated 10 January 1992) were promulgated. The NCRs were revised under Government Notice Number R. 55 of 14 January 1994 to make it obligatory for all authorities to apply the regulations.

Subsequently, in terms of Schedule 5 of the Constitution of South Africa of 1996, legislative responsibility for administering the noise control regulations was devolved to provincial and local authorities. Provincial Noise Control Regulations only exist in the Free State, Western Cape and Gauteng provinces.

5.11.5.7 Noise Standards

Four South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) scientific standards are considered relevant to noise from a mining operation. They are:

SANS 10103:2008. ‘The measurement and rating of environmental noise with respect to annoyance and to speech communication’. SANS 10210:2004. ‘Calculating and predicting road traffic noise’. SANS 10328:2008. ‘Methods for environmental noise impact assessments’. SANS 10357:2004. ‘The calculation of sound propagation by the Concave method’.

The relevant standards use the equivalent continuous rating level as a basis for determining what is acceptable. The levels may take single event noise into account, but single event noise by itself does not determine whether noise levels are acceptable for land use purposes. The recommendations that the standards make are likely to inform decisions by authorities, but non-compliance with the standards will not necessarily render an activity unlawful per se.

5.11.5.8 International Guidelines

While there exist a number of international guidelines and standards that could encompass a document in itself, the WHO guidelines are important as they are used by different countries in the subject of environmental noise management.

Guidelines for Community Noise (WHO, 1999)

This WHO document on the Guidelines for Community Noise is the outcome of the WHO- expert task force meeting held in London, United Kingdom, in April 1999. It bases on the document entitled “Community Noise” that was prepared for the World Health Organization and published in 1995 by the Stockholm University and Karolinska Institute.

The scope of WHO's effort to derive guidelines for community noise is to consolidate actual scientific knowledge on the health impacts of community noise and to provide guidance to environmental health authorities and professionals trying to protect people from the harmful effects of noise in non-industrial environments.

Guidance on the health effects of noise exposure of the population has already been given in an early publication of the series of Environmental Health Criteria. The health risk to humans from exposure to environmental noise was evaluated and guidelines values derived. The issue of noise control and health protection was briefly addressed.

The document uses the LAeq and LA,max noise descriptors to define noise levels.

5.11.6 Measurement Procedure for Current Noise Profile

Ambient (background) noise levels were measured during the days of the 30 August, 18 November and 20 November 2011 in accordance with the South African National Standard SANS 10103:2008 "The measurement and rating of environmental noise with respect to land use, health, annoyance and to speech communication". The standard specifies the acceptable techniques for sound measurements including:

type of equipment; minimum duration of measurement; microphone positions; calibration procedures and instrument checks; and weather conditions.

The equipment defined in Table 5.11.6(a) was used for gathering data:

Table 5.11.6(a): Equipment used to gather data Equipment Model Serial no Calibration SLM Rion NL-32 01182945 17 June 2010 Microphone Rion UC-53A 315479 17 June 2010 Preamplifier Rion NH-21 28879 17 June 2010 Calibrator / Reference Rion NC-74 34494286 3 April 2009 Meteorological Kestrel 4000 587391 Calibrated * Microphone fitted with the appropriate windshield.

5.11.7 On-Site Measurements

Measurements were taken during the days of 30 August, 18 November and 20 November 2011. The sound measuring equipment was referenced directly before, and directly after the measurement was taken. In all cases drift was less than 0.2 dBA from the 94 dBA reference signal at 1,000 Hz.

The locations used to measure ambient (background) sound levels are presented in Figure 5.11.7 (a). These points are considered sufficient to determine the ambient (background) sound levels in the area. The results of the monitoring are presented in Table 5.11.7(a): and 5.11.7(b) below.

From the data obtained, it can be seen that the ambient daytime sound levels ranges between 21.8 (LA,90) and 19.6 (LA,min) dBA away from any industrial activity.

During the monitoring dates of the 18 November and 20 November, the wind speed was high and sampling conditions were not ideal. However the samples are presented in Table 5.11.7(a): and is a fair indication of the ambient and road sound pressure levels.

Figure 5.11.7 (a): Monitoring points selected near the proposed Borrow Pits

Table 5.11.7(a): Results of Ambient Sound Level Measurements Point Location, Location, L L L L Ave. Max. Temp. AIeq,T A, max A, min A90 Humidity name Latitude Longitude (dBA) (dBA) (dBA) (dBA) wind speed wind speed (degrees Celsius) SPB01(R) -26.587681° 29.124344° 76.2 90.8 34.8 41 1.4 3.3 12.4 26.2 SPB02 -26.598317° 29.109833° 32.6 46.9 23.2 24.6 1.2 3.2 17.1 26.7 SPB03 -26.604783° 29.097633° 33.4 49.2 22.9 24.4 3.2 1.1 17.0 25.8 SPB04 -26.594083° 29.049683° 34.1 51 23.1 25 1.1 3.1 18.7 28.4 SPB05 -26.619067° 29.037133° 35.5 50.2 22.0 24.7 0.8 2.7 18.2 29.8 SPB06(R) -26.624700° 29.024017° 73.5 91.1 26.0 31.6 1.2 4.2 30 28 SPB07 -26.630450° 29.007483° 38.5 52.7 23.6 26.6 1.6 5.3 22 28.5 SPB08(R) -26.589617° 29.002250° 63.1 85.5 19.6 21.3 1.1 3.1 24.6 24.5 SPB09 -26.604167° 29.012600° 31.1 44.2 19.6 21.8 0.9 2.7 21.6 25.7 SPB10(R) -26.527327° 29.028882° 68.7 85.6 31.5 36.4 9 3.8 61.4 21.7 SPB11 -26.637523° 28.921944° 34.9 48.1 21.2 25.2 5.6 3.7 44.1 24.9 SPB12(Ref) -26.640216° 28.904087° 78.2 93.5 57.3 63.5 1.0 1.0 32 22 Notes: SLM fitted at all times with the WS-03 all-weather windshield; The minimum range of the Rion NL 32 Sound Level Meter can be considered as 20 dBA; (Ref) Denotes a reference monitoring point of a noise source besides roads; and (R) Denotes Road Sample.

Table 5.11.7(b): Results of converted A-weighted third octave frequency analysis monitoring (Datum type: WGS84) Location Location 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 L Point name WA Latitude Longitude (dB) (dB) (dB) (dB) (dB) (dB) (dB) (dB) (dBA) SPB10(Ref) -26.640216° 28.904087° 88.8 88.5 93.4 101.3 94.2 92.0 90.8 84.7 80.6

One frequency analysis was also conducted at an estimated 1 – 1, 2 meters from one of the plant equipment proposed to be used in the borrow pits with the results found in Error! Reference source not found. (a New Holland D180, which seemed o be a grader with a front mounted bucket). This sample was taken at a nearby operational Sasol Mining quarry. The operational quarry manager also confirmed that similar machinery will be used at each individual proposed quarry by Sasol Mining SPB12 was a sample of the A-weighted noise levels of the full operational quarry activities at the quarry mentioned above including the New Holland D180 from Error! Reference source not found.. The sample was taken at approximately 5 – 20 meters from the operational quarry with a New Holland 385B excavator, New Holland TLB operating along with various eight and twenty ton trucks collecting materials from the quarry. The manager of the quarry also made note that a dust suppression truck would be made use of on the eight proposed borrow pits along with the above mentioned activities, however this truck was not in view during SPB10 sample.

Besides the road samples (denoted by a (R)) and the reference sample (Ref), the sampled areas were chosen in order to define the ambient sound character of the study area.

5.11.8 Ambient Sound in Area (Existing Soundscape)

An ambient sound level map was compiled using the information gained during the site visit. As can be seen from Figure 5.11.8 (a) the area can be considered relatively quiet in areas away from tar or the three unidentified gravel roads.

The ambient sound level map was compiled using the methodology defined in SANS 10210:2004 to illustrate the observed scenario, namely:

Day-time (06:00 – 22:00) ambient background sound levels in wind-still conditions (Peak traffic assumed as counted with traffic moving constantly): - 300 vehicles/hour (30% trucks) on the R546 main road; - 72 vehicles/hour (50% trucks) on the R50 main road; - 18 vehicles/hour (10% trucks) on the R547main road; - 18 vehicles/hour (30% trucks) on the three unidentified gravel roads; and - 18 vehicles/hour (30% trucks) on the Road to Boschmansfontein gravel road (soon to be tar, these figures are conceptual).

There were many smaller gravel roads in the study area, however they had a insignificant amount of traffic traversing on them, and were not considered as a major contributor to the ambient soundscape. The existing Sasol facility to the east of study area was not heard at any monitoring points and the R546 was seen to act as a buffer zone between the study area and the Sasol facility. Even though no data or layout was obtained for activities at the Sasol Facility, it was still considered in the ambient sound level map.

Figure 5.11.8 (a): Day Ambient Sound Levels (Contours of constant sound levels)

5.11.9 Conclusions

This report is a Baseline Noise Assessment of the current ambient soundscape near Secunda, Mpumalanga Province. It investigated the existing soundscape during the daytime period only.

Even though there is a large existing Sasol Synfuels industrial vicinity to the east of the study site, it does not contribute to the ambient soundscape in the study area. This is probably due to the distance that the closest identified potential noise-sensitive development in the study area is to the industrial vicinity (more than 2 000 meters). The traffic on the R546 road also acts as a noise source between Sasol Synfuels and the potential noise-sensitive developments.

All samples done at the selected locations indicate that the sound levels in the area are low at areas away from roads, with a character typical of a rural area. However potential noise-sensitive developments found close to roads would be exposed to more noise during the day due to a fair amount of traffic on the tar and gravel roads.

The rating level for the area is considered to be 45 dBA during the day as per SANS 10103:2008.

5.11.10 Manner of Potential Environmental Impacts

The proposed open cast mining activities and the associated transport of dolerite by road along the gravel roads, carries a significant potential for noise generation, due to the following activities.

o Daily activity of earth moving machinery in and around the open pit. o Reverse hooters on earth moving machinery. o Transport of dolerite from the quarries along the gravel roads.

5.12 VISUAL ASPECTS

Zeli Design was contracted by JMA Consulting (Pty) Ltd to perform a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) in support of the required Environmental Authorizations for the proposed development by Sasol Mining of a number of Dolerite Borrow Pits located within their Secunda Coal Mines lease areas.

5.12.1 Scope of Work

The deliverables of the VIA study must support applications to be lodged in fulfillment of the requirements of the National Environmental Management Act, the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Development Acta and the National Water Act.

The VIA represents a Social component with in the holistic realm of EIA components and must as such be integrated with the Biophysical and Economic components of the studies done.

The specific deliverables of the VIA includes:

The performance of a Contextual Analyses The performance of a View Shed Analyses The performance of a current status Photographic Assessment A description of the Visual Base Line (current) Conditions A Visual Impact Assessment The scoping and design of a Visual Aspects Management Plan The design of a Visual Aspects Monitoring Plan

This section 5.12 of this Scoping Report deals with the first four bullets. The impact assessment, management plan and montoring plan will be included in the EIAR.

5.12.2 Investigative Methodology

A synoptic discussion of the actions performed in order to conduct this visual assessment of the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits (SMBP) sites will now be given.

5.12.2.1 Introduction

The proposed SMBP sites are located to the South West of the town of Secunda, in the Mpumalanga province. The sites are located within existing Sasol Mining Mine Lease areas belonging to the Middelbult and Brandspruit Collieries.

Due to the nature and extent of the new proposed Borrow Pits, a degree of visual impact will occur, affecting observers in the vicinity of the site. It is the aim of this Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) to determine the extent and significance of the visual impact, and if negative and possible, methods to mitigate these effects. Thus this report assesses the visual impact of the new proposed Borrow Pits and visual mitigation measures are considered if appropriate.

Natural beauty has an instinctive appeal to mankind. Consciously or unconsciously, we all distinguish between various types of views. The views we observe in the landscape can be divided into short-range views that are those closer than 300 meters, and long-range views that are from further away. Many aspects, such as our cultural background, our education, our experiences, the complexity of the scene, ecological health of the area, and the uniqueness of the scene, consciously or unconsciously influence our opinions about the views that we see.

These interpretations provide one with guidelines on how to proceed with a scientific analysis of views in general, and landscapes in particular. In effect they indicate which features are meaningful to the ordinary eye. The point of departure for the Visual Aspects Specialist Study Report was Hans Martens, the 19th century German architect’s, principle that the total aesthetic impression is related to the range and distance that a normal human eye can encompass (Higuchi, 1988).

His ideas with respect to distance and angle of elevation have become standard in the field of visual analysis and will also be considered for this report. Higuchi (Higuchi, 1988) proposes eight criteria or indices for determining the visual structure of landscape:

Visibility or invisibility. This concerns the fundamental question of what can be seen and what cannot be seen from a given viewpoint. Distance. This has to do with the changes that take place in the appearance of an object as the distance between the observer and the object varies. Angle of incidence. When a landscape is conceived of as a group of surfaces, the angle at which the line of vision strikes each surface determines to a large degree what can be seen of it. This index evaluates the comparative visibility of the various surfaces in a given landscape. Depth of visibility. This gauges the degree of visibility in terms of the depth of the unseen section with respect to the line of vision. Angle of depression. This clarifies the viewer's sense of position as he/she looks at a scene from above. Angle of elevation. This indicates the nature of upward view and the limits of the visible space. Depth. This clarifies the degree of three-dimensionality of the landscape as it unfolds before the viewer. Light. The appearance of a landscape changes drastically in accordance with the manner in which the light strikes it. This index has to do with the transformation that take place as the position of the source of light moves from front to side to back.

Thus, the visual character of a landscape is measured in many different ways; each employed for a specific evaluation. Whichever methods are used, the importance of being able to assess the long-term aesthetic effects of proposed landscape alteration is critical prior to a proposed area being constructed or activity undertaken. Keeping Martens' and Higuchi's principles in mind, specific methods have been taken from these and additional sources to ensure that appropriate answers to the standard requirements of the VIA Process are generated.

5.12.2.2 Contextual Analysis

A contextual analysis was performed in order to establish the visual character “base line” for the site. The analysis was based on published information for the area available from public sources such as the internet. The information used is considered to be biased slightly towards a “marketing” perspective for the Mpumalanga province, which is good as it provides a conservative base line for the contextual analysis.

5.12.2.3 View Shed Analysis

A view shed analysis was performed prior to the site specific photographic analysis in order to determine the visibility of the site from priority access points/routes such as public roads and farms with houses.

5.12.2.4 Photographic Assessment

A detailed photographic survey was done of the study sites and adjacent areas from numerous surrounding vantage points. The photographic compilations are produced in 2D by taking a series of photographs of a 3D environment. These are used to complete a view of the study area. This is done to give a clearer indication of the visual nature of the areas that will visually be affected by the activities, which will in turn aid in the design and installation of visual mitigation measures.

5.12.2.5 Baseline Description

Using the information generated during the contextual analyses, view shed analyses and the photographic assessment, a comprehensive base line description was compiled in order to establish the current visual conditions in the area where the proposed development will occur. This is required to serve as “base line” against which to assess any changes that the development will have on visual aspects as well as against which to evaluate any future complaints received from the public once the project gets underway.

5.12.3 Assumptions made during the VIA

In view of the large amount of high integrity topographical and project information available and based on the fact that an on-site photographic and visual assessment could be performed, no assumptions of note had to be made. The information available for and data generated during the visual assessment facilitated a baseline description and impact assessment of high detail and integrity.

5.12.4 Contextual Analysis

It is important to provide a contextual description of the study area as it provides the main emphasis for the required visual character of the site and its activities.

5.12.4.1 Macro Context

The site of this project is located in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa.

Figure 5.12.4.1 (a): Setting of Site in South Africa (macro context).

The Mpumalanga province lies in eastern South Africa, north of the KwaZulu- Natal province of SA and bordering Swaziland and Mozambique. It constitutes 6.5% of South Africa's land area. In the north it borders on the Limpopo province of SA, to the west the Gauteng province of SA, to the southwest the Free State province of SA and to the south the KwaZulu-Natal province of SA.

5.12.4.2 Regional Context

A discussion on the Regional Context provides the motivation to keep the area visually acceptable.

Mpumalanga Province Profile

Mpumalanga means “Place Where the Sun Rises”. Due to the province’s spectacular scenic beauty and abundance of wildlife, it is one of South Africa’s major tourist destinations.

Whilst visitors flock to Mpumalanga to experience the increasingly globally elusive bush and wildlife experience in the pristine reserves and natural environment, there is far more to be experienced if you just scratch beneath the surface. Mpumalanga's melting pot of history, culture and terrain has created a treasure trove of attractions that are arguably amongst the richest in the world. (www.mpumalanga.com)

Figure 5.12.4.2 (a): Regional Setting of the Site.

Basic Information

LAND AREA: 79 490 km2

POPULATION: 3.508 million

CAPITAL CITY: Nelspruit

PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES: siSwati, isiZulu, isiNdebele

ROADS: Good to fair, suitable for all vehicles.

CLIMATE: Extremely varied climate across province.

AIRPORTS: Nelspruit

RAIL AND BUS SERVICES: Available throughout the Mpumalanga Province.

DISTRICTS: The province consists of 3 districts: Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande, Nkangala Districts (www.mpumalanga.gov.za)

Land Area:

With a surface area of only 79 490 km2, the second-smallest province after Gauteng, it has the fourth-largest economy in South Africa. (www.mpumalanga.gov.za)

Boundaries:

Bordered by Mozambique and Swaziland in the east, and Gauteng in the west, it is situated mainly on the high plateau grasslands of the Middleveld, which roll eastwards for hundreds of kilometres. In the north-east, it rises towards mountain peaks and terminates in an immense escarpment. In some places, this escarpment plunges hundreds of metres down to the low-lying area known as the Lowveld. (www.mpumalanga.gov.za)

Major Cities and Towns:

Nelspruit, Witbank, Standerton, Barberton, Ermelo, Secunda, Middelburg.

Infrastructure:

The area has a network of excellent roads and railway connections, making it highly accessible. Because of its popularity as a tourist destination, Mpumalanga is also served by a number of small airports, such as the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. (www.mpumalanga.gov.za)

Economy:

The best-performing sectors in the province include mining, manufacturing and services. Tourism and agro processing are potential growth sectors in the province. (www.mpumalanga.gov.za) Discussed below: the economic areas of agriculture, mining and tourism.

Agriculture

More than 68% of Mpumalanga is utilised by agriculture. Crops include maize, wheat, sorghum, barley, sunflower seed, soybeans, groundnuts, sugar cane, vegetables, coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, citrus, subtropical and deciduous fruit.

Natural grazing covers approximately 14% of Mpumalanga. The main products are beef, mutton, wool, poultry and dairy.

Mining

Extensive mining is done and the minerals found include: Gold, Platinum group metals, Silica, Chromite, Vanadiferous Magnetite, Argentiferous Zinc, Antimony, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Tin, Coal, Andalusite, Chrysotile Asbestos, Kieselguhr, Limestone, Magnesite, Talc and Shale.

Mpumalanga accounts for 83% of South Africa's coal production. 90% of South Africa's coal consumption is used for electricity generation and the synthetic fuel industry. Coal power stations are in proximity to the coal deposits. A coal liquefaction plant in Secunda (Secunda CTL) is the one of the country's two petroleum-from-coal extraction plants, which is operated by the synthetic fuel company Sasol.

Tourism

Mpumalanga is also a popular tourism destination. Kruger National Park, established in 1898 for the protection of Lowveld wildlife, covering 20,000 square kilometres (7,800 square miles), is a popular destination. The other major tourist attractions include the Sudwala Caves and the Blyde River Canyon.

Many activities including The big jump, mountain and quad biking, horse trails, river rafting and big game viewing are endemic to the region. This is Big 5 territory.

In 2008 a Haute Cuisine route was formed, trickling from Mbombela down to Hazyview, the Lowveld Gourmet Route covers the four top fine dining restaurants the area has to offer. The restaurants include Summerfields Kitchen, Oliver’s Restaurant, Orange and Salt.

Areas of Importance:

Nelspruit is the capital of the province and the administrative and business centre of the Lowveld. Nelspruit also is the second-largest citrus-producing area in South Africa and is responsible for one third of the country’s export in oranges. The Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops is situated here.

Witbank is the centre of the local coal-mining industry and the biggest coal producer in Africa. Mpumalanga is very rich in coal reserves. The country’s major power stations, three of which are the biggest in the southern hemisphere, are situated here. Unfortunately, these cause the highest levels of air pollution in the country.

Secunda, where South Africa’s second petroleum-from-coal installation is situated, is also located in this province.

Middelburg produces steel and vanadium.

Standerton, in the south, is renowned for its large dairy industry.

Piet Retief in the southeast is a production area for tropical fruit and sugar.

A large sugar industry is also found at Malelane in the east.

Ermelo is the district in South Africa that produces the most wool.

Barberton is one of the oldest gold-mining towns in South Africa.

Sabie is situated in the forestry heartland of the country.

Groblersdal is an important irrigation area, which yields a wide variety of products such as citrus fruit, cotton, tobacco, wheat and vegetables.

Carolina-Bethal-Ermelo is mainly a sheep-farming area, but potatoes, sunflowers, maize and peanuts are also produced in this region.

One of the country’s largest paper mills is situated at Ngodwana, close to its timber source.

The Maputo Corridor, which links the province with Gauteng and Maputo in Mozambique, heralds a new era in terms of economic development and growth for the region.

As the first international toll road in Africa, the Maputo Corridor is attracting investment and releasing the local economic potential of the landlocked parts of the country. It will thus generate sustainable economic growth that will lead to sustainable high-quality jobs. (www.mpumalanga.gov.za)

Biological Diversity:

Mpumalanga falls mainly within the grassland biome. The escarpment and the Lowveld form a transitional zone between this grassland area and the savanna biome. Long sweeps of undulating grasslands change abruptly into thickly forested ravines and thundering waterfalls of the escarpment, only to change again into the subtropical wildlife splendour of the Lowveld.

Climate:

Mpumalanga’s weather is naturally defined by its topography. Mpumalanga is a province of two halves, namely the high-lying grassland savannah of the Highveld escarpment and the subtropical Lowveld plains. The western side of Mpumalanga, on the Highveld escarpment, is like a rise of tropics, an ascent into an uncompromising range of temperatures. The west is drier, hotter and much colder than the rest of the Mpumalanga province.

Middelburg, in the heart of the Highveld, experiences summer rain, and has a summer (October to February) to winter (April to August) range of around 19º C with average temperatures in the contrasting seasons, of 26º C and 8º C. Nelspruit, the capital city of Mpumalanga, lies at the edge of the Lowveld near the Kruger National Park, and enjoys relatively plentiful summer rainfall (an average of around 620 mm falls between September and March) and mild to hot subtropical conditions in the Kruger National Park. (www.sa-venues.com)

Population:

- Total Population 3,643,435 - Rank: 6th in South Africa - Density: 45.8/km2 (118.7/sq mi) - Density rank: 3rd in South Africa [Community Survey 2007: Basic results". Statistics South Africa. p. 2.]

Literacy Rate:

The Mpumalanga Department of Social Services, Population and Development reported that 29% of the population in the province aged 20 years and older received no schooling or formal education at all, constituting almost a third of the population in this age group (DSSPD, 2001). In addition, it is estimated that only 5% of the population in the province has post-school qualifications. Furthermore, it was reported that only 47% of Grade 12 learners in the province obtained their matriculation in 1996 and that Mpumalanga has a high percentage of ever-age learners (HSRC, 1998).

5.12.4.3 Micro Context (Proposed Sasol Mining Borrow Pit Sites)

A description of the micro context provides the necessary baseline for the assessment of visual impacts and a guideline towards the land use compatibility of the new proposed developments when considered in the larger study area.

Currently the land use located on and in the near vicinity of the sites is predominantly agricultural. Farmers use the land for maize cropping and grazing. Large parts though are natural vegetation not used for active agricultural purposes. Small game farms can also be found in the area. Underground gold and coal mining activities also occur in the area and surface infrastructure consists of shaft complexes and gold slimes dams. Human settlements are largely urbanised with scattered farmsteads and farm worker houses.

5.12.5 Visibility Analysis

5.12.5.1 View Shed Analysis

The view shed analysis was performed prior to the site specific photographic analysis in order to determine the visibility of the site from priority access points/routes such as public roads and farms with houses. The analysis was performed with SURFER, creating 3-dimensional shaded relief and 3-dimentional topographical contour maps, using the 1:50 000 published DTM information obtained from the Surveyor General. The resulting maps provided a sound basis from which to assess potential vantage points to the sites and on which to base planning for the photographic assessment. The 3-dimentional topographical relief and contour maps for the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits sites and its surrounds are shown in Figure 5.12.5.1 (a) and Figure 5.12.5.1 (b). The Sasol Mining Borrow Pits are also indicated on the maps.

Table 5.12.5.1(a): New Number Allocation for 9 Borrow Pits Original Number New Allocated Number Borrow Pit 1 Borrow Pit 1 Borrow Pit 2 Removed by Sasol Mining Borrow Pit 3 Borrow Pit 2 Borrow Pit 4 Borrow Pit 3 Borrow Pit 5 Borrow Pit 4 Borrow Pit 6 Borrow Pit 5 Borrow Pit 7 Borrow Pit 6 Borrow Pit 8 Borrow Pit 8 Borrow Pit 9 Borrow Pit 9 Borrow Pit 10 Borrow Pit 7

Figure 5.12.5.1 (a): Shaded Relief Map of Sasol Mining Borrow Pits.

Figure 5.12.5.1 (b): Topographical Relief (View Shed) Map of Sasol Mining Borrow Pits

5.12.5.2 Visibility Range of Proposed Sites

Due to the fact that the site is located in the Grassland Biome of South Africa the topography is mainly flat and rolling. Grasslands (also known locally as Grassveld) are dominated by a single layer of grasses. (www.plantzafrica.com) Near the Secunda area the veld mainly consists of rolling grassland scattered with shrubs and isolated trees.

Even though the terrain is relatively flat, the rolling hills cause a restricted visibility range, resulting in short range views. After visiting the sites, and selecting the View Points for the photographical survey along public roads surrounding the sites, it was observed that the true visibility of the sites are even more restricted than indicated on the View Shed Analysis and the sites are only visible if a person stands practically on terrain.

5.12.6 Photographic Assessment

The following photographic assessment will prove support of the above mentioned low visibility range of the proposed sites.

The points selected for the photographic assessment were chosen along public roads surrounding the SMBP sites. The points are shown on the map in Figure 5.12.6 (a).

The assessment distinguishes between long-, medium- and short range views as well as highly-, slightly-, and not-visible views. Also indicated on the map in Figure 5.12.6 (a) is a 300 meter buffer around each borrow pit. Within this 300 meter buffer the vantage points will be short range views.

When discussing the assessment, the character of the area, a mining industrial complex, will be noted. This is the specific character of the sites and surrounding regions and should be the point of departure/terms of reference for the SMBP sites visual assessment.

To avoid clustering of data and information, the photographic assessment will be presented at the hand of 11 photographic compilations (Figure 5.12.6 (b) – Figure 5.12.6 (k), each representing views to one of the borrow pits.

NB! Borrow Pit 2 shown on the map and on the photographic assessment was removed from the project and the remaining Borrow Pits were re-numbered. The numbers on the photographic assessments are therefore not always the correct ones. The correct Borrow Pit numbers are given in each Subscript to the Figures

NEW BORROW PIT NUMBERS

Figure 5.12.6 (a): Map of Borrow Pits and Vantage Points from which Photographs were taken (old BP Numbers on Map)

Figure 5.12.6 (b): Views of Borrow Pit 1 (Old Number 1)

Figure 5.12.6 (c): Views of Borrow Pit 2 (Old Number 3.

Figure 5.12.6 (d): Views of Borrow Pit 3 (Old Number 4).

Figure 5.12.6 (e): Views of Borrow Pit 4 (Old Number 5).

Figure 5.12.6 (f): Views of Borrow Pit 5 (Old Number 6)

Figure 5.12.6 (g): More Views of Borrow Pit 5 (Old Number 6)

Figure 5.12.6 (h): Views of Borrow Pit 6 (Old Number 7)

Figure 5.12.6 (i): Views of Borrow Pit 7 (Old Number 10)

Figure 5.12.6 (j): Views of Borrow Pit 8 (old Number 8)

Figure 5.12.6 (k): Views of Borrow Pit 9 (old Number 9)

5.12.7 Regional Visual Character – Long Range Views

Regionally the visual character is three-fold:

The first: is that of the coalfields of Mpumalanga. The area around Secunda is largely occupied by mining facilities. Here the perceived degree of human intrusion is moderate to high, and the vegetation not uniquely grassland anymore. Therefore if the proposed new Borrow Pit’s activities are viewed from close up, against the surrounding environment as backdrop, the visual impact will be relatively low, as the nature of these elements will not contrast greatly with their surrounding visual context.

NEW BORROW PIT NUMBERS

Figure 5.12.7 (a): Aerial Photograph Indicating Borrow Pits Within The Secunda Area (old Numbers on Map).

If the proposed Sasol Mining Borrow Pits are analysed in this context, it cannot be described as the highest or biggest structures in the Secunda area, as the activites do not require large structures but only minimal surface infrastructure and machinery and thus does not present a problem considering visual intrusion from long range views.

The second: is that of the grassland in which the Borrow Pits are located. The perceived degree of human intrusion in this area is moderate with grasslands surrounding most of the proposed sites. The veld adjacent to the sites is acceptable for natural camouflage of lower structures. The visual impact of the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits in the larger area will be moderate, as other similar surface infrastructure and activity can be found in close vicinity to the sites.

The third: visual character area is that of human settlement. Because the proposed new SMBP will be situated within open veld area, they will be seen from some of the farm houses and roads situated close by. The population density in this area though is very low, with only a few farmers and local workers using the roads running alongside the individual borrow pits.

Furthermore, even though the Borrow Pits will be visible, they will have a very low visual intrusion on the landscape as the activities related to the process of mining the Borrow Pits are of low impact.

Borrow Pit 7, situated along the R547, will be highly visible from this Route and a nearby farm house, but is situated against the backdrop of other mining activities, causing this Borrow Pit to have a relatively low visual impact, as the nature of these elements camouflages into its surrounding visual context.

Figure 5.12.7 (b): Active Borrow Pit in the area. View in the background is surface infrastructure and in the foreground typical machinery to be found on site.

Figure 5.12.7 (c): Site for Proposed New Borrow Pit 7 from the R547, with existing mining infrastructure in the background.

Borrow Pit 9 is situated along the R546. This site will be highly visible from this route. The immediate area though is characterized by extensive human intrusion and alteration, as well as extensive mining activity, structures and infrastructure. Thus this Borrow Pit will not present a significant problem considering visual intrusion and changing the current character of the landscape.

The informal settlement of Embalenthle and the town of Secunda lies to the north–east of all the proposed new SMBP. The borrow pits however will not be visible from these areas as the landscape restricts long range views to a large

degree. In the rare case of a viewpoint having direct sight to any of the sites, the distance is to vast to notice any activity of such small impact.

The Sasol Mining Borrow Pits’ visual impact on the town of Secunda is insignificant, and on the regional areas that of a minimum due to the following two facts:

1. The Borrow Pits are not unique features in the area’s landscape because many other similar activities can be identified in the vicinity 2. Long range views are limited due to the topography.

The visual impact of the SMBP on the passersby in very near vicinity of the sites is negative, but little or no measures can be taken to improve this.

In terms of visual character, the proposed Borrow Pits will not intrude radically with the surrounding regional visual character.

5.12.8 Local Visual Character – Short/Medium Range Views

When buildings, vegetation or landforms obscure a view, the range of the view is shortened, resulting in a short-range view. In this report, short-range views are those views that are closer than 300 meters to a feature.

In instances where physical objects do not dominate short-range views or obscure objects that are further off in the distance, the eye is automatically drawn to any prominent vertical feature, even if these are some distance away. In this proposed context, this phenomenon is not illustrated by vertical objects on the sites of the Borrow Pits, but by the activities on site which include moving vehicles and machinery causing dust in the air. The principle though, stays the same. The activities cause movement and dust that attracts attention from viewers. If views are not obstructed by objects closer to the observer it will draw the observer’s attention.

In the instances of the SMBP the majority of high visibility views to the individual sites are short range views caused by the landscape character. Medium and Long range views are rarely highly or even slightly visible. The Borrow Pit sites are generally only visible when observed from a distance closer than 300 meters.

In the instances where long range views are dominant, the activity on sites does not cause a visual intrusion and the impact is generally low.

Another factor that may influence short-range views is the backdrop against which an element is viewed. When viewed from close up, landscape elements are usually seen against the sky and are therefore more visible. When the same elements are viewed against a backdrop of similar colour, they tend to be “hidden” more. As seen at the site of Borrow Pit 7.

5.12.9 Landscape Character

In this document, Landscape Character is a discussion of the nature and occurrence of the physical environment:

5.12.9.1 Morphology and Topography

The Sasol Mining Borrow Pits will be located in open veld area that lies among other mining sites, near Secunda. The site is therefore, from a morphological and topographical point of view, partially modified from its pristine condition.

For the most part the sites and surrounding areas still possess their natural landscape form which is that of rolling hills. When on each site, the terrain is relatively flat and has a general slope of a small gradient. The sites are mainly surrounded by open grasslands, farming activities, game farms or other mining activities.

In conclusion: Even though the site and surrounding areas for the most part still possess their natural landscape form, they occur in an area where the local topography and morphology have been altered in some way due to mining and other activities. The area therefore by no means represents a green fields morphological and/or topographical environment.

5.12.9.2 Surface Vegetative Cover

The study area is located within the grassland biome of South Africa. The grassland biome is one of the most threatened biomes in South Africa, due to agricultural and mining activities. According to Low and Rebelo (1996), the mining area falls within the Moist Clay Highveld Grassland (10 265 km² total area; ± 79% transformed; 0% conserved).

5.12.9.3 Current On-Site and Adjacent Land Use

Current on Site Land Use

Land use currently located on the sites is predominantly agricultural. Farmers use the land for maize cropping and grazing. Large parts though are natural vegetation not used for active agricultural purposes. Small game farms can also be found in the area. Underground gold mining activities also occur in the area and surface infrastructure consists of shaft complexes and gold slimes dams. Human settlements are largely urbanised with scattered farmsteads and farm worker houses.

Current Land Use within the Wider Study Area

Mixed commercial and residential land use activities are concentrated in the town of Evander located in the north. The towns and residential areas of Secunda and eMbalenhle are located on the eastern and northern sides of the study area, respectively. The adjacent land use consists of agricultural activities in the north and west, mixed commercial and residential activities to the south and east, coal and gold mining activities occur in the region with concentrations to the south, and industrial activities (Sasol Synfuels) in the southeast.

These current land use attributes, undoubtedly represent the dominant component of the landscape character.

5.12.10 Existing Visual Character

The proposed Borrow Pit sites are dispersed in a rural area located south and west of Secunda. The larger study area is characterized by urban development, (Secunda, Evander, as well as informal settlements) industrial development (Sasol Synfuels Plant), gold mining activities represented by shaft development and slimes disposal activities, and Sasol Mining underground coal mining activities, the latter which have a limited visual manifestation due to the fact that the only surface infrastructure comprises shaft complexes and overland conveyor systems.

When considering the proposed SMBP, the undulating topographical definition will restricts long range views to a few vantage points only, and then even if visible, the infrastructure will be visually absorbed by the background and surrounding landscape. The existing visual character of the SMBP sites and greater region is therefore not undisturbed and is in fact characterised by manmade elements. The proposed facilities will not be uniquely visible and therefore will not visually dominate the area, and will only contrast visually with the area’s character context to a small extent.

5.12.11 Landscape Visual Quality Assessment

In this document, Landscape Quality is a measurement of the union of ecological integrity and aesthetic appeal. Ecological integrity refers to the condition or overall health of the landscape measured in terms of the quality of the physical environment – morphology, topography and vegetation. Note that air quality and dust pollution is not investigated in this study. It should however be noted that dust from truck traffic can be a most visible feature of mining and industrial activities, when viewed from some distance away. Emissions from mines and other industrial activities are visible from great distances away, more so than the structures or activities themselves that causes it.

Aesthetic appeal refers not only to the visual quality of elements of an environment but also to the way in which combinations of elements in an environment appeal to our senses. Studies of perceptual psychology have shown human preferences for landscapes with a higher visual complexity, rather than homogeneous ones. On the basis of contemporary research by Crawford (Crawford, 1994), landscape quality increases when:

Topographic ruggedness and relative relief increase. Where water forms are present. Where natural landscapes increase and human-made landscapes decrease. Where land use compatibility increases and land use edge diversity decreases.

Using these criteria to analyse the landscape quality of the proposed sites and their immediate surroundings, the following conclusions were subjectively (but in a professional opinion) made. Where the natural/expected condition of the site and immediate surroundings is unaltered, a rating of 1 is given, and where the expected existing condition is not present or has been changed, a rating of 0 is given.

Table 5.12.11(a) - Local Landscape Quality Ecological integrity Morphology 0 Topography 0 Vegetation 0 Aesthetic appeal Topographical ruggedness 0 Presence of water 1 Natural versus human landscape 0 Land use compatibility 1

As can be seen from the Table above, the ecological integrity of the site and immediate surroundings has been in some way altered. Along with the localised alteration of the horizon from some vantage points, topographical alterations will occur at the SMBP –excavations up to 2 meters deep.

The vegetation on the SMBP sites is already altered by previous activity adjacent or on the site. Therefore, locally, the vegetation can generally no longer be considered to be representative of the natural condition. The vegetation on the SMBP sites will however be altered further with the establishment of infrastructure but will be restricted to the sites and its associated infrastructure (including new access roads) and its immediate surroundings.

The aesthetic appeal of the local setting is moderate, the greatest negative impact being the extensive presence of manmade elements (specifically extensive mining and residential activities).

The land use compatibility of the proposed activity is high. The SMBP will have only a low to moderate effect on the visual character of the local vicinity of the site and the facilities will not greatly contrast with the regional character, as there are many similar structures present locally and regionally. Thus the degree of visual intrusion of these structures in their regional setting is low.

From the above it can be argued that the landscape quality is relatively low, but acceptable, considering that industry and mining in this area is a major economic booster for the region and the country. The area character is already damaged and typically mining/industrial. Substantial human intervention has already occurred locally and the visual intrusion of a new intervention will be relatively low.

5.12.12 Visual Character (Sense of Place) Assessment

According to Lynch (Lynch, 1992) sense of place is "the extent to which a person can recognise or recall a place as being distinct from other places, as having a vivid or unique, or at least particular character of its own". Thus sense of place means that a site has a uniqueness or distinctiveness, which distinguishes it from other places. The primary informant of these qualities is the spatial form and character of the natural landscape together with the cultural transformation associated with historic use and habitation. In this analysis the cultural transformation can be seen as the site and regional character, which has been described above. A landscape can be said to have a strong sense of place, regardless of whether it is considered to be scenically beautiful or not. Where high landscape quality and strong sense of place coincides, the visual resource is considered to be high.

Using these criteria to analyse the sense of place of the SMBP sites, the following subjective conclusions are made:

The region discussed in the mining industrial complex of Secunda has a very specific character, which is a mining, agricultural and residential/rural combination. The area itself has a relatively moderate - low visual quality, but fits into the character of place. This area is not visually unique, as it is a monotonous, typical mining/industrial area, but the natural landscape, the grasslands of Mpumalanga does give the region a unique feeling when viewed from other vantage points. The proposed SMBP development is similar in character to those of the current mining facilities and it can therefore not be considered to have a unique genus loci or sense of place. The presence of the proposed SMBP facilities will not detract from the aesthetic appeal of the area, as the entire area consist of similar activities, which will to some extent lessen the visual impact of the proposed facilities. The nature of the visual impact will however be undesirable and visual mitigation should be considered where applicable.

5.12.13 Manner of Potential Environmental Impacts

The mine design is done to minimize environmental impacts (including visibility) as well as to optimize the management of these impacts. Visual impacts relate to fixed infrastructure located in visible areas, dust generated due to the mining activities and dolerite transport.

5.13 HERITAGE ASPECTS (CULTURAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL)

This section contains the report for a Phase I Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) study which was done for nine Borrow Pits for Sasol Mining on the Eastern Highveld in the Mpumalanga Province. The assessment was conducted by Dr Julius C C Pistorius Archaeologist and Heritage Consultant.

5.13.1 Introduction

Focused archaeological research has been conducted in the Mpumalanga Province for more than four decades. This research consists of surveys and of excavations of Stone Age and Iron Age sites as well as the recording of rock art and historical sites. The Mpumalanga Province has a rich heritage comprised of remains dating from the pre-historical and from the historical (or colonial) periods of South Africa. Pre-historical and historical remains in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa therefore form a record of the heritage of most groups living in South Africa today.

Previous heritage surveys conducted for Sasol Mining indicated that the most common types and ranges of heritage resources on the Eastern Highveld in the Mpumalanga Province include historical farmstead complexes associated with formal and informal graveyards. Stone walled settlements dating from the Late Iron Age and Historical Period also occur but are limited to areas where low, dolerite kopjes and randjes exist. These topographical features are generally scarce in the mining areas where Sasol is operational.

However, various types and ranges of heritage resources that qualify as part of South Africa’s ‘national estate’ as outlined in Section 3 of the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999) do occur across the Mpumalanga Province (see Box 1, next page).

Box 1: Types and Ranges of Heritage Resources as outlined in Section 3 of the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999).

The National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999, Section 3) outlines the following types and ranges of heritage resources that qualify as part of the national estate:

a. Places, buildings structures and equipment of cultural significance; b. Places to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage; c. Historical settlements and townscapes; d. Landscapes and natural features of cultural significance; e. Geological sites of scientific or cultural importance; f. Archaeological and palaeontological sites; g. Graves and burial grounds including- i. Ancestral graves; ii. Royal graves and graves of traditional leaders; iii. Graves of victims of conflict; iv. Graves of individuals designated by the Minister by notice in the Gazette; v. Historical graves and cemeteries; and vi. Other human remains which are not covered in terms of the Human Tissue Act (Act 65 of 1983); h. Sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa; i. Moveable objects, including - i. Objects recovered from the soil or waters of South Africa, including archaeological and palaeontological objects, material, meteorites and rare geological specimens; ii. Objects to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage; iii. Ethnographic art and objects; iv. Military objects; v. Objects of decorative or fine art; vi. Objects of scientific or technological interest; and vii. Books, records, documents, photographs, positives and negatives, graphic, film or video material or sound recordings, excluding those that are public records as defined in section 1(xiv) of the National Archives of South Africa Act (Act 43 of 1996).

The National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999, Sec 3) also distinguishes nine criteria for a place and/or object to qualify as ‘part of the national estate if they have cultural significance or other special value …’. These criteria are the following: a. Its importance in the community, or pattern of South Africa’s history; b. Its possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of South Africa’s natural or cultural heritage; c. Its potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of South Africa’s natural or cultural heritage; d. Its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of South Africa’s natural or cultural places or objects; e. Its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group; f. Its importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period; g. Its strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons; h. Its strong or special association with the life or work of a person, group or organisation of importance in the history of South Africa; and/or i. Its significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa.

5.13.2 Terms of Reference

Sasol Mining intends to develop a number of Borrow Pits along the conveyor routes that run from the Impumelelo and Shondoni Shafts (west) to the Secunda Plant (east) on the Eastern Highveld in the Mpumalanga Province. JMA who is responsible for compiling an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study for the Borrow Pits commissioned the author to undertake a Phase I HIA study for these features. The various borrow pits and their immediate surroundings are collectively here referred to as the Sasol Project Area whilst the development of the Borrow Pits are referred to as the Sasol Project.

The aims with the Phase I HIA study were the following, namely: To establish whether any of the types and ranges of heritage resources as outlined in Section 3 of the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999) (Box 1) do occur in the Sasol Project Area and, if so, to determine the nature, the extent and the significance of these remains. To determine whether such remains will be affected by the development of the proposed borrow pits and, if so, to determine appropriate mitigation (management) measures for those heritage resources which may be affected by the Sasol Project.

5.13.3 Methodology

The Phase I HIA study was conducted by means of the following:

Considering and evaluating data collected during earlier surveys for Sasol Mining on the Eastern Highveld (see 'Select Bibliography', Part 9). Surveying literature relating to the pre-historical and historical context of the Eastern Highveld region. Surveying with a vehicle and on foot the proposed Sasol Project Area. Synthesising the information obtained from the activities outlined above in this report.

5.13.3.1 Earlier Data

A number of Phase I HIA studies were done for Sasol Mining during the past decade the results of which were published in several reports. Some of the data with regard to the presence of heritage sites in the Sasol Project Area that were collected during these earlier surveys were utilized in this report.

5.13.3.2 Literature Survey and Desktop Study

Literature relating to the pre-historical and the historical unfolding of the Eastern Highveld was reviewed. This review focused primarily on the pre-history as well as the Historical Period on the Eastern Highveld. It also provides a broad outline of the coal mining history of the region as well as its indigenous architecture.

The literature research is important as it contextualises the pre-historical and historical background of the Eastern Highveld which again contributes to a better understanding of the identity and meaning of heritage sites which occur in and near the Sasol Project Area.

In addition, the Sasol Project Area was also studied by means of maps on which it appears (2628DB Willemsdal, 1:50 000 topographical map; 2628 East Rand 1: 250 000 map).

The desktop study also involved consulting heritage data banks. Databases kept and maintained at institutions such as the Mpumalanga Provincial Heritage Resources Agency in Barberton and the Archaeological Data Recording Centre at the National Flagship Institute (Museum Africa) in Pretoria were consulted to determine whether any heritage resources had been identified during earlier archaeological surveys in the Sasol Project Area.

5.13.3.3 Fieldwork

The Sasol Project Area was surveyed with a vehicle whilst the positions for the various borrow pits were surveyed by means of a pedestrian survey. The aim with the fieldwork was to geo-reference, describe and photograph heritage resources in theses critical areas.

5.13.3.4 Mapping Heritage Resources

Heritage resources that were identified in the Sasol Project Area were geo- referenced using a GPS instrument and the sites were thereafter mapped in Arc- View.

5.13.3.5 Significance Rating of Heritage Resources

The desktop and field information were critically examined in order to assess the potential direct and indirect impacts of the Sasol Project on identified heritage resources. This analysis was undertaken using the generic significance rating criteria which are common to all studies being done for environmental impact assessment studies, namely:

Extent (Spatial Scale) of the Impact

The extent of the impact refers to its spatial scale (not its magnitude) Rating Descriptor Site Limited to within Sasol Project Area or local surrounds Local Local Municipality District Eastern Highveld Provincial Mpumalanga National South Africa International Global outside of South Africa

Duration and Reversibility

Duration refer to the period of time over which the impact occurs Rating Descriptor Temporary Can be reversed Short term 0 – 5 years Medium term 5 – 15 years Long term > 15 years, where the impact will cease after the operational life of the borrow-pits, either because of natural processes or human intervention Permanent Irreversible

Intensity (or Magnitude)

Intensity refers to whether the impact is destructive or benign. Rating Descriptor Low Where the impact affects the environment in such a way that the natural, social and cultural functions are not affected Medium Where the environment is altered but the natural, social and cultural functions and processes continue, albeit in a modified way High Where the natural, social or cultural functions are altered to the extent that they will temporarily or permanently cease

Probability

Probability refers to the likelihood of the impact occurring. Rating Descriptor Low Where the likelihood of the impact occurring is very low, either because of design or because of historical experience of such impacts Medium Where there is a moderate likelihood of the impact occurring High Where it is very likely that the impact will occur Definite Where the impact will occur, without question

Significance

The significance of impacts is determined through a synthesis of the previous ratings, including spatial scale, duration, intensity and probability. Rating Descriptor Low Impact is of a low order and therefore likely to have little real effect. In the case of adverse impacts, mitigation is either easily achieved or little will be required, or both. Social, cultural and economic activities of communities can continue unchanged. In the case of beneficial impacts, alternative means of achieving this benefit are likely to be easier, cheaper, more effective and less time-consuming. Impacts with low significance ratings will not influence the decision about the project Medium Impact is real, but not substantial in relation to other impacts that

might take effect within the bounds of those that could occur. In the case of adverse impacts, mitigation is both feasible and fairly easily possible. Social, cultural and economic activities of communities are changed, but can be continued (albeit in a different form). Modification of the project design or alternative action may be required. In the case of beneficial impacts, other means of achieving this benefit are about equal in time, cost and effort. Impacts with medium significance ratings will have an influence on the decision unless mitigated. High Impact is of the highest order possible within the bounds of impacts that could occur. In the case of adverse impacts, there is no possible mitigation that could offset the impact, or mitigation is difficult, expensive, time-consuming or some combination of these. Social, cultural and economic activities of communities are disrupted to such an extent that these come to a halt. In the case of beneficial impacts, the impact is of a substantial order within the bounds of impacts that could occur. Impact with high significance ratings will have an influence on the decision regardless of any mitigation.

5.13.3.6 Limitations of the Study

It is possible that this Phase I HIA study may have missed heritage resources in the Sasol Project Area as heritage sites may occur in clumps of vegetation while others may lie below the surface of the earth and may only be exposed once development commences.

If any heritage resources of significance is exposed during the Sasol Project the South African Heritage Resources Authority (SAHRA) should be notified immediately, all development activities must be stopped and an archaeologist accredited with the Association for Southern African Professional Archaeologist (ASAPA) should be notify in order to determine appropriate mitigation measures for the discovered finds. This may include obtaining the necessary authorisation (permits) from SAHRA to conduct the mitigation measures.

5.13.3.7 Some Remarks on Terminology

Terms that may be used in this report are briefly outlined below:

Conservation: The act of maintaining all or part of a resource (whether renewable or non-renewable) in its present condition in order to provide for its continued or future use. Conservation includes sustainable use, protection, maintenance, rehabilitation, restoration and enhancement of the natural and cultural environment.

Cultural Resource Management: A process that consists of a range of interventions and provides a framework for informed and value-based decision-making. It integrates professional, technical and administrative functions and interventions that impact on cultural resources. Activities include planning, policy development, monitoring and assessment, auditing,

implementation, maintenance, communication, and many others. All these activities are (or will be) based on sound research.

Cultural Resources: A broad, generic term covering any physical, natural and spiritual properties and features adapted, used and created by humans in the past and present. Cultural resources are the result of continuing human cultural activity and embody a range of community values and meanings. These resources are non-renewable and finite. Cultural resources include traditional systems of cultural practice, belief or social interaction. They can be, but are not necessarily identified with defined locations.

Heritage Resources: The various natural and cultural assets that collectively form the heritage. These assets are also known as cultural and natural resources. Heritage resources (cultural resources) include all human-made phenomena and intangible products that are the result of the human mind. Natural, technological or industrial features may also be part of heritage resources, as places that have made an outstanding contribution to the cultures, traditions and lifestyles of the people or groups of people of South Africa.

In-Situ Conservation: The conservation and maintenance of ecosystems, natural habitats and cultural resources in their natural and original surroundings.

Iron Age: Refers to the last two millennia and ‘Early Iron Age’ to the first thousand years AD. ‘Late Iron Age' refers to the period between the 16th century and the 19th century and can therefore include the Historical Period.

Maintenance: Keeping something in good health or repair.

Pre-historical: Refers to the time before any historical documents were written or any written language developed in a particular area or region of the world. The historical period and historical remains refer, for the Sasol Project Area, to the first appearance or use of ‘modern’ Western writing brought to the Eastern Highveld by the first Colonists who settled here from the 1840’s onwards.

Preservation: Conservation activities that consolidate and maintain the existing form, material and integrity of a cultural resource.

Recent Past: Refers to the 20th century. Remains from this period are not necessarily older than sixty years and therefore may not qualify as archaeological or historical remains. Some of these remains, however, may be close to sixty years of age and may, in the near future, qualify as heritage resources.

Protected Area: A geographically defined area designated and managed to achieve specific conservation objectives. Protected areas are dedicated primarily to the protection and enjoyment of natural or cultural heritage, to the maintenance of biodiversity, and to the maintenance of life-support systems.

Reconstruction: Re-erecting a structure on its original site using original components.

Replication: The act or process of reproducing by new construction the exact form and detail of a vanished building, structure, object, or a part thereof, as it appeared at a specific period.

Restoration: Returning the existing fabric of a place to a known earlier state by removing additions or by reassembling existing components.

Stone Age: Refers to the prehistoric past, although Late Stone Age peoples lived in South Africa well into the Historical Period. The Stone Age is divided into an Earlier Stone Age (3 million years to 150 000 thousand years ago) the Middle Stone Age (150 000 years to 40 000 years ago) and the Late Stone Age (40 000 years to 300 years ago).

Sustainability: The ability of an activity to continue indefinitely, at current and projected levels, without depleting social, financial, physical and other resources required to produce the expected benefits.

Translocation: Dismantling a structure and re-erecting it on a new site using original components.

Sasol Project Area: refers to the area (footprint) where the developer wants to focus its development activities (refer to plan).

Phase I studies refer to surveys using various sources of data in order to establish the presence of all possible types and ranges of heritage resources in any given Impala Project Area (excluding paleontological remains as these studies are done by registered and accredited palaeontologists).

Phase II studies include in-depth cultural heritage studies such as archaeological mapping, excavating and sometimes laboratory work. Phase II work may include the documenting of rock art, engraving or historical sites and dwellings; the sampling of archaeological sites or shipwrecks; extended excavations of archaeological sites; the exhumation of human remains and the relocation of graveyards, etc. Phase II work involve permitting processes, require the input of different specialists and the co-operation and approval of SAHRA.

5.13.4 The Sasol Project Area

5.13.4.1 Location

The Sasol Project Area stretches from the Impumelelo and Shondoni Shaft Complexes across an undulating piece of land that is partly covered with agricultural fields to Sasol Secunda on the Eastern Highveld of the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa (2628DB Willemsdal 1:50 0000 topographical map; 2628 East Rand 1:250 000).

Figure 5.13.4.1(a): The Sasol Project Area on the Eastern Highveld of the Mpumalanga Province is an undulating piece of land which is characterised by outstretched grass veldt interspersed with agricultural fields (above).

Few trees occur in the Sasol Project Area. Those that do occur are exotics such as Blue Gum lots, Poplar-groves on the banks of streams and Oak trees which are usually located near historical farm homesteads. Most of these trees are anthropogenic as they have been introduced in the area by means of early human activities in the past.

This part of the Mpumalanga Province is known for its long standing production of agricultural crops such as maize wheat, sorghum, dairy, potatoes and other vegetables. Cattle and sheep ranching also make a significant contribution to the local economy. Gold and silica mines also occur in the area.

5.13.4.2 The Nature of the Sasol Project

The Sasol Project involves the development of 9 Borrow Pits which are located along the proposed route for the conveyer belt which runs from the Impumelelo and Shondini Shafts in the west to the Secunda Plant in the east. These borrow pits are the following, from the east to the west, namely:

Borrow Pit 1 is a twisted elongated feature in the central part of Holgatsfontein 533IS, directly next to a prominent dolerite outcrop on this farm. Borrow Pit 2 is a circular-shaped feature on Holgatsfontein 533IS. It borders on the northern shoulder of a dirt road. Borrow Pit 3 is an elongated feature located on Roodebank 357IS. It is situated on a piece land to the north of a short dirt road that runs between the R547 in the west and the R50 in the east. Borrow Pit 4 is an elongated feature on Roodebank 323IS which is situated parallel and to the west of a dirt road which that links the R547 (north-west) with the R50 (south-east). Borrow Pit 5 is a large irregular-shaped feature on the farm Branddrift 321IS. This borrow pit stretches across the dirt road that links the R546 (east) with the R50 (west). Borrow Pit 6 is an irregular shaped feature situated on Branddrift 322IS in close proximity of Eskom’s power line. Borrow Pit 7 is an octagonal shaped feature on Springbokdraai 277IS and is located between a dirt track road and a tailings dam. Borrow Pit 8 is an elongated feature located on Rietvley 320IS. It is situated to the south of a dirt road which links the R546 (east) with the R50 (west). Borrow Pit 9 is located on Rietvley 320IS and comprises an elongated feature of which the largest part is situated to the south of the national road running from Kinross to Standerton (R546) whilst the northern tip of the borrow pit is located to the north of this road.

5.13.4.3 Within a Cultural Landscape

The Sasol Project Area is located in the midst of a cultural landscape that is marked by heritage remains dating from the pre-historical into the historical (colonial) period. Stone Age sites, Iron Age sites and colonial remains therefore do occur in the Eastern Highveld.

The archaeological and historical significance of this cultural landscape therefore must be described and explained in more detail before the results of the Phase I HIA study is discussed.

5.13.5 Contextualising the Sasol Project Area

The following brief overview of pre-historical, historical, cultural and economic evidence will help to contextualise the Sasol Project Area.

5.13.5.1 Stone Age and Rock Art Sites

Stone Age sites are marked by stone artefacts that are found scattered on the surface of the earth or as parts of deposits in caves and rock shelters. The Stone Age is divided into the Early Stone Age (ESA) (covers the period from 2.5 million years ago to 250 000 years ago), the Middle Stone Age (MSA) (refers to the period from 250 000 years ago to 22 000 years ago) and the Late Stone Age (LSA) (the period from 22 000 years ago to 200 years ago).

Dongas and eroded areas at Maleoskop near Groblersdal is one of only a few places in Mpumalanga where ESA Olduwan and Acheulian artefacts have been recorded.

Evidence for the MSA has been excavated at the Bushman Rock Shelter near Ohrigstad. This cave was repeatedly visited over a prolonged period. The oldest layers date back to 40 000 years BP and the youngest to 27 000BP.

LSA occupation of the Mpumalanga Province also has been researched at Bushman Rock Shelter where it dates back 12 000BP to 9 000BP and at Höningnestkrans near Badfontein where a LSA site dates back to 4 870BP to 200BP.

The LSA is also associated with rock paintings and engravings which were done by San hunter-gatherers, Khoi Khoi herders and EIA farmers. Approximately 400 rock art sites are distributed throughout Mpumalanga, note-ably in the northern and eastern regions at places such as Emalahleni (Witbank) (4), Lydenburg (2), White River and the southern Kruger National Park (76), Nelspruit and the Nsikazi District (250). The Ermelo area holds eight rock paintings.

The rock art of the Mpumalanga Province can be divided into San rock art which is the most wide spread, herder or Khoe Khoe paintings (thin scattering from the Limpopo Valley) through the Lydenburg district into the Nelspruit area) and localised late white farmer paintings. Farmer paintings can be divided into Sotho- Tswana finger paintings and Nguni engravings (Only 20 engravings occur at Boomplaats, north-west of Lydenburg). Farmer paintings are more localised than San or herder paintings and were mainly used by the painters for instructional purposes.

During the LSA and Historical Period, San people called the Batwa lived in sandstones caves and rock shelters near Lake Chrissie in the Ermelo area. The Batwa are descendants of the San, the majority of which intermarried with Bantu- Negroid people such as the Nhlapo from Swazi-descend and Sotho-Tswana clans such as the Pai and Pulana. Significant intermarriages and cultural exchanges occurred between these groups.

The Batwa were hunter-gatherers who lived from food which they collected from the veldt as well as from the pans and swamps in the area. During times of unrest, such as the difaqane in the early nineteenth century, the San would converge on Lake Chrissie for food and sanctuary. The caves, lakes, water pans and swamps provided relatively security and camouflage. Here, some of the San lived on the surfaces of the water bodies by establishing platforms with reeds. With the arrival of the first colonists in the nineteenth century many of the local Batwa family groups were employed as farm labourers. Descendants of the Batwa people still live in the larger Project Area.

5.13.5.2 Iron Age Remains

The Iron Age is associated with the first agro-pastoralists or farming communities who lived in semi-permanent villages and who practised metal working during the last two millennia. The Iron Age is usually divided into the Early Iron Age (EIA) (covers the 1st millennium AD) and the Later Iron Age (LIA) (covers the first 880 years of the 2nd millennium AD).

Evidence for the first farming communities in the Mpumalanga Province is derived from a few EIA potsherds which occur in association with the LSA occupation of the Höningnest Shelter near Badfontein. The co-existence of EIA potsherds and LSA stone tools suggest some form of ‘symbiotic relationship’ between the Stone Age hunter-gatherers who lived in the cave and EIA farmers in the area (also note Batwa and Swazi/Sotho Tswana relationship).

The Welgelegen Shelter on the banks of the Vaal River near Ermelo also reflects some relationship between EIA farmers who lived in this shelter and hunter- gatherers who manufactured stone tools and who occupied a less favourable overhang nearby during AD1200.

EIA sites were also investigated at Sterkspruit near Lydenburg (AD720) and in Nelspruit where the provincial governmental offices were constructed. The most infamous EIA site in South Africa is the Lydenburg head site which provided two occupation dates, namely during AD600 and from AD900 to AD1100. At this site the Lydenburg terracotta heads were brought to light. Doornkop, located south of Lydenburg, dates from AD740 and AD810.

The Late Iron Age is well represented in Mpumalanga and stretches from AD1500 well into the nineteenth century and the Historical Period. Several spheres of influence, mostly associated with stone walled sites, can be distinguished in the region. Some of the historically well known spheres of influence include the following:

Early arrivals in the Mpumalanga Province such as Bakone clans who lived between Lydenburg and Machadodorp and Eastern Sotho clans such as the Pai, Pulana and Kutswe who established themselves in the eastern parts of the province. Swazi expansion into the Highveld and Lowveld of the Mpumalanga Province occurred during the reign of Sobhuza (AD1815 to 1836/39) and Mswati (AD1845 to 1868) while Shangaan clans entered the province across

the Lembombo Mountains in the east during the second half of the nineteenth century. The Bakgatla (Pedi) chiefdom in the Steelpoort Valley rose to prominence under Thulare during the early 1800’s and was later ruled by Sekwati and Sekhukune from the village of Tsjate in the Leolo Mountains. The Pedi maintained an extended sphere of influence across the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces during the nineteenth century. The Ndzundza-Ndebele established settlements at the foot of the Bothasberge (Kwa Maza and Esikhunjini) in the 1700’s and lived at Erholweni from AD1839 to AD1883 where the Ndzundza-Ndebele’s sphere of influence became known as KoNomthjarhelo which stretched across the Steenkampsberge. The Bakopa lived at Maleoskop (1840 to 1864) where they were massacred by the Swazi while the Bantwane live in the greater Groblersdal and Marble Hall areas. Corbelled stone huts which are associated with ancestors of the Sotho on Tafelkop near Davel which date from the AD1700’s into the nineteenth century. Stone walled settlements spread out along the eastern edge of the Groot Dwarsriver Valley served as the early abode for smaller clans such as the Choma and Phetla communities which date from the nineteenth century.

5.13.5.3 The Historical Period

Historical towns closest to the Sasol Project Area include Leandra, Kinross, Evander and Secunda.

The town of Leandra’s name is derived from two townships, Leslie and Eendrag, which are incorporated in this mining village.

Kinross, about 20 km east of Leandra, is the railhead for the township of Leandra and four gold mines in the region, namely Winkelhaak, Leslie, Bracken and Kinross who all opened in the 1950's.

The village was proclaimed in the 1915 and named for Kinross in Scotland by the engineers who constructed the railway line between Springs and Breyton. Kinross is near the watershed that separates the rivers flowing towards the Indian Ocean in the east and the rivers flowing towards the Atlantic Ocean in the west.

Secunda developed around Sasol 1 and Sasol 2 in the 1970's. Sasol was born during the oil crisis of 1973 when OPEC virtually quadrupled the price of crude oil overnight. Construction started in 1976 and the first oil was delivered on 1 March 1980. Following the overthrow of the Shah of Iran in 1979, South Africa's major source of crude oil at the time, the government announced the construction of a second plant at Secunda to double output. Sasol 3 delivered its first oil from coal in May 1982. The total costs of the two plants came to R 5,8 billion, mostly financed by levies on motorists.

Sasol 2 and 3 use about 35 million tons of coal a year to produce mostly liquid fuels. The coal is produced by four mines collectively known as Secunda Colliers which is the world's largest underground mining complex and by a new open-cast mine at Syferfontein.

Evander, south of Kinross, was established in 1955 by the Union Corporation as a residential township for the employees of the Winkelhaak. Leslie and Bracken mines. The name Evander is a composite of Evelyn and Anderson, the names of the widow of the managing director of the company when prospecting began in the area.

Several large coal mines which feed the Sasol plants at Secunda and Eskom’s giant power stations on the Eastern Highveld are located near the project area. The Sasol Project Area is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the country. The principal crops which are produced in the region include maize, wheat, sorghum, dairy, potatoes and other vegetables.

5.13.5.4 A Coal Mining Heritage

Coal mining on the Eastern Highveld is now older than one century and has become the most important coal mining region in South Africa. Whilst millions of tons of high-grade coal are annually exported overseas more than 80% of the country’s electricity is generated on low-grade coal in Eskom’s power stations such as Duvha, Matla and Arnot situated near coalmines on the Eastern Highveld.

The earliest use of coal (charcoal) in South Africa was during the Iron Age (300- 1880AD) when metal workers used charcoal, iron and copper ores and fluxes (quartzite stone and bone) to smelt iron and copper in clay furnaces.

Colonists are said to have discovered coal in the French Hoek Valley near Stellenbosch in the Cape Province in 1699. The first reported discovery of coal in the interior of South Africa was in the mid-1830 when coal was mined in Kwa Zulu/Natal.

The first exploitation for coal was probably in Kwa Zulu/Natal as documentary evidence refers to a wagon load of coal brought to Pietermaritzburg to be sold in 1842. In 1860 the coal trade started in Dundee when a certain Pieter Smith charged ten shillings for a load of coal dug by the buyer from a coal outcrop in a stream. In 1864 a coal mine was opened in Molteno. The explorer, Thomas Baines mentioned that farmers worked coal deposits in the neighbourhood of Bethal (Transvaal) in 1868. Until the discovery of diamonds in 1867 and gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886, coal mining only satisfied a very small domestic demand.

With the discovery of gold in the Southern Transvaal and the development of the gold mining industry around Johannesburg came the exploitation of the Boksburg- Spring coal fields, which is now largely worked out. By 1899, at least four collieries were operating in the Middelburg-Witbank district, also supplying the gold mining industry. At this time coal mining also has started in Vereeniging. The Natal Collieries importance was boosted by the need to find an alternative for imported Welsh anthracite used by the Natal Government Railways.

By 1920 the output of all operating colliers in South Africa attained an annual figure of 9,5million tonnes. Total in-situ reserves were estimated to be 23 billion tonnes in Witbank-Springs, Natal and Vereeniging. The total in situ reserves today are calculated to be 121 billion tonnes. The largest consumers of coal are Sasol, Iscor and Eskom.

5.13.5.5 A Vernacular Stone Architectural Heritage

A unique stone architectural heritage was established in the Eastern Highveld from the second half of the 19th century well into the early 20th century. During this time period stone was used to build farmsteads and dwellings, both in urban and in rural areas. Although a contemporary stone architecture also existed in the Karoo and in the Eastern Free State Province of South Africa a wider variety of stone types were used in the Eastern Highveld. These included sandstone, ferricrete (‘ouklip’), dolerite (‘blouklip’), granite, shale and slate.

The origins of a vernacular stone architecture in the Eastern Highveld may be ascribed to various reasons of which the ecological characteristics of the region may be the most important. Whilst this region is generally devoid of any natural trees which could be used as timber in the construction of farmsteads, outbuildings, cattle enclosures and other structures, the scarcity of fire wood also prevented the manufacture of baked clay bricks. Consequently stone served as the most important building material in the Eastern Highveld.

LIA Sotho, Pedi, Ndebele and Swazi communities contributed to the Eastern Highveld’s stone walled architecture. The tradition set by these groups influenced settlers from Natal and the Cape Colony to utilize the same resources to construct dwellings and shelters. Farmers from Scottish, Irish, Dutch, German and Scandinavian descend settled and farmed in the Eastern Highveld. They brought the knowledge of stone masonry from Europe. This compensated for the lack of fire wood on the eastern Highveld which was necessary to bake clay bricks.

5.13.6 The Phase I Heritage Impact Assessment

5.13.6.1 Types and Ranges of Heritage Resources

The Phase I HIA for the proposed Sasol Project revealed the following types and ranges of heritage resources as outlined in Section 3 of the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999) in and near the Sasol Project Area, namely:

The remains of historical houses and cattle enclosures. Informal and formal graveyards.

These heritage resources were geo-referenced and mapped (Figure 5.13.6.1 (a); Tables 5.13.6.1(a) and 5.13.6.1(b)). The significance of the historical houses and the graveyards is indicated as well as mitigation measures should any of these remains be affected by the Sasol Project.

At the onset of the project, the proposed number of Borrow Pits was 10, but subsequent to the finalization of the Figures and Maps for this report, Sasol Mining has indicated that 1 of the proposed Borrow Pits will no longer be included in the application. The original Borrow Pit 2 was removed from the application and some of the remaining Borrow Pits were re-numbered. The Table below indicates the old and new numbers. Although the Figures in this Phase I HIA still carries the old numbers, the text has been adapted to reflect the new numbers as will be used in the application. The Figures will be updated for the EIA phase of this project.

Table 5.13.6.1(a): New Number Allocation for 9 Borrow Pits Original Number New Allocated Number Borrow Pit 1 Borrow Pit 1 Borrow Pit 2 Removed by Sasol Mining Borrow Pit 3 Borrow Pit 2 Borrow Pit 4 Borrow Pit 3 Borrow Pit 5 Borrow Pit 4 Borrow Pit 6 Borrow Pit 5 Borrow Pit 7 Borrow Pit 6 Borrow Pit 8 Borrow Pit 8 Borrow Pit 9 Borrow Pit 9 Borrow Pit 10 Borrow Pit 7

NEW BORROW PIT NUMBERS

Figure 5.13.6.1 (a): The Sasol Project Area on the Eastern Highveld in the Mpumalanga Province. Note the presence of historical houses, graveyards and cattle enclosures in and near some of Sasol’s proposed Borrow Pits. (old BP Numbers on Map)

5.13.6.2 Historical structures

Historical structures are divided into farmstead complexes, historical houses and cattle enclosures. It seems as if only the remains of historical houses were found although these remains, when spatially considered together, may have constituted a farmstead complex in the past. However, the remains are in such a state of ruin that little can be established about their purpose and meaning by means of observations alone.

Historical House 01 (HH01)

This structure on Rietvley 320IS comprises the remains of a sandstone house which consisted of at least three rooms and a ‘stoep’ (veranda).

The house is also associated with a smaller outbuilding which was constructed with sandstone.

Figure 5.13.6.2(a): The remains of a historical house (HH01) on Rietvley 320IS which was constructed with sandstone (above).

Historical House 02 (HH02)

This structure on Rietvley 320IS which seems to be a house was constructed with sandstone. However, it is severely dilapidated and covered with tall grass.

HH02 is associated with a second square structure which is linked to the latter. Some of its foundation stones consist of large heavy boulders. This structure may have been a wagon shed or a cattle kraal.

Figure 5.13.6.2(b): HH02 was constructed with sandstone and is currently covered with tall grass and khaki bush (above).

Cattle Enclosures (CE01 and CE02)

Two cattle enclosures (CE01 and CE02) are located on a high ridge above a dirt track road on a piece of land to the south of a tailings dam. Both enclosures were constructed with dolerite stone and are rectangular in ground plan.

The two enclosures (CE01, CE02) are also associated with a Grave Yard (GY05).

Table 5.13.6.2(a): Coordinates and Significance Rating for Historical Structures comprising of Houses and Cattle Enclosures in the Sasol Project Area.

Historical Structures Coordinates Significance Historical House 01 Sandstone structure (with outbuilding) 26° 36.216'S 29˚ 06.627'E MED-HIGH Historical House 02 Sandstone structure (with associated building) 26° 36.208'S 29˚ 06.598'E MED-HIGH Cattle enclosure (CE01) 26º 31.636'S 29º 02.027'E HIGH Cattle enclosure (CE02) 26º 31.962'S 29º 02.257'E HIGH

Figure 5.13.6.2(c): One of two Cattle Enclosures (CE01) on a sloped ridge which were built with dolerite stone in the Sasol Project Area.

5.13.6.3 Graveyards

The following graveyards were observed in and near the Project Area, namely:

Graveyard 01 (GY01)

This is a large historical graveyard on Roodebank 329IS which is located on the eastern shoulder of the R547. Most of the graves are decorated and are fitted with sandstone, marble and granite headstones and other decorations.

Inscriptions on some of the headstones read as follow:

‘Hier rus ons geliefde seun Henning PJ van Aswegen GB Aug 1910 Oorl 19 Mrt 1934 Ges 184 Vers 81’. ‘Hier rus ons liewe seun en my vader Okker Andries Geb 27-3-1925 Oorl 23- 2-1957 Rus in Vrede Strydom’

Figure 5.13.6.3(a): A historical graveyard on Roodebank 329IS is located on the shoulder of the R547. GY01 holds as many as twenty graves.

Graveyard 02 (GY02)

This informal graveyard on Roodebank 329IS holds six graves all of which are covered with piles of stone. One of the graves is fitted with a small cement headstone and also edged with cement strips.

Figure 5.13.6.3(b): Informal GY02 holds six graves of which one is fitted with a cement headstone.

Graveyard 03 (GY03)

GY03 is located on the western shoulder of a dirt road running to Kinross. This graveyard is demarcated with sandstone walls. It holds the remains of six to seven individuals. Several of the graves have been severely vandalised. Attempts are made to exhume the contents of the graves. This vandalism has been noted in 2008 and is still continuing. Inscriptions on two of the graves with granite headstones read as follow:

'Jacomina Hendrina Bester Viljoen Geb 17April 1881 Oor 27 Jan 1951 Nogtans het Hy ons krankheid op hom geneem en ons smart die het Hy gedra' 'Hier rus ons moeder Maggel Magrietha Viljoen Geb Labushagne Gebore de 8ste Aug 1846 Overl 17 de Aug 1926 Gez 182 Vers 1'

Figure 5.13.6.3(c): GY03 is the subject of vandalism that is ongoing since 2008 when this graveyard was documented for the first time.

Graveyard 04 (GY04)

This informal graveyard on Branddrift 322IS holds the remains of at least four individuals who are buried in two demarcated areas next to each other.

One of the graves is fitted with a large granite headstone with the following inscription:

‘Mrs Shabandgu’

Figure 5.13.6.3(d): GY04 on Branddrift 322IS comprises two demarcated areas next to each other. Each holds the remains of deceased individuals.

Graveyard 05 (GY05)

This historical graveyard is situated on a sloped ridge near two cattle enclosures (CE01 and CE02). GY05 is demarcated with a low wall which was constructed with dolerite. This graveyard holds at least seven graves of which four are lined with cement strips and fitted with headstones. Inscriptions on the headstones are indecipherable. Three graves are covered with piles of stone.

Graves 01 and 02 (G01 and G02)

Two single graves (G01 and G02) occur on Rietvley 320IS and is located in close proximity of the two historical houses on this farm. Both graves are demarcated with fences.

Figure 5.13.6.3(e): GY05 is located on a ridge in close proximity of two cattle enclosures (CE01 and CE02).

Figure 5.13.6.3(f): Two single graves demarcated with wire fences on Rietvley 320IS are located in close proximity of two dilapidated sandstone houses (HH01 and HH02).

Table 5.13.6.3(a): Coordinates and Significance Rating for Graveyards and Graves in the Sasol Project Area. Graveyards and Graves Coordinates Significance GY01. On Roodebank 329IS. Shoulder of R457 26° 35.693'S 28˚ 59.968'E HIGH GY02. On Roodebank 329IS. 26° 36.154'S 29˚ 00.656'E HIGH GY03. Branddrift 322IS. Vandalised. 26º 36.256'S 29º 03.200'E HIGH GY04. Branddrift 322IS. Linked graveyards 26° 36.213'S 29˚ 03.459'E HIGH GY05. On Springbokdraai 277IS between 26º 31.682'S 29º 02.036'E HIGH tailings dam and dirt track road.

G01 and G02. Rietvley 320IS. In proximity of 26° 36.134'S 29˚ 06.470'E HIGH HH01 and HH02 26° 36.132'S 29˚ 06.467'E

5.13.6.4 The Significance of the Heritage Resources

It is possible that historical houses (HH01 to HH02), a cattle enclosure (CE01) as well as graveyards and graves (GY01 to GY05 and G01 and G02) may be negatively affected when the proposed borrow pits are developed. It is therefore necessary to indicate the significance of the heritage resources as well as mitigation measures should these resources be negatively affected by the Sasol Project.

The Historical Structures

The historical dwellings and cattle enclosure are older than sixty years and therefore qualify as historical remains. All remains older than sixty years are protected by the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999).

The significance of the historical houses and cattle enclosure can be described as medium to high when considering criteria such as the following:

Historical structures on the Eastern Highveld are rapidly disappearing as a result of development and modernisation. The historical structures have research (scientific) value.

The Graveyards

All graveyards and graves can be considered to be of high significance and are protected by various laws. Legislation with regard to graves includes Section 36 of the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999) whenever graves are older than sixty years. The act also distinguishes various categories of graves and burial grounds. Other legislation with regard to graves includes those which apply when graves are exhumed and relocated, namely the Ordinance on Exhumations (No 12 of 1980) and the Human Tissues Act (No 65 of 1983 as amended).

5.13.7 Mitigating the Heritage Resources

The following mitigation measures have to be applied if the historical houses (HH01 to HH02), cattle enclosure (CE01) or the graveyards and graves (GY01 to GY05, G01 and G02) may be affected when the proposed borrow pits is developed, namely:

5.13.7.1 The Historical Structures

The historical houses (HH01 to HH02) and cattle enclosure (CE01) have medium to high significance. These structures have to be documented by a historical architect before they may be destroyed by the Sasol Project. However, a permit has to be issued by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) prior to the destruction of these remains by means of the Sasol Project.

5.13.7.2 The Graveyards

The graveyards and graves can be mitigated by the following strategies, namely:

By means of establishing secure fences or walls around the graveyards and graves that may not be directly affected (destroyed) by the close proximity of the borrow pits (GY02, GY05). The graves and graveyards must be avoided as the borrow pits must be developed at ‘safe distances’ from the graveyards and graves. Undeveloped corridors not less than 50 meters wide should be maintained between the border fences of the graveyards and the inner perimeters of the borrow pits. Access for family members and friends who wish to visit the deceased must be made possible. By means of exhumation and relocation of the graveyards and graves that may be directly physically affected (destroyed) as a result of developing the borrow pits (GY01, GY03, GY04 and G01 and G02). The exhumation of human remains and the relocation of graveyards are regulated by various laws, regulations and administrative procedures. This task is undertaken by forensic archaeologists or by reputed undertakers who are acquainted with all the administrative procedures and relevant legislation that have to be adhered to whenever human remains are exhumed and relocated. This process also includes social consultation with a 60 days statutory notice period for graves older than sixty years. Permission for the exhumation and relocation of human remains have to be obtained from the descendants of the deceased (if known), the National Department of Health, the Provincial Department of Health, the Premier of the Province and the local police.

5.13.8 Manner of Potential Environmental Impacts

Heritage resources are impacted when the project activities encroach upon their footprints.

5.14 ROAD TRAFFIC

A provisional road traffic count was conducted as part of the Noise Survey for the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits Project, the results of which were used by JMA Consulting to compile this section of the report.

5.14.1 Identification of Transport Routes

The dolerite will be transported from the Borrow Pits to the construction sites (Impumelelo and Shondoni Conveyors) with 10 x Tipper Trucks, each with a 10 m3 load capacity.

Figure 5.14.1 (a): Tipper Trucks to be used for Dolerite Transport

The dolerite will be transported along the shortest possible route, along existing roads, from the Borrow Pits to the two Conveyor Alignments. Once at the Conveyor Alignment, materials will be transported along the Conveyor Servitude. The full extent of transport along existing public roads is shown as magenta lines on Figure 5.14.1 (b) below.

The only secondary public road expected to carry any trucks related to the dolerite Borrow Pits will be the R547. Dolerite from Pit 3 on its way to the Impumelelo Conveyor will be transported over a distance of some 2.5 km along this road.

Figure 5.14.1 (a): Magenta Lines show Dolerite Transport along Public Roads.

5.14.2 Materials Transport Schedule

A total of 2 134 436 m3/annum of material will be transported at the peak production rate, for 300 days per year, 10 hours per day by 10 trucks with a 10 m3 capacity from 2 sites at a time. A truck will leave each borrow pit every 2 minutes. Operations will be restricted to day light hours.

5.14.3 Base Line Road Traffic along Public Roads

The results obtained during the Noise Assessment suggest the R546 to carry some 300 vehicles per hour of which 30% (90) represent trucks.

During the same period the R50 is estimated to carry 72 vehicles per hour of which 50% (36) are trucks.

The R547, which will carry some additional traffic, was estimated to carry 18 vehicles per hour of which 10% (9) are trucks. The traffic on this road will therefore probably increase with some 60 trucks per hour, which represents a 333% increase.

5.14.4 Manner of Potential Environmental Impacts

Dolerite will be transported from the Borrow Pits to the different construction sites. The trucks will pass any given point with a frequency of between 30 to 60 trucks per hour.

This increased traffic density will of course have the potential to cause the following impacts:

o Deterioration in road conditions. o The increased probability for accidents. o Noise. o Dust.

5.15 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

De Wit Sustainable Options (Pty) Ltd was appointed by JMA Consulting to conduct a Socio-Economic Base Line Assessment for the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits Project.

5.15.1 Introduction

Existing socio-economic baseline information in possession of the client is outdated and in need of a thorough revision. This document presents an updated set of socio-economic indicators for the Govan Mbeki Municipality, including one ward in the Lekwa municipality referred to in the document as the ‘Sasol Mining Project Area’.

Section 5.15.2 presents a short overview over the study area. Section 5.15.3 highlights key data sources. In section 5.15.4 the current socio-economic status of the area is presented at the hand of several indicators on population, gender, age, human development, poverty, inequality, services, language, education, income and employment. Section 5.15.5 concludes.

5.15.2 Study Area

The proposed Sasol Mining Project Area is located in three of the wards in the Govan Mbeki Municipality and in one ward in the Lekwa Municipality. These municipalities are located in the Mpumalanga Province and the neighbouring municipalities include Lesedi, Middleburg, Emalahleni, Msakaligwa, Dipaleseng and Delmas.

The Govan Mbeki Municipality covers an area of 295 900 ha and has a total perimeter of around 352 km. The municipality comprises 32 wards delineated by the Municipal Demarcation Board in South Africa. The district comprises of several towns and rural areas, namely: Bethal, Secunda, Kinross, eMbalenhle, Evander, Leandra, Lebohang, Highveld Ridge (rural), Charl Cilliers and Emzinoni.

5.15.3 Data Sources

Data sources used for the socio-economic study on Govan Mbeki Municipality include:

Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) maps Various reports conducted in the study: LED (2010), IDP (2009) and WSDP (2010)

5.15.4 Current Socio-Economic Status

5.15.4.1 Population

Population statistics were obtained from the 2001 Census (Statistics SA, 2005) and the 2007 Community Survey (Statistics SA, 2009). The Govan Mbeki Municipality’s total population in 2001 was estimated at around 221 747 people; and in 2007 the figure had increased to 268 954. In order to obtain present 2011 figures, the annual mid-year national population growth rates, published by StatsSA (2011), were used. The estimated current population for the Govan Mbeki Municipality is around 281 402.

Table 5.15.4.1(a): Population in 2007-2011 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 268 954 272 128 275 257 278 340 281 402 Sources: StatsSA (2009, 2011)

From the above Table, it is estimated that the population in the Govan Mbeki Municipality has grown 4.6% over the past 4 years; averaging 1.14% per annum. According to the IDP (2010), Govan Mbeki Municipality has the largest share of population within the Gert Sibande District Municipality. It also reports that Govan Mbeki Municipality experiences immigration due to the mining employment opportunities located in the area.

Assuming that the distribution of population groups is the same as reported in the 2010 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), one can estimate the current break- down in population groups.

Table 5.15.4.1(b): Population according to population groups Race 2001 2011 Black African 185 456 234 627 Coloured 2 366 2 636 Indian 2 055 2 153 White/Asian 31 870 41 985 Sources: StatsSA (2005) and Global Insight (2007) in IDP (2010)

Population figures for the proposed Sasol Mining Project sites were attained from the relevant ward districts within the Govan Mbeki and Lekwa Municipalities. The 2001 census data was extrapolated based on the same inferred growth rates in StatsSA (2011). In 2001 the total population in the proposed Sasol Mining Project area was around 45 556, and it is now estimated at around 51 877. It must be cautioned that these figures are estimates, projected upon the 2001 census data. Black African population group consist of 96% and the White population group make up the remaining 4% within the proposed Sasol Secunda Mining sites.

The population density in the Govan Mbeki Municipality is illustrated in Figure 5.15.4.1 (a). There are clusters of high population density within the Govan Municipality, indicated by the dark orange, and these relate to the towns of eMbalenhle, Lebohang, Secunda, Trichardt, Emzinoni and Bethal.

Using the proportional division of the ward districts, it is estimated that the population density in the proposed Sasol Mining Project Area is between 0 – 653 people per square kilometre.

Source: StatsSA (2005)

Figure 5.15.4.1 (a): Population Density

5.15.4.2 Gender

In 2001, the males accounted for 48.7% of the total Govan Mbeki municipality population (23 152 males). Females made up just more than half the municipality’s population at 51.3% (24 425). The proposed Sasol Mining Project area had a similar distribution, whereby the male percentage was 49% and the female percentage 51%.

The annual gender growth rates have been taken from the mid-year national population statistics (StatsSA 2011). The estimated average growth rates over 10 years are 1.3% and 1.11% for males and females respectively. Using the estimated population growth rate, it is estimated that the male and female population in the Govan Mbeki Municipality is around 142 534 and 138 867 respectively. The estimated population for males and females in the proposed Sasol Mining Project area is around 26 214 and 25 663 respectively.

Table 5.15.4.2(a): Gender distribution for 2001 and 2011 2001 2011 Area male female male female Govan Mbeki 50.7% 49.3% 51.1% 48.9% Municipality Proposed Sasol 50.1% 49.9% 50.5% 49.5% Secunda Mining Sources: StatsSA (2005, 2011)

5.15.4.3 Age Structure

The age distribution for the Govan Mbeki Municipality is shown in Figure 5.15.4.3 (a). The data used in these graphs is taken from the 2001 Census.

Source: StatsSA (2005)

Figure 5.15.4.3(a): Age distribution in Govan Mbeki

It is interesting to note that the youth (15-34) constituted 38% of the total population and the economically active population (15-64) account for 68%. The youth, (84 517), made up 56% of the economically active population (150 956) in the Govan Mbeki Municipality.

The age distribution within the proposed Sasol Mining Project area is portrayed in Figure 5.15.4.3 (b). The age distribution is similar to that of the total municipality, in which the youth made up 37% of the total population and the economically active population constituted 63%. The youth account for 58% of the economically active population within the proposed Sasol Secunda Mining area.

Source: StatsSA (2005)

Figure 5.15.4.3 (b): Age distribution in the Sasol Mining Project Area

5.15.4.4 Social Development

This section provides a social development overview of the Govan Mbeki Municipality and is based on information gathered in the following reports: Local Economic Development (LED) Strategy Report (2009); Integrated Development Plan (IDP) report (2010) and the Integrated Regional Water Services Development Plan (WSDP) report (2010).

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a proxy for living a long and healthy life and the higher the index, the better. It combines different indicators, such as life expectancy, literacy and school enrolment rates and income levels, into a composite measure. The HDI for Govan Mbeki Municipality is displayed in Table 5.15.4.4(a). It is interesting to note that the local municipality has a higher index (0.60) than the District Municipality, Gert Sibande (0.54).

Table 5.15.4.4(a): Human Development Index Year HDI 1996 0.58 2001 0.62 2008 0.60 Source: Global Insight Research in IDP (2010)

The Gini-Coefficient is a ratio which measures income inequality. The larger the ratio, the larger the discrepancy between income levels within an area. Table 5.15.4.4(b) portrays the ratios for the Govan Mbeki Municipality. Income inequality has increased since 1996, reflected by the increase in the Gini- Coefficient from 0.61 in 1996 to 0.66 in 2009.

Table 5.15.4.4(b): Gini-Coefficient Year Gini-Coefficient 1996 0.61 2001 0.66 2009 0.66 Source: Global Insight Research in IDP (2010)

An important indicator of poverty is the number of households living with an income below the Minimum Living Level (MLL). The MLL is calculated annually and represents the minimum amount a household needs to earn to meet its basic needs. The percentage of people living below the MLL in Govan Mbeki Municipality is denoted in Table 5.15.4.4(c). In 2009, it was reported that 35.6% of people in Govan Mbeki were living in poverty and below the MLL, a slight improvement from the 38.4% reported on in 2001.

Table 5.15.4.4(c): Percentage of People living below Minimum Living Level Year % People Living in Poverty 1996 32.10% 2001 38.40% 2009 35.60% Source: Global Insight Research in IDP (2010)

The Poverty Gap describes the severity of poverty and is classified according to population groups within the Govan Mbeki Municipality for 2007. The poverty gap is the difference between poor households’ incomes and the poverty line. It thus indicates the total amount needed to increase the poor households’ incomes so that they are in keeping with the poverty line. It is evident that the Poverty Gap is the highest within the Black African population group (R100 million), and lowest within the Indian/Asian population (R0 million) group. Table 5.15.4.4(d) shows the Poverty Gap in Govan Mbeki Municipality.

Table 5 15 4 4 (d): Poverty Gap in 2007 Population Group Poverty Gap (R million) Black African 100 Coloured 1 Indian/Asian 0 White 6 Source: Global Insight Research (2007) in LED (2009)

5.15.4.5 Services

Services in the Govan Mbeki are described in terms of access to electricity, sanitation and water supply. The figures are based on the 2001 Census and the 2007 Community Survey. There were 61 716 households in 2001 and 79 191 households in 2007 with an average of 3.4 people per household.

Data for the proposed Sasol Mining Project area was obtained through the proportional division of ward districts. The data is based on the 2001 Census (StatsSA, 2003).

Energy

Electricity is the major source of energy consumed in the Govan Mbeki Municipality. A dramatic increase in the use of electricity for cooking occurred between 2001 and 2007, increasing by 33.8%. In 2001, the major energy source used for cooking was electricity (37.9%), coal (35%) and paraffin (22%). In 2001, coal was the predominant source used for heating, accounting for 44% of households; but in 2007, electricity became the main source of heating, used by 58.2% of households. Electricity has always been the dominant energy source for lighting, however in 2001, candles were utilised by as many as 26% of the households.

Table 5.15.4.5(a): Percentage distribution of households’ consumption of electricity from 2001-2007 Electricity 2001 Electricity 2007 Cooking Lighting Heating Cooking Lighting Heating 37.9% 69% 34.6% 71.7% 87.5% 58.2% Source: StatsSA (2005, 2009).

In 2001 there were 11 422 households in the proposed Sasol Mining Project area, excluding collective living quarters, and their energy consumption distribution, based on different energy uses, are portrayed in Table 5.15.4.5(b). It is apparent that coal was used by 33.6% of households for cooking, followed by 27.2% of households who used paraffin and 22.7% of households which used electricity. Coal was also the prominent source of energy used for heating, as 47.9% of households used this energy source. Electricity and candles were the popular source of energy for lighting, and 51.3% and 42.5% of households used these sources, respectively.

Table 5.15.4.5(b): Percentage distribution of households in the proposed Sasol Mining Project Area, utilising different energy types for the purposes of cooking, heating and lighting Energy Uses Cooking Heating Lighting Electricity 22.7% 21.3% 51.3% Gas 1.8% 0.9% 0.1% Paraffin 27.2% 13.7% 5.6% Wood 9.0% 9.3% - Energy Coal 33.6% 47.9% - types Animal Dung 5.2% 5.1% - Candles - - 42.5% Solar 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% Other 0.3% 1.7% 0.3% Source: StatsSA (2005)

Sanitation

The majority of households (85%) have access to flush toilets and safe sanitation, around 10% of households are reliant on pit and bucket latrines, and over 1% of households have access to no sanitation facilities in the Govan Mbeki Municipality. These statistics have improved since 2001, where 21% of households were dependent on pit and bucket latrines and around 9% of households had no access to sanitation facilities.

The details of sanitation supply within the proposed Sasol Mining Project Area were obtained through the use of the ward districts. This data has been abstracted from the 2001 Census and therefore it should be assumed that these figures would now reflect the changes seen at the municipal level. They pertain to the year 2001, and therefore should be treated as estimates.

Table 5.15.4.5(c): Sanitation Practices within the Sasol Mining Project Area Sanitation No of Households % Flush toilet (connected to sewerage system) 6279 53.5% Flush toilet (with septic tank) 402 2.3% Chemical toilet 117 0.9% Pit latrine with ventilation (VIP) 795 5.1% Pit latrine without ventilation 3250 20.8% Bucket latrine 1040 8.6% None 1356 8.8% Source: StatsSA (2005)

Water Supply

The majority of households in the Govan Mbeki Municipality have access to taps within the dwelling (56.4%), followed by pipes in the yard (37.7%) and public taps (3.4%). This is an improvement, as 25% of households used public taps in 2001 and only 34% of households had access to taps within their dwellings in 2001.

Water supply data within the proposed Sasol Mining Project Area pertains to 2001, and therefore it is anticipated that these results have changed and reflect the changes evident in the municipal findings.

Table 5.15.4.5(c): Water Sources within the Sasol Mining Project Area Water Source No of Households % Piped (tap) water inside dwelling 2652 23.2% Piped (tap) water inside yard 3956 34.6% Piped (tap) water to community stand 4005 35.1% No access to piped (tap) water 809 7.1% Source: StatsSA (2005)

5.15.4.6 Language

The most widely spoken language in the Govan Mbeki Municipality is isiZulu used by 50% of the population. Afrikaans is the next preferred language (14%), followed by isiNdebele (9%) and isiXhosa (7%) and Sesotho (7%). English is only spoken by 3%, less than SiSwati at 4%.

5.15.4.7 Education

The broad overview of the education levels is displayed in Figure 5.15.4.7(a). The categories for “some primary” indicate learners between Grade 1 and Grade 6; whereas “complete primary” refers to learners who have completed Grade 7. In the same fashion, “some secondary” refers to learners between Grade 8 and Grade 11, or who have an education certificate or diploma less than Grade 12. “Higher” education incorporates any level of university study.

Source: StatsSA (2005)

Figure 5.15.4.7 (a): Education Levels

Figure 5.15.4.7 (a) distinguishes between the genders and it is shown that there was not a large discrepancy between the genders in terms of education in 2001. 16% of the population in Govan Mbeki Municipality had no education, and 9% of this group were female. It is deduced that 23%of the population had a primary school education (Grade 7) or less.

Higher education was accomplished by 7% of the population, 4% of which are males. In 2001, Matric/Grade 12 was only obtained by 21% of the Govan Mbeki Municipality population.

The distribution of education in the proposed Sasol Mining Project Area is specified in Table 5.15.4.7(a). The data is inferred according to the ward level statistics.

Table 5.15.4.7(a): Level of education distribution in the proposed Sasol Mining Project Area Level Number of people Percentage (%) No schooling 8148 20% Some primary 14530 36% Complete primary 3186 8% Some secondary 10198 25% Grade 12 3412 9% Higher 630 2% Source: StatsSA (2005)

In 2001, the majority (90%) of the population did not have Grade 12 level education qualifications; and 20% of the population had no schooling. Only 2% of the population had university level education qualifications and 9% had completed Grade 12.

5.15.4.8 Household and Individual Income

The distribution of household income for the Govan Mbeki Municipality and the proposed Sasol Secunda Mining Area is given in Table 5.15.4.8(a). The data pertaining to the proposed Sasol Mining Project Area was extrapolated from the individual ward data.

In 2001, the majority of household in the municipality (62.6%) earned less than R19 200 per annum; whereas 78.2% of households earned less than this amount in the proposed Sasol Mining Project Area. Around a quarter of all households in the municipality and proposed mining area earned no income in 2001.

A very small percentage of households earned in the upper bracket (above R307 201 per annum). There were 6.7% of the households in the Govan Mbeki municipality and only 1.8% of households in the proposed Sasol Mining Project Area earning in this upper bracket.

Table 5.15.4.8(a): Annual Household Income Distribution Sasol Secunda Mining Govan Mbeki Annual Household Area Income Number Number % % households households None 14068 22.8% 3042 26.6% R1 - R4 800 4616 7.5% 1122 9.8% R4 801 - R 9 600 9330 15.1% 2192 19.2% R9 601 - R 19 200 10591 17.2% 2576 22.6% R19 201 - R 38 400 8782 14.2% 1563 13.7% R38 401 - R 76 800 5423 8.8% 472 4.1% R76 801 - R153 600 4787 7.8% 248 2.2% R153 601 - R307 200 2934 4.8% 125 1.1% R307 201 - R614 400 820 1.3% 43 0.4% R614 401 - R1 228 800 178 0.3% 26 0.2% R1 228 801 - R2 457600 118 0.2% 8 0.1% R2 457 601 and more 67 0.1% 5 0.0% Source: StatsSA (2005)

Individual monthly income levels only pertain to employed people in the 15-64 age bracket. Of the 32 831 people who earned between no income and R1 600 per month, 89% them fall into the Black African population group, and 9% into the White population group. Out of the 2 992 people, who earned in the upper bracket, more than R12 801 per month, 78% of the people are categorized as White and 16% as Black African. 60% of the applicants were not applicable, and this means that they were either younger than 15, or older than 64 years.

Table 5.15.4.8(b): Individual Monthly Income Monthly Income Number of people No income 949 R 1 - R 400 6984 R 401 - R 800 10671 R 801 - R 1600 14227 R 1601 - R 3200 11554 R 3201 - R 6400 7798 R 6401 - R 12800 5506 R 12801 - R 25600 2194 R 25601 - R 51200 461 R 51201 - R 102400 189 R 102401 - R204800 95 R 204 801 or more 53 Not applicable 90937 Source: StatsSA (2005)

5.15.4.9 Employment

Unemployment is defined as people, part of the economically active population (15-64), who did not work and who were available and willing to start work within the before the census was taken as well as those who had taken steps looking for work in the 4 weeks prior to the census (StatsSA, 2003).

In the Govan Mbeki Municipality, around 66 680 people were employed in 2001, and this constitutes 40% of the population. The remaining 60% (around 90 900 people) were considered unemployed or not economically active.

Source: StatsSA (2005)

Figure 5.15.4.9: Percentage distribution of employment status

The data for the proposed Sasol Mining Project Area was estimated from the individual ward data. In this area, 36% of the population is employed, 33% unemployed and 31% are not economically active. The occupational distribution of individuals in the proposed Sasol Secunda Mining Area is shown in Table 5.15.4.9(a).

The majority of the population (77%) fell under the category “not applicable” and this was because they were less than 10 years old or not employed. This is not surprising as 64% of the population were not employed or not economically active. The largest occupation category was Elementary Occupations, where 4427 people worked, followed by Craft and Trade (4%) and Plant Machine (4%).

The sectoral employment categories are available for the Govan Mbeki Municipality and are displayed in Table 5.15.4.9(b). The data excludes the 60% of the population who are either less than 10 years or unemployed.

Table 5.15.4.9(a): Occupation Distribution in the Sasol Mining Project Area Number Occupation Percentage of people NA 34947 77% Legislators senior officials and managers 186 0% Professionals 204 0% Technicians and associate professionals 324 1% Clerks 488 1% Service workers ship and market sales workers 599 1% Skilled agricultural and fishery workers 456 1% Craft and related trades workers 1805 4% Plant and machine operators and assemblers 1708 4% Elementary occupations 4427 10% Undetermined or occupation unspecified or NEC 413 1% Source: StatsSA (2005)

Table 5.15.4.9(b): Sectoral Employment and Distribution Number Percentage Industrial Sector of people % Agriculture; hunting; forestry and fishing 3269 5% Mining and quarrying 12062 20% Manufacturing 10276 17% Electricity; gas and water supply 514 1% Construction 3617 6% Wholesale and retail trade 8193 14% Transport; storage and communication 1697 3% Financial; insurance; real estate; business services 3331 5% Community; social and personal services 8038 13% Other and not adequately defined 0 0% Private Households 6287 10% Undetermined 3387 6% Source: StatsSA (2005)

The mining industry employed the highest number of people, employing 20% (12 062 people) of the employed population. Manufacturing followed closely, employing 17% (10 276 people) and wholesale and retail trade employing 14% of the employed population.

5.15.5 Manner of Potential Environmental Impacts

Due to the very small scale of the proposed mining operation, due to the fact that mining will be performed by a contractor and due to the fact that no persons will be housed on the mining site, the potential impact on the socio-economic status of the area is rated as insignificant.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES & IMPACTS

The manner of impacts that could possibly occur as a result of the proposed Sasol Mining Borrow Pits Project has been listed in Chapter 5 of this report, and will now be summarized below.

The impacts listed below have been identified by the Environmental Impact Assessment Project Team in collaboration with the authorities and the public, during the scoping phase of this project.

The impacts and issues identified to date and reflected in the Table below, will only be finalized after comments have been received back from the IAP’s on this Draft Scoping Report.

6.1 DESCRIPTION OF IDENTIFIED ISSUES AND IMPACTS

The range of impacts that have been identified to date and that could possibly occur during all the life cycle phases of the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits Project, is listed in Table 6.1(a) below:

The impact aspects register was compiled by the project Environmental Assessment Practitioner with due consideration of a list of generic open pit mining impacts, subject to his professional experience, and based on consultations with authorities, specialists and I&AP’s during the scoping phase to date. The list will be reviewed after comments have been received on this Draft Scoping Report.

Table 6.1(a): Manner of Potential Environmental Impacts Manner of Potential Environmental Impacts

Environmental Construction Phase Operational Phase Decommissioning Phase Post Closure Phase Attribute

Meteorology No Impact. No Impact. No Impact. No Residual Impact. Excavation will alter the local surface Excavation will alter the local surface Limited backfilling and re-soiling will Although a materials defict will topography. topography. soften the impact on the topography. remain after closure, the sites will be Topography Sites will be shaped to have no fully rehabilitatedaiited, revegetated significant precipices and to be free and will be free draining. draining. Soil stripping will fully disturb the Soil stripping will fully disturb the Until vegetation has established after Provided that the vegetative cover is soil profile. In-correct stockpiling soil profile. In-correct stockpiling cold rehabilitation, resoiling and re- maintained, no residual impacts are Soils cold impact on soil fertility while impact on soil fertility while erosion vegetation, erosion could occur during expected. erosion can also occur from the can also occur from the stockpiles rain events. stockpiles during rain events. during rain events. The current land capability of The current land capability of grazing The current land capability of grazing Although limited grazing capability grazing and/or cropping will be and/or cropping will be compromised and/or cropping will remain will be restored, land capability of Land Capability compromised within the proposed within the proposed borrow pit compromised within the proposed cropping will remain compromised borrow pit footprints during the footprints during the operational borrow pit footprints during the within the proposed borrow pit construction phase. phase. decommissioning phase. footprints post closure. The current land uses of grazing The current land uses of grazing The current land uses of grazing Although limited grazing land use and/or cropping will be compromised and/or cropping will be compromised and/or cropping will remain could be restored, land use of Land Use within the proposed borrow pit within the proposed borrow pit compromised within the proposed cropping will remain compromised footprints during the construction footprints during the operational borrow pit footprints during the within the proposed borrow pit phase. phase. decommissioning phase. footprints post closure. Impact on soil profile and removal of Impact on soil profile and removal of Replacement of soil cover. No Resdual Impact. Geology dolerite. dolerite. Limited impact on availability due to Limited impact on availability due to Limited impact on availability due to No Residual Impact. change in recharge characteristics. change in recharge characteristics. No change in recharge characteristics. No Ground Water No significant impact on quality significant impact on quality significant impact on quality expected. expected. expected. Impact on surface water run-off Impact on surface water run-off Restoration of surface water run-off No Residual Impact. characteristics due to commissioing characteristics due to commissioing of patterns. Possible impact on quality of storm water diversion berms and storm water diversion berms and due to solids in suspension. Surface Water excavation of open pits. Possible excavation of open pits. Possible quality impact due to solids in quality impact due to solids in suspension. suspension. Plant Life Loss in habitat and diversity. Loss in habitat and diversity. Restoration of habitat and diversity. No Residual Impact. Animal Life Loss in habitat and diversity. Loss in habitat and diversity. Restoration of habitat and diversity. No Residual Impact.

Aquatic Ecology Loss in habitat and diversity. Loss in habitat and diversity. Restoration of habitat and diversity. No Residual Impact. Dust generation during soil stripping, Dust generation during soil stripping, Dust generation during rehabilitation. No Residual Impact. mining, loading and transportation. mining, loading and transportation. Gaseous emmissions from bulldozers. Air Quality Gaseous emmissions from excavators Gaseous emmissions from excavators and transport trucks. and transport trucks. Engine noise, reverse hooters and Engine noise, reverse hooters and Engine noise and reverse hooters No Residual Impact. excavation sounds from excavators excavation sounds from excavators from bulldozers. Noise and engine noise and road noise and engine noise and road noise transport trucks. transport trucks. Only potential short range view Only potential short range view Only potential short range view No Residual Impact. Visuals impacts. Dust from excavation and impacts. Dust from excavation and impacts. Dust from rehabilitation transport along gravel roads. transport along gravel roads. activities. Possible disturbances to historical Possible disturbances to historical No Impact. No Residual Impact. Archaeological structures and grave sites. structures and grave sites. Road Traffic Increased traffic on public roads. Increased traffic on public roads. No Impact. No Residual Impact. Insignificant impact due to very small Insignificant impact due to very small Insignificant impact due to very small No Residual Impact. Socio-Economic magnitude of operation. magnitude of operation. magnitude of operation.

6.2 DESCRIPTION OF POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

In areas where extensive mining occurs, impacts experienced at individual mines may combine, and whereas they may be of acceptable magnitude and significance on individual mine scale, could after they have accumulated, be fully un- acceptable on a regional scale.

Most of the identified biophysical and socio-economic impacts related to open cast mining have the potential to accumulate and therefore have to be considered. In this regard, however, it is important to separate those that would accumulate linearly and those that would accumulate exponentially.

Linear accumulation is defined for impacts for which the aerial extent and zone of influence is directly related to the extent of the surface area where the impact is generated and occurs, or impacts for which the time duration is short. Examples of environmental attributes for which this is the case are:

o Topography o Soils o Land Capability o Geology o Plant Life o Heritage

Exponential accumulation is defined for impacts for which the aerial extent and zone of influence exist beyond the extent of the surface area where the impact is generated and which could therefore increase in significance as it combines with the manifestations of other external impacts generated by neighbouring or down- gradient/down-stream sources.

Examples of environmental attributes for which this is the case are:

o Land Use o Ground Water o Surface Water o Animal Life o Aquatic Ecosystems o Air Quality o Noise o Visual Aspects o Socio-economic Structure

Each of the specialist impact assessment reports commissioned for this Sasol Mining Borrow Pits EIA, will address the cumulative impacts related to the exponential accumulation attributes listed above. The information will be collated under a single heading for Cumulative Impacts in the EIA.

6.3 PROPOSED IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

The impact assessment methodology used for the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits Project is based on an Impact Assessment Rating Matrix developed by Sasol Mining.

This matrix contains all the critical elements for Environmental Impact Assessment as proposed in the formal DEAT Protocol for Environmental Impact Assessment – DEAT (2002) Impact Significance, Information Series 5, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), Pretoria.

The protocol comprises a series of steps in order to systematically go through a process of:

1. Identifying and Quantifying the Severity of an impact. Step 1. 2. Determining the Probability of an impact happening. Step 2. 3. Determine the Risk Level attached to the impact. Step 3.

The identification process is conducted by each individual specialist and then the Step 1 Severity Assessment is completed based on the specialist’s interpretation. The interpretation is converted into the numerical rating contained in Table 6.3(a), and an Impact Severity Total is calculated. The Severity Total is converted into a Consequence C Number, for population of the overall Risk Matrix. The components considered to arrive at the Consequence Rating (C Number) are as follows:

The quantity (volume) that will impact on the environment Toxicity: Hazard rating (dangerous properties of hazardous material) Spatial extent of the impact Duration of the impact Status of the impact Legislation Interested and affected parties

The sum of the numerical ratings for the above components represents the Impact Severity (Significance) Total.

Table 6.3(a): Impact Severity Assessment Criteria

CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING SEVERITY

Criteria Definition Points

Quantity The quantity (Volume) that will impact on the environment

Less than 1m3 / incident or > 10 mg/ m3 or < 61dBa 0

More than 1 m3 but less than 10 m3 per incident or > 25 mg/ m3 1

More than 10 m3 but less than 100 m3 per incident > 50 mg/ m3 or > 61dBa 2

More than 100 m3 but less than 1000 m3 per incident or > 100mg/ m3 3

More than 1000 m3 per incident \ continuous or > 120 mg/ m3 or > 85dBa 4

Toxicity Hazard rating (Dangerous properties of hazardous material)

Non-hazardous – (substances which will not result in any risk) 0

Hazard rating 1 – (Substances which could result in relatively low risk) 1

Hazard rating 2 – (Substances which could result in serious risk) 2

Hazard rating 3 – (Substance which could result in severe risk) 3

Extend How far does the impact extend?

Limited to Business unit 0

Limited to mine lease area 1

Regional (Refer to TEKSA area) 2

National (Refer to Mpumalanga area) 3

International (refer to beyond South Africa’s boundaries) 4

Duration How long will the impact last?

Less than 5 years 0

Between 5 – 15 years 1

Exceeding mine lifetime 2

Impact permanently present 3

Status Status of impact

Beneficial (Improve the environment) – no risk reduction needed -1

Neutral (No change to the environment) – No risk reduction needed 0

Adverse (Degradation of the environment) – Risk reduction needed 1

Legislation Are there any regulatory requirements applicable to aspects – impacts?

None 0

Yes, No fines, not cause loss of operating permit, but still reportable incident 1

Yes, and will result in / prosecution or loss in production 2

Yes, and will cause loss of operating permit or mine stoppage. 3

Yes, and may lead to closing down of mine 4

I & AP’s Interested and affected parties (I&AP)

No impact 0

Impact to employees in unit 1

Impact to local community / stakeholders 2

Impact to general public – beyond TEKSA area (Bad publicity) 3

Once a Severity Total has been calculated for a specific impact, an Impact Consequence Number is determined (C-number) as completion of Step 1, based on the Table below:

Table 6.3(b): Assignment of Impact Severity Consequence C-Number

Severity Total Risk Matrix Consequence Category

21 - 22 C7

19 - 20 C6

17 - 18 C5

14 - 16 C4

^10 - 13 C3

^5 - 9 C2

Less than 5 C1

During Step 2 the Probability of an impact occurring/re-occurring is assessed.

Table 6.3(c): Probability of an Impact Occurring (P-Value)

Likelihood Probability Likelihood Definitions P-value Descriptors Intervals

Unforeseen 0 – 0.1% The event is not foreseen to occur P1 Highly 0.1 – 1% The event may occur in exceptional circumstances (very remote) P2 Unlikely Very 1 – 5% The event may occur in certain circumstances (remote chance) P3 Unlikely Low 5 – 15% The event could occur (moderate chance) P4

Possible 15 – 40% The event may occur (realistic chance) P5

Likely 40 – 75% The event will probably occur (significant chance) P6 Almost 75 – 100% The event is expected to occur or occurs regularly P7 Certain

Finally, the overall impact is quantified in a Risk Matrix, by combining the S- Number (determined in Step 1) with the P-Value (determined in Step 2) in the Risk Matrix provided below (Step 3). The Risk Matrix also provides an Action Table to indicate and allocate responsibility.

The matrices shown above make use of generic criteria in order to systematically identify, predict, evaluate and determine the significance of impacts resulting from project construction, operation and decommissioning. In order to enhance the accuracy and integrity of the outcome of the Impact Assessment, the suite of potential environmental impacts (to both the natural and human environments) identified in the EIA, were as far as possible quantified during the various specialist studies conducted.

Table 6.3(d): Risk Matrix Table

Risk Matrix P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 Highly Very Almost Unforeseen Low Possible Likely Unlikely Unlikely Certain Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 C7 Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 2 Level 2 Level 2 Level 1 C6 Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Level 4 Level 4 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 2 Level 2 C5 Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Level 5 Level 5 Level 5 Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 C4 Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 5 Level 5 Level 5 Level 4 C3 Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 5 C2 Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 C1 Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 Highly Very Almost Unforeseen Low Possible Likely Unlikely Unlikely Certain

Table 6.3(e): Management Action Table Colour Management Action Responsible Person Coding Level 1 Re-Design, Manage Managing Risk and Director (High) Monitor

Compulsory Management Level 2 Operations and Risk Manager Monitoring Risk Compulsory Monitoring Level 3 Mine Management and Risk Manager Reactive Management Incident Management Level 4 Mine Business Unit and Risk Environmental Coordinator Investigative Monitoring Incident Management Level 5 Mine Business Unit and Risk Environmental Coordinator Investigative Monitoring Level 6 Incident Management Mine Business Unit Risk and Environmental Coordinator (Low) Investigative Monitoring

7. PLAN OF STUDY

The plan of study for the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits EIA and EMPR, was compiled with due consideration of the requirements contained in the different sets of legislation and regulations, the existing guidance documents available, and finally in support of all aspects and issues documented during the Scoping Phase Public Participation.

The Plan of Study is now available for review and comment by the I&AP’s for a 40 day period, after which this Draft Scoping Report will be appended to reflect comments and then submitted to the authorities for approval.

7.1 PROPOSED SPECIALIST STUDIES OR SPECIALIZED PROCESSES

The first step in designing the Plan of Study was to identify all Specialist Studies and specialized processes that would be required to support the Environmental Authorization Applications for the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits Project.

After due consideration and consultation, the EAP Project team therefore now propose that the following specialist inputs be generated in support of the EIA, EMPR and IWULA. The inputs will be generated as stand alone specialist reports, which will be compiled in a specific format in order to give compliance with regulatory conditions. The following report structure will be used:

1. Introduction 2. Details of Specialist 3. Declaration of Independence 4. Scope of Work 5. Legal Framework 6. Investigative Methodology 7. Assumptions 8. Base Line Description 9. Impact Assessment 10. Management Objectives 11. Management Measures and Costing 12. Monitoring Plan

The Specialist Studies, together with specific specialist inputs related to specialized processes, already commissioned for the Sasol Mining Borrow Pits Project, include the following:

Environmental Specialist Specialized Component Consultant Processes Soils, Terra Soil Science Soil/Land Type Distribution Assessment Land Capability & Land Capability Assessment Land Use Current Land Use Assessment Soil, Land Capability and Land Use Impact Assessment Soil Utilization and Rehabilitation Plan Geology Jones & Wagener Resource Assessment (Dolerite) Knight Piezold Resource Assessment (Dolerite) JMA Consulting Geochemical Classification

Environmental Specialist Specialized Component Consultant Processes Ground Water JMA Consulting Aquifer Physical, Hydraulic, Dynamic and Hydrochemical Assessment Ground Water Use Assessment Aquifer Classification Ground Water Balance Ground Water Salt Balance Ground Water Impact Assessment Ground Water Management Plan Ground Water Monitoring Plan Surface Water Jones & Wagener Meteorological Assessment (Rainfall and Evaporation) Flood Lines Surface Water Quality Surface Water Use Surface Water Balance Surface Water Salt Balance Overall Mine Water Balance Overall Mine Salt Balance Surface Water Impact Assessment Design of Storm Water Management Infrastructure Surface Water Monitoring Plan Plant Life JMA Consulting Floral Habitat Assessment Floral Diversity Assessment Identification of Red Data Species Identification of Protected/Endangered Species Floral Sensitivity Assessment Floral Impact Assessment Floral Management Plan Animal Life JMA Consulting Faunal Habitat Assessment Faunal Diversity Assessment Identification of Red Data Species Identification of Protected/Endangered Species Faunal Sensitivity Assessment Faunal Impact Assessment Faunal Management Plan Wetlands Wetland Consulting Wetland Delineation Services Wetland Classification Wetland Functional Assessment Present Ecological State (PES) Assessment Ecological Importance & Sensitivity (EIS) Assessment Wetland Impact Assessment Wetland Management Plan Aquatic Ecosystems Wetland Consulting Water Quality Assessment Services Aquatic Macro-invertrebates Assessment (SASS5) Habitat Integrity Assessment (HIA) Aquatic Impact Assessment Aquatic Management Plan Bio-monitoring Plan Air Quality EHRCON Meteorological Assessment (Wind Fields) Ambient Air Quality Assessment Air Quality Dispersion Assessment Air Quality Management Plan Air Quality Monitoring Plan

Environmental Specialist Specialized Component Consultant Processes Noise MENCO Ambient Noise Assessment Noise Source Assessment Sensitive Receptor Identification Noise Propagation Assessment Noise Management Plan Noise Monitoring Plan Visual JMA Consulting Topopgraphical Assessment View Shed Analyses Zeli Design Contextual Analyses Photographic Visibility Assessment Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) Visual Management Plan Heritage J C C Pistorius Phase I Heritage Impact Assessment Socio-Economic De Wit Sust Option Support Social and Labour Plan Road Traffic MENCO Current Traffic Volume Assessment JMA Consulting Project Traffic Volume Assessment Mine Planning JMA Consulting Activity Descriptions Mine Layout Drawings Draft EMP JMA Consulting Management Objectives Management Measures Monitoring Plan Financial Provisioning Compliance/Performance Auditing Civil Engineering Designs Jones & Wagener Storm Water Management Berms Storm water PCD’s License Applications JMA Consulting Integrated Water Use License Public Participation Program JMA Consulting Pre-Application Phase Application Phase Scoping Phase EIA Phase Public Participation Programme Report ROD Information Phase Appeal Phase

7.2 CONDUCT BASE LINE STUDIES

The identified specialists were commissioned to conduct the required base line studies in support of this Draft Scoping Report as it is a regulatory requirement to describe the current environmental situation for inclusion in the Draft and Final Scoping Reports.

The outcome of the base line studies conducted to date is documented in Chapter 5 of this Report.

Base Line descriptions were compiled for Meteorology, Topography, Soils, Land Capability and Land Use, Geology, Ground Water, Surface Water, Plant Life, Animal Life, Wetlands and Aquatic Ecosystems, Air Quality, Noise, Visual Aspects, Heritage Aspects, Road Traffic and Socio-Economic Aspects.

I&AP’s, as well as authorities can now review the outcomes of the base line studies and either accept the range and extent of the studies, or ask for, or recommend, additional work. If any additional work is required, this will be conducted at the outset of the EIA Phase. The updated base line work will be reported on in the EIAR.

7.3 CONDUCT SPECIALIST STUDIES

The I&AP’s, as well as the authorities, can either accept the proposed specialist studies listed in section 7.1, or ask for additional aspects to be assessed during the EIA Phase. If no requests of recommendations are received during this Scoping Phase, the Specialist Studies and Specialized Processes listed in section 7.1 will become the Terms of Reference for the EIA Phase. No requests or recommendations for additional work were received.

7.4 COMPILE EIA REPORTS

Two separate EIA reports will be compiled by JMA for DMR and DEDET respectively. The reports will be structured and compiled to give compliance with the MPRDA Regulations and the NEMA EIA Regulations respectively. Draft reports will be made available to the relevant authorities and I&AP’s for comment prior to finalization for submission the lead authorities for consideration and approval.

7.5 COMPILE DRAFT EMP’s

Two separate EMP reports will be compiled by JMA for DMR and DEDET respectively. The reports will be structured and compiled to give compliance with the MPRDA Regulations and the NEMA EIA Regulations respectively. Draft EMP reports will be made available to the relevant authorities and I&AP’s for comment prior to finalization for submission the lead authorities for consideration and approval.

7.6 COMPILE IWWMP

An Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP) will be compiled by JMA and J&W in support of the Integrated Water Use License Application for submission to DWA.

7.7 PERFORM DETAILED CONCEPT CIVIL DESIGNS

Detailed concept civil designs of water management infrastructure will be compiled by J&W in support of the Integrated Water Use License Application.

7.8 CONSULTATION TIME LINE WITH COMPETENT AUTHORITY

The proposed project time line is indicated in the Table below. Proposed interactions with the competent authorities are highlighted in purple. The two planned public meetings are higligted in blue.

Year 2011 Year 2012 Year 2013 Item Deliverables Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

1. Initiate Project/Planning/Appoint Sub-consultants X X 2. Perform Base Line Studies X X X X X X X 3. Compile Project Description X X X X X 4. Compile Draft Scoping Report X X X X X 5. Submit EIA Application X X X 6. First Public Meeting X X X 7. I&AP Review Period X X X X X X 8. Submit Final Scoping Report to Authorities X X X 9. Scoping Report Approved X X X 10. Do Mine Planning /Update Project Description X X X X 11. Finalize Specialist Reports X X X X X X X 12. Do Impact Tables X X X X X 13. Do Management Tables X X X X X 14. Compile Draft EIA and EMP X X X X X 15. Second Public Meeting X X X 16. I&AP Review Period X X X X X X 17. Submit Final EIA and Draft EMP to Authorities X X X 18. Compile IWWMP X X X X X X 19. Do Concept Civil Designs X X X X X X 20. Compile Water Use License Application Report. X X 21. Submit IWULA to Authorities X X X 22. Authority Review and Approval (EIA) X X X X X X X X X 23. Authority Review and Approval (EMPR) X X X X X X X X X X 24. Authority Review and Approval (IWULA) X X X X X X X X X X Table 7.8(a): Proposed Timeline for the Project

7.9 ROPOSED PLAN FOR EIA PHASE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Please refer to section 3.2 of this document for details regarding the extent of the public participation process followed for the scoping phase of the EIA. The Public Participation Process for the EIA phase will follow more or less the same route and be of similar dimensions and therefore no redundant repetition of facts, which have already been stated in Section 3.2, will be repeated in this section.

7.9.1 The Scope of the Public Participation Programme (EIA Phase)

The scope of the Public Participation Programme during the EIA phase of the project will be along the same dimensions and considerations as the one that was conducted during the Scoping Phase of the EIA.

7.9.2 Identification/Registration of Authorities and I&AP’s

An extensive list/register of I&APs and authorities will have been compiled by this phase and the same database will be used for communication with I&APs during the EIA phase. However should any person identified, or should any person request to be registered as an I&AP to the project, at any stage of the project, he/she will be given the opportunity to do so and be notified of the project accordingly.

7.9.3 Notification of Authorities and I&AP’s

Notification of I&APs and authorities on the progress of the project will be done according to the regulations 54 – 57 as set out in GNR 543 and will again include notification letters, press advertisements, and site notices. These notices and advertisements will inform the I&APs on details of the Public Meeting during the EIA phase and will provide an updated background description to the proposed project.

7.9.4 Information to Authorities and I&AP’s

Information included in the correspondence and consultation with I&APs and authorities will include updated information generated for the proposed project. Also it will include information and details of the EIA phase public participation process.

7.9.5 Meetings with Authorities and I&AP’s

Meetings with authorities during the EIA phase will be organized on request. The I&APs will be invited to attend a Public Meeting during which the results of the environmental impact assessment and proposed management and mitigation measures will be communicated to them.

Should some of the I&APs wish to be consulted in a Focus Group format, such meetings will be scheduled and conducted.

7.9.6 Obtaining Comments from Authorities and I&AP’s

All I&APs will receive the opportunity to comment on any of the information generated during the EIA/EMP Process, in the review periods of the various documentation, which will be submitted to the relevant authorities. This includes the draft EIA Report and EMP which will be submitted to DMR and DEDET.

The IWWMP which will be submitted to the DWA is not usually presented for formal public review due to the complex and technical nature of the report, but should any I&AP wish to view this report, it will be made available to them. Irrespective of this fact the results of the IWWMP will be discussed with the I&AP’s during the Public Meeting and possible Focus Group Meetings.

7.9.7 Responding to Comments from Authorities and I&AP’s

All comments that are raised by I&APs will be incorporated into an I&AP Comments Register. JMA will then address each and every issue or comment raised. Once this is completed the I&APs will be notified of how their issue or comment have been addressed and the finalized report will be submitted to the relevant authorities.

7.9.8 Public Participation Program Report

A detailed Public Participation Program Report, containing information of all the actions that were undertaken with regard to the Public Participation Process (for both phases, Scoping and EIA), will be compiled for this project and be submitted along with the final reports to the relevant competent authorities.

8. IDENTIFICATION OF REPORT

Herewith I, the person whose name and identity number is stated below, confirm that I am the person authorized to act as representative of the applicant in terms of the resolution submitted with the application, and confirm that the above report comprises the results of consultation as contemplated in Section 16(4)(b) or 27(5)(b) of the Act, as the case may be.

Full Names and Surname Jasper Lodewyk Muller (Pr.Sci.Nat.)

Identity Number 571116 5104 081

Signature

Prj5579