SECTION F: APPENDICES APPENDIX A: SITE PLAN
109 APPENDIX B: PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN FROM THE CENTRE OF THE SITE
110 APPENDIX C: FACILITY ILLUSTRATION(S)
111 APPENDIX D: SPECIALIST REPORTS Appendix D(i): Roads and Wet Services Report
JN VENTER BELEGGINGS TRUST
ROADS AND WET SERVICES REPORT: AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE EXPANSION ON PORTION 228 AND PORTION A OF REMAINDER PORTION 74 OF THE FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO. 113, ADDO, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY, EASTERN CAPE
SYNOPSIS
This report deals with a preliminary engineering investigation regarding the bulk services and the preliminary investigation and design of the road/parking, storm water, sewerage, water systems that will serve the whole mixed development regarding the mentioned Africanos Country Estate Expansion.
PREPARED BY:
JJ Spies Civil Engineers 53 Louise Michael Drive Lovemore Heights 6070
TEL: 041 368 1009 FAX: 041 368 3470 CELL: 082 456 6119
DATE: 2 April 2020
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. TERMS OF REFERENCE 1
2. SCOPE 1
3. LEVEL OF SERVICES 1
4. DATA COLLECTION 1 4.1 Survey details 1 4.2 Proposed extension 2 4.3 Field records and observations 3 4.4 Engineering geological report 3
5. ANALYSIS 4 5.1 Methodology 4 5.2 Acceptable objectives 4 5.3 Appropriate design standards 4
6. INVESTIGATION AND PRELIMINARY DESIGN 5 6.1 Roads – Access 5 6.2 Roads – Structural 6 6.3 Roads – Geometric design 6 6.4 Storm water system 7 6.5 Water supply system 8 6.5.1 Domestic water demand 8 6.5.2 Water supply 9 6.6 Domestic effluent system 10
7. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL 14 7.1 Domestic waste 14
8. RESOURCE PROTECTION AND WATER USE AUTHORISATION 14
9. CONCLUSION 14
10. APPENDIX 15 10.1 Layout drawing
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JN VENTER BELEGGINGS TRUST
ROADS AND WET SERVICES REPORT: PROPOSED AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE EXPANSION ON PORTION 228 AND PORTION A OF REMAINDER PORTION 74 OF THE FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO. 113, ADDO, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY, EASTERN CAPE
1. TERMS OF REFERENCE
In terms of our appointment by JN Venter Beleggings Trust, dated 3 September 2019, we prepared the civil engineering report regarding the preliminary investigation of the bulk services and preliminary investigation and design of the road/parking, storm water, sewerage and water systems that will serve the whole mixed development consisting of the existing Africanos Country Estate including the expansion of the resort.
2. SCOPE
The scope of this report deals with the collection of data on and adjacent to Portion 228 and Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the Farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality, Eastern Cape and analysis of this data concerning an engineering opinion regarding the availability of bulk services, identification of constraints, further approvals and studies as well as the preliminary investigation and design of road/ parking, storm water, sewer and water systems to serve the above-mentioned development.
The above information is required for the water and sewerage systems and storm water systems management plan that have to form part of the environmental report.
3. LEVEL OF SERVICES
The level of services will be in accordance with the Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design compiled under the patronage of the Department of Housing by CSIR Building and Construction Technology: (2000: Revision August 2003) and other acceptable design specifications.
4. DATA COLLECTION
4.1 Survey details
The coordinated topographical survey of the site including existing structures, roads and services which was done by Surplan has been obtained electronically from JN Venter Beleggings Trust.
The cadastral boundaries of the existing site and adjacent property were also indicated on the afore-mentioned survey by Surplan.
The adjacent property (Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of Farm 113), onto which the proposed expansion will take place, is in the process of being transferred to the JN Venter Beleggings Trust.
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4.2 Proposed Expansion
The conceptual schematic plan which indicated the total extension to the Africanos Country Estate was done by Ellis Architecture and Design Studio: Contact Person: Bobby Ellis. We obtained the layout electronically from the afore-mentioned architectural consulting firm on 9 September 2019.
The current development located on 1.6ha consists inter alia of the following: • Africanos Inn • Restaurant • Function rooms • 12 x Chalets • Staff housing (6 Persons) • Associated infrastructure
The proposed future expansion which will mainly be located on the adjacent 5ha property (Portion A), will consist inter alia of the following: • Double storey hotel (36 rooms) • 12 x Caravan sites & ablution building • Multi-function hall (200 seats) • Kids play area • Convenience store • 12 x Chalets • Staff housing (20 Persons) • New tool shed • New laundry • Demolish some existing buildings as indicated on the architectural layout
In addition, and in order to ensure that the associated services (access, water, storm water and domestic effluent including laundry wash water) are effectively provided and managed, the expansion is proposed to include the following components: • Semi-dry storm water pond (3539m2 / 760m3) • 600mm diameter storm water pipe (subject to SANRAL approval) in R336 road reserve • New road/ parking area • New access to caravan park • Extension to existing syphon consisting of maximum 825mm diameter concrete pressure pipe • Foulsewer treatment plant (160m2), buffer tank (36m²) and irrigation pond (225m²/600m³) • Upgrade of existing foulsewer conservancy tank to septic tank • 110mm diameter sewer pumping mains and 160mm diameter gravity sewers • Sewer pump stations • 110mm diameter water reticulation • 450mm water pipeline from canal offtake to existing raw water tank 2 x new water tanks (12.3m diameter, 119m² each, 283m³ each) The total expanded development footprint is therefore anticipated to be approximately 4.8ha).
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4.3 Field records and observations
The main access to the site will be obtained via the proposed relocated access off the R336 road.
The proposed access to the caravan park will off the Zuurberg Road.
The proposed extension to the Africanos Estate will mainly be located on the south-eastern side of the existing resort.
Refer to enclosed Drawing No. NV/2020-03/AS/01/A.
The levels on the site vary from 53.0m above Mean Sea Level (MSL) near the top north- western corner, 51.07 near the north-eastern corner, 49.86 near the south-eastern corner and 49.65 near the south-western corner.
The terrain slopes in general with very flat gradients from north-east to south-west and eventually in general from south-east to north-west along the R336 road.
The surface areas where the proposed extension to the resort has been indicated consists mainly of citrus orchards, grass patches, open land and existing buildings which are proposed to be demolished.
4.4 Engineering geological report
A detailed geo-technical investigation of the site area is not available at present.
However, it is recommended to do an engineering geological investigation prior to the detailed design stage of the development.
Based on visual observations of excavations in the vicinity of the site under discussion, the soil profile can in general be described as follows:
• The topsoil mainly consists of clayey sand and/or gravel with vegetation and roots.
• Over the biggest part of the site, the topsoil is underlain by loose to medium stiff sandy silty material from shallow to moderate depths.
• In isolated cases the sandy silty layer may be underlain by a stiff to very stiff fractured calcrete layer.
• Based on the current information at our disposal, the probability that a high groundwater table could be present in the area of the development is considered to be low.
5. ANALYSIS
5.1 Methodology
The methodology adopted in analyzing an effective design for the wet services systems and main roads for the extension to the estate under discussion, consists of the following:
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• Establishing acceptable objectives for the proposed road/ parking and wet services systems.
• Determine appropriate design standards for the purpose of analysis and report.
• Applying these criteria to the expected post-development conditions to confirm findings and details regarding the proposed design and constructed works.
5.2 Acceptable objectives
• To provide flood control measures that prevent loss of life and significant damage to property from the run-off from major storms and keep excess run-off away from buildings and/or habitable units as far as practically possible.
• To provide reasonable access to buildings and/or habitable units, effective water supply, effective domestic sewer, wash water and storm water drainage systems for the health, safety and convenience of the community and to protect property from damage by frequent storms.
• To provide economical facilities and find solutions to accommodate water demand, domestic sewer effluent, wash water and storm water run-off problems compatible with the physical and ecological environment and protect the natural environment.
• To implement procedures and practices which are consistent with the operating and maintenance standards of the accountable governing bodies and/or local authorities.
5.3 Appropriate design standards
A balance must be achieved between the objectives, optimal land use and economic viability of the development.
A compromise between the Guidelines for the provision of Engineering Services as published by the Department of Community Development 1983 (Blue Book), Guidelines for the Provision of Engineering Services and Amenities In Industrial Townships Development issued by The South African Housing Advisory Council 1994 (“old” Red Book) and Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design compiled under the patronage of the Department of Housing by CSIR Building and Construction Technology: (2000: Revision August 2003) (“new” Red Book).
The Guidelines for the Geometric design of Urban arterial roads (UTG1, 1986), TRH4 Specifications: Structural Design of Inter-urban and Rural road pavements and other accepted specifications as indicated, have generally been adopted as a basis for the design of the roads, water supply, sewer and storm water control systems.
In accordance with the recommendations from the Hydrological Research Unit (HRU) of the University of the Witwatersrand: HRU report No. 1/72 - Design Flood Determination in S.A. and HRU report No. 2/78 – Additional information and improvements to Depth - Duration - Frequency diagram the so-called Rational Method has been used to determine the run-off for the relative small catchment areas on the proposed development areas on Portion 228 and Portion A.
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Intensity/Duration/Frequency Curves for 100; 50 down to the 5 and 2 year recurrence intervals for the area have been used in preliminary calculations.
DWAF (2001) White Paper on basic Household Sanitation. Department of Water Affairs & Forestry, September
Xu, Y and Braune, E (1998). A guideline for groundwater protection for the community water supply and sanitation programme. Department of Water Affairs & Forestry, Pretoria
Gazette No. 26187, Government Notice, DWAF, No. 399, 26 March 2004: Table B1: Effluent Treatment Standards.
6. INVESTIGATION AND PRELIMINARY DESIGN
6.1 Roads – Access
The main access to the development will be via the proposed relocated access off the R336 Road, approximately 200m south-east of the R336/ Zuurberg Road intersection.
The new access to the proposed caravan park will be near the northern corner of Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 off the adjacent Zuurberg Road. The last-mentioned access can also act as an access for maintenance and operational purposes.
Two secondary access points are provided from MN50600 for the staff housing and the refuse/delivery area to the rear of the existing Country Estate on Portion 228.
Refer to enclosed Drawing No. NV/2020-03/AS/01/A.
The upgrading of the existing roads and/or intersections will have to be done in accordance with the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) as executed by a competent Transportation Engineer and as approved by applicable authorities.
The detailed designs of any upgrades that could be required in the approved TIA with regards to access to the proposed development will also have to be approved by the afore- mentioned authorities.
6.2 Roads - Structural
The structural design of the roads will have to be done in accordance with the TRH4 Specifications: Structural design of inter-urban and rural road pavements subject to the conditions as indicated in the geo-technical report.
The structural layer works of the main internal road/ parking areas have been preliminarily designed to accommodate the repetitive axle loads associated with post-development light passenger vehicles and heavier commercial and maintenance vehicles, as applicable.
The preliminary structural layer works consist of selected 150mm in-situ sandy-silt material compacted to 90% Modified American Association of State Highway Traffic Officials (MOD AASHTO) density, 200mm to 350mm selected blasted rock G8 material compacted to 98% MOD AASHTO density where the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of the in-situ material would be lower than 3% at 90% MOD AASHTO density (Classification in accordance with TRH 14: Guidelines for Road Construction Materials). 150mm Crushed stone G7 material
118 compacted to 93% Mod AASHTO density, 150mm Crushed stone G5 Material compacted to 95% Mod AASHTO density stabilised with 1.5% cement and 80mm interlocking concrete paving block (40MPa crushing strength) complete with cement infill with an 80mm high mountable or sunken 35MPa concrete kerb on the sides of the road subject to the storm water design considerations.
In areas where there will be mainly light vehicle passenger traffic, the 150mm G7 layer could be omitted and the final layer may consist of a 60mm interlocking concrete paving block (30MPa crushing strength) complete with cement infill with an 80mm high mountable or sunken 35MPa concrete kerb on the sides of the road subject to the storm water design considerations.
6.3 Roads – Geometric design
If required, the coordinated horizontal alignment of the existing intersections directly related to the proposed development will have to be amended and designed in accordance with the guidelines as indicated in the approved TIA report.
The preferred width of the proposed relocated main access should preferably be a width of 8.0 wide near the entrance to the site. The width of the caravan and maintenance access should be a minimum of 7.8m wide. The width of the road lanes between the parking areas shall not be less than 7.5m.
As far as practically possible, the vertical alignment of the road/ parking areas will have to be done in accordance with the mentioned Guidelines as indicated earlier in this report.
The formed gravel, grassed, paved and/or concrete surface areas will also in most instances act as shallow overland storm water channels to accommodate the responsible management of storm water.
Considering the topography of the site, the formed gravel, paved and concrete areas will have to be designed mainly to fall within the allowed minimum and maximum gradients (self- cleansing flow and maximum storm water flow velocities) to the grassed areas, but also with an overall fall towards the proposed detention pond and lower-lying overland flow route along the R336 road.
Based on our experience and in accordance with the available topographical data for the site, maximum and minimum longitudinal vertical gradients on the roads should vary in general between 16% and 0,5% (absolute minimum 0,4%) respectively with a cross fall gradient of 2,0% to 2,5%.
6.4 Storm water system
In an attempt to address the post-development storm water drainage in a responsible way including adherence to the accepted objectives, the following preliminary design proposals are recommended.
Refer to Drawing No. NV/2020-03/AS/01/A
• In order to reduce the run-off of overland storm water, it is proposed that storm water be intercepted from the roof areas and conveyed to rainwater storage tanks near the buildings. The surplus storm water from the roofs will be directed to the open grassed
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areas on and near the proposed caravan park, hotel, multi-function hall and kids play area.
• It is recommended to grass all the open areas on the site which is approximately 72% of the new extended area.
• Intercept and convey the storm water from the biggest part of the site to the shallow storm water detention area as far as practically possible.
• Subject to the detailed design of earthworks, the formed road/ parking areas and grassed areas and storm water system, the formed surface areas shall be designed to also act as shallow storm water channels under minor storms and emergency overland flow routes during or after major storm conditions where needed.
• The general resultant longitudinal gradients of the formed surface areas/roads shall be designed to direct the surface storm water flow to the shallow storm water detention area as far as practically possible.
• The big grassed area on the site combined with the storm water detention facility will detain the intercepted storm water from more than 70% of the new development area of the site. This is to ensure that the post-development flow which will leave the site to be similar or less than the pre-development flows and simultaneously replenish the underground water sources.
• The storm water detention area has been designed to retain post-development major design storm intercepted flows up to a maximum 1 in 100 year recurrence intervals and release up to a maximum of a 1 in 5 year recurrence interval run-off to the existing storm water system next to, and in the reserve of, the R336 Road.
• Detain and/or discharge the storm water from the storm water pond in accordance with the applicable regulations and design guidelines. In accordance with our calculations the shallow grassed stormwater detention area will detain 759m³ over an area of 3 539m² (approximately 20m wide x 179m long x maximum 600mm deep. The detained overflow from the said detention area will drain via a shallow paved “V” channel over the proposed parking area to the existing open storm water channel next to, and in the reserve of, the R336 Road.
• Due to the partial sedimentation process that occurs under lower flow velocities on the grassed areas and in the grassed storm water detention pond including the biological breakdown of contaminants by the sun energy and oxidation, the quality of the intercepted run-off can be improved prior to discharge to the R336 Road system.
• The gradient of constructed “embankments” to the grassed stormwater detention area shall not be steeper than 1 in 5 to enhance the safety of people, establishment of vegetation and soil stability under wet conditions as far as practical possible.
6.5 Water supply system
6.5.1 Domestic Demand
The water supply system has to be designed to accommodate the maximum daily domestic demand (including the laundry wash water demand).
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Based on our preliminary calculations the maximum daily domestic demand (MDDD) for the existing resort is 18.05m³/day. The Annual Average Daily Demand (AADD) for the existing resort is 9.46m³/day and 66.4m³/week.
The MDDD for the new development 61.8m³/day and the AADD is 27.4m³/day.
The MDDD for the full development (existing + proposed) is therefore anticipated to be 79.85m³/day and the AADD equal to 36.86m³/day and on average 258.73m³/week.
6.5.2 Water supply
The bulk water supply to the existing Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 is obtained from the Lower Sundays River Water Users Association (LSRWUA). The water supplied from the canal is treated in an existing on-site water treatment plant for domestic use.
The existing authorized water supply from the canal of the LSRWUA to Africanos Country Estate is 3000m³ per month. This translates to 100m³/day or 700m³/week.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been drawn up between the SRCC (current landowner) and the applicant (future landowner) that Portion A will be sold with full water use entitlements. Given that the area proposed to be subdivided off Remainder Portion 74 (ie Portion A) has been surveyed at ~5ha, the water use entitlements that will also be transferred will be ~5ha. Subject to all the applicable water right approvals, the water supply from the irrigation canal to the 5ha property will thus be 123.29m³/day and 865.40m³/week.
The total water supply from LSRWUA to the full development on both properties will therefore be 223.29m³/day and on average 1563.03m³/week which is more than sufficient for the average weekly water demand of 258.73m³/week for the full development on both properties.
Considering the risk of continuous water supply from the irrigation canal on a weekly basis, it is recommended to put an additional raw water reservoir of 283m³ next to the existing 283m³ raw water reservoir at the existing water treatment plant as well as an additional water tank to store the treated irrigation water. The existing on-site water treatment plant has sufficient capacity to treat the increased water demand and therefore is not required to be expanded.
The use of water can also be saved by using water saving products listed as follows:
• water saving toilets (capacity 6 litres and less) with a dual-flush valve; • water saving taps with spray cartridges; • water-saver shower heads with a flow rate of 4 to 9 litres per minute by generating finer droplets; • timed turn-off taps.
Gardens could also be merged with natural and indigenous vegetation (with relative low water consumption if possible) subject to investigation by a specialist.
In order to accommodate the required minimum residual head pressure of 150kPa under instantaneous peak demand conditions and to accommodate a fire flow of 25 litres per
121 second, it is recommended to install an elevated 3m high platform with water tanks with an effective fire storage capacity of 30kl combined with a FH, non-return valve and fire booster connection to the looped reticulation main. With the aid of the pump system of the fire brigade, the additional 30kl of stored water on site can be used as an interim measure to boost the water reticulation/fire hydrant flow under conditions of fire.
The fire hydrants will be the pedestal type unless otherwise specified by the Chief Fire Officer of the Sundays River Valley Municipality.
The main internal reticulation will mainly consist of a 110mm diameter PVC-U Class 12 piped connection to the site and a looped reticulation mainly consisting of 110mm diameter PVC- U pipelines Class 12 in accordance with SANS 966: 1998 Part 1 specifications and laid in accordance with SANS 1200 LB. The completed water reticulation will be tested under a minimum pressure of 1350kPa in accordance with SANS 1200 L.
The design and supply of a sprinkler system regarding the fire protection which could be needed for the convenience store or hotel does not form part of this report. If required, the mentioned investigation has to be done by a fire sprinkler system specialist.
6.6 Domestic Effluent System
In accordance with our calculations, the Average Dry Weather Flow (ADWF) of the existing Africanos Country Estate is 8.99m³/day. Currently the domestic effluent is managed by means of a conservancy tank system.
The ADWF for the extension to the resort (including the laundry) has been calculated to be 26.03m³/day. The laundry shall use eco-friendly detergents.
The ADWF for the full development (existing + proposed) is therefore anticipated to be 35.02m³/day.
The preferred option to treat the domestic effluent under post-development conditions is the Clearedge Sewage Onsite Treatment System or similar foul sewer treatment system as approved by the Sundays River Valley Municipality.
The location to construct the foul sewer treatment plant has been identified near the northern corner of the site.
The treatment plant will have a maximum daily throughput capacity of 40m³.
The existing conservancy tank system is proposed to be incorporated into the sewerage reticulation infrastructure to be installed as part of the proposed expansion. The conservancy tank is proposed to be converted to a septic tank to enable the overflow from the tank to be conveyed to the foul sewer treatment plant.
Refer to Drawing No. NV/2020-03/AS/01/A.
The treatment plant will require an area of 8m x 20m (160m²), 6m x 6m x 2.5m deep (36m²/72m³) buffer tank and irrigation pond of 15m x 15m x 2.7m deep (225m² / 600m³).
Considering the topography of the site, it is recommended to drain the domestic effluent to the underground pump stations near each of the entities as shown.
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The main internal waterborne gravity sewers have to be designed to accommodate the peak wet weather design flows.
In accordance with our preliminary design calculations, the gravity sewers will mainly be 160mm diameter Class 400kPa PVC-U pipes: SANS 1601 Type 1 specification to convey the effluent from all the foulsewer generating entities to the underground sewer pump stations.
The sewer pumping main from the private pump stations will mainly consist of 110mm diameter PVC-U Class 9 SANS 966 pipelines and will convey the domestic sewer effluent to the communal septic tank/buffer tank of the onsite foul sewer treatment plant near the northern corner of the site.
The sewer pumps (duty and standby pump to alternate) will be installed in 1800mm diameter precast concrete pump chambers. All precast concrete elements to conform to SANS 677, SANS 1294 and SANS 1200 GE specifications. In addition, the internal skin of the chamber including the soffit of the sump roof slab will be painted with two coats of epoxy tar to prevent corrosion of the sump structure. All steelwork to be hot dipped galvanized.
The pumping system will have to be designed to accommodate a discharge rate of 7.6 l/s that will allow the required self-cleansing velocity of more than 0,75 m/s and to accommodate the required peak wet weather flow of 7.6 l/s as per our preliminary calculations.
The longitudinal gradients of the gravity sewers will have to be designed to accommodate the peak wet weather flows as well as maintaining minimum self- cleansing velocities higher than 0,7 m/s.
All main internal sewers and manholes have to be constructed in accordance with SANS 1200 LD, SANS 1200 LB and Municipal Standards and Specifications.
The mentioned Clearedge onsite sewage treatment system has been installed inter alia at the following developments in South Africa:
Royalston Estate, Port Elizabeth in 2014 Sardinia Bay Estate, Port Elizabeth in 2008 Gleneagles Estate, East London in 2009 Toulon Game Lodge, Kruger in 2008 Shoprite, Hluhluwe in 2008 Milkwood Estate, KZN in 2008 Engen 1 – stops, Tugela North and South bound in 2008 Umzumbe High School, Hibberdene in 2008 Ocean View industrial complex, Blythedale in 2007 Legends Golf Estate, Polokwane in 2007 Katberg Golf Estate, Eastern Cape in 2007 Samola Golf Estate, Western Cape in 2007 National Ports Authority, Durban Port in 2007 Bulwer low cost housing Scheme, Bulwer in 2005 Selbourne Golf Estate in 1996
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In layman’s terms, the operation of the closed onsite Clearedge Sewage Treatment System can be summarized as follows:
The effluent (grey and black water) from the pump station will be received by a “communal” three-chamber septic tank with a minimum 24-hour design load capacity at the onsite treatment plant.
The overflow from the first chamber will gravitate to the second and third chambers of the communal septic tank.
Based on our preliminary calculations, the effective capacity of the “communal” septic tank which would serve the full development of the Africanos Country Estate shall be 72m³. The approximate size shall be 6m x 6m x 2.5m deep depending on the inlet depth to the tank.
Most of the bigger suspended solids will be contained and be broken down by anaerobic and aerobic action in the first chamber of the “communal’ septic tank. The clearer effluent overflow from the third chamber will be pumped to the bioreactors.
The effluent will move through the media where aerobic bacteria in a submerged fixed-film will break down the organic matter to more stable levels with the addition of air (higher concentration of dissolved oxygen) supply under pressure.
The treated overflow from the bioreactor(s) will be discharged to the clarifier(s) where the sludge will be settled out, drained and be returned to the first chamber of the “communal’ septic tank. The clear treated effluent from the top part in the clarifier will be conveyed to the chlorine contact tank for it to be disinfected.
In order to keep the maintenance as simple as possible, the Etatron DLX series (wall mounted) & DLXB series (foot mounted) solenoid dosing pumps with the electronic flow sensor and level probe, will not be recommended to control the dosage of Chlorine in the contact tank.
Instead of the solenoid driven dosing pump, an in-line chlorinator as developed by Klorman or Clearedge will be used to supply chlorine under controlled conditions to the effluent in the contact tank.
The inline chlorinator consists of a spring-loaded cartridge filled with slow release chlorine tablets. The clear effluent will flow over the lower part of the spring-loaded cartridge where the flow in the pipeline between the clarifier and the contact tank can be adjusted to control the contact area between the slow release chlorine pills and the effluent to release the correct dosage of chlorine to disinfect the effluent to the required standards.
In order to address the concern about the required levels of free chlorine residual in the final effluent, it is recommended that the applicable chlorine test of the final effluent from the contact tank should be done initially on a daily basis and to adjust the flow over the inline chlorinator accordingly if needed. The treated effluent will be directed to the irrigation pond.
The irrigation pond has to be designed and constructed to allow a minimum of 4 days retention time to ensure the final effluent is free from any chlorine residual which could occur under isolated overdosing conditions.
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In case of extreme unforeseen package plant breakdowns, we recommend that the irrigation pond should also be able to accommodate the inflow up to 15 days x ADWF that can be re-circulated to the “communal” septic tank if needed to limit the risk of possible contamination of underground water sources.
The irrigation pond shall be constructed with a plastic lined base covered with a 300mm clay layer to avoid percolation to lower lying ground layers.
The grassed areas and ornamental gardens will be irrigated with the treated effluent. The mentioned area is more than 30 000m². Considering 2% losses due to evaporation, the irrigation rate has been calculated to be less than 2mm per calendar day which is acceptable from an irrigation perspective.
The irrigation of the grassed open spaces with the treated effluent should definitely optimize the usage of water under post-development conditions.
It is also recommended to supply the batch plant with a mobile independent diesel generator in case of power failures.
In order to make 99,9% sure that fatty stuff and fine soil particles do not interfere with the effective working of the Clearedge Package Plant over the medium and long term, it has been recommended to design the communal septic tank with 3 chambers.
It is also recommended to install industrial fat traps to the outlets of the kitchens and laundry.
This precautionary measure will limit the risk of blockages in the media of the bioreactors and also bring down the required Chemical Oxygen Demand in the effluent which would be conveyed to the bioreactors.
In order to monitor the effective working of the Clearedge package plant system in combination with the irrigation pond, it is recommended to have samples of the final treated water tested on a bi-weekly basis by the laboratory of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: Port Elizabeth, or other independent laboratory as dictated by the Sundays River Valley Municipality, over the first 3 months.
Africanos Country Estate shall be accountable for the effective maintenance of the on-site foul sewer treatment system. They shall enter into a maintenance agreement (subject to the approval of the Sundays River Valley Municipality) with a competent contractor to maintain the on-site foul sewer treatment system.
7. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
7.1 Domestic Waste
As confirmed with Nico Venter during March 2020, the current domestic waste of the Africanos Country Estate is 3m³ per day. That implies 21m³ per week.
The proposed extension will produce an additional 6m³ per day which should generate an additional 42m³ domestic waste per week.
The total future domestic waste for the Africanos Country Estate is therefore anticipated to be 63m³ per week.
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Africanos Country Estate will have to accept accountability for the effective management including the storing and collection of the solid waste from all the entities on site.
The solid waste from the development will be collected and stored in containers in a communal refuse room before collection by a private licensed Contractor with a safe disposal certificate as dictated by the municipality.
The solid waste will be collected on a regular basis (weekly) from the communal refuse area and be disposed at the registered Sunland Waste Dump on the Remainder Farm 639 in the Administrative District of Uitenhage.
8. RESOURCE PROTECTION AND WATER USE AUTHORISATION
In accordance with our best knowledge it is essential to also obtain the permission from the Department of Water & Sanitation regarding the following activities:
• Treatment of foulsewer effluent on site and use of the treated water for irrigation. • Rain water collection activities e.g. roof-collected water tanks, semi-dry or dry storm water detention ponds etc.
9. CONCLUSION
A cautious approach in the conceptual design of the roads and storm water, domestic sewer and water systems has been adopted.
In strict adherence to the detailed design and execution of earthworks, roads and wet services systems as indicated in this report, we are convinced that the proposed mixed development on Portion 228 and Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the Farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality, Eastern Cape could be serviced effectively from a civil engineering perspective.
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10. APPENDIX
10.1 Layout drawing
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Appendix D(ii): Traffic Impact Assessment
TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT
FOR PROPOSED EXTENSIONS TO THE AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTION 228 TO PORTION A OF REMAINDER PORTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO. 113, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY
November 2019
Prepared for: JN Venter Beleggings Trust
Prepared by: Engineering Advice and Services (Pty) Ltd (041) 5812421
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Traffic Impact Assessment
DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET
CLIENT REF: JN VENTER BELEGGINGS TRUST
PROJECT NAME: PROPOSED EXTENSIONS TO THE AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTION 228 TO PORTION A OF REMAINDER PORTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO. 113, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY
DOCUMENT TITLE: TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT
DOCUMENT FILE REF: F:\1700-1799\1715\Reports\REP001 - TIA for Africanos Estate - Addo.docx
Version 1 JK Charlton Compiled by Candidate Eng Technologist September 2019 (201580304) CGA Hastie Pr Tech. Eng Reviewed by October 2019 (200070122)
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Reviewed by
Amendments made by
DISTRIBUTION: 1) Original : Client – JN Venter Beleggings Trust – Mr J Venter 2) Copy : SANRAL 3) Copy : District Roads Engineer – Sarah Baartman District 4) Copy : Sundays River Valley Municipality 5) Copy : EAS File 1715
PREPARED BY: Engineering Advice and Services (Pty) Ltd P O Box 13867 HUMEWOOD 6013
Telephone: 041 581 2421 Email: [email protected]
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CONTENTS
Page Document Control Sheet 130 Contents 131 List of Tables 131 List of Figures 132 List of Annexures 132 1 Introduction 133 1.1 Background 133 1.2 Objectives of the Study 133 1.3 Methodology 133 1.4 Study Area 134 2 Land Use Rights, Development and Environs 134 2.1 Development Environs 134 2.2 Land Use Rights 134 2.3 Current Development 134 2.4 Proposed Expansion 134 3 Data Collection 136 3.1 Daily Traffic Volumes 136 3.2 Peak Hour Traffic Volumes 137 3.3 Road Network 138 4 Trip Generation and Distribution 140 4.1 Trip Generation 140 4.2 Trip Distribution 141 5 Proposed Access Arrangements 143 6 Intersection Analysis 145 7 Pedestrian, Parking and Loading Requirements 145 7.1 Parking Requirements 145 7.2 Pedestrian Arrangements 145 7.3 Loading Requirements 146 8 Potential Impacts 146 8.1 Impacts 146 8.2 Impact Assessment 146 9 Proposed Mitigatory Measures 149 9.1 Road Capacity Measures 149 9.2 Traffic Safety Measures 149 10 Management Actions 149 11 Conclusions 150 12 Recommendations 150 13 References 150
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: ADT/ADTT and Annual Growth Rates (R336 west of Addo) 136 Table 2: Rural Road Categories by Traffic Volume 136 Table 3: Trip Generation Rates 140 Table 4: Summary of Generated Trips – Including Future Development Components 141 Table 5: Level of Service definitions for Vehicles (Highway Capacity Manual (4) method) 145 Table 6: Results of Intersection Capacity Analysis - 2030 145 Table 7: Generic Table for rating of impacts 146 Table 8: Impact Assessment: Additional traffic volumes 147 Table 9: Impact Assessment: Traffic Safety Impact due to slow moving traffic 147 Table 10: Impact Assessment: Road and Intersection capacity (additional traffic loading) 148 Table 11: Impact Assessment: Traffic Safety Impact due to additional traffic 149
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Locality Plan ...... 135 Figure 2: Existing 2019 Peak Hour Volumes ...... 137 Figure 3: Escalated Peak Hour Volumes – 2020 ...... 137 Figure 4: Escalated Peak Hour Volumes - 2030 ...... 138 Figure 5: Existing Road and Access Configuration ...... 139 Figure 6: Generated Peak Hour Traffic Volumes ...... 142 Figure 7: Peak Hour Traffic Volumes after Development - 2030 ...... 142 Figure 8: Proposed Access Arrangements and Site Layout ...... 144
LIST OF ANNEXURES
ANNEXURE A Power of Attorney ANNEXURE B Zoning Approval ANNEXURE C Daily Traffic Volumes ANNEXURE D Peak Hour Traffic Counts ANNEXURE E SIDRA Output Sheets
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND Engineering Advice & Services (Pty) Ltd was appointed by JN Venter Beleggings Trust during August 2019 to conduct a traffic impact assessment for the proposed expansion of the existing Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 and Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, situated on the south-eastern corner of the National Route R336 / MN50600 (Zuurberg Way) junction approximately 3km west of the R335 / R336 intersection near Addo in the Sundays River Valley Municipality.
A copy of the Power of Attorney authorising Engineering Advice and Services (EAS) to act on behalf of the property owner is attached as Annexure A.
1.2. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY In broad terms, the purpose of the traffic assessment is to determine the extent and nature of the traffic generated by the proposed expansion, assess the impact of this traffic on the operation of the associated road network, and devise solutions for any problems identified. The following key elements, inter alia, are addressed in this traffic impact assessment: The suitability and safety of proposals for access to and egress from the site; The capacity of the existing and future road network within the influence radius; and The road upgrading measures required to accommodate traffic generated by the proposed expansion.
In general, this report serves to satisfy the Sundays River Valley Municipality, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited and the Department of Transport of the Eastern Cape that the traffic impact of the envisaged expansion is within acceptable limits and that the proposed access points and the suggested improvements conform to the standards and parameters set by these authorities.
1.3. METHODOLOGY The approach followed in conducting the traffic impact assessment was in accordance with the guidelines contained in TMH 16 Volume 1- South African Traffic Impact and Site Assessment Manual (1).
Given the extent of the proposed development and in terms of the aforementioned guidelines, the expansion is considered to be a medium-sized development and this assessment thus considered impact for the development (assumed to be 2020) and development plus ten-year (2030) horizons.
The methodology used was as follows: Present traffic flow patterns were obtained during morning and afternoon peak periods for a typical weekday. The expected trips that will be generated by the proposed expansion were determined by using trip generation rates specified in TMH 17 Volume 1 - South African Trip Data Manual (2) in conjunction with trip generation rates surveyed over a 13-hour period on a typical weekday. The distribution of the generated trips was estimated where after the generated traffic was assigned to the surrounding road network. The suitability of the existing and proposed access points was assessed from an operational and traffic safety perspective; The operation of the proposed access points was analysed to ensure that they operate at acceptable levels of service and recommendations made on the need for road upgrading, taking cognisance of the proposed development for the 2020 and 2030 planning horizons. By taking into account the major findings of the study, conclusions were made regarding the financial responsibilities of the affected parties for required road upgrading measures.
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1.4. STUDY AREA Based on the type and extent of the proposed expansion and its location adjacent to a National Road, the study area focussed on the existing access points to Africanos Country Estate on the R336 and MN50600 and the R336 / MN50600 junction.
2. LAND USE RIGHTS, DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONS 2.1. DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONS As indicated on Figure 1 overleaf, Africanos Country Estate is situated northwest of the R335 / R336 junction approximately 4.5km northwest of Addo village with accessibility via the MR00471 (National Route R336).
The proposed expansion area is surrounded by agricultural land use (predominantly citrus orchards) in all directions. The Sunday’s River Citrus Co-op packhouse is located 800m to the southeast.
2.2. LAND USE RIGHTS The existing site is currently zoned for Business Zone 1 purposes with land use as Country Estate in terms of the Land Use Planning Ordinance 15 of 1985. The portion to be consolidated with the existing site has been subdivided off existing agricultural land use and may be used for non-agricultural uses. A copy of the land use rights and the approval from the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries is attached as Annexure B.
2.3. CURRENT DEVELOPMENT The existing Africanos Country Estate consists of the following: • 145-seater restaurant /function rooms • 12 chalets (24 beds) • Staff accommodation for 6 persons
In addition, the following services infrastructure is available on the site • Domestic water supply • 2 x 283 cubic meter water storage capacity (280 000 litres) - one for raw water and one for treated water • Existing effluent reticulation system – septic tank • Existing parking area
Access to the Country Estate is currently obtained via an existing access point on the R336. Two access points are provided from MN50600 for staff housing and the refuse area to the rear of the Country Estate. Additional parking has also been provided on the southern side of the R336, currently accessed via an existing farm track.
2.4. PROPOSED EXPANSION The developer intends expanding the existing development with the following: • A new 72 bed (36 room) boutique hotel (including spa and gym) • 12 additional chalets (24 beds) • 12 caravan sites • A new 200 seat multi-functional hall • Staff accommodation for additional 20 persons • New convenience store (approximately 300m2) • Expansion of on-site parking area to accommodate 200 bays, and • Expanded services infrastructure for additional persons proposed to be accommodated on site.
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Figure 1: Locality Plan
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3. DATA COLLECTION 3.1. DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES Historical daily traffic volume data at count stations on MR471 (R336) was sourced from the Eastern Cape Department of Transport (2144 & 40320) and SANRAL (12117 & 8211) respectively and summarised in Table 1 below. The count information is attached as Annexure C. The locations of the count stations are indicated on Figure 1.
Table 1: ADT/ADTT and Annual Growth Rates (R336 west of Addo) Stn. Authority June 2011 May 2015 Nov 2016* July 2017 2018 % p.a. MR471 (R336) – ECDOT 2400 (962) # 2566 (1132) # - - 2144/40320 MR471 (R336) - SANRAL - - 1651 (233) - -0.57% 8211 MR471 (R336) - SANRAL - - 2572 (273)# - 2306 (580) 12117 Note: ADT(ADTT) * Statistical anomaly (Counted outside of harvest period) -0.57% # 48-hour count
The data indicates that between 2011 and 2018 ADT on MR 471 (between the R335 and the site) have actually decreased at an average rate of 0.57% per annum. ADTT has decreased by 6.97% per annum.
However, it is difficult to compare the counts as the June 2001 counts were conducted over 48 hours and the 2018 counts over almost an entire year.
For the purposes of this study and to be conservative the peak hour volumes have been escalated by 2%per annum.
The traffic volumes recorded on MN50600 over the two 3-hour survey periods (56 vehicles) indicate that the road most likely falls into the medium rural road category as indicated in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Rural Road Categories by Traffic Volume Daily traffic (v/d) Category Proposed road surface 0 – 50 Low Gravel (75 mm) 50 – 180 Medium Gravel (150 mm) 180 – 350 High Gravel (150 mm) Over 350 Surfaced
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3.2. PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC VOLUMES Peak hour traffic turning movement counts were conducted over typical weekday morning and evening peak periods on Tuesday 15 October 2019 at the R336 junctions with MN50600 and the Africanos Country Estate Access.
The detailed survey data is attached as Annexure D and summarised in Figure 2 below.
Figure 2: Existing 2019 Peak Hour Volumes
As discussed in Chapter 3.1 above, 2019 peak hour volumes have been escalated by 2% per annum.
The escalated background traffic volumes for the 2020 and 2030 development horizons are indicated on Figure 3 below and Figure 4 overleaf.
Figure 3: Escalated Peak Hour Volumes – 2020
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Figure 4: Escalated Peak Hour Volumes - 2030
3.3. ROAD NETWORK MR471 (R336) is a surfaced national road which links Addo with Kirkwood. In the vicinity of the site, the road currently comprises of a 3,7m wide traffic lane and gravel shoulder in each direction. A railway line is located approximately 6m from the southern edge of the road.
Due to the railway line in the narrow road reserve, the roadway is close to the northern road reserve boundary – approximately 7m.
The posted speed limit is 60km/h from a point approximately 200m north of the MN50600 junction to the R335.
SANRAL is currently in the process of preparing final designs for the upgrade of the R336. Provision is being made for a pedestrian crossing 35m east of the existing Africanos access providing safe access to the parking area View of MR471 (R336) to the northwest south of the R336.
The intention is to commence with implementation during 2021/22.
MN50600 (Zuurberg Way) is a gravel minor provincial road that links the R336 and R335 providing access to agricultural and other properties. The road verges are cultivated along the length of Africanos Country Estate resulting in good visibility along this section.
The existing road network configuration is indicated on Figure 5 overleaf. View of MN50600 to the north
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Figure 5: Existing Road and Access Configuration
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4. TRIP GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION 4.1. TRIP GENERATION Table 3 below indicates the AM and PM peak hour trip generation rates as well as the inbound/outbound splits recommended in TMH 17 Volume 1 - South African Trip Data Manual (2) for the various development components.
Table 3: Trip Generation Rates AM PEAK PM PEAK COMPONENT Extent TRIPS TRIPS TRIP RATES TRIP RATES IN OUT IN OUT
Boutique Hotel 36 rooms 0.3 / room 60 40 0.4 / room 50 50
Chalets * 12 Chalets 0.45 / chalet 50 50 0.45 / chalet 50 50
Caravan Site *s 12 Sites 0.45 / site 50 50 0.45 / site 50 50
Conference Centre 200 seats 0.5 / seat 90 10 0.5 / seat 10 90
Retail # 300m2 0.6 / 100m2 65 35 3.4 / 100m2 50 50
Restaurant 145 seats 0.75 / 100m2 70 30 11.8 / 100m2 40 60 * TMH17 does not specify rates for these uses. The rate for a guest house has been used. # The following size adjustment factor (SAF) is applied to the retail rate depending on the size of the development.
SAF = 1 + [6 ] ⁄ GLA (1 + ⁄3500)
Boutique Hotel A hotel of 32 rooms equates to the following peak hour trip generation:
AM peak = 36 rooms * 0.3 trips / room = 11 trips PM peak = 36 rooms * 0.4 trips / room = 14 trips Chalets 12 chalets equates to the following peak hour trip generation:
AM/PM peak = 12 chalets * 0.45 trips / chalet = 6 trips Caravan Sites 12 caravan sites equates to the following peak hour trip generation:
AM/PM peak = 12 sites * 0.45 trips / site = 6 trips Conference Centre 200 seats equates to the following peak hour trip generation:
AM/PM peak = 200 seats * 0.5 trips / seat = 100 trips
Convenience Store Applying the rates in Table 3 the proposed shop of 300 m2 equates to generated trips as follows:
TGR (Weekday AM) = 0.6 * [1+ (6/(1+(GLA/3500)))] * GLA/100 = 0.6 * [1+ (6/(1+(300/3500)))] * 3 = 0.6 * 6.53 * 3 = 12 trips (in and out)
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TGR (Weekday PM) = 3.4 * [1+ (6/(1+(GLA/3500)))] * GLA/100 = 3.4 * [1+ (6/(1+(300/3500)))] * 3 = 3.4 * 22.19 * 3 = 67 trips (in and out)
In addition, in order to reflect the worst-case scenario, the trips generated by the existing restaurant have also been taken into account.
Restaurant Applying the rates in Table 3 the 145-seater restaurant of 950 m2 equates to the following generated trips:
PM peak = 950m2 * 11.8 trips / 100 m2 = 112 trips
A summary of the generated AM and PM peak hour trip is indicated in Table 4 below. It is evident that the vast majority of the peak hour trips are generated by the existing restaurant facility and the proposed conference facility and convenience store.
It is further noted that these generated trips assume the worst-case scenario should there be 100% occupation/use of all facilities on site during the peak hours. It is considered unlikely that such a situation will occur given the nature of the development.
Table 4: Summary of Generated Trips – Including Future Development Components TRIPS IN TRIPS OUT Component AM PM AM PM
Boutique Hotel 6 4 8 6
Chalets * 3 3 3 3
Caravan Site *s 3 3 3 3
Conference Centre 90 10 10 90
Retail # 8 33 4 33
Restaurant 5 45 2 67
Total 115 98 30 202
The additional generated traffic volumes are indicated on Figure 6 overleaf.
4.2. TRIP DISTRIBUTION The generated peak hour traffic volumes added to the escalated background traffic volumes for 2030 (when the expanded development is expected to be fully operational) are indicated in Figure 7 overleaf.
Based on the observed traffic volumes and taking into account the location of the development relative to the surrounding residential areas, the following distribution has been assumed for trips generated by the development extension.
▪ 60% to and from the east along R336 ▪ 40% to and from the west along R336
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Traffic Impact Assessment All of the generated trips apart from those generated by the caravan sites will enter the site via the main entrance.
Figure 6: Generated Peak Hour Traffic Volumes
Figure 7: Peak Hour Traffic Volumes after Development - 2030
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5. PROPOSED ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS Given that MR471 (R336) is a National Road with the objective of mobility, property access is limited to main junctions or at suitable locations that conform to prescribed access spacing and standards.
Primary access to Africanos Country Estate is currently gained directly from the R336 via the existing access point and while accommodated in the proposals for the upgrade of the R336, this access will need to be relocated to a point approximately 200m east of MN50600 given the increased vehicular activity generated by the expanded development.
The relocated access point is indicated on Figure 8. It is further poposed that the boundary wall or fence line be set back as indicated on Figure 8, to maximise sight distance for motorists exiting the site and travelling along the R336. In addition, acceleration and deceleration lanes should be provided at the relocated access point as indicated on Figure 8 to allow decelerating vehicles to move out of the main traffic stream.
Thus no additional access on the R336 is proposed.
Two secondary access points are provided from MN50600 for the staff housing and the refuse/delivery area to the rear of the existing Country Estate.
A new access point is proposed from MN50600 at the northern boundary of the site to accommodate the proposed caravan sites.
Shoulder sight distances were assessed from the access point on R336 in terms of the Geometric Design Guidelines (3). In terms of these guidelines a semi-trailer vehicle entering a road with a design speed of 60 kph turning left or right requires a clear sight triangle of 200m. The requirement for a passenger car is 120m. On site assessment confirms that clear sight distance, in both directions, is in excess of 300m.
Sight distance to the west Sight distance to the east
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Figure 8: Proposed Access Arrangements and Site Layout
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6. INTERSECTION ANALYSIS Level of Service (LOS) is defined as the operating condition that may occur at an intersection when it accommodates various traffic volumes. LOS is a qualitative measure of the effect of speed, travel time, traffic interruptions, freedom to manoeuvre, safety, driving comfort and convenience, and operating costs. LOS C is considered an acceptable design standard for SANRAL roads. The LOS applicable to intersections under various control conditions, as defined in the Highway Capacity Manual (4) are indicated in Table 5 below:
Table 5: Level of Service definitions for Vehicles (Highway Capacity Manual (4) method) Control delay per vehicle in seconds (d) Level of (including geometric delay) Service Signals and Roundabouts Stop Signs and Yield Signs A d ≤ 10 d ≤ 10 B 10 < d ≤ 20 10 < d ≤ 15 C 20 < d ≤ 35 15 < d ≤ 25 D 35 < d ≤ 55 25 < d ≤ 35 E 55 < d ≤ 80 35 < d ≤ 50 F 80 < d 50 < d
The traffic situation was analysed in order to determine the Level of Service at which the access and egress points would operate after development occurs for the 2030 development horizon as that is when the proposed expansion will be fully operational.
The capacity analysis was undertaken using the SIDRA Intersection 8 (5) capacity analysis method and applying the Highway Capacity Manual (4) gap acceptance criteria for unsignalised intersections where applicable.
The results are shown in Table 6 below and the detailed SIDRA output sheets attached as Annexure E.
Table 6: Results of Intersection Capacity Analysis - 2030 Delay V/C LOS* Intersection AM PM AM PM AM PM
R336 / MN50600 2.1 (11.3) 1.8 (11.1) 0.166 0.162 A* (B) A* (B)
R336 / Access 1.6 (8.1) 3.2 (8.3) 0.202 0.253 A* (A) A* (A) * - SIDRA Intersection Network (5) does not calculate intersection LOS for stop-controlled intersections. The LOS indicated is sourced from the Highway Capacity Manual (4) (Table 5 above). (B) – Side Road Delay and LOS
The results of the analysis indicate that there are no concerns related to potential future capacity at the existing access nor at the MN50600 junction during both peak hours.
7. PEDESTRIAN, PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS 7.1. PARKING REQUIREMENTS
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Traffic Impact Assessment 200 parking bays will be accommodated on the site as indicated on
Figure 8. In addition, overflow parking is provided on the south side of the R336, accessed from the access road opposite MN50600.
7.2. PEDESTRIAN ARRANGEMENTS A pedestrian crossing has been proposed approximately 35m east of the Africanos Country Estate access to allow persons parking in the overflow parking area to safely cross the R336. In addition, a surfaced pedestrian sidewalk will be provided along the north edge of the road between MN50600 and Hermitage.
7.3. LOADING REQUIREMENTS
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Traffic Impact Assessment Provision has been made to accommodate deliveries at the existing access on MN50600 as indicated on
Figure 8. Refuse removal will be accommodated via the existing refuse removal/delivery access on MN50600.
8. POTENTIAL IMPACTS 8.1. IMPACTS The following potential traffic related impacts relating to the proposed expansion have been identified. Note that the impacts will occur both in the short-term (i.e. during the construction phase) and medium to long-term once the expansion is completed (operational phase).
▪ Road Capacity Additional vehicle trips generated by the proposed development (ranging from 130 to 300 additional in and outbound trips during the AM and PM peak hours respectively - excluding the existing restaurant trips) will have minimal impact in terms of road capacity given the low hourly volumes along the road links and at the affected intersections and low trips generated by the proposed expansion.
▪ Access
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- Figure 8. - A new proposed access will be provided off the MN50600 for the proposed caravan site.
▪ Road Condition Given that additional trips are primarily light motor vehicles it is not anticipated that such trips would damage the road network.
▪ Traffic Safety - Safety issues may arise as a result of faster moving traffic on MR00471 encountering slower moving vehicles waiting to turn right to enter the development; - Pedestrian volumes crossing the R336 between the overflow parking area and the site may increase leading to possible road accidents particularly in times of poor visibility.
8.2. IMPACT ASSESSMENT As described in Chapters 4 and 5, there will be additional light motor vehicles on the R336 as a result of the proposed expansion.
A general assessment has been undertaken of impacts on various factors, as provided in the tables below for both the construction/development and operational phases of the development. Note that this assessment does
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Traffic Impact Assessment not deal with issues relating to noise, emissions, job creation or environmental matters, as the author is not qualified to comment on these. If necessary, such key issues will be addressed in separate specialist assessments.
Table 7 overleaf indicates the impact rating system used for the study, as provided by the appointed Environmental Assessment Practitioners, Public Process Consultants.
Table 7: Generic Table for rating of impacts Nature of the Impact This should include a description of the proposed impact to indicate if the impact is a direct, indirect or a cumulative impact. Extent Site specific, local, regional or national
Duration Temporary, short term, medium term, long term or permanent
Intensity High, medium or low
Probability Improbable, probable, highly probable, definite
Reversibility Reversible, Partially Reversible, Irreversible
Degree of Confidence Low, medium or High
Status and Significance Low, medium or High indicating whether Positive (+), Negative (-) or (without mitigation) Neutral (o) Mitigation Overview of mitigatory measures to mitigate potentially negative impacts or enhance potential positive impacts indicating how this mitigatory measure impacts on the significance of the impact Status and Significance Low, medium or High indicating whether the status of the impact is Positive (after mitigation) (+), Negative (-) or Neutral (o)
Construction Phase
Table 8: Impact Assessment: Additional traffic volumes Description Impact Comment / Reason
Extent Local 5km radius from site
Duration Short term During construction period
Local residents use roads on a daily basis and will be directly Intensity High affected.
Probability Definite Development will generate construction vehicles. By reducing construction period and keeping construction Partially Reversibility plant on the farm during construction, impact of construction Reversible vehicles can be minimised Degree of Confidence High Status and Significance of Low impact (without Construction traffic volumes are low (negative) mitigation)
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Traffic Impact Assessment • Erect warning traffic signage • Construction material deliveries rationalised to minimise Mitigation traffic movements • Keep a construction plant on the farm during construction Status and Significance of Low Construction volumes kept low. impact (with mitigation) (negative)
Table 9: Impact Assessment: Traffic Safety Impact due to slow moving traffic Description Impact Comment / Reason
5km radius from site – at access and MN50600 / MR00471 Extent Local junction Additional traffic generated by development during Duration Short term construction. Local residents – particularly vulnerable road users – who Intensity High use roads on a daily basis and will be directly affected. Construction traffic delivering materials – however volumes Probability Probable unknown. Partially Impact partially reversible if suitable temporary warning Reversibility Reversible signage is erected and deliveries kept to minimum/managed.
Degree of Confidence High Status and Significance of High impact (without Accidents could mean loss of life. (negative) mitigation) • Erect additional warning signage Mitigation • Compliance with Health and Safety requirements • Reduce delivery traffic. Status and Significance of Medium Accidents could mean loss of life but mitigatory measures impact (with mitigation) (negative) can minimise impact.
Operational Phase
Table 10: Impact Assessment: Road and Intersection capacity (additional traffic loading) Description Impact Comment / Reason
5km radius from site – at access and MN50600 / MR00471 Extent Local junction
Duration Long term
Local residents use roads on a daily basis and may be directly Intensity Medium affected.
Probability Probable Additional traffic using public roads.
Reversibility Irreversible Impact will occur on ongoing basis.
Surveys of current daily traffic volumes conducted Degree of Confidence High historically. Status and Significance of Low impact (without No capacity concerns nor vehicle delays on R336 (negative) mitigation)
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Mitigation None required
Status and Significance of Low No capacity concerns impact (with mitigation) (negative)
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Traffic Impact Assessment Table 11: Impact Assessment: Traffic Safety Impact due to additional traffic Description Impact Comment / Reason
5km radius from site – at access and MN50600 / MR00471 Extent Local junction Additional traffic ranging from 135 to 300 vehicles Duration Long term generated during AM and PM peak hours respectively (assuming full utilisation of all facilities for 100% of time) Local residents use roads on a daily basis and may be directly Intensity Medium affected.
Probability Definite Will always be additional traffic – extent will vary
Partially Impact partially reversible if suitable warning signage is in Reversibility Reversible place.
Degree of Confidence High Status and Significance of High impact (without Accidents could mean loss of life. (negative) mitigation) Additional signage erected warning passing motorists of Mitigation activity, including pedestrian crossing Status and Significance of Medium Accidents could mean loss of life but mitigatory measures impact (with mitigation) (negative) can minimise impact.
9. PROPOSED MITIGATORY MEASURES Measures to improve the safety of the existing road and to mitigate against the impact of the additional traffic volumes generated are listed below.
9.1. ROAD CAPACITY MEASURES As discussed in Chapter 6 the additional generated peak hour traffic volumes are unlikely to impact on road and junction capacity.
Additional road capacity (widening) is thus not required.
9.2. TRAFFIC SAFETY MEASURES The current posted speed limit is 60km/h along this section of the R336 as the development is located on the western edge of the village of Hermitage. This area contains a railway siding and the Sunday’s River Citrus Co-operative offices and packhouse facilities which necessitate reduced posted speeds.
Provided that suitable additional signage is provided warning motorists of the possibility of traffic waiting to turn right into the Africanos Country Estate and pedestrians crossing over the R336 and that posted speeds are adhered to; traffic safety concerns can be prevented.
10. MANAGEMENT ACTIONS The following management actions should be implemented in order to minimise the impact of the development on other road users:
▪ Relocated Access The existing access will be relocated to a point approximately 200m east of the MN50600 junction to maximise spacing from MN50600 to the access point.
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Traffic Impact Assessment ▪ Warning traffic signs Appropriate warning traffic signs (in accordance with the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (6)) should be erected to warn road users.
11. CONCLUSIONS The following conclusions can be drawn from the study: ▪ Access to the proposed development can be provided directly from MR471 at a new relocated position approximately 200m east of MN50600 as indicated on
▪ Figure 8; ▪ The boundary wall / fence line be set back as indicated on Figure 8; ▪ An additional access is required on MN50600 to accommodate caravans; ▪ Generated peak hour trips range from 145 to 300 during the AM and PM peak hours respectively, 110 and 212 of which are related to the existing restaurant and the proposed conference facility; ▪ It is considered unlikely that full use/occupation of the facilities on the site will occur for 100% of the time given the nature of the development; ▪ During full utilization capacity analysis indicates that no capacity concerns are realized; ▪ Additional warning signs on the R336 will further contribute to ensuring road safety along this section of the R336 is maintained.
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12. RECOMMENDATIONS In view of the findings of this study, it is recommended that: ▪ This TIA be approved by SANRAL SOC, the Department of Transport of the Eastern Cape and the Sundays River Valley Municipality; ▪ The relocated access on MR471 be approved by SANRAL and configured as indicated on Figure 8; ▪ The boundary wall / fence line at the relocated access point be set back as indicated on Figure 8; ▪ Access to the proposed development be accommodated from MR471 and MN50600 as indicated on
▪ Figure 8; and ▪ Additional warning traffic signs be erected on the R336 with the cost of these signs to be met by the developer.
13. REFERENCES 1. Joubert, Sampson, et al, TMH 16 Volume 1- South African Traffic Impact and Site Assessment Manual, COTO, September 2013.
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Traffic Impact Assessment 2. Joubert, Sampson, et al, TMH 17 Volume 1- South African Trip Data Manual, COTO, September 2013. 3. CSIR, Geometric Design Guidelines, National Roads Agency, 2009. 4. Transportation Research Board, Highway Capacity Manual, 2000. 5. Akcelik & Associates (Pty) Ltd, SIDRA Intersection 8 User Guide, SIDRA Solutions, April 2018. 6. COLTO Roads Coordinating Committee, SADC Road Traffic Signs Manual, Department of Transport, 2003.
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ANNEXURE A Power of Attorney
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ANNEXURE B Zoning Approval
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ANNEXURE C Daily Traffic Volumes
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ANNEXURE D Peak Hour Traffic Counts
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ANNEXURE E SIDRA Output Sheets
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Appendix D(iii): Botanical Specialist Assessment
AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE EXTENSION: ECOLOGICAL SPECIALIST ASSESSMENT – VEGETATION
February 2020
PREPARED FOR: Public Process Consultants Port Elizabeth Person: Sandy Wren & Marisa Jacoby Email: [email protected] Mobile: +27 (0) 83 233 5612
PREPARED BY: James MacKenzie Email: [email protected] Mobile: +27 (0)82 927 3362
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List of Acronyms used in this report:
CBA Critical Biodiversity Area CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species DAFF Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries DWS Department of Water & Sanitation ECBCP Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan IAPs Interest and Affected Parties IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature NEMA National Environmental Management Act NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area NWA National Water Act SABIF South African Biodiversity Information Facility SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute WWF World Wide Fund for Nature
1. INTRODUCTION This report presents the findings of the specialist vegetation assessment conducted by Mr James MacKenzie and provides an overview of the biophysical environment on the affected properties of the area under assessment as well as providing an assessment of the potential impacts the proposed Africanos Country Estate expansion may have thereon.
2. SPECIALIST TERMS OF REFERENCE The primary activity linked to the assessment is the proposed expansion of Africanos Country Estate, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality, Eastern Cape. The existing 1.16ha Africanos Country Estate is located on Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113. The JN Venter Beleggings Trust has purchased an adjacent 5ha property, namely Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, where the majority of expansion activities will take place as outlined below. The property is in the process of being transferred to the JN Venter Beleggings Trust and will in future be allocated a new property number.: • Additional staff housing (20 persons) • New tool shed • New laundry area, providing for at least 96 persons • New (12) caravan sites with associated ablution block and new access off Zuurberg Way (24 persons) • New double storey hotel, gym and spa (72 persons) • New Convenience store (4 persons), including play area and farmyard for children • Additional parking area, to link into the existing parking area • New multifunctional hall (200 persons) • Additional 12 chalets (24 persons) • Two additional water reservoirs • Updated effluent management system due to the expansion
The Scope of Work for the vegetation assessment included the following tasks:
• A desktop assessment of the study area, literature review and desktop mapping exercise. Latest maps, vegetation databases, e.g. the South African Biodiversity Information Facility (SABIF, which includes the PRECIS plant distribution database), relevant Red Data books,
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provincial ordinances and all systematic bioregional / conservation plans, e.g. the 2007 Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP), will inform the process. • Undertake one site assessment or survey to ground-truth the desktop assessment. • Results from the data analysis will provide a description of the dominant and typical species occurring on the area under assessment, and will include: o Threatened, endemic or rare species, with an indication of the relative functionality and conservation importance of the specific community in the area under assessment o Identify sensitive plant species requiring protection or relocation and propose rehabilitation measures as required. o Invasive or exotic species present in the area o The functional and conservation importance of vegetation communities in the area under assessment • Delineate riparian buffer zones as required. • Identify and rate potential environmental impacts in terms of acceptable BA methodology to be provided by PPC. • Identify mitigation measures for negative and positive impacts, while proposing suitable buffers and / or no-go areas, if necessary. • Make recommendations for the Construction and Operational Phase Environmental Management Programme Report. • One draft report will be provided for comment to PPC, and a second draft for review by Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs), including organs of state, through the Basic Assessment process. The budget therefore allows for two rounds of comments on the reports, presuming integrated comments are received from PPC. • A final report will be provided once all comments have been addressed.
3. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 3.1. Assumptions and Limitations (including information gaps)
The following information remains unknown: 1) Some of the spatial online datasets are at course scales and should be applied with a measure of caution to specific sites
3.2. Information sources The following data were available and utilised for the purposes of this assessment: 1) Proposed layout of development 2) Vegetation Biomes, Bioregions and Vegetation Types of South Africa (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006; 2012 updates; 2018 updates) 3) South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) distribution data of plant species (SANBI POSA, 2009) 4) National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (NFEPA) spatial data (Nel et al., 2011) 5) Satellite imagery (Google Earth ©); current and historic: all available coverages were used 6) Ecological data collected during a single site visit in October, 2019 7) DWS Data: Water Management Areas (WMA) and quaternary catchments (www.dws.gov.za) 8) WWF Terrestrial Ecosystem distribution and classification (Olson et al., 2004) 9) SANBI, Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (2007; ECBC) http://bgis.sanbi.org/ECBCP 10) Level 2 Ecoregions (Kleynhans et al., 2005; 2007) 11) Regions of floristic Endemism (Van Wyk & Smith, 2001)
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12) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org) 13) Sundays River Valley Biodiversity Sector Pan and CBA Map
3.3 Modelling, Analysis and Fieldwork Undertaken
A single field visit was conducted in October 2019 to verify the status of natural vegetation. Refer to Appendix B for Impact Assessment methodology.
4. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA (ACT 108 OF 1996)
Within the Bill of Rights in Section 24 of Chapter 2 of the Constitution, it is included that “everyone has the right: (a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing; and (b) to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that: I. prevent pollution and ecological degradation; II. promote conservation; and III. secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.
National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998)
Provides fundamental principles of water management along with national and catchment management strategies, regulations with regards to the protection of water resources, use of water and water use charges. Specifications are detailed for catchment management agencies, water user associations as well as international water management. The Act also includes procedures and practices relating to government water works, dam safety and access to water resources (servitudes). Monitoring and assessment of water resources, appeals and dispute resolution regulations are also included.
Section 21 of the NWA provides recognised water uses – namely; a) taking water from a water resource: b) storing water: c) impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse: d) engaging in a stream flow reduction activity contemplated in section 36 (The following are stream flow reduction activities…) e) engaging in a controlled activity identified as such in section 37(1) or declared under section 38(1): (The following are controlled activities…) a) irrigation of any land with waste or water containing waste generated through any industrial activity or by a waterworks; (b) an activity aimed at the modification of atmospheric precipitation; (c) power generation activity which alters the flow regime of a water resource; (d) intentional recharging of an aquifer with any waste or water containing waste f) discharging waste or water containing waste into a water resource through a pipe, canal, sewer, sea outfall or other conduit: g) disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; h) disposing in any manner of water which contains waste from, or which has been heated in any industrial or power generation process;
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i) altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse:
General Authorisations in terms of Section 39 of the National Water Act (36 or 1998). Water users whose water use falls within the GA Notice do not need to acquire a licence.
GN R509, 26 August 2016; GN R509 provides General Authorisation details for Section 21(c) and (i) water uses and introduces the requirement for the Risk Assessment Protocol as well as the Emergency Protocol. Appropriate guideline documents include: Assessment of activities/developments affecting wetlands, Guidelines for the determination of buffer zones for rivers, wetlands and estuaries.
GN R538, 2 September 2016: General Authorisation details for Section 21(a) and (b) water uses.
National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998)
National environmental management principles set out in Section 2 of the National Environmental Management Act include, among others that “Development must be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.”. Regulations stipulate the procedures to obtain Environmental Authorisation from relevant authorities and provide ‘listed activities’ (in terms of sections 24 (2) and 24 D of the NEMA) that require either a Scoping & Environmental Impact Assessment or a Basic Assessment. Regulations provide required report content, assessment submission time lines, public participation details and impact assessment rating prescriptions.
The latest NEMA: Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations include; GN R326, 07 April 2017; GN R327, 07 April 2017; NEMA: Listing notice 1; GN R325, 07 April 2017; NEMA: Listing notice 2; GN R324, 07 April 2017; NEMA: Listing notice 3. Of relevance to this project are the following listed activities, amongst others:
GN R327, Listing Notice 1. Activity 28 GN R324, Listing Notice 3. Activity 17. a. i.gg
National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No.10 of 2004)
Provides regulations for the protection of threatened species or ecosystems as well as for any “species and organisms posing potential threats to biodiversity” (Chapter 5). National Environmental Management Principles are given with lists of species that are threatened or in need of protection as well as lists of invasive species.
NEM:BA: Threatened or Protected Species Regulations GN R256, 31 March 2015: NEM:BA: Threatened or Protected Species Regulations provides lists of species that are threatened or protected, activities that are prohibited and exemption from restriction. These regulations provide details of activities pertaining to species, which are listed as endangered, vulnerable or protected within the following categories; Terrestrial invertebrates, Fresh water fish species, Terrestrial and freshwater reptile species, Terrestrial Bird Species, Terrestrial Mammal Species, Plants (with separate regulations for cycads and medicinal plants), Marine Species (all marine species including birds).
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NEMBA: Convention on international trade in endangered species (CITES) Regulations; GN R173, 5 March 2010. Amendments; GN R575, 11 November 2011; GN R629, 23 August 2013; GN R323, 29 April 2014. Where Appendices I, II and III provide lists of species with associated levels of protection and license requirements in order to manage global distribution and trade of endangered species. CITES Appendices updated on 4 October 2017
NEMBA: Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (GN R. 112, 16 February 2018) Provides definitions and management actions for; Category 1a Listed Invasive Species (species which must be combatted or eradicated), Category 1b Listed Invasive Species (species which must be controlled), Category 2 Listed Invasive Species (species which require a permit to carry out a restricted activity) and Category 3 Listed Invasive Species (species which are subject to exemptions and any plant species identified as a Category 3 Listed Invasive Species that occurs in riparian areas, must, for the purposes of these regulations, be considered to be a Category 1b Listed Invasive Species and must be managed according to regulation 3). Restricted activities pertaining to the spread of invasive species are detailed in Section 6.
National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (No. 57 of 2003)
“Must be read, interpreted and applied in conjunction with the Biodiversity Act”. Details the type of declared protected areas in the country namely; Section 9; special nature reserves, nature, reserves (including wilderness areas) and world heritage sites; specially protected forest areas, forest nature reserves and forest wilderness areas declared in terms of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998); Mountain catchment areas declared in terms of the Mountain Catchment Areas Act, 1970 (Act No. 63 of 1970).
Restrictions on access to, and activities within, declared protected areas including commercial, community and development activities.
NEM: Protected Areas Amendment Act (Act 15 of 2009) Provides a list of all national parks as well as required regulations when assigning national parks, special nature reserves and heritage sites to SA National Parks and various management specifications pertaining to aircraft (permissions to fly over such areas as well as areas for testing of aircraft). The proposed project is within approximately 3km’s of the nearest Boundary of Addo Elephant National Park.
The National Forests Act (84 of 1998)
Definitions relevant to development include; ‘forest”; (a) a natural forest, a woodland and a plantation; (b) the forest produce in it; and (c) the ecosystems which it makes up; and “woodland’, a group of indigenous trees which are not a natural forest, but whose crowns cover more than five per cent of the area bounded by the trees forming the perimeter of the group.
In order to remove or cut down any part of an indigenous and/or protected tree species one would require a permit from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).
GN R835, 23 September 2010; Notice of the List of Protected Tree Species GN R536, 7 September 2018; Notice of the List of Protected Tree Species
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5. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Subject to the outcome of detailed specialist assessment the project applicant, The JN Venter Beleggings Trust, proposes to expand the existing Africanos Country Estate, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality. The existing Africanos Country Estate, consisting of, amongst others, the Africanos Inn, restaurant, chalets, function rooms, staff housing and associated infrastructure is located on Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 and measures 1.16 hectares in extent. The JN Venter Beleggings Trust has purchased an adjacent property measuring 5 hectares in extent, namely, Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113. The property is in the process of being transferred to the JN Venter Beleggings Trust and will in future be given a different property number. The majority of the expansion is proposed to take place on the newly purchased portion of land and where possible, subject to the outcome of the various specialist assessments, existing infrastructure could tie into the expanded footprint, e.g. effluent infrastructure (Refer to Figure 1 and Appendix A for general outline and placement). The following is proposed on Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113. • Additional staff housing o Existing housing for 6 persons o Additional housing for 20 persons ▪ Determine additional water demand and effluent load o Total = 26 persons • New tool shed • New laundry area o To provide for the expanded facilities on site, Total – 96 persons (excludes the caravan site area) o Determine additional water demand and effluent load • New 12 Caravan sites, with associated ablution block and new access off Zuurberg Way o 12 sites x 2 persons o Total = 24 persons o New caravan access o Determine additional water demand and effluent load • New double storey hotel, gym and spa o 36 rooms, 2 persons per room o Total = 72 persons • New Convenience store o Determine additional water demand and effluent load o Total = 4 persons (effluent and water demand included for the kids play area) • Additional parking area, to link into the existing parking area • New Kids play area and farmyard, including outdoor seating o Determine additional water demand and effluent load o Total = 4 persons to be part of the convenience store • New multifunctional hall o Determine additional water demand and effluent load o Total = 200 seats • Additional 12 Chalets o Determine additional water demand and effluent load o 12 Chalets, 2-bedroom chalets o Total = 24 Persons • Existing buildings proposed to be demolished • Existing restaurant provides for 145 seats
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• Existing Chalet’s consist of 12 units, 2 bedrooms each for 24 persons.
Figure 1. Existing Africanos Country Estate (portion 228/113) and new portion purchased for the proposed resort expansion (Portion A of RE/74/113).
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6. RESULTS (OF MODELLING, FIELDWORK AND ANALYSIS UNDERTAKEN) 6.1. Broad-scale Vegetation The property purchased for the proposed resort expansion occurs within the Albany Thickets WWF terrestrial ecosystem (Olson et al., 2004), the South Eastern Coastal Belt ecoregion (20.01 level II; Kleynhans et al., 2005; 2007), and the Albany Centre of floristic endemism (Van Wyk & Smith, 2001), a Centre that supports over 600 endemic or near endemic species or infraspecific taxa. The terrestrial vegetation is broadly described as Albany Alluvial Vegetation (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006, 2012, 2018 map update; Figure 2). However, no intact portions or remnants of natural vegetation were found within the area under assessment.
Figure 2. Africanos Resort expansion area in relation to general vegetation types (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006, 2018 map update shown).
Albany Alluvial Vegetation is also restricted to the Eastern Cape Province between East London and Cape St Francis on wide floodplains of the large rivers such as the Sundays, Zwartkops, Coega, Gamtoos, Baviaanskloof and Great Fish River. This azonal alluvial unit is embedded within the Albany Thicket Biome and comprises two major types of vegetation patterns, riverine thicket and thornveld (Vachellia natalitia). Riverine thicket tends to occur in the narrow floodplain zones, whereas thornveld occurs on the wide floodplains. In terms of conservation status, this vegetation type is considered to be Endangered, with only about 6% statutorily conserved in the Greater Addo Elephant National Park, Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, Loerie Dam, Springs, Swartkops Valley and Yellowwoods Nature Reserves and the Double Drift Reserve Complex (as at the time of writing; Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). More than half of the area has been transformed for cultivation, urban development, road building and plantations. It is therefore suggested that no further expansion of agriculture take place within this unit. Vlok & Euston-Brown (2002) consider this vegetation as important temporary habitats and migration corridors for larger herbivores such as elephant (in the
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past), rhinoceros, eland and kudu. Common alien invaders found within this vegetation type include Acacia saligna, Nerium oleander and Eucalyptus species. Important Taxa (d = dominant; B = brackish habitats): Riparian thickets Small Trees: Vachellia natalitia (d), Salix mucronata subsp. mucronata (d), Schotia afra var. afra (d), Acacia caffra, Rhus longispina. Succulent Trees: Aloe africana, A. ferox. Tall Shrubs: Azima tetra- cantha, Cadaba aphylla. Low Shrubs: Pentzia incana (d), Asparagus striatus, A. suaveolens, Carissa haematocarpa. Succulent Shrubs: Amphiglossa callunoides, Lycium cinereum. Graminoids: Sporobolus nitens (d), Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis curvula, E. obtusa. Reed beds Megagraminoids: Cyperus papyrus (d), Phragmites australis (d). Flooded grasslands & herblands Succulent Shrubs: Cotyledon campanulataB, Glottiphyllum longumB, Malephora luteaB, M. uitenhagensisB. Semiparasitic Shrub: Thesium junceumB. Succulent Herbs: Haworthia sordida var. sordidaB, Orbea pulchellaB. Herb: Rorippa fluviatilis var. fluviatilis. Graminoid: Cynodon dactylonB (d).
6.2. Vegetation on Site No intact portions or remnants of natural vegetation (Albany Alluvial Vegetation) were found within the area under assessment. On site photographs were taken in October 2019 to confirm vegetation types, species and structure. Refer to Figure 3 for spatial placement of photographs and to Figures 4 and 5 for site photographs relating to each letter in Figure 3. The following descriptions relate to the letters indicated in Figures 3 to 5:
A) Open (fallow) fields in the foreground, with house, planted lodge trees and citrus orchards in the background B) Open (fallow) fields in the foreground, with shed, planted lodge trees and citrus orchards in the background C) Closer view of open (fallow) fields in the foreground, with house, planted lodge trees and citrus orchards in the background D) Empty (in Oct 2019), excavated off-channel earthen dam on neighbouring property E) Shed / packhouse and surrounding open area, mostly unvegetated F) Formal citrus orchards and surrounding areas / roadways, mostly unvegetated besides citrus trees G) Existing farm dam / old pool, brick and concrete, unmaintained, leaky but with water decanting into it from water pipes which support wetland plant elements such as Typha capensis and Rumex lanceolatus, but also agricultural weeds and a few Acacia caffra individuals. H) Existing formal citrus orchard blocks, mostly unvegetated besides the citrus trees I) Existing houses and lawn areas with planted fig trees in the background (Ficus burkei) J) Existing house yard fence and citrus orchard roadway in the foreground, mostly unvegetated besides citrus trees, and lodge, lodge wall and planted lodge trees in the background K) Open (fallow) agricultural fields, mown, mostly with dead or dying annual and ruderal agricultural weeds L) An example of a large Ficus burkei individual planted along the boundary of the existing lodge and the newly purchased property, in a parking lot.
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Figure 3. Google Earth © image showing the Africanos Country Estate boundaries, proposed expansion area and letters with reference to site photographs taken in October 2019. Refer to Figures 4 and 5 for photographs.
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Figure 4. Plate showing on-site photographs of vegetation features at Africanos Country Estate (taken in Oct 2019). Refer to Figure 3 for spatial placement of photographs and text for descriptions.
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Figure 5. Plate showing on-site photographs of vegetation features at Africanos Country Estate (taken in Oct 2019). Refer to Figure 3 for spatial placement of photographs and text for descriptions.
6.3. Biodiversity Protection Areas: Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan The SANBI Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (http://bgis.sanbi.org/ECBCP; Berliner & Desmet, 2007; Berliner et al., 2007) was used to assess the biodiversity features associated with the Africanos Country Estate proposed expansion area (Figure 6). In terms of the ECBCP, the entire farm falls within a CBA2 category area, which is in association with the historic distribution of Albany Alluvial Vegetation, an endangered ecotype. The site does not support any natural vegetation however, and although the attribute tables consulted by the ECBCP MapInfo ProViewer show that both farm portions are classified as Terrestrial Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAT2), consideration of other land cover data by the ‘ECBCP Decision Support System’ results in an overall Terrestrial
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Biodiversity Land Management Class 4 (BLMC4): Cultivated Land. This is seen by the Orange and Yellow shades in Figure 7. As stipulated in the ECBCP handbook, “each BLMC sets out the desired ecological state that an area should be kept in to ensure biodiversity persistence”, in this case Transformed Landscapes (Table 1).
Figure 6. Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (2007) showing CBA categories in relation to the proposed Africanos Country Estate expansion.
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Figure 7. Screenshot of the relevant properties with individual data tables and overall assigned Terrestrial Biodiversity Land Management Class.
Table 1. ECBCP handbook of categories and desired states. CBA map Code BLMC category Terrestrial CBAs and BLMCs: PA1 Protected Areas PA2 BLMC 1 Natural landscapes Terrestrial CBA 1 T1 (not degraded) Terrestrial CBA 1 T1 (degraded) T2 BLMC 2 Near-natural landscapes Terrestrial CBA 2 C1 C2 Other Natural ONA T3 BLMC 3 Functional landscapes Areas ONA
Transformed Areas TF BLMC 4 Transformed landscapes Aquatic CBAs and BLMCs: A1 Aquatic CBA 1 E1 ABLMC 1 Natural state A3a A2a Aquatic CBA 2 E2 ABLMC 2a Near natural state Aquatic CBA 3 A3b
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Aquatic CBA 2 A2b ABLMC 2b Near natural state
6.4. Threatened Species and Ecosystems Threatened species and ecosystems were investigated relative to the spatial placement of the proposed expansion area using five sources of online information, namely, the IUCN red list for threatened species, the National list of protected trees for South Africa, the threatened ecosystems spatial dataset (SANBI, 2011 via the BGIS website), the RAMSAR spatial dataset and the World Heritage spatial dataset.
IUCN Red List for Threatened Species A point source spatial search on the IUCN Red List database was done to list all species with a threat status in the vicinity of the area under assessment. Plant species are listed in Table 2 and animal species in Appendix C. The point source search is done using a 25km range however, so each potential species has to be verified on site. Animal species, while listed, have not been verified and fall beyond the scope of this vegetation assessment. None of the listed plant species shown in Table 2 were found within the area under assessment.
Table 2. Plant species that occur in the vicinity of Africanos Country Estate that are categorised as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Species Common name Redlist Category Zostera capensis Eelgrass Vulnerable Marsilea schelpeana Small Leaved Water Clover Vulnerable Crinum campanulatum Water Crinum Vulnerable
National Protected Trees A number of tree species are protected in terms of the National Forests act of 1998 (act 84 of 1998) of South Africa (new list enacted in 2018). All trees occurring in natural forests are also protected in terms of the Act. Trees are protected for a variety of reasons, and some species require strict protection while others require control over harvesting and utilization. In terms of the National Forests Act of 1998 forest trees or protected tree species may not be cut, disturbed, damaged or destroyed and their products may not be possessed, collected, removed, transported, exported, donated, purchased or sold - except under licence granted by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (or a delegated authority). No protected trees were found to occur within the area under assessment.
SANBI Threatened Ecosystems The existing Africanos Country Estate, and the area proposed for expansion, falls within an historically Endangered Ecosystem (Figure 8). This portion is in association with the original extent of Albany Alluvial Vegetation, which is considered an Endangered vegetation type. No natural remnants of this vegetation type exist on the farm however, as evidenced by the remaining (current) Endangered vegetation distribution (Figure 8) and an onsite visit for confirmation.
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Figure 8. Threatened ecosystem (SANBI, 2011) overlap with the area under assessment (EN = Endangered; natural vegetation comprising Albany Alluvial Vegetation; current and historic).
RAMSAR Sites None of the current RAMSAR sites overlap with the area under assessment.
World Heritage Sites None of the current World Heritage sites overlap with the area under assessment.
National Parks The Africanos Country Estate property is approximately 3.3km to the nearest boundary of the Greater Addo Elephant National Park.
7. IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS 7.1. Construction Phase Direct Impacts
The following section of the report identifies direct impacts to vegetation that may be associated with the construction phase of the proposed expansion.
Clearing of alien vegetation and citrus orchards for the expansion of the resort and associated infrastructure (Refer to Appendix A). Neutral / Positive: there is currently (October 2019) no natural vegetation on the proposed expansion site. Any removal would be Nature of the Impact either of ruderal weeds, planted indigenous or alien trees, wetland elements within a concrete reservoir or citrus trees. Removal of
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weeds and alien trees may be seen as a positive impact, although slight. A few indigenous trees that have been planted, namely Ficus burkei may also be removed, but these, having been planted, are not expected to be part of the historical natural vegetation composition. Extent Site specific Duration Permanent - The impact will persist beyond the construction phase. Low – no natural systems or environmental functions, patterns or Consequence / Intensity processes will be affected. Probability Definite Reversibility Partially Reversible – additional indigenous trees of the same species may be planted in other areas of the property to counteract losses. Degree of Confidence High Irreplaceable Loss of Replaceable – additional indigenous trees of the same species may Resources be planted in other areas of the property to counteract losses. Status and Significance Neutral (0) to Low Positive (+) (without mitigation) Additional indigenous trees of the same species may be planted in other areas of the property to counteract losses of those that are removed, and although this will help maintain some diversity and Mitigation habitat it will not improve the status of natural vegetation on the site. To elevate the positive aspect of this impact it is also suggested to plant trees that are indigenous to the region, in the new camping grounds and other environments. Significance and Status Low Positive (+) (with mitigation)
Changes to topography and drainage characteristics due to earthworks (excavation and engineered fill) associated with the development of new infrastructure and lodge expansion.
Negative: Excavation and filling of construction areas to prepare for the proposed developments. Removal and stockpiling of topsoil and Nature of the Impact subsoils of the cleared area. Alteration of drainage characteristics as a result of change to existing topography. Extent Site specific – the impact is associated with the new construction Short Term - The impact will persist during the construction phase Duration and then cease to exist. Medium – the disturbance of subsoils and the stockpiling of extracted Consequence / Intensity aggregates with resultant potential erosion may modify the environment moderately Probability Probable Reversibility Partially reversible – topsoils may be redistributed in other denuded areas and stockpiled aggregates and excavated material removed from site so as not to erode or spread. Degree of Confidence High Irreplaceable Loss of Replaceable – topsoil may be kept and redistributed on site where Resources required. Status and Significance Low Negative (-) (without mitigation) 198
Storm water should be controlled so as to not cause runoff to non- impacted areas. A continuous line of erosion stop-boards should be installed downhill of the construction area, or around stockpiled soils, aggregates or Mitigation other erodible material. These will serve to trap wash-off (sediment) prior to it entering non-impacted areas. These boards should be manually cleared on an event-related basis (rainfall), and all material trapped by the boards should be stockpiled or removed off site. Significance and Status Very Low Negative (-) (with mitigation)
Increased stormwater runoff and potential erosion – the potential of storm water to cause erosion due to the installation and increase in extent of hardened surfaces (such as roofing, roads, servitudes, and paved areas) associated with the development of new infrastructure.
Negative: hardened surfaces (such as roofing, roads, servitudes and paved areas) result in additional and rapid runoff of storm water Nature of the Impact during rainfall events. This has the potential to cause erosion to surrounding areas and the environment as a whole if not controlled and managed effectively. Extent Site specific – the impact associated with construction Short Term - The impact will persist during the construction phase Duration and then require ongoing management during the operational phase. Medium – erosion of topsoil, subsoils and generally within the Consequence / Intensity environment may modify the environment moderately Probability Probable Reversibility Reversible – correct and approved (by council by-laws) storm water management structures can cause the impact to cease. Degree of Confidence High Irreplaceable Loss of Replaceable – topsoil or lost subsoils may be kept and redistributed Resources on site where required or replaced. Status and Significance Medium Negative (-) (without mitigation) Storm water should be controlled so as to not cause runoff to non- impacted areas or areas not hardened. Mitigation The correct and approved (by council by-laws) storm water management structures should be constructed and installed to all hardened surfaces where such an impact is a risk. Significance and Status Very Low Negative (-) (with mitigation)
7.2. Indirect Construction Phase Impacts The following section of the report identifies indirect impacts on vegetation that may be associated with the construction phase of the proposed expansion.
Promotion of colonisation and growth of alien plant species in response to clearing of vegetation or other disturbance to topsoil, including stockpiling of materials.
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Negative: it is a common and known response for alien plant species to colonise disturbed or cleared areas. Several alien plant species are already common on the site (several ruderal, annual and agricultural weeds) or occur as planted trees (such as Jacaranda, citrus and Nature of the Impact Poplars; Bromilow, 2010). It is highly likely that disturbed sites will be colonised by a myriad of alien weeds, mostly agricultural ruderals, but in some cases woody or perennial alien species may also colonise disturbed areas. Extent Site specific Short to Medium Term - The response by alien species will follow disturbance but will take some time, and likely continue until disturbed Duration areas stabilise. In areas that remain open and disturbed, the response can be ongoing. Medium – if unchecked some alien species infestations can become vast and dense and affect ecosystem processes. The assessment of Consequence / Intensity medium assumes no mitigation measures and will likely lead to the environment continuing to function but in a modified manner. Probability Probable Reversibility Reversible – by implementing the mitigatory measures below the impacts are reversable and can be prevented. Degree of Confidence High Replaceable – as alien vegetation is controlled, natural vegetation Irreplaceable Loss of will be afforded the opportunity to recolonise over time, or for the Resources remaining vegetation to persist, albeit non-natural. Status and Significance Low Negative (-) (without mitigation) In areas disturbed by the construction tasks, as well as surrounding areas adjacent to these, perennial or woody alien species should be Mitigation periodically removed and destroyed. Monitoring is suggested on an annual basis and clearing to be done as required. Significance and Status Very Low Negative (-) (with mitigation)
Erosion of areas that are denuded or disturbed but not hardened. Negative: any denuded area has the potential to erode during rainfall Nature of the Impact events, or if heavily irrigated, especially where such denuded areas also have some slope to their structure. Extent Site specific Short Term - The impact is likely to potentially exist during the entire Duration construction phase, as also ongoing (refer to operational phase for assessment). Medium – The assessment of medium assumes no mitigation Consequence / Intensity measures and will likely lead to the environment continuing to function but in a modified manner. Probability Probable Reversibility Reversible – by implementing the mitigatory measures below the impacts are reversable and can be prevented. Degree of Confidence Medium 200
Partially Replaceable – if topsoil is lost, it is difficult to replace, but if Irreplaceable Loss of managed correctly this can be prevented or make replacement Resources easier. Stockpiled topsoil may also be redistributed on the remaining site. Status and Significance Medium Negative (-) (without mitigation) The correct use and installation of storm water management structures is essential. All denuded areas should have backing boards or similar structures to prevent soil erosion. Furthermore, the growth and coverage of these areas by non-woody Mitigation indigenous vegetation, such as grasses, should be encouraged, managed and promoted. Denuded areas should be monitored regularly during the rainy season, or following heavy rainfall events, for signs of erosion, and these be addressed, if identified. Significance and Status Very Low Negative (-) (with mitigation)
7.3. Construction Phase Cumulative Impacts Cumulative impacts were explored in the greater landscape by assessing land-use within a 10km radius of the Africanos Country Estate property. All land use types that require the removal of vegetation were included in the assessment, since the impact being assessed is the removal of vegetation. Figure 9 shows the vegetation units within the 10km radius as well as the area under assessment. The area is comprised mostly of Sunday Valley Thicket and Albany Alluvial Vegetation, but with some Sundays Mesic Thicket and Grassridge Bonteveld. It is clear that the impacts within this area comprise mostly formal agriculture (in this case citrus), impacting about 40% of the area, but that this is predominantly confined to Albany Alluvial Vegetation (Figure 10; more than 80% of the common resource [Albany Alluvial Vegetation] has been impacted), while impacts within the Sundays Valley Thicketcommon resource remain lower, within the area under assessment. The cumulative impacts are assessed against this landscape context, but since no remaining natural vegetation occurs on the site, no additional cumulative impacts can be foreseen.
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Figure 9. Vegetation Types within a 10km radius of the Africanos Country Estate property (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006, 2018 map update).
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Figure 10. Google Earth © image showing the same 10km radius around Africanos Country Estate property. Vegetation removal for formal agriculture is clearly visible and predominantly confined to Albany Alluvial vegetation within a 10km radius of the area under assessment.
7.4. Operational Phase Direct Impacts
Increased stormwater runoff and the potential for erosion – the potential of storm water to cause erosion due to hardened surfaces (such as roofing, roads, servitudes and paved areas).
Negative: hardened surfaces (such as roofing, roads, servitudes and paved areas) result in additional and rapid runoff of storm water Nature of the Impact during rainfall events. This has the potential to cause erosion to surrounding areas and the environment as a whole, if not controlled and managed effectively. Extent Site specific – the impact associated with the new infrastructure Long Term - The impact will persist during the operational life of the Duration activity and then require ongoing management during the operational phase. Medium – erosion of topsoil, subsoils and generally within the Consequence / Intensity environment may modify the environment moderately
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Probability Improbable Reversibility Reversible – maintenance of the correctly installed and approved (by council by-laws) storm water management structures can effectively manage and remove the impact. Degree of Confidence High Irreplaceable Loss of Replaceable – topsoil or lost subsoils may be kept and redistributed Resources on site where required or replaced. Status and Significance Medium Negative (-) (without mitigation) Storm water should be effectively maintained (ongoing management) Mitigation so as to not cause runoff to non-impacted areas or areas not hardened, especially the existing farm dam on the adjacent property. Significance and Status Very Low Negative (-) (with mitigation)
No other direct operational impacts are foreseen if no new expansion or servitudes are installed.
7.5. Indirect Operational Phase Impacts
Promotion of colonisation and growth of alien plant species in response to ongoing operations.
Negative: it is a common and known response for alien plant species to colonise disturbed or cleared areas. Several alien plant species are already common on the site (several ruderal, annual and agricultural weeds) or occur as planted trees (such as Jacaranda, citrus and Nature of the Impact Poplars; Bromilow, 2010). It is highly likely that disturbed sites will be colonised by alien weeds, mostly agricultural ruderals, but in some cases woody or perennial alien species may also colonise disturbed areas. Extent Site specific Short to Medium Term - The response by alien species will follow disturbance but will take some time, and likely continue until disturbed Duration areas stabilise. In areas that remain open and disturbed, the response can be ongoing. Medium – if unchecked some alien species infestations can become vast and dense and affect ecosystem processes. The assessment of Consequence / Intensity medium assumes no mitigation measures and will likely lead to the environment continuing to function but in a modified manner. Probability Probable Reversibility Reversible – by implementing the mitigatory measures below the impacts are reversable and can be prevented. Degree of Confidence High Replaceable – as alien vegetation is controlled natural vegetation will Irreplaceable Loss of be afforded the opportunity to recolonise over time, or for the Resources remaining vegetation to persist, albeit non-natural. Status and Significance Low Negative (-) (without mitigation)
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In areas disturbed by the construction tasks, as well as surrounding areas adjacent to these, perennial or woody alien species should be periodically removed and destroyed. Mitigation Monitoring is suggested on an annual basis and clearing to be done as required. It is also suggested to plant trees that are indigenous to the region, in the new camping grounds and resort ornamental gardens. Significance and Status Very Low Negative (-) (with mitigation)
7.6. Operational Phase Cumulative Impacts
No operational phase cumulative impacts are foreseen.
8. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME RECOMMENDATIONS The following aspects are recommended for ongoing monitoring: 1) Colonisation / infestation by alien plant species All sites disturbed by the proposed expansions, as well as immediate surrounding areas should be monitored annually for the presence of perennial or woody alien plant species. If found, these should be removed without disturbing soil profiles and destroyed appropriately, especially Opuntia ficus- indica which exists in the area. 2) Soil erosion as a result of the proposed expansion and operations All sites disturbed by the proposed expansion, or sites that remain disturbed, as well as immediate surrounding areas should be monitored on a regular basis during the rainy season or after heavy rainfall events for the presence of soil erosion. Should this occur appropriate measures should be taken to amend the eroded soils.
9. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 9.1. Impact Statement (Summary of Impacts)
The envisioned impacts as a result of the proposed Resort and infrastructure expansion are minimal, given that there is no remaining natural vegetation on the property, not even remnants. However, the following impacts are the foreseeable impacts during the construction phase of the proposed expansions: 1) Removal of some vegetation but not natural vegetation (a neutral to positive Very Low impact, and remaining so with mitigation) 2) The potential for alien plant species to colonise disturbed areas or expand in extent (a negative Low impact, but of Very Low significance with mitigation) 3) The potential for disturbed areas to become prone to soil erosion, especially during heavy rainfall events (a negative Medium impact, but of Very Low significance with mitigation).
The following impacts are the foreseeable impacts during the operational phase of the proposed expansions: 1) Ongoing potential for alien plant species to colonise disturbed areas or expand in extent (a negative Low impact, but of Very Low significance with mitigation) 2) Ongoing potential for disturbed areas to become prone to soil erosion, especially during heavy rainfall events (a negative Medium impact, becoming Very Low negative with mitigation)
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The cumulative impacts were assessed against a landscape context, but since no remaining natural vegetation occurs on the site, no additional cumulative impacts were identified.
9.2. Permitting and Licensing Requirements
No permitting or licensing requirements are foreseen from a vegetation point of view.
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10. REFERENCES
Berliner D. & Desmet P. (2007) Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan: Technical Report. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Project No 2005-012, Pretoria. 1 August 2007.
Berliner, D., Desmet, P., Hayes, R., & Young Hayes, A. 2007. Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan Handbook. Prepared for the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Project No 2005-012, King William’s Town.
Bromilow, C. (2010). Problem Plants and Alien Weeds of South Africa. Briza. Pretoria.
Kleynhans, CJ, Thirion, C and Moolman, J. (2005). A Level I River Ecoregion Classification System for South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Report No. N/0000/00/REQ0104.Resource Quality Services, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Pretoria.
Kleynhans, C.J., Thirion, C., Moolman, J. and Gaulana, L. (2007). A Level II River Ecoregion classification System for South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Report No. N/0000/00/REQ0104. Resource Quality Services, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Pretoria, South Africa.
Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C. (eds) (2006, 2012 update, 2018 National Vegetation Map). The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelizia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Nel J.L., Driver A., Strydom W.F., Maherry A., Petersen C., Hill L., Roux D.J., Nienaber S., van Deventer H., Swartz E. and Smith-Adao A.B. (2011). ATLAS of FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM PRIORITY AREAS in South Africa: Maps to support sustainable development of water resources Report to the WRC. No. TT 500/11.
Olson, D.M., E. Dinerstein, E.D. Wikramanayake, N.D. Burgess, G.V.N. Powell, E.C. Underwood, J.A. D'Amico, I. Itoua, H.E. Strand, J.C. Morrison, C.J. Loucks, T.F. Allnutt, T.H. Ricketts, Y. Kura, J.F. Lamoreux, W.W. Wettengel, P. Hedao, and K.R. Kassem. (2004). Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World: A New Map of Life on Earth (PDF, 1.1M) BioScience 51:933-938.
SANBI (2009). Biodiversity data provided by: South African National Biodiversity Institute (Accessed through the SIBIS portal, sibis.sanbi.org).
South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) (2011). National Spatial Biodiversity Spatial Assessment Terrestrial Ecosystem Status. Available from Biodiversity GIS website (http://bgis.sanbi.org/nsba/terrestrialStatus.asp).
Van Wyk, A. E. and Smith, G. F. (2001). Regions of Floristic Endemism in Southern Africa: A review with emphasis on Succulents. Umdaus Press. Harfield, South Africa.
Van Wyk, B. and van Wyk, P. (2013). Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa. Struik. Cape Town.
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11. APPENDICES APPENDIX A: Current proposed expansion layout of Africanos Country Estate
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APPENDIX B: Impact Assessment Methodology GENERIC TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS The following section outlines the assessment methodology and legal context for specialist studies. The identification of potential impacts should include impacts that may occur during the construction and operational phases of the activity. The assessment of impacts is to include direct, indirect, as well as cumulative impacts.
In order to identify potential impacts (both positive and negative) it is important that the nature of the proposed activity is well understood so that the impacts and risks associated with the activity, can be well understood. The process of identification and assessment of impacts and risks will include: • The determination of the current environmental conditions in sufficient detail so that there is a baseline against which impacts can be identified and measured; • The determination of future changes to the environment that will occur if the activity does not proceed; • An understanding of the activity in sufficient detail to understand its consequences; and • The identification of significant impacts and risks which are likely to occur if the activity is undertaken.
As per GN R 326 Appendix 2, 2. (1) (h) (i), the assessment of impacts must include the alternatives to be assessed within the preferred site, including the option of not proceeding with the activity. Alternatives that will be assessed in the EIA phase of the assessment are outlined in Chapter Five of this report. The impact assessment methodology has been aligned with the requirements for EIA Reports as stipulated in GN R 326 Appendix 3, 3. (1) of the 2014 EIA Regulations (as amended), which states the following: “An EIA Report must contain the information that is necessary for the competent authority to consider and come to a decision on the application, and must include - … (j) an assessment of each identified potentially significant impact and risk, including – (i) cumulative impacts; (ii) the nature, significance and consequences of the impact and risk; (iii) the extent and duration of the impact and risk; (iv) the probability of the impact and risk occurring; (v) the degree to which the impact and risk can be reversed; (vi) the degree to which the impact and risk may cause irreplaceable loss of resources; and (vii) the degree to which the impact and risk can be mitigated.”
As per Guideline Document 5: Assessment of Alternatives and Impacts, the following methodology is to be applied to the prediction and assessment of impacts and risks. Potential impacts should be rated in terms of the direct, indirect and cumulative. • Direct impacts are impacts that are caused directly by the activity and generally occur at the same time and at the place of the activity. These impacts are usually associated with the construction, operation or maintenance of an activity and are generally obvious and quantifiable. • Indirect impacts of an activity are indirect or induced changes that may occur as a result of the activity. These types of impacts include all the potential impacts that do not manifest immediately when the activity is undertaken or which occur at a different place as a result of the activity. • Cumulative impacts are impacts that result from the incremental impact of the proposed activity on a common resource when added to the impacts of other past, present or reasonably foreseeable future activities. Cumulative impacts can occur from the collective
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impacts of individual minor actions over a period of time and can include both direct and indirect impacts.
• Spatial extent – The size of the area that will be affected by the impact/risk o Site specific o Local (<2 km from site) o Regional (within 30 km of site) o National
• Consequence/Intensity –The anticipated severity of the impact/risk o Extreme (extreme alteration of natural systems, patterns or processes, i.e. where environmental functions and processes are altered such that they permanently cease) o High (severe alteration of natural systems, patterns or processes i.e. where environmental functions and processes are altered such that they temporarily or permanently cease) o Medium (notable alteration of natural systems, patterns or processes i.e. where the environment continues to function but in a modified manner) o Low (negligible alteration of natural systems, patterns or processes i.e. where no natural systems/environmental functions, patterns, or processes are affected)
• Duration –The timeframe during which the impact/risk will be experienced o Temporary (less than 1 year) o Short term (1 to 6 years) o Medium term (6 to 15 years) o Long term (the impact will cease after the operational life of the activity) o Permanent (mitigation will not occur in such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be considered transient)
• Reversibility – The degree to which the potential impacts/risks can be reversed o Reversible o Partially Reversible o Irreversible
• Irreplaceable loss of Resources - The degree to which the impact/risk may cause irreplaceable loss of resources o Replaceable o Partially Replaceable o Irreplaceable
Using the criteria above, the impacts will further be assessed in terms of the following: • Probability –The probability of the impact/risk occurring o Improbable (little or no chance of occurring) o Probable (<50% chance of occurring) o Highly probable (50 – 90% chance of occurring) o Definite (>90% chance of occurring)
• Significance – Will the impact/ risk cause a notable alteration of the environment?
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o Low to very low (the impact/risk may result in minor alterations of the environment and can be easily avoided by implementing appropriate mitigation measures, and will not have an influence on decision-making) o Medium (the impact /risk will result in moderate alteration of the environment and can be reduced or avoided by implementing the appropriate mitigation measures, and will only have an influence on the decision-making if not mitigated). o High (the impact/risk will result in major alteration to the environment even with the implementation of the appropriate mitigation measures and will have an influence on decision-making) o Very high (the impact/impact will result in very major alteration to the environment even with the implementation on the appropriate mitigation measures and will have an influence on decision-making i.e. the project cannot be authorised unless major changes to the engineering design are carried out to reduce the significance rating). • Status - Whether the impact/risk on the overall environment will be positive, negative or neutral o “+” (positive - environment overall will benefit from the impact/risk). o “-“ (negative - environment overall will be adversely affected by the impact/risk). o “o” (neutral - environment overall will not be affected).
• Confidence – The degree of confidence in predictions based on available information and specialist knowledge o Low o Medium o High
Impacts, mitigatory measures and the monitoring of impacts will then be collated into the EMPr and these will include the following: • Quantifiable standards for measuring and monitoring mitigatory measures and enhancements will be set. This will include a programme for monitoring and reviewing the recommendations to ensure their ongoing effectiveness. • Identifying negative impacts and prescribing mitigation measures to avoid or reduce negative impacts. Where no mitigatory measures are possible this will be stated. • Positive impacts and mitigation measures will be identified to potentially enhance positive impacts where possible. Management Actions and Monitoring of the Impacts: • Where negative impacts are identified, mitigatory measures will be identified to avoid or reduce negative impacts. Where no mitigatory measures are possible this will be stated. • Where positive impacts are identified, mitigatory measures will be identified to potentially enhance positive impacts.
The table below is to be used by specialists for the rating of impacts: Table 1: Rating of impacts. This should include a description of the proposed impact to Nature of the Impact indicate if the impact is a direct, indirect or a cumulative impact. Extent Site specific, local, regional or national Duration Temporary, short term, medium term, long term or permanent Consequence /Intensity Extreme, High, medium or low Probability Improbable, probable, highly probable, definite Degree of Confidence Low, medium or High
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Reversibility Reversible, Partially Reversible, Irreversible Irreplaceable Loss of Replaceable, Partially Replaceable, Irreplaceable Resources Status and Significance Low, medium or High indicating whether Positive (+), Negative (-) or (without mitigation) Neutral (o) Overview of mitigatory measures to mitigate potentially negative impacts Mitigation or enhance potential positive impacts indicating how this mitigatory measure impacts on the significance of the impact Status and Significance Low, medium or High indicating whether the status of the impact is (after mitigation) Positive (+), Negative (-) or Neutral (o)
Other aspects to be taken into consideration in the assessment of impact significance are: • Impacts will be evaluated for the construction and operational phases of the project: o NOTE: No assessment of impacts during the decommissioning phase of the project is proposed. The relevant guidelines and rehabilitation requirements applicable at that time will need to be applied. • Impacts will be evaluated with and without mitigation in order to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures on reducing the significance of a particular impact; and • The impact evaluation will, where possible, take into consideration the cumulative effects associated with this and other facilities/ projects which are either developed or in the process of being developed in the local area. • The impact assessment will attempt to quantify the magnitude of potential impacts (direct and cumulative effects) and outline the rationale used. Where appropriate, national standards are to be used as a measure of the level of impact.
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APPENDIX C: Animal Species that have an IUCN Threat Status and could Potentially (Unverified with 25km) occur at or in the vicinity of Africanos Country Estate. Animal Species Redlist Category Acropora nana Near Threatened Acropora secale Near Threatened Alopias vulpinus Vulnerable Aneuryphymus montanus Vulnerable Anomastraea irregularis Vulnerable Anthropoides paradiseus Vulnerable Anthus crenatus Near Threatened Aonyx capensis Near Threatened Balaenoptera musculus Endangered Balaenoptera physalus Vulnerable Balearica regulorum Endangered Buteo trizonatus Near Threatened Calidris ferruginea Near Threatened Campethera notata Near Threatened Carcharhinus brachyurus Near Threatened Carcharhinus brevipinna Near Threatened Carcharias taurus Vulnerable Centroscymnus coelolepis Near Threatened Ceratotherium simum Near Threatened Cetorhinus maximus Vulnerable Charadrius pallidus Near Threatened Chlorotalpa duthieae Vulnerable Circus macrourus Near Threatened Circus maurus Endangered Crithagra leucoptera Near Threatened Diceros bicornis Critically Endangered Diomedea amsterdamensis Endangered Equus zebra Vulnerable Favia stelligera Near Threatened Felis nigripes Vulnerable Geocolaptes olivaceus Near Threatened Gypaetus barbatus Near Threatened Gyps coprotheres Endangered Heptranchias perlo Near Threatened Hexanchus griseus Near Threatened Holothuria nobilis Endangered Hydrictis maculicollis Near Threatened Isopora palifera Near Threatened Isurus oxyrinchus Endangered Lamna nasus Vulnerable Loxodonta africana Vulnerable Mobula eregoodootenkee Near Threatened Mobula tarapacana Vulnerable Monticola explorator Near Threatened Morus capensis Endangered
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Mystromys albicaudatus Vulnerable Neophron percnopterus Endangered Neotis denhami Near Threatened Neotis ludwigii Endangered Numenius arquata Near Threatened Oreochromis mossambicus Near Threatened Orthetrum rubens Critically Endangered Oulophyllia crispa Near Threatened Oxyura maccoa Vulnerable Panthera leo Vulnerable Panthera pardus Vulnerable Parahyaena brunnea Near Threatened Pelea capreolus Near Threatened Phalacrocorax capensis Endangered Phoeniconaias minor Near Threatened Pliotrema warreni Near Threatened Pneumora inanis Near Threatened Polemaetus bellicosus Vulnerable Poroderma africanum Near Threatened Pseudobarbus afer Endangered Raja clavata Near Threatened Redunca fulvorufula Endangered Rostroraja alba Endangered Sagittarius serpentarius Vulnerable Sphyrna zygaena Vulnerable Stephanoaetus coronatus Near Threatened Sternula balaenarum Vulnerable Syncerus caffer Near Threatened Thalassarche cauta Near Threatened Thelenota ananas Endangered Torgos tracheliotos Endangered Triakis megalopterus Near Threatened Turnix hottentottus Endangered
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Appendix D (iv): Aquatic Impact Assessment AQUATIC SPECIALIST ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AFRICANOS ESTATE
Prepared for: Public Process Consultants PO Box 27688 GREENACRES 6057
Prepared by: P-A Scherman Scherman Environmental cc. 22 Somerset Street MAKHANDA 6139
April 2020
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This document contains intellectual property and propriety information that is protected by copyright in favour of Scherman Environmental. The document may therefore not be reproduced, or used without the prior written consent of Scherman Environmental. This document is prepared exclusively for Public Process Consultants and is subject to all confidentiality, copyright, trade secrets, and intellectual property law and practices of SOUTH AFRICA.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4 2. SPECIALIST TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 4 3. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY ...... 4 3.1 Assumptions and limitations ...... 4 3.2 Information sources ...... 5 3.2.1 National planning tools...... 5 3.2.2 Regional biodiversity and spatial planning frameworks and tools ...... 7 3.3 Authority consultation process ...... 8 3.4 Modelling, analysis and fieldwork undertaken ...... 8 4. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ...... 8 5. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND STUDY AREA ...... 9 6. RESULTS ...... 15 6.1 Desktop assessment – PES/EI/ES (DWS, 2014) ...... 15 6.2 Field survey ...... 17 6.2.1 Buffers ...... 17 6.3 Biodiversity areas ...... 20 7. IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 21 7.1 Construction phase direct impacts ...... 22 7.2 Indirect construction phase impacts ...... 23 7.3 Construction phase cumulative impacts...... 23 7.4 Operational phase direct impacts ...... 23 7.5 Indirect operational phase impacts ...... 25 7.6 Operational phase cumulative impacts ...... 25 8. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 25 9. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 25 9.1 Impact statement (Summary of impacts) ...... 25 9.2 Permitting and licensing requirements ...... 26 10. REFERENCES ...... 26
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 6.1 Desktop PES of the rivers around the Africanos Country Estate Expansion site 15 Table 6.2 Description of A-F Ecological categories based on Kleynhans et al. (2005) 16 Table 6.3 Recommended buffers for rivers (the predominant buffer for the study region is highlighted in blue) (ECBCP, 2007) 18
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 5.1 Africanos Country Estate Expansion locality map 11 Figure 5.2 A Google Earth image showing the artificial dam (orange block) alongside the estate expansion area and walled pool/wetland in the centre of the existing orchard ...... 12 Figure 5.3 An artificial dam along Zuurberg Road adjacent to the proposed expansion area, showing a pipeline to a pumphouse alongside the dam ...... 12 Figure 5.4 The walled wetland in the centre of the existing citrus block in the expansion area. 13 Figure 5.5 The regional location of Africanos Country Estate Extension site in relation to artificial wetlands (coloured blocks) and rivers in the study area according to NBA 2018 14 Figure 6.1 Extract from the N4 PES map showing the rivers around the Africanos Country Estate Expansion site 16 Figure 6.2 The cleared section of the proposed expansion area 17 Figure 6.3 Rivers, drainage lines and wetlands around the Africanos Country Estate, with appropriate buffers 19 Figure 6.4a Terrestrial CBAs for the area surrounding Africanos Estate (ECBCP, 2007) 20 Figure 6.4b MapInfo extract of the study area showing Terrestrial BLMC4: Cultivated Land. 21
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
BID Background Information Document BLMC Biodiversity Land Management Classes CARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act CBA Critical Biodiversity Area CD NGI Chief Directorate National Geo-Spatial Information DEAT Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism DEDEAT Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism DWS Department of Water and Sanitation EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner EC Ecological Category ECBCP Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan ECBCSAP Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan EI Ecological Importance ES Ecological Sensitivity EWR Ecological Water Requirements GE Google Earth IBT Inter-Basin Transfer OFS Orange-Fish-Sundays NBA National Biodiversity Assessment NEM(A) National Environmental Management (Act) (N)FEPAs (National) Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas NWA National Water Act NWM5 National Wetlands Map version 5 PES Present Ecological State PES/EI/ES Present Ecological State / Ecological Importance / Ecological Sensitivity SAIIAE South African Inventory of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute SDF Spatial Development Framework SDGs Sustainable Development Goals SPLUMA Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act SQR Sub-quaternary reach WMA Water Management Area WRC Water Research Commission WWTW Waste Water Treatment Works
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1. INTRODUCTION This report presents the findings of the specialist aquatic impact assessment conducted by Dr Patsy Scherman and provides an overview of the aquatic environment on the affected property as well as providing an assessment of the potential impacts that the proposed development may have on these resources.
2. SPECIALIST TERMS OF REFERENCE The Scope of Work for this specialist study is as follows: • Literature review, information gathering, mapping and an overview of the study area, which includes water courses, riparian zones and wetlands (if present). This is a desktop assessment, enabling the collation of as much information as possible prior to any fieldwork. • Undertake a site assessment or survey to ground-truth the desktop assessment. The primary purpose of the field survey is to identify wetlands, drainage lines or streams impacted by the expansion of the resort. This information will also be used during water use licensing, should licensing be required. • Identify and rate potential environmental impacts. • Identify mitigation measures for negative and positive impacts. • Make recommendations for the Construction and Operational Phase Environmental Monitoring Programme Report. • Identify sensitive aquatic and riparian species requiring protection and propose rehabilitation measures as required. • Draft and final reports.
3. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY The approach followed for this assessment was as follows: • Conduct a desktop mapping exercise and extensive literature review. The following Google Earth (GE) kmz files were produced: o FEPAs (Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas) rivers 2010 o FEPA 2011 wetlands and wetland clusters o NBA (National Biodiversity Assessment) Artificial Wetlands 2018 o NBA NWM5 (National Wetland Map 5) o NBA 2018 Rivers PES20171 o Topo Rivers Line from the CD: NGI (Chief Directorate: National Geo-Spatial Information) dataset 2006 • Conduct a field survey. • Analyse the data accessed and collected for the study area and proposed activity, and prepare the specialist report.
3.1 Assumptions and limitations The following constraints may have affected the assessments: • A major limitation for the assessment was the single survey conducted on 30 October 2019, during a severe drought in the Eastern Cape. Little rain has fallen during 2019, leading to very dry conditions in the Lower Sundays River Valley. However, as no natural wetlands (other than a small artificial dam adjacent to the expansion site and “pool/small walled wetland” on the expansion site) or drainage lines are located on the current or expansion site, the limitation is not considered significant.
1 Rivers data used for the NBA of 2018 was from the Present Ecological State (PES) assessment as at 2017
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• Biodiversity Land Management Classes, as presented in this report using the MapInfo ProViewer (Section 6), are prepared by integrating numerous datasets such as 2000 land cover, 2007 Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP) Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) etc. The assumption is then that although later data sets are available (e.g. 2009 land cover data), these classes are still the latest approved method for use according to ECBCP 2007 (Berliner et al., 2007).
3.2 Information sources The information sources used are discussed throughout the report, with the following being particularly relevant to an aquatic specialist study. Note that wetlands are not discussed in detail, as they are not relevant to the site.
3.2.1 National planning tools
National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA), 2011 NFEPA (Nel et al., 2011) provides guidance on which rivers, wetlands and estuaries should remain in a natural or near-natural condition. It supports the implementation of the National Water Act, the Biodiversity Act and the Protected Areas Act. The NFEPA project’s aims were to: • identify FEPAs to meet national biodiversity goals for freshwater ecosystems; and • develop a basis for enabling effective implementation of measures to protect FEPAs, including free-flowing rivers.
The point of identifying spatial priority areas was to conserve threatened areas and enable protection and sustainable use of water resources. A NFEPA atlas and implementation manual were the main products of this study, spearheaded by the CSIR. NFEPAs were identified based on a range of criteria: • Representing river wetland and estuary ecosystem types. • Representing free-flowing rivers. • Maintaining water supply areas in areas with high water yield and high groundwater recharge. • Identifying connected systems. • Representing threatened fish species and associated migration corridors. • Preferentially identifying FEPAs that overlapped with: o any free-flowing river; o priority estuaries identified in the National Biodiversity Assessment 2011; and o existing protected areas and Department of Environmental Affairs’ focus areas for protected area expansion.
An extensive list of GIS layers were used and prepared during the study; some of which were mapped.
PES/EI/ES (Present Ecological State / Ecological Importance / Ecological Sensitivity) assessment, 2014 In the absence of detailed studies to assess ecological state, and to aid decision-making, Present Ecological State (PES) and Ecological Category (EC) data for rivers are available on a desktop basis through a study funded jointly by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Water Research Commission (WRC), i.e. the PES/EI/ES study, completed for all Water Management Areas (WMAs) of South Africa in 2014. The N40E quaternary catchment, into which the Africanos Country Estate falls, is within WMA7; the Mzimvubu to Tsitsikamma WMA (previously WMA15).
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Input data were received from DWS in 2011 and then updated to include all known and recent data, so as to produce the final present state and recommended ecological categories per sub- quaternary reach (SQR) and catchment. Each SQR was assessed thoroughly by a team of specialists using Google Earth (GE), to “groundtruth” assessed rivers.
During the PES/EI/ES study, the present state is assessed according to six metrics that represents a very broad qualitative assessment of both the instream and riparian components of a river. The metrics used in the PES/EI/ES model and an explanation of what they refer to is explained below. Each metric is scored from zero to five.
Metrics Comment Potential instream habitat Modifications that indicate the potential that instream connectivity may continuity modification have been changed from the reference. Indicators: Physical obstructions (e.g. dams, weirs, causeways). Flow modifications (e.g. low flows, artificially high velocities, physico- chemical "barriers"). Potential riparian/wetland Modifications that indicate the potential that riparian/wetland connectivity habitat continuity modification may have been changed. Indicators: Physical fragmentation, e.g. inundation by weirs, dams; physical removal for farming, mining, etc. Potential instream habitat Modifications that indicate the potential of instream habitats that may modification activities. have been changed from the reference. Includes consideration of the functioning of instream habitats and processes, as well as habitat for instream biota specifically. Indicators: Derived likelihood that instream habitat types (runs, rapids, riffles, pools) may have changed in frequency (temporal and spatial). Assessment is based on flow regulation, physical modification and sediment changes. Land use/land cover (erosion, sedimentation), abstraction etc. may indicate the likelihood of habitat modification. The presence of weirs and dams are possible indicators of causes of instream habitat change. Certain introduced biota (e.g. carp, crustaceans and molluscs) may also cause habitat modification. Eutrophication and resulting algal growth as well as macrophytes may also result in substantial changes in habitat availability. Potential riparian/wetland Modifications that indicate the potential that riparian/wetland zones may zone modifications have been changed from the reference in terms of structure and processes occurring in the zones. Also refers to these zones as habitat for biota. Indicators: Derived likelihoods that riparian/wetland zones may have changed in occurrence and structure due to flow modification and physical changes due to agriculture, mining, urbanisation, inundation etc. Based on land cover/land use information. The presence and impact of alien vegetation is also included. Potential flow modification Modifications that indicate the potential that flow and flood regimes have been changed from the reference. Indicators: Derived likelihood that flow and flood regimes have changed. Assessment based on land cover/land use information (urban areas, interbasin transfers), presence of weirs, dams, water abstraction, agricultural return flows, sewage releases, etc. Potential physico-chemical Activities that indicate the potential of physico-chemical conditions that modification activities may have changed from the reference. Indicators: Presence of land cover/land use that implies the likelihood of a change of physico-chemical conditions away from the reference. Activities such as mining, cultivation, irrigation (i.e. agricultural return flows), sewage works, urban areas, industries, etc. are useful indicators. Algal growth and macrophytes may also be useful response indicators.
SQR data provided to specialists by the DWS were for significant water sources from the 1:500 000 spatial dataset of the rivers of South Africa. This is a valuable tool when desktop first level
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assessments are required, or when a catchment overview of present state is needed. Considering the drought conditions in the Eastern Cape at present, and when water is not available in streams for sampling, this desktop assessment tool is invaluable. The approach and results for Eastern Cape catchments are documented in Birkhead et al. (2013) and DWS (2014).
National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA), 2018 The NBA is a collaborative effort to synthesise the best available science on South Africa’s biodiversity to inform policy and decision-making in a range of sectors and contribute to national development priorities. The NBA has four headline indicators, providing information on the threat status and protection level of ecosystems and species. The threat status indicators use the established IUCN Red List of Species and Red List of Ecosystems assessment frameworks. The risk of extinction (species) or collapse (ecosystems) is evaluated across all realms and for taxonomic groups for which sufficient data exists. The protection level indicators reflect how well our species and ecosystem types are represented in the protected area network (SANBI, 2019).
One of the main improvements since the 2011 NBA is the mapping of wetlands, resulting in the production of National Wetland Map version 5 (NWM5), used as a mapping tool for this aquatic assessment. The Assessment Report of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems (van Deventer et al., 2019), which forms part of the NBA 2018, builds on previous datasets, reports and findings, as well as that of the NFEPA project of 2011. A South African Inventory of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems (SAIIAE, van Deventer et al., 2018) was established during the NBA 2018 and offers a collection of data layers pertaining to ecosystem types and pressures for both rivers and inland wetlands. This inventory builds on previously available information from studies such as NFEPA, PES/EI/ES and NBA 2011 to provide updated mapping products for rivers and wetlands.
3.2.2 Regional biodiversity and spatial planning frameworks and tools
The following biodiversity planning documents are relevant to the Eastern Cape: • ECBCP of 2007 (Berliner and Desmet, 2007) and Biodiversity Land Management Classes (BLMC), as outlined in Berliner et al. (2007). • Sundays River Valley Biodiversity Sector Plan (Vromans et al., 2012) and Sundays River Valley CBA map (Skowno et al., 2012). This map is a refinement of the 2007 ECBCP map (Berliner and Desmet, 2007). The CBA map, together with the guidelines, serves as the primary biodiversity informant for land-use planning and decision-making. • Revised and unpublished shapefiles and data available for mapping, i.e. the 2018 Draft Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (ECBCSAP; Desmet, pers. comm., August 2018; Provincial Notice 178 of 2018, published 3 September 2018)2.
Note the current status of the 2017 ECBCP data and information (taken from https://cer.org.za/virtual-library/whats-new/slot-1, the website of the Centre for Environmental Rights, on 7 September 2018):
2 Referred to as ECBCP 2017
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On 3 September 2018, the Member of the Executive Council for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism in the Eastern Cape Province (MEC) published his intention to publish the Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (Plan).
The notice under which the draft Plan was published states the following:
“The Plan gives notice for Protection of Threatened or Protected Ecosystems in the Province of the Eastern Cape, in terms of section 52(1)(b) and 2(a)(c)(d) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004).
The Plan will in addition identify Critical Biodiversity Areas, with land use management guidelines, in which certain activities will require environmental authorization in terms of Listing Notice 3 of the [National Environmental Management Act, 1998] Impact Assessment Regulations of April 2017.
The Plan also provides mapping that details reasonable information and locations of categories of ecosystems that are under threat or that need protection. Maps can be viewed at https://egis.environment.gov.za/ECBCP- 2017 .”
Comments on the draft Plan must be submitted within 60 days of the publication of the notice.
Although it has not been possible to ascertain the current status of the ECBCP 2017 document and data, and the 2007 ECBCP data is therefore still the most recent legislated information for use, mapping and the aquatic assessment has also considered the 2017 information, as dates of legislation change are unknown.
Spatial planning documents as relevant to planning in the Sundays River Valley: • Sarah Baartman (formerly Cacadu) District Municipality Draft Spatial Development Framework (SDF), 2013 • Relevant by-laws and policies of the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality • Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA), 2013 (Act No. 16 of 2013)
3.3 Authority consultation process Authority consultation will take place as required with the relevant government departments, i.e. the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) and DWS for water use licensing.
3.4 Modelling, analysis and fieldwork undertaken The Approach and Methodology is discussed in Section 3. The outcome of the assessment is discussed in Section 6.
4. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS Locally the South African Constitution, numerous Acts and international treaties allow for the protection of rivers and water courses. These systems are therefore protected by the following legislation and policies: • Section 24 of The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 1996) • Agenda 21 – Action plan for sustainable development of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) 1998
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• National Environmental Management (NEM) Act (referred to as NEMA), 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) inclusive of all amendments e.g. Government Gazette No. 38282 of December 2014), as well as the NEM: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) and 2009 (Act No. 291 of 2009), NEM: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) and NEM: Waste Act (Act No. 59 or 2008) • National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2015) • National Water Act (NWA), 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) • National Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997) • Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989) • Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA), 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983) • Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002) • Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance (Act No. 19 of 1974) • National Forest Act (Act No. 84 of 1998) • Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency Act (No. 2 of 2010) • Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA), 2013 (Act No. 16 of 2013) • EIA regulations of 2017 • National Freshwater Ecosystems Priority Areas • Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plans: 1) ECBCP 2007 (Berliner & Desmet, 2007); and 2) updated ECBCP of 2017. • National Biodiversity Assessment 2018 • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 [End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture] through SDG 6 [Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all], and SGD 13 [Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts].
Specific legislation pertaining to wetlands are also available as follows: • NEMA, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998). Definitions pertaining to wetland ecosystems are contained in the 7 April 2017 revision (GN R324-7). • NWA, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) • CARA, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983) • RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (signed in 1971) • World Heritage Convention Act (Act No. 49 of 1999)
5. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND STUDY AREA The existing 1.16ha Africanos Country Estate is located on Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, approximately 3.5km west of the town of Addo in the Sundays River Valley Municipal area. The proponent, JN Venter Beleggings Trust, has purchased an adjacent 5ha property, namely Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 (Figure 5.1), to be used for the majority of expansion activities. The newly purchased property is in the process of being transferred to the JN Venter Beleggings Trust and will in future be allocated a new property number. The expansion activities are outlined below (Background Information Document (BID), Public Process Consultants, August 2019; Spies, 2020): • Additional staff housing to accommodate 20 persons. • New tool shed. • New laundry area, providing services for at least 96 persons. • Twelve (12) new caravan sites with associated ablution block and new access off Zuurberg Way (24 persons).
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• New double storey hotel, gym and spa (72 persons). • New Convenience store (4 persons), including play area and farmyard for children. • Additional parking area. • New multi-function hall (200 persons). • Additional 12 chalets accommodating 24 persons. • Demolish some existing buildings (as indicated on the architectural layout of Ellis Architecture and Design Studio (Spies, 2020)).
Bulk services and the preliminary investigation and design of the road/parking, stormwater, sewerage and other water systems are outlined in the Civil Engineering Report of Spies (2020), and propose the following components as part of the expansion: • Two additional water tanks (12.3m diameter, 119m² each, 283m³ each). • Semi-dry storm water pond (3539m2 / 760m3). • 600mm diameter storm water pipe (subject to SANRAL approval) in R336 road reserve. • New road/ parking area. • New access to caravan park. • Extension to existing syphon consisting of maximum 825mm diameter concrete pressure pipe. • Foul sewer treatment plant (160m2), buffer tank (36m²) and irrigation pond (225m²/600m³). • Upgrade of existing foul sewer conservancy tank to septic tank. • 110mm diameter sewer pumping mains and 160mm diameter gravity sewers. • Sewer pump stations. • 110mm diameter water reticulation. • 450mm water pipeline from canal offtake to existing raw water tank.
The total expanded development is therefore expected to be approximately 4.8ha (Spies, 2020).
The R336 runs along the south western boundary of the existing property, with Zuurberg Way alongside the northern boundary of the site. An irrigation canal also runs along Zuurberg Way. Most of the expansion will be to the south-east of the existing resort, with the surface area currently consisting of citrus orchards, grass patches, open land and existing buildings that will need to be demolished.
Figure 5.2 is a Google Earth image showing the artificial wetland (man-made dam) adjacent to the expansion property (Figure 5.3). The pump and pipeline routing to a pump station next to the dam can be seen in the image. The dam is empty, but a pit dug into the middle of the dam showed evidence of moisture in the soil profile. The wall of the dam is high, indicating significant excavation; probably to reach groundwater. Phragmites reeds were extensive in and around the dam.
A small walled pool/wetland is present in the middle of the small orchard on the site (Figure 5.4), which will be removed during expansion of the estate. Figure 5.5 shows the location of the Estate in relation to the closest rivers and wetlands from NWM5, as mapped during NBA 2018.
As no natural aquatic resources are present on site, impacts related to water infrastructure on these resources do not apply, although the information will be required for water use licensing.
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Figure 5.1 Africanos Country Estate Expansion locality map.
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Zuurberg Road
Figure 5.2 A Google Earth image showing the artificial dam (orange block) alongside the estate expansion area and walled pool/wetland in the centre of the existing orchard.
Figure 5.3 An artificial dam along Zuurberg Road adjacent to the proposed expansion area, showing a pipeline to a pumphouse alongside the dam.
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Figure 5.4 The walled wetland in the centre of the existing citrus block in the expansion area.
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Figure 5.5 The regional location of Africanos Country Estate Extension site in relation to artificial wetlands (coloured blocks) and rivers in the study area according to NBA 2018.
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6. RESULTS 6.1 Desktop assessment – PES/EI/ES (DWS, 2014) The rivers closest to the Africanos Country Estate, and their desktop ecological status, is shown on Table 6.1. The Sundays Estuary is included as the most downstream receiver of impacts. Note the current poor state of the most downstream freshwater reach of the Sundays River (N40F- 08707), downstream of Africanos Country Estate. The instream state is in an E ecological category, largely due to water quality issues along the reach. The Ecological Categories shown as the PES are according to the A-F classification system shown in Table 6.2. The PES map for the area is shown as Figure 6.1.
Table 6.1 Desktop PES of the rivers around the Africanos Country Estate Expansion site River/estuary name SQR PES Notes Extensive citrus farming and irrigation. Orange/Fish/Sundays (OFS) Inter Basin Sundays River N40E-08640 Transfer (IBT) for the Lower Sundays D Irrigation System. Upstream dam. Lower reach highly transformed through farmland and citrus, pivot irrigation and numerous crossings. Addo National Park Coerney River N40D-08561 in upper reaches; Orange/Fish/Sundays D (OFS) Inter Basin Transfer (IBT) for the Lower Sundays Irrigation System. Short reach, with Addo National Park in the eastern section and large-scale Sundays River N40E-08682 citrus in the western section. OFS IBT for C the Lower Sundays Irrigation Scheme. Numerous crossings, cultivation and Unnamed river N40E-08743 erosion,
large-scale citrus and pivot irrigation. D OFS IBT for the Lower Sundays Irrigation Scheme. River flows past Addo with a Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) in a high risk category (as at 2012); Sundays River N40F-08707 crossings and weirs; extensive farming; D OFS IBT for the Lower Sundays Irrigation Scheme. Lower reach is estuarine. 2008 Intermediate Estuary Ecological Water Requirements (EWR) or Reserve Sundays Estuary N40F-08903 study coordinated by Nelson Mandela C Metropolitan University.
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Table 6.2 Description of A-F Ecological categories based on Kleynhans et al. (2005)
(a) Ecolo (b) Ecological description (c) Management perspective gical Category (e) (g) Protected systems; (d) A (f) Unmodified, natural. relatively untouched by human hands; no discharges or impoundments allowed (h) (j) Largely natural with few modifications. A (k) (i) B small change in natural habitats and biota may (l) Some human-related have taken place but the ecosystem functions are disturbance, but mostly of low essentially unchanged. impact potential (m) (p) Moderately modified. Loss and change of (q) (n) natural habitat and biota have occurred, but the (r) Multiple disturbances (o) C basic ecosystem functions are still predominantly unchanged. associated with need for socio- economic development, (t) (v) Largely modified. A large loss of natural (s) e.g. impoundment, habitat habitat, biota and basic ecosystem functions has (u) D modification and water quality occurred. degradation (w) (y) Seriously modified. The loss of natural (z) (x) E habitat, biota and basic ecosystem functions is (aa) Often characterised by extensive. high human densities or (bb) (ee) Critically / Extremely modified. Modifications extensive resource exploitation. Management intervention is (cc) have reached a critical level and the system has been modified completely with an almost complete needed to improve health, e.g. to (dd) F loss of natural habitat and biota. In the worst restore flow patterns, river instances habitats or water quality (ff) the basic ecosystem functions have been destroyed and the changes are irreversible.
Coerney River
Sundays River
Africanos Estate
Sundays River Unnamed river
Sundays River
Figure 6.1 Extract from the N4 PES map showing the rivers around the Africanos Country Estate Expansion site.
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6.2 Field survey The site was surveyed on 30 October 2019, with the following issues under consideration: • Presence of drainage lines or wetlands. • Presence of aquatic indicators in the landscape which may denote the presence of wetlands or drainage lines. • Natural or artificial wetlands. • Designation of buffers along aquatic resources, should they be identified on site.
The site was viewed from a corner outside of the expansion area; Point A1 on Figure 5.5, to provide an overview of the cleared open part of the site (Figure 6.2). The man-made aquatic features are shown in Figures 5.3 and 5.4.
Figure 6.2 The cleared section of the proposed expansion area.
6.2.1 Buffers Buffer zones are used in land-use planning to protect natural resources and limit the impact of one land use on another. Due to the simplicity of the site in terms of aquatic resources, the following 32m buffer was applied to mapping for rivers around Africanos Country Estate – see Table 6.3 (Berliner & Desmet, 2007).
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Table 6.3 Recommended buffers for rivers (the predominant buffer for the study region is highlighted in blue) (ECBCP, 2007)
Buffer River criterion used Rationale width (m) Mountain streams and These longitudinal zones generally have more confined riparian upper foothills of all 50 zones than lower foothills and lowland rivers and are generally 1:500 000 rivers less threatened by agricultural practices. Lower foothills and These longitudinal zones generally have less confined riparian lowland rivers of all 100 zones than mountain streams and upper foothills and are generally 1:500 000 rivers more threatened by development practices. Generally smaller upland streams corresponding to mountain All remaining 1:500 streams and upper foothills, smaller than those designated in the 32 000 streams 1:500 000 rivers layer. They are assigned the riparian buffer required under South African legislation.
Figure 6.3 therefore shows the application of 32m buffers around rivers and drainage lines in the area around Africanos Country Estate. Buffers shown around wetland areas are the 500m licensing buffer as required for water use licensing. Wetlands indicated are NFEPA 2011 wetlands shown in dark green, and NBA 2018 NWM5 in lime green. The difference between the two sets are the artificial wetlands shown on Figure 5.5, also from the 2018 NBA wetland study. An attempt was made during the preparation of NWM5 to identify artificial wetlands, such as the man-made dam adjacent to the proposed expansion area, which is therefore not shown on NWM5.
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Figure 6.3 Rivers, drainage lines and wetlands around the Africanos Country Estate, with appropriate buffers.
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The buffers delineated in Figure 6.3 shows a small overlap with the western corner of the existing Africanos Country Estate. This buffer is due to NWM5 wetland areas delineated at the confluence of the Sundays and Coerney rivers.
6.3 Biodiversity areas Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) are defined in the ECBCP of 2007 (Berliner & Desmet, 2007) as “terrestrial and aquatic features in the landscape that are critical for conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem functioning…”. Figure 6.4a is a representation of the Terrestrial CBAs delineated for the Africanos Country Estate area, defining the site and immediate adjacent area as CBA 2 in terms of the ECBCP, 2007. CBA 2 areas are those where some level of protection is required, and only low-impact activities such as conservation or tourism, should take place.
Figure 6.4a Terrestrial CBAs for the area surrounding Africanos Estate (ECBCP, 2007).
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The next step is then to consult other land management tools, as indicated in the ECBCP Handbook (Berliner et al., 2007. MapInfo ProViewer (see Figure 6.4b) is a tool used by DEDEAT to view the 2007 ECBCP CBAs and BLMCs based on extensive input data, e.g. 2000 landcover data, as this presents data from the only systematic biodiversity plan currently adopted by the department (Struwig, DEDEAT, pers comm., 2020). Figure 6.4b shows the Africanos areas as Terrestrial BLMC4: Cultivated Land.
Figure 6.4b MapInfo extract of the study area showing Terrestrial BLMC4: Cultivated Land.
No Aquatic CBAs were identified for the Africanos Country Estate area.
7. IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS This impact assessment was conducted according to the guidelines provided by the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) for the study. Impacts specifically on aquatic systems are evaluated in this section. The impact assessment for the proposed expansion was measured against the current state of the observed water courses. Impacts have been rated based on the project actions/impacts, as well as any potential cumulative impacts expected during the construction and operational phases of the project. Potential impacts are listed as follows: • Changes to the hydrological regimes of rivers and streams in the area surrounding the proposed expansion. • Use of wetlands and drainage lines as dumping grounds. • Chemical pollution of water resources (rivers, streams, dams and wetlands).
Note that no natural aquatic features are present on the site. Impacts evaluated are therefore for features close to the site (i.e. the man-made dam), where potential impacts may occur, even if not a natural feature. Relevant definitions pertaining to wetland ecosystems from the NWA, include;
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"watercourse" means – a) a river or spring; b) a natural channel in which water flows regularly or intermittently; c) a wetland, pan, lake or dam into which, or from which, water flows; and d) any collection of water which the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare to be a watercourse as defined in the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998); and a reference to a watercourse includes, where relevant, its bed and banks; and
"wetland" means 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.
It is therefore clear from the definitions above that artificial wetlands, and particularly the use from these man-made features, is protected under this law.
7.1 Construction phase direct impacts Chemical pollution of water resources (rivers, streams, dams and wetlands) in the area surrounding the proposed expansion This impact is linked particularly to the clearing of sites and leakage or discharge of waste or construction chemicals into the closest water resources, i.e. the man-made dam alongside the expansion area, or the Nature of the Impact Sundays River which is within 500m of the site. Proper management of construction activities can reduce this impact. Local – The distance between Africanos and the natural systems (rivers and wetlands) in the wider area, and the buffer of the R336, will minimize Extent the impact. Regional – if groundwater contamination takes place. Duration Temporary Low – as natural systems are unlikely to be contaminated. Medium if the groundwater source at the bottom of the dam alongside the site is Consequence / Intensity polluted. Improbable. Note that the probability of a high groundwater table is Probability considered to be low, according to Spies (2020). Reversibility Irreversible if groundwater is contaminated. Degree of Confidence Medium Irreplaceable Loss of Irreplaceable although it is considered unlikely that contamination of Resources groundwater will take place. Low Negative (-) – This impact is considered Low even without Status and Significance mitigation, due to distance to natural systems and buffers in place, e.g. (without mitigation) R336, and the low water table. Follow the Environmental Management Plan and best practice during construction to reduce impacts. The draft stormwater management plan (Spies, 2020) includes a large grassed area, with overflow draining into a shallow paved V channel over the proposed parking areas to the existing open stormwater channel next Mitigation to the R336. This should route contaminated stormwater during construction to some degree. Significance and Status Very low Negative (-) (with mitigation)
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Use of wetlands, dams and drainage lines as dumping grounds The impact is quantified although the existing man-made dam is not part of the expansion site and is not a natural feature. The dam is however, potentially linked to groundwater, which is where contamination may take place.
This impact is linked particularly to the clearing of sites and deposition of rubble into convenient areas during construction. Proper management of Nature of the Impact construction activities can reduce this impact. Extent Site-specific Duration Temporary Consequence / Intensity Low Probability Highly probable Reversibility Irreversible if groundwater is contaminated. Degree of Confidence High Irreplaceable Loss of Irreplaceable if groundwater is contaminated. Resources Medium Negative (-) – This impact is considered Low even without Status and Significance mitigation, as the dam is not a natural feature and the water table (without mitigation) appears to be low (Spies, 2020). Follow the Environmental Management Plan and best practise during Mitigation construction to reduce impacts. Significance and Status Low Negative (-) (with mitigation)
7.2 Indirect construction phase impacts No impacts could be identified due to the distance between aquatic resources and the site where the proposed expansion will take place.
7.3 Construction phase cumulative impacts No impacts could be identified due to the distance between aquatic resources and the site where the proposed expansion will take place.
7.4 Operational phase direct impacts Changes to the hydrological regime of rivers and streams in the area surrounding the proposed expansion This impact is due to an increase of hard surfaces associated with the extension of the estate and potential impact on the Sundays River which Nature of the Impact is within 500m of the site. Local – The distance between Africanos and the natural systems (rivers and wetlands) in the wider area, and the buffer of the R336, will minimize Extent the impact. Duration Long term Low – as natural systems are a distance from the proposed expansion Consequence / Intensity site. Probability Improbable Reversibility Reversible Degree of Confidence Medium Irreplaceable Loss of Replaceable Resources
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Low Negative (-) – This impact is considered Low even without Status and Significance mitigation, due to distance to natural systems and buffers in place, e.g. (without mitigation) R336. Follow the Environmental Management Plan and best practice to reduce impacts. The draft stormwater management plan (Spies, 2020) includes a large grassed area, with a shallow grassed stormwater detention area being developed in the centre of the Estate. The formed gravel, grassed, paved and/or concrete surface areas will also act as overland stormwater Mitigation channels. Overflow will drain into a shallow paved V channel over the proposed parking areas to the existing open stormwater channel next to the R336. Significance and Status Very low Negative (-) (with mitigation)
Chemical pollution of water resources (rivers, streams, dams and wetlands) in the area. This impact is linked particularly to leakage or discharge of waste into the closest water resources, i.e. the man-made dam alongside the Nature of the Impact expansion area (and potentially groundwater contamination), or the Sundays River which is within 500m of the site. Local – The distance between Africanos and the natural systems (rivers and wetlands) in the wider area, and the buffer of the R336, will minimize Extent the impact. Regional – if groundwater contamination takes place. Duration Long term Low – as natural systems are unlikely to be contaminated, but Low- Medium if groundwater is polluted. Note that the probability of a high Consequence / Intensity groundwater table is considered to be low, according to Spies (2020). Probability Improbable Reversibility Irreversible if groundwater is contaminated. Degree of Confidence Medium Irreplaceable Loss of Irreplaceable although it is considered unlikely that contamination of Resources groundwater will take place Low Negative (-) – This impact is considered Low even without mitigation, due to distance to natural systems and buffers in place, e.g. Status and Significance R336. Spies (2020) also states that the probability of a high groundwater (without mitigation) table is considered to be low. Follow the Environmental Management Plan and best practice to reduce impacts. The draft stormwater management plan (Spies, 2020) includes a large grassed area, with a shallow grassed stormwater detention area being developed in the centre of the Estate. Overland flow will drain into a shallow paved V channel over the proposed parking areas to the existing open stormwater channel next to the R336. It is expected that some amelioration of water quality will take place during overland flow. Eco-friendly detergents will be used in the laundry, and the current conservancy tank system for handling domestic effluent will be upgraded Mitigation to a septic tank, with the overflow conveyed to a foul sewer treatment system as approved by the Sundays River Valley Municipality. The recommended method is the Clearedge Sewage Onsite Treatment System. Treated effluent will be directed to the lined irrigation pond.
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Gardens and grassed areas will be irrigated once required chlorine levels have been reached. Significance and Status Very low Negative (-) (with mitigation)
7.5 Indirect operational phase impacts No impacts could be identified due to the distance between aquatic resources and the site where the proposed expansion will take place
7.6 Operational phase cumulative impacts None could be identified. Although cumulative impacts must consider water resources in the wider area, particularly downstream impacts, in this case all water resources are too far from the proposed expansion to have an impact. It is however assumed that stormwater management, irrigation and effluent loadings and discharge will be within approved license requirements and conditions.
8. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME RECOMMENDATIONS The water treatment, effluent treatment and disposal, rainwater harvesting and stormwater management plan that has been developed and will be presented to the authorities, will have associated monitoring requirements, so as to ensure that discharges are treated to the appropriate quality standards and that stormwater discharges are adequately managed. It is assumed that waste licensing will only be approved if these discharges meet both quality and quantity standards.
9. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 9.1 Impact statement (Summary of impacts) As there are no water resources on the proposed expansion site other than an artificial wetland/pool and the adjacent man-made dam, and activities related to the expansion are only marginally within the 500m licensing zone from any wetlands, few potential impacts on aquatic resources could be identified. It is expected that all potential impacts can be reduced to a Low significance rating with the application of the recommended mitigation measures. A summary of impacts is shown in the table below.
Significance Significance Impact Probability (no (with mitigation) mitigation) Construction Phase: Direct Impacts Chemical pollution of water resources (rivers, Low (-) Very low (-) Improbable streams, dams and wetlands) in the Africanos area Use of drainage channels, wetlands or dams as Highly Medium (-) Low (-) dumping grounds probable Construction Phase: Indirect Impacts – None Construction Phase: Cumulative Impacts – None Operational Phase: Direct Impacts
Chemical pollution of water resources (rivers, Low (-) Very low (-) Improbable streams, dams and wetlands) in the Africanos area Changes to the hydrological regime of rivers and streams in the area surrounding the proposed Low (-) Very low (-) Improbable expansion.
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Operational Phase: Cumulative Impacts Although cumulative impacts must consider water resources in the wider area, particularly downstream impacts, all water resources are too far from Africanos to be impacted upon. It is however assumed that stormwater management, irrigation and effluent loadings and discharge will be within approved license requirements and conditions.
As the proposed development is limited to the expanded Africanos Country Estate, alternative sites were not evaluated.
An alternative land use is Agriculture; most likely citrus, which would require demolishing the current estate and would carry an associated list of potential impacts. Note that systematic biodiversity planning methodology attempts to avoid conflicts with high potential agricultural land, although the fine-scale planning tools required for these assessments are generally not available.
The no-go alternative for this expansion is limited to maintenance of the current status quo.
9.2 Permitting and licensing requirements A Section 21(b) application for storage of water on site may be required, depending on volumes to be stored, as well as irrigation with grey water, i.e. Section 21(e). Waste disposal methods and a stormwater management plan will form part of the documentation, should water use licensing be required. It is assumed that additional water use will be within existing permit allocations.
10. REFERENCES Berliner, D. & Desmet, P. 2007. Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan: Technical Report. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF). Project No. 2005-012. Pretoria. 1 August 2007. Desmet P. pers comm. August 2018. Shapefiles and information: Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan 2017 (unpublished). Birkhead, A., Uys, A., Scherman, P-A., Bok, A., Colloty, B. & Chalmers, R. 2013. Review and update of the 1999 EIS/PES of South African rivers, including expansion to priority tributaries and wetlands, according to quaternary catchments for the Water Management Areas 12 & 15. Prepared for the Department of Water Affairs and the Water Research Commission, South Africa. Water Research Commission Project No. K5/2045. Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). 2014. A Desktop Assessment of the Present Ecological State, Ecological Importance and Ecological Sensitivity per Sub-Quaternary Reaches for Secondary Catchments in South Africa. Secondary: N4. Compiled by RQIS-RDM: https://www.dwa.gov.za/iwqs/rhp/eco/peseismodel.aspx. Technical team led by Scherman Colloty & Associates cc. Draft Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (ECBCSAP). 3 September 2018. Provincial Notice No. 178 of 2018. Kleynhans, C.J., Louw, M.D., Thirion, C., Rossouw, N.J. & Rowntree, K. 2005. River Ecoclassification: Manual for Ecostatus determination (Version 1). Joint Water Research Commission and Department of Water Affairs and Forestry report. WRC Report No. KV 168/05. Nel, J.L., Murray, K.M., Maherry, A.M., Petersen, C.P., Roux, D.J., Driver, A., Hill, L., van Deventer, H., Funke, N., Swartz, E.R., Smith-Adao, L.B., Mbona, N., Downsborough, L. & Nienaber, S. 2011. Technical Report for the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas Project. Water Research Commission Report No. 1801/2/11.
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Spies, J.J. 2020. Roads and Wet Services Report: Proposed Africanos Country Estate Expansion on Portion 228 and Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the Farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality, Eastern Cape. Draft Report prepared by JJ Spies Civil Engineers, 2 April 2020. South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). 2019. National Biodiversity Assessment 2018: The status of South Africa’s ecosystems and biodiversity. Synthesis Report. South African National Biodiversity Institute, an entity of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Pretoria. 214 pp. Van Deventer, H., Smith-Adao, L., Mbona, N., Petersen, C., Skowno, A., Collins, N.B., Grenfell, M., Job, N., Lötter, M., Ollis, D., Scherman, P., Sieben, E., & Snaddon, K. 2018. South African Inventory of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Report Number: CSIR report number CSIR/NRE/ECOS/IR/2018/0001/A; SANBI report number http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12143/5847. Van Deventer, H., Smith-Adao, L., Collins, N.B., Grenfell, M., Grundling, A., Grundling, P-L., Impson, D., Job, N., Lötter, M., Ollis, D., Petersen, C., Scherman, P., Sieben, E., Snaddon, K., Tererai, F. & Van der Colff, D. 2019. South African National Biodiversity Assessment 2018: Technical Report. Volume 2b: Inland Aquatic (Freshwater) Realm. CSIR report number CSIR/NRE/ECOS/IR/2019/0004/A. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12143/6230.
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Appendix D(v): Archaeological Impact Assessment: Letter of Exemption
A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION (WITH CONDITIONS) FOR THE EXEMPTION OF A FULL PHASE 1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTION 228 TO A PORTION OF PORTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO. 113 NEAR ADDO, IN THE SUNDAY’S RIVER VALLEY LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, SARAH BAARTMAN DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY OF THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Prepared for: Public Process Consultants P.O. Box 27688 Greenacres, 6057 Phone 041-374 8426 Fax 041-373 2002 Contact person: Ms Sandy Wren Email: [email protected]
Compiled by: Dr Johan Binneman On behalf of: Eastern Cape Heritage Consultants P.O. Box 689 Jeffreys Bay 6330 Tel: 042-2960399 Cell: 0728006322 Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Date: October 2019
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PROJECT INFORMATION
Type of development
The proposed development will include the construction of 12 chalets, staff housing, 12 new caravan camping sites, a double storey hotel, a laundry, tool shed, convenience store, new multifunction hall, parking facilities, kids outdoor play area and associated infrastructure. The total development footprint is anticipated to be approximately 5 ha.
Applicant
J.N. Venter Beleggings Trust
Consultant
Public Process Consultants P.O. Box 27688 Greenacres, 6057 Phone 041 374 8426 Fax 041 373 2002 Contact person: Ms Sandy Wren Email: [email protected]
Purpose of the study
The original proposal was to conduct a Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) of the proposed expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 to a Portion of Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 near Addo in the Sunday’s River Valley Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, to establish;
• the range and importance of possible exposed and in situ archaeological sites, features and materials, • the potential impact of the development on these resources and, • to make recommendations to minimize possible damage to these resources.
Site and Location
The site for the proposed expansion of the existing Africanos Country Estate is located within the 1:50 000 topographic reference map 3325DA Addo. The proposed development will take place on Portion 228 to a Portion of Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 near Addo, in the Sunday’s River Valley Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. It is situated approximately 4 kilometres southeast of Sunland, 4 kilometres directly northwest of Addo and adjacent to the R336 main road to Kirkwood (Map 1). A general GPS reading was taken at 33.31.105S; 25.40.211E. Most of the property comprises of old ploughed fields, a small orchard and several buildings and other structures (Figure 1).
ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
Methodology and results
The investigation was conducted on foot by two archaeologists. A Google Earth aerial image investigation and a literary search were also conducted of the area prior to the survey. GPS readings were taken with a Garmin and all important features were digitally recorded. The archaeological visibility was good, but no sites/materials were observed. Although sites and
245 materials may be covered by soil and vegetation, it would appear unlikely that in situ archaeological remains will be exposed during the development. There are no known graves on the property.
Figure 1. General views of the proposed area for the expansion of the existing Africanos Country Estate.
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Figure 2. General views of existing buildings to be demolished on the proposed area for the expansion of the existing Africanos Country Estate (see location on Map 2).
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DISCUSSION AND CONDITIONS
The proposed extensions of the existing Africanos Country Estate and associated infrastructure will take place within an already disturbed environment and will have no or little impact on significant archaeological remains. There are two buildings on the property and although they were renovated in the past, the original structures may be older than 60 years (Map 2). The one house has an attic and the other a prominent gable (Figure. 2). It is recommended that;
• An architect/historical archaeologist be appointed to investigate the age and historical significance of the two buildings and to compile a report on the status of the structures.
• All construction activities must be monitored by an archaeologist/heritage practitioner or alternatively a person must be specially trained, for example the ECO, to conduct the monitoring. This must include the clearing of vegetation, levelling, excavations for pipelines and other underground/buried infrastructure and all above ground construction for the activities listed.
• Construction managers/foremen should also be informed before construction starts on the possible types of heritage sites and cultural material they may encounter and the procedures to follow when they find sites.
The development will take place approximately 600 metres from the Sunday’s River in an area where one would expect to find freshwater shell middens. These are important archaeological sites and special care must be taken that these sites are not destroyed during development. Although it is unlikely that any significant archaeological heritage remains will be exposed during the development, there is always a possibility that human remains and/or other archaeological and historical material may be uncovered during the development. Should such material be exposed then work must ceased in the immediate area of the finds and it must be reported to the archaeologist at the Albany Museum (Tel. 046 6222312) and/or to the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (Tel.: 043 7450888) immediately and all work must stop so that a systematic and professional investigation can be undertaken by an archaeologist.. Sufficient time should be allowed to remove/collect such material (See Appendix B for a list of possible archaeological sites that maybe found in the area).
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the proposed expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 to a Portion of Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 near Addo in the Sunday’s River Valley Local Municipality, Sarah Baartman District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province is exempted from a full Phase 1 Archaeological Heritage Impact Assessment. The proposed area for development is of low cultural sensitivity and it is therefore unlikely that any significant archaeological heritage remains will be found on the property. The proposed development may proceed as planned.
Note: This letter of recommendation only exempts the proposed development from a full Phase 1 Archaeological Heritage Impact Assessment, but not for other heritage impact assessments.
It must also be clear that this letter of recommendation for exemption of a full Phase 1 archaeological heritage impact assessment will be assessed by the relevant heritage resources authority. The final decision rests with the heritage resources authority, which should give a permit or a formal letter of permission for the destruction of any cultural sites.
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The National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999, section 35) (see Appendix A) requires a full Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) in order that all heritage resources, that is, all places or objects of aesthetics, architectural, historic, scientific, social, spiritual linguistic or technological value or significance are protected. Thus, any assessment should make provision for the protection of all these heritage components, including archaeology, shipwrecks, battlefields, graves, and structures older than 60 years, living heritage, historical settlements, landscapes, geological sites, palaeontological sites and objects.
GENERAL REMARKS AND CONDITIONS
It must be emphasized that this letter of recommendation for exemption of a full Phase 1 archaeological heritage impact assessment is based on the visibility of archaeological sites/material and may not therefore, reflect the true state of affairs. Sites and material may be covered by soil and vegetation and will only be located once this has been removed. In the event of such finds being uncovered, (during any phase of construction work), it must be reported to the archaeologist at the Albany Museum (Tel. 046 6222312) or to the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (Tel.: 043 7450888) immediately. The developer must finance the costs should additional studies be required as outlined above. The onus is also on the developer to ensure that this agreement is honoured in accordance with the National Heritage Act No. 25 of 1999. The consultant is responsible to forward this report to the relevant Heritage Authority for assessment, unless alternative arrangements have been made with the specialist to submit the report.
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APPENDIX A: brief legislative requirements Parts of sections 35(4), 36(3) and 38(1) (8) of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 apply:
Archaeology, palaeontology and meteorites 35 (4) No person may, without a permit issued by the responsible heritage resources authority— (a) destroy, damage, excavate, alter, deface or otherwise disturb any archaeological or palaeontological site or any meteorite; (b) destroy, damage, excavate, remove from its original position, collect or own any archaeological or palaeontological material or object or any meteorite; (d) bring onto or use at an archaeological or palaeontological site any excavation equipment or any equipment which assist in the detection or recovery of metals or archaeological and palaeontological material or objects, or use such equipment for the recovery of meteorites.
Burial grounds and graves 36. (3) (a) No person may, without a permit issued by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority— (a) destroy, damage, alter, exhume or remove from its original position or otherwise disturb the grave of a victim of conflict, or any burial ground or part thereof which contains such graves; (b) destroy, damage, alter, exhume, remove from its original position or otherwise disturb any grave or burial ground older than 60 years which is situated outside a formal cemetery administered by a local authority; or (c) bring onto or use at a burial ground or grave referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) any excavation equipment, or any equipment which assists in the detection or recovery of metals.
Heritage resources management 38. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (7), (8) and (9), any person who intends to undertake a development categorized as –
(a) the construction of a road, wall, powerline, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or barrier exceeding 300m in length; (b) the construction of a bridge or similar structure exceeding 50m in length; (c) any development or other activity which will change the character of the site – (i) exceeding 5000m2 in extent, or (ii) involving three or more erven or subdivisions thereof; or (iii) involving three or more erven or divisions thereof which have been consolidated within the past five years; or (iv) the costs of which will exceed a sum set in terms of regulations by SAHRA, or a provincial resources authority; (d) the re-zoning of a site exceeding 10 000m2 in extent; or (e) any other category of development provided for in regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority, must as the very earliest stages of initiating such a development, notify the responsible heritage resources authority and furnish it with details regarding the location, nature and extent of the proposed development.
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APPENDIX B: IDENTIFICATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES AND MATERIAL FROM INLAND AREAS: guidelines and procedures for developers Human Skeletal material Human remains, whether the complete remains of an individual buried during the past, or scattered human remains resulting from disturbance of the grave, should be reported. In general human remains are buried in a flexed position on their side, but are also found buried in a sitting position with a flat stone capping. Developers are requested to be on alert for the possibility of uncovering such remains.
Freshwater mussel middens Freshwater mussels are found in the muddy banks of rivers and streams and were collected by people in the past as a food resource. Freshwater mussel shell middens are accumulations of mussel shell and are usually found close to rivers and streams. These shell middens frequently contain stone tools, pottery, bone, and occasionally human remains. Shell middens may be of various sizes and depths, but an accumulation which exceeds 1 m2 in extent, should be reported to an archaeologist.
Large stone cairns They come in different forms and sizes, but are easy to identify. The most common are roughly circular stone walls (mostly collapsed) and may represent stock enclosures, remains of wind breaks or cooking shelters. Others consist of large piles of stones of different sizes and heights and are known as isisivane. They are usually near river and mountain crossings. Their purpose and meaning is not fully understood, however, some are thought to represent burial cairns while others may have symbolic value.
Stone artefacts These are difficult for the layman to identify. However, large accumulations of flaked stones which do not appear to have been distributed naturally should be reported. If the stone tools are associated with bone remains, development should be halted immediately, and archaeologists notified.
Fossil bone Fossil bones may be found embedded in geological deposits. Any concentrations of bones, whether fossilized or not, should be reported.
Historical artefacts or features These are easy to identify and include foundations of buildings or other construction features and items from domestic and military activities.
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Map 1. 1:50 000 Topographic maps indicating the approximate location of the proposed area for the expansion of the existing Africanos Country Estate marked by the blue squares.
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Map 2. Aerial views of the location of the proposed site for the expansion of the existing Africanos Country Estate marked by the red squares. The locations of the two buildings are marked by the green arrows (map courtesy Public Process Consultants).
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Map 3. Preliminary layout of the proposed development of the proposed site for the expansion of the existing Africanos Country Estate (map courtesy Public Process Consultants).
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Appendix D(vi): Architectural Heritage Review and Assessment ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE ASSESSMENT
APPLICATION TO DEMOLISH EXISTING BUILDINGS For the proposed expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 to a portion of Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal, Estate no.113, near Addo in the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality, Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Prepared for: Public Process Consultants PO Box 27688 Greenacres 6057
Compiled by:
Dr Theresa Hardman B.Arch M.Arch (Research) PhD Practising Architect and Professional Heritage Practitioner SACAP Pr. Arch 20791 Association of Professional Heritage Practitioners APHP Registration number 0112 [email protected] 34 Main Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth 6070
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Introduction 3
1.2 Legal Requirements 3
1.3 Scope of Work 3
1.4 Assumptions and Limitations 3 1.4.1 Assumptions 1.4.2 Limitations
1.5 Specialist's Details 3
1.6 Declaration of Independence 3
1.7 The Site and Buildings 4 1.7.1 Location and Context 4 1.7.2 Building1 – The farmhouse 6 1.7.3 Building 2- Storage shed 14
3 Recommendations 17
4 Sources 20
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1.1 INTRODUCTION Theresa Hardman was appointed by Public Process Consultants on behalf of J.N. Venter Beleggings Trust to assess the existing buildings on Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal, Estate no.113, near Addo in the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality.
The aim of the assessment was to determine the heritage significance (if any) of these structures, and to provide recommendations in terms of their proposed demolition. The motivation for their demolition is the expansion of an existing Africanos Country Estate to include the construction of 12 chalets, staff housing, 12 new caravan camping sites, a double-storey hotel, a laundry, tool shed, convenience store, new multifunction hall, parking area, childrens’ outdoor play area and associated infrastructure.
1.2 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS As the buildings on the site proposed for expansion are older than 60 years, the application for demolition is submitted to the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Agency (ECPHRA) in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act No. 25 of 1999 (NHRA) Section 34.
1.3 SCOPE OF WORK This Heritage Assessment provides specialist heritage advice with regard to the proposed demolition of 2 buildings on Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal, Estate no.113, near Addo in the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality in accordance with : • Legislation framework of National Heritage Resources Act No 25 of 1999. • Description of site and context
1.4 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS 1.4.1 Assumptions It is assumed that all information on the site and buildings provided by Public Process Consultants is accurate.
1.4.2 Limitations The report has not taken into account the detailed social and economic impact that the proposed demolition may have, as this is outside the scope of the brief.
1.5 SPECIALIST'S DETAILS The Professional Heritage Practitioner is Theresa Hardman who is a registered Architect with the South African Council for the Architectural Professions (SACAP), and an accredited member of the Association of Professional Heritage Practitioners (APHP). Theresa specialises in the field of the Eastern Cape and Karoo vernacular, having completed a Research Masters Degree in Architecture on the subject in 1994.
1.6 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE This is to confirm that Theresa Hardman, Architect and Professional Heritage Practitioner, is responsible for undertaking this assessment, is independent, has no vested or financial interest in the proposed demolition of the existing buildings, nor in any future development on the sites in question.
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1.7 THE SITE AND BUILDINGS
1.7.1 Location and Context: The site in question was visited by Theresa Hardman on Thursday 13 February 2020.
It is situated just outside Addo opposite the Addo Polo Club, on the R336 road to Kirkwood and Zuurberg. It is adjoining the existing Africanos Country estate. There are no buildings of any historic architectural value around the site, and the 2 buildings on the site are relatively isolated, ie they do not form part of any architectural or heritage context. They are situated away from the road, and are accessible through gates and a driveway. They are not linked to the existing Africanos Country Estate, nor to any other group of buildings. They are therefore not part of any existing valuable group of buildings.
Fig 1: Aerial view showing location of the site
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Fig. 2: Aerial view showing surrounding context
Fig. 3 Aerial view showing the position of the two buildings in question. Building 1 is an old farmhouse. Building 2 is a storage shed.
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1.7.2 BUILDING 1 – THE FARMHOUSE Building 1 is an old residential building with a pitched roof and steel window frames, possibly dating back to the 1950s. It has been substantially altered both externally and internally, with walls having been removed, bay windows added, and extensive wings added onto the original farmhouse. I estimate that at least 3 substantial additions have been made to the original farmhouse. These have been done with no concern for the historic architectural value of the original farmhouse, which was simple in form and would have had timber window frames throughout. The original farmhouse could possibly date back to the 1930s. The front facade has steel-framed windows, while others are timber-framed.
The existing building is therefore a mixture of several different architectural styles and materials, and the result is a structure which has no architectural or heritage value. In addition to this, the building is in a poor condition, with broken roof sheeting, which must lead to water leaks, as well as several cracked walls.
It is currently being used as temporary accommodation for the Chef of the Africanos Country Estate. Most of the rooms are uninhabited, with old linoleum on some of the original timber floors, while other parts of the building have concrete floors, some with tiles.
The building has not been maintained for many years, and several cracks are evident in the structural walls, and there is also evidence of leaks coming through some of the roof junctions.
Fig. 4: Front facade of the Farmhouse
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Fig. 5: View from the front door of the farmhouse looking back to the road
Fig. 6: North-west view of the farmhouse showing bay windows which have been added to the original farmhouse
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Fig. 7: Rear view of the farmhouse
Fig. 8: South-east side of the farmhouse shpowing relatively new verandah with steel-frame supports, dating back to around the 1960s
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Fig. 9: View of the farmhouse showing peeling plaster, cracking walls and general state of disrepair due to lack of maintenance
Fig. 10: Closer view of verandah addition
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Fig. 11: An unoccupied room inside the farmhouse, showing sagging ceilings. The door on the far right of this photograph is one of the external doors of the original farmhouse
Fig. 12: Closer view of the external doors to the original house, which are now internal due to an extension
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Fig. 13: Intrenal facebrick fireplace in what was originally a living room
Fig. 14: Internal view of additions to the original farmhouse
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Fig. 15: Internal view of kitchen which was possibly added in the 1960s, showing steel-frame windows
Fig. 16: View of internal passageway of original farmhouse
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Fig. 17: View of recent ad-hoc alterations, showing no concern for the architectural character of the original farmhouse
Fig. 18: Internal viw of additons to the front of the house, showing steel-frame windows, in contrast with original timber-framed windows and doors
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Figs 19 & 20: Ceilings showing evidence of leaks from the rusted and poorly maintained corrugated iron roof sheeting
1.7.3 BUILDING 2 – STORAGE SHED The storage shed adjacent to the farmhouse is also in a poor condition, due to lack of maintenance. It is a simple, functional rectangular building, with a pitched roof and a lean-too open area on brickwork columns, which are plastered and painted. The windows are made of various materials, including steel and timber.
Although it is relatively close to the farmhouse, the two buildings do not form a coherent group of buildings, as they do not relate to each other in any way, other than their close proximity.
Similar to the farmhouse, the shed building does not have any historical or architectural value, as it is eclectic and in a poor condition. It shows evidence of rising damp, as well as leaks from the poorly-maintained corrugated iron roof.
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Fig. 21: Rear (north-east) view of the shed showing pitched roof with lean-to roof on columns
Fig. 22: View showing proximity of the farmhouse to the shed
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Fig. 23: Rear view of shed building
Fig. 24: Rear view of shed building, showing new asbestos roof, as well as evidence of rising damp
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Fig. 25: Side (North-west) view of the shed
3. RECOMMENDATIONS: This Heritage assessment recommends that the demolition of the buildings on Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal, Estate no.113, near Addo in the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality, Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa, be approved. They have already been altered to such an extent that they do not contribute significantly to the architectural heritage of the Addo area.
In addition to this, an architectural intervention in the form of a new commercial centre will most likely have a positive impact on the economy of the area.
It is, however, recommended that the existing trees on the property are preserved as they are very old and well-established. Some of them are situated in the area where the proposed parking lot will be situated, and could provide valuable shade to cars. In addition to this, they will break the monotony of the immense parking lot, which is totally inappropriate to the rural context. In this respect, it is strongly recommended that the proposed parking area be divided into smaller parking lots between the buildings and the trees. This, in addition to the presence of the trees, will visually “soften” the proposed development as the site is in a rural, not an urban context. I therefore strongly recommend that all the existing trees form part of the new development.
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Fig. 26: View of property across the road from the proposed development, showing the rural context of the site
Fig. 27: View of the property, showing two of the existing trees on the site
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Fig. 28: Existing fig tree which is situated in the proposed parking area
Fig 27: Existing fig tree showing its age
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Fig. 28: View of the boundary between the existing Africanos Country Estate and the proposed development area, showing huge fig tree on the boundary
4. SOURCES: National Heritage Resources Act no 25 of 1999 Photographs taken on site by the author of this Heritage Assessment
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Appendix D(vii): Palaeontological Impact Assessment: Letter of Exemption PALAEONTOLOGICAL SPECIALIST STUDY: DESKTOP ASSESSMENT
Proposed expansion of the existing Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 & Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 near Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality, Eastern Cape
John E. Almond PhD (Cantab.) Natura Viva cc, PO Box 12410 Mill Street, Cape Town 8010, RSA [email protected]
October 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
JN Venter Beleggings Trust proposes to expand the existing Africanos Country Estate, located on Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, c. 5 km northwest of the small town of Addo in the Sundays River Valley Municipality, Eastern Cape. The majority of the proposed expansion will take place on the adjoining property, Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113.
The project area is underlain at depth by Early Cretaceous marine sediments of the Sundays River Formation (Uitenhage Group). However, the potentially fossiliferous Cretaceous bedrocks here are unlikely to be directly impacted by the proposed development since they are overlain by thick alluvial sediments of Late Pleistocene to Holocene age that are assigned to the Kudus Kloof Formation. Apart from possible reworked fossiliferous clasts from the underlying Sundays River beds, the gravelly, sandy and silty alluvial deposits and soils within the development footprint might contain dispersed subfossil snail shells, freshwater unionid bivalves, stone artefacts and various trace fossils, including calcretised subterranean plant organs (rhizoliths), invertebrate burrows and termitaria. The near-surface sediments within the development footprint are already highly disturbed by buildings and agricultural activities, so their overall palaeosensitivity is assessed as low.
It is concluded that the impact significance of the proposed development is LOW and no further palaeontological heritage studies or specialist mitigation are recommended here, pending the potential discovery or exposure of substantial fossil remains (e.g. vertebrate bones and teeth, large blocks of petrified wood, horizons rich in fossil plants or non-marine molluscs) during the construction phase. The ECO responsible for these developments should be alerted to the possibility of important fossil remains being found either on the surface or exposed by fresh excavations during construction.
Should fossil remains such as bones, shells or petrified wood be discovered during construction, these should be safeguarded (preferably in situ) and the ECO should alert the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (ECPHRA. Contact details: Mr Sello Mokhanya, 74 Alexander Road, King Williams Town 5600; Email: [email protected]). This is so that appropriate mitigation (e.g. recording, sampling or collection) can be taken by a professional palaeontologist (See tabulated Chance Fossil Finds Procedure appended to this report). The specialist involved would require a collection permit from ECPHRA. Fossil material must be curated in an approved repository (e.g. museum or university collection) and all fieldwork and reports should meet the minimum standards for palaeontological impact studies developed by SAHRA (2013).
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1. INTRODUCTION & BRIEF
The company JN Venter Beleggings Trust proposes to expand the existing Africanos Country Estate, located on Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, c. 5 km northwest of the small town of Addo in the Sundays River Valley Municipality, Eastern Cape (Fig. 1). The majority of the proposed expansion will take place on the adjoining property, Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, which is 5 hectares in extent (Fig. 2). The main components of the expansion include staff housing, 12 new caravan sites, a double story hotel, a convenience store, a parking area, play area, multifunctional hall and 12 additional chalets. Several existing buildings will be demolished. Services to be expanded include bulk water supply (from an irrigation water canal system/ rainwater harvesting), sewage and storm water services.
The project area is underlain by potentially fossiliferous alluvial sediments of the Sundays River of Late Caenozoic age. The present desktop palaeontological heritage assessment contributes to the Basic Assessment process for the development that is being managed by Public Process Consultants, Port Elizabeth, RSA (Contact details: Ms Marisa Jacoby. Public Process Consultants. Address: 120 Diaz Road, Adcockvale, Port Elizabeth. Phone: 041 374 8426. Fax: 041 373 2002. Cell: 083 2335612).
N
3 km
Figure 1. Extract from 1: 250 000 topographical sheet 3324 Port Elizabeth (Courtesy of the Chief Directorate: National Geo-spatial Information, Mowbray) showing the location (small red circle) of the Africanos Country Estate expansion project area situated just east of the Sundays River on Portion 228 & Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, c. 5 km NW of Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality, Eastern Cape.
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Sundays River
Figure 2. Google Earth© satellite image of Portion 228 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 where the existing Africanos Country Estate is located (orange polygon) as well as Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 (yellow polygon) where most of the proposed expansion of the country estate will take place. The project area lies c. 400-800 m east of the Sundays River. Scale bar = 300 m. N towards the top of the image
1.1. Legislative context of this palaeontological study
The various categories of heritage resources recognised as part of the National Estate in Section 3 of the National Heritage Resources Act (1999) include, among others: • geological sites of scientific or cultural importance; • palaeontological sites; • palaeontological objects and material, meteorites and rare geological specimens.
According to Section 35 of the National Heritage Resources Act, dealing with archaeology, palaeontology and meteorites: (1) The protection of archaeological and palaeontological sites and material and meteorites is the responsibility of a provincial heritage resources authority. (2) All archaeological objects, palaeontological material and meteorites are the property of the State. (3) Any person who discovers archaeological or palaeontological objects or material or a meteorite in the course of development or agricultural activity must immediately report the find to the responsible heritage resources authority, or to the nearest local authority offices or museum, which must immediately notify such heritage resources authority. (4) No person may, without a permit issued by the responsible heritage resources authority— a. destroy, damage, excavate, alter, deface or otherwise disturb any archaeological or palaeontological site or any meteorite;
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b. destroy, damage, excavate, remove from its original position, collect or own any archaeological or palaeontological material or object or any meteorite; c. trade in, sell for private gain, export or attempt to export from the Republic any category of archaeological or palaeontological material or object, or any meteorite; or d. bring onto or use at an archaeological or palaeontological site any excavation equipment or any equipment which assist in the detection or recovery of metals or archaeological and palaeontological material or objects, or use such equipment for the recovery of meteorites. (5) When the responsible heritage resources authority has reasonable cause to believe that any activity or development which will destroy, damage or alter any archaeological or palaeontological site is under way, and where no application for a permit has been submitted and no heritage resources management procedure in terms of section 38 has been followed, it may— a. serve on the owner or occupier of the site or on the person undertaking such development an order for the development to cease immediately for such period as is specified in the order; b. carry out an investigation for the purpose of obtaining information on whether or not an archaeological or palaeontological site exists and whether mitigation is necessary; c. if mitigation is deemed by the heritage resources authority to be necessary, assist the person on whom the order has been served under paragraph (a) to apply for a permit as required in subsection (4); and d. recover the costs of such investigation from the owner or occupier of the land on which it is believed an archaeological or palaeontological site is located or from the person proposing to undertake the development if no application for a permit is received within two weeks of the order being served.
Minimum standards for the palaeontological component of heritage impact assessment reports have been developed by SAHRA (2013).
2. APPROACH TO THE PALAEONTOLOGICAL HERITAGE ASSESSMENT
The information used in this desktop study was based on the following:
1. A project outline, maps and .kmz files provided by Public Process Consultants, Port Elizabeth;
2. A review of the relevant scientific literature, including published geological maps, satellite images, and previous fossil heritage assessments in the broader Addo region (Especially Almond 2019);
3. The author’s database on the formations concerned and their palaeontological heritage (Almond et al. 2008).
In preparing a palaeontological desktop study the potentially fossiliferous rock units (groups, formations etc) represented within the study area are determined from geological maps and satellite images. The known fossil heritage within each rock unit is inventoried from the published scientific literature, previous palaeontological impact studies in the same region, and the author’s field experience (Consultation with professional colleagues as well as examination of institutional fossil collections may play a role here, or later, following field assessment during the compilation of the final report). This data is then used to assess the palaeontological sensitivity of each rock unit to development. The potential impact of the proposed development on local fossil heritage is then determined on the basis of (1) the palaeontological sensitivity of the rock units concerned and (2) the nature and scale of the development itself, most significantly the extent of fresh bedrock excavation envisaged. When rock units of moderate to high palaeontological sensitivity are present within the development footprint, a Phase 1 field assessment study by a professional palaeontologist is usually warranted to identify any palaeontological hotspots and make specific recommendations for any mitigation required before or during the construction phase of the development.
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On the basis of the desktop and Phase 1 field assessment studies, the likely impact of the proposed development on local fossil heritage and any need for specialist mitigation are then determined. Adverse palaeontological impacts normally occur during the construction rather than the operational or decommissioning phase. Phase 2 mitigation by a professional palaeontologist – normally involving the recording and sampling of fossil material and associated geological information (e.g. sedimentological data) may be required (a) in the pre-construction phase where important fossils are already exposed at or near the land surface and / or (b) during the construction phase when fresh fossiliferous bedrock has been exposed by excavations. To carry out mitigation, the palaeontologist involved will need to apply for a palaeontological collection permit from the relevant heritage management authority, i.e. the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority, ECPHRA (Contact details: Mr Sello Mokhanya, 74 Alexander Road, King Williams Town 5600; Email: [email protected]). It should be emphasized that, providing appropriate mitigation is carried out, the majority of developments involving bedrock excavation can make a positive contribution to our understanding of local palaeontological heritage.
3. GEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
The Africanos Country Estate expansion project area occupies flat-lying terrain (c. 50-55 m amsl) on the Sundays River floodplain, some 400-800 m east of the present riverbanks (Figs. 1 & 2). The area is already highly disturbed due to buildings, tracks and agricultural activities.
The geology of the Addo area is shown on 1: 250 000 geological map 3324 Port Elizabeth (Council for Geoscience, Pretoria; Toerien & Hill 1989) (Fig. 3). The area lies towards the northern edge of the extensive Algoa Basin that is infilled with a c. 3.5 km thick succession of alluvial fan, fluvial and estuarine to marine shelf sediments of Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous age (c. 150-125 Ma) that are referred to the Uitenhage Group (McLachlan & Anderson 1976, Shone 2006). The Africanos Estate project area is underlain at depth by marine sediments of the Sundays River Formation (Ks, red in Fig. 3). Within the project footprint itself the Cretaceous bedrocks are overlain by thick, predominantly fine-grained alluvial deposits of the Kudus Kloof Formation that are inferred to be of probable Late Pleistocene or younger Holocene age (pale yellow areas with “flying bird” symbol in Fig. 3). In this region, older terrace deposits of the Sundays River are mapped in higher-lying terrain on the western side of the river but not to its east (Fig. 4). Recent observations of the younger alluvium along the Sundays River some 7 km to the NW of the present study site indicate that they comprise thick, massive to subtly-bedded fine sands and silty sands, variously with pale orange to pale brown hues (Almond 2019). They contain horizons with irregular-shaped calcrete nodules and dispersed quartzite stone tools and locally preserve fine-scale cross-lamination and bioturbation textures. Given the probable thickness of the alluvial cover on the Sundays River Valley floor, direct impacts during the construction phase on the underlying potentially fossiliferous Cretaceous bedrocks are unlikely.
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N
c. 3 km
Figure 3. Extract from 1: 250 000 geological map 3324 Port Elizabeth (Council for Geoscience, Pretoria) ) showing the location (small blue circle) of the Africanos Country Estate expansion project situated just east of the Sundays River on the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, c. 5 km NW of Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality, Eastern Cape. The region is underlain at depth by Early Cretaceous sediments of the Sundays River Formation (Ks, red) but within the project footprint itself these older marine beds are mantled by thick silty to sandy, or locally gravelly, alluvial deposits of Late Pleistocene - Holocene age (yellow with single flying bird symbol). Neogene (Late Tertiary) pediment gravels of the Kudus Kloof Formation (T-Qg, pale yellow with red stipple) are not mapped within the study area but are mapped on higher- lying ground west of the Sundays River.
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Figure 4. Extract from map of High Level Terrace Gravels of the Sundays River published by Hattingh (2001, Appendix 2) showing the absence of older terrace deposits of the Kudus Kloof Formation in the present project area on the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 (black rectangle). This is underlain by younger (Pleistocene – Holocene) alluvium of the Sundays River, mapped here as pale yellow.
5. PALAEONTOLOGICAL HERITAGE
Cretaceous marine fossils are unlikely to be encountered within the Africanos Country Estate expansion project area due to the thickness of overlying younger alluvial deposits (cf Fig. 5 abstracted from McLachlan & Anderson 1976).
Neogene to Recent alluvial deposits may also contain fossil remains of various types. In coarser sediments like river conglomerates these tend to be robust, highly disarticulated and abraded (e.g. rolled bones, teeth of vertebrates) but well-preserved skeletal remains of plants (e.g. wood, roots) and invertebrate animals (e.g. freshwater molluscs and crustaceans) as well as various trace fossils may be found within fine-grained alluvium. Embedded human artefacts such as stone tools that can be assigned to a specific interval of the archaeological time scale (e.g. Middle Stone Age) can be of value for constraining the age of Pleistocene to Recent drift deposits like alluvial terraces. No fossils are reported from the Kudus Kloof Formation by Hattingh (1994, 2001); these fluvial terraces are dated by reference to correlated fossiliferous marine terraces along the coast.
A recent field survey of basal conglomeratic High Levels Gravels directly overlying eroded Sundays River beds, some 7 km northwest of the present study area (Almond 2019), noted reworked blocks of shelly coquina containing Cretaceous mollusc shells such as oysters and trigoniids. Semi- consolidated Quaternary alluvial sands here contain in situ calcretised plant remains (subterranean
281 roots, storage organs) broadly referred to the category rhizoliths; they are variously subcylindrical, tapering or swollen and sack-shaped while large, sphaeroidal calcretised structures with a bioturbated internal fabric may be fossil termite nests. Dispersed flaked quartzitic stone artefacts were locally common, as was a small range of subfossil terrestrial gastropods including Cochlitoma (“Achatina” – some retaining faint colour markings), Tropidophora and possibly also Succinea. Small concentrations of disarticulated freshwater mussels (Unio caffer) were seen embedded within, or overlying, bioturbated alluvial soils along the upper edge of the riverine cliffs. Dense “middens” of these mussels are recorded along the Sundays River near Cradock by Jubb (1976, 1980). The underlying alluvium contains dispersed quartzite artefacts and it is possible that, at least in some cases, they may have been harvested by Stone Age humans for food, or even to provide raw material for shell beads.
Figure 5. Fossil localities in the Sundays River Formation of the Algoa Basin near Addo (town marked by red triangle), with the present study area on farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 approximately indicated by a red rectangle. The absence of Cretaceous fossil records in the study area is probably due to the thick mantle of Late Caenozoic alluvial deposits here (Figure modified from McLachlan & Anderson 1976, their Fig. 8).
6. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
The project area is underlain at depth by Early Cretaceous marine sediments of the Sundays River Formation (Uitenhage Group). However, the potentially fossiliferous Cretaceous bedrocks here are unlikely to be directly impacted by the proposed development since they are overlain by thick alluvial sediments of Late Pleistocene to Holocene age that are assigned to the Kudus Kloof Formation. Apart from possible reworked fossiliferous clasts from the underlying Sundays River beds, the gravelly, sandy and silty alluvial deposits and soils within the development footprint might contain
282 dispersed subfossil snail shells, freshwater unionid bivalves, stone artefacts and various trace fossils, including calcretised subterranean plant organs (rhizoliths), invertebrate burrows and termitaria. The near-surface sediments within the development footprint are already highly disturbed by buildings and agricultural activities, so their overall palaeosensitivity is assessed as low.
Disturbance, damage or destruction of fossil heritage preserved at or Nature of the Impact beneath the ground surface within the project footprint (direct impacts) Extent Site specific Duration Permanent Consequence /Intensity Low Probability Improbable Degree of Confidence Medium Reversibility Irreversible Irreplaceable Loss of Partially Replaceable Resources Status and Significance Low (negative) (without mitigation) Fossil remains discovered during construction should be safeguarded (preferably in situ) and the ECO should alert the Eastern Cape Provincial Mitigation Heritage Resources Authority (ECPHRA). Appropriate mitigation (e.g. recording, sampling or collection) to be undertaken by a professional palaeontologist. Status and Significance Low (negative) (after mitigation)
It is concluded that the impact significance of the proposed development is LOW and no further palaeontological heritage studies or specialist mitigation are recommended here, pending the potential discovery or exposure of substantial fossil remains (e.g. vertebrate bones and teeth, large blocks of petrified wood, horizons rich in fossil plants or non-marine molluscs) during the construction phase. The ECO responsible for these developments should be alerted to the possibility of important fossil remains being found either on the surface or exposed by fresh excavations during construction.
Should fossil remains such as bones, shells or petrified wood be discovered during construction, these should be safeguarded (preferably in situ) and the ECO should alert the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (ECPHRA. Contact details: Mr Sello Mokhanya, 74 Alexander Road, King Williams Town 5600; Email: [email protected]). This is so that appropriate mitigation (e.g. recording, sampling or collection) can be taken by a professional palaeontologist (See tabulated Chance Fossil Finds Procedure appended to this report). The specialist involved would require a collection permit from ECPHRA. Fossil material must be curated in an approved repository (e.g. museum or university collection) and all fieldwork and reports should meet the minimum standards for palaeontological impact studies developed by SAHRA (2013).
7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Ms Marisa Jacoby of Public Process Consultants, Port Elizabeth, is thanked for commissioning this study and for providing the necessary background information.
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8. REFERENCES
ALMOND, J.E. 2019. Proposed agricultural and residential developments on the Remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Vissers Vale No. 96 near Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality, Eastern Cape. Palaeontological specialist study: combined desktop & field-based assessment, 34 pp. Natura Viva cc, Cape Town.
ALMOND, J.E., DE KLERK, W.J. & GESS, R. 2008. Palaeontological heritage of the Eastern Cape. Interim technical report for SAHRA, 25 pp.
ENGELBRECHT, L.N.J., COERTZE, F.J. & SNYMAN, A.A. 1962. Die geologie van die gebied tussen Port Elizabeth en Alexandria, Kaapprovinsie. Explanation to geology sheet 3325 D Port Elizabeth, 3326 C Alexandria and 3425 B, 54pp., 8 pls. Geological Survey of South Africa / Council for Geosciences, Pretoria.
HATTINGH, J. 1994. Kudus Kloof Formation. SA Committee for Stratigraphy, Catalogue of South African Lithostratigraphic Units 5, 35-36. Council for Geoscience, Pretoria.
HATTINGH, J. 2001. Late Cenozoic drainage evolution in the Algoa Basin with special reference to the Sundays River Valley. Council for Geoscience, South Africa Bulletin 128, 141 pp, appendices.
HATTINGH, J. & GOEDHART, M.L. 1997. Neotectonic control on drainage evolution in the Algoa Basin, Eastern Cape. South African Journal of Geology 100, 43-52.
JUBB, R.A. 1976. Freshwater mussels, Unionidae, what is their distribution in South African Inland waters today? Piscator 97, 73–75.
JUBB, R.A. 1980. Note on freshwater mussels. The Eastern Cape Naturalist 70, 20-21.
LE ROUX, F.G. 2000. The geology of the Port Elizabeth – Uitenhage area. Explanation of 1: 50 000 geology Sheets 3325 DC and DD, 3425 BA Port Elizabeth, 3325 CD and 3425 AB Uitenhage, 3325 CB Uitenhage Noord and 3325 DA Addo, 55pp. Council for Geoscience, Pretoria.
MACRAE, C. 1999. Life etched in stone. Fossils of South Africa. 305pp. The Geological Society of South Africa, Johannesburg.
McLACHLAN, I.R. & McMILLAN, I.K. 1976. Review and stratigraphic significance of southern Cape Mesozoic palaeontology. Transactions of the Geological Society of South Africa. 79: 197-212.
SAHRA 2013. Minimum standards: palaeontological component of heritage impact assessment reports, 15 pp. South African Heritage Resources Agency, Cape Town.
SHONE, R.W. 2006. Onshore post-Karoo Mesozoic deposits. In: Johnson, M.R., Anhaeusser, C.R. & Thomas, R.J. (Eds.) The geology of South Africa, pp. 541-552. Geological Society of South Africa, Marshalltown.
TOERIEN, D.K. & HILL, R.S. 1989. The geology of the Port Elizabeth area. Explanation to 1: 250 000 geology Sheet 3324 Port Elizabeth, 35 pp. Council for Geoscience. Pretoria.
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9. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE OF THE AUTHOR
Dr John Almond has an Honours Degree in Natural Sciences (Zoology) as well as a PhD in Palaeontology from the University of Cambridge, UK. He has been awarded post-doctoral research fellowships at Cambridge University and in Germany, and has carried out palaeontological research in Europe, North America, the Middle East as well as North and South Africa. For eight years he was a scientific officer (palaeontologist) for the Geological Survey / Council for Geoscience in the RSA. His current palaeontological research focuses on fossil record of the Precambrian - Cambrian boundary and the Cape Supergroup of South Africa. He has recently written palaeontological reviews for several 1: 250 000 geological maps published by the Council for Geoscience and has contributed educational material on fossils and evolution for new school textbooks in the RSA.
Since 2002 Dr Almond has also carried out palaeontological impact assessments for developments and conservation areas in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Limpopo, Northwest and KwaZulu-Natal under the aegis of his Cape Town-based company Natura Viva cc. He has been a long-standing member of the Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites Committee for Heritage Western Cape (HWC) and an advisor on palaeontological conservation and management issues for the Palaeontological Society of South Africa (PSSA), HWC and SAHRA. He is currently compiling technical reports on the provincial palaeontological heritage of Western, Northern and Eastern Cape for SAHRA and HWC. Dr Almond is an accredited member of PSSA and APHP (Association of Professional Heritage Practitioners – Western Cape).
Declaration of Independence
I, John E. Almond, declare that I am an independent consultant and have no business, financial, personal or other interest in the proposed development project, application or appeal in respect of which I was appointed other than fair remuneration for work performed in connection with the activity, application or appeal. There are no circumstances that compromise the objectivity of my performing such work.
Dr John E. Almond Palaeontologist Natura Viva cc
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APPENDIX 2: CHANCE FOSSIL FINDS PROCEDURE: Farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 near Addo
Province & region: Eastern Cape, Sundays River Valley Municipality Responsible Heritage ECPHRA (Contact details: Mr Sello Mokhanya, 74 Alexander Road, King Williams Town 5600; Email: [email protected]). Management Agency Rock unit(s) Late Caenozoic Kudus Kloof Formation Potential fossils Freshwater molluscs, calcretised trace fossils, rhizoliths, possible bones and teeth of mammals in Late Caenozoic alluvium. 1. Once alerted to fossil occurrence(s): alert site foreman, stop work in area immediately (N.B. safety first!), safeguard site with security tape / fence / sand bags if necessary.
2. Record key data while fossil remains are still in situ: • Accurate geographic location – describe and mark on site map / 1: 50 000 map / satellite image / aerial photo • Context – describe position of fossils within stratigraphy (rock layering), depth below surface • Photograph fossil(s) in situ with scale, from different angles, including images showing context (e.g. rock layering) 3. If feasible to leave fossils in situ: 3. If not feasible to leave fossils in situ (emergency procedure only): • Alert Heritage Resources Agency and project palaeontologist (if any) who will • Carefully remove fossils, as far as possible still enclosed within the original sedimentary matrix (e.g. advise on any necessary mitigation entire block of fossiliferous rock) • Ensure fossil site remains safeguarded • Photograph fossils against a plain, level background, with scale until clearance is given by the Heritage • Carefully wrap fossils in several layers of newspaper / tissue paper / plastic bags Resources Agency for work to resume • Safeguard fossils together with locality and collection data (including collector and date) in a box in a ECO protocol safe place for examination by a palaeontologist • Alert Heritage Resources Agency and project palaeontologist (if any) who will advise on any necessary mitigation
4. If required by Heritage Resources Agency, ensure that a suitably-qualified specialist palaeontologist is appointed as soon as possible by the developer.
5. Implement any further mitigation measures proposed by the palaeontologist and Heritage Resources Agency
Record, describe and judiciously sample fossil remains together with relevant contextual data (stratigraphy / sedimentology / taphonomy). Ensure that fossils are Specialist palaeontologist curated in an approved repository (e.g. museum / university / Council for Geoscience collection) together with full collection data. Submit Palaeontological Mitigation report to Heritage Resources Agency. Adhere to best international practice for palaeontological fieldwork and Heritage Resources Agency minimum standards.
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APPENDIX E: COMMENTS AND RESPONSES REPORT
1. EIA and Public Participation Process
COMMENTS RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT PHASE NONE COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT PHASE NO COMMENT NAME DATE RESPONSE 1.1 Request to register interest Dirk Ferreira, 12Aug2019, This I&AP was proactively included on the I&AP database prior to Adjacent Comment the project announcement phase and will remain on the database Landowner form for the remainder of the assessment process. (RE109/113) 1.2 Noted. Rudi Herholdt, 8Aug2019, As an Organ of State this I&AP was proactively included on the SRV email I&AP database prior to the project announcement phase and was Municipality: notified of the intention to commence with a BA process. This I&AP Infrastructure will remain on the database for the remainder of the assessment Planning and process. Development 1.3 Attached please find the signed and completed Basic Etienne Greeff 12Aug2019, As the representative for the landowner, this I&AP was proactively Assessment Process document. Adjacent email & included on the I&AP database prior to the project announcement Landowner comment phase and will remain on the database for the remainder of the (17/113; assessment process. 74/113; 75/113; 288/113) 1.4 Yes SRFT is the landowner of portion 42 and we are Buyiswa 6Aug2019, This I&AP has been included on the project database prior to notice farming with citrus. Ndyenga, email of the BA process and will be notified of the various opportunities Adjacent to comment during the assessment process. I confirm that the details written below are correct. Landowner Full contact details were supplied (42/113), Sundays River Farming Trust
2. Project Detail
COMMENTS RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT PHASE NONE COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT PHASE NO COMMENT NAME DATE RESPONSE
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2.1 I just wish to point out that the sketch of the property Etienne Greeff 9,11&12Aug Accurate property boundaries and zoning has been confirmed with to be subdivided is not accurate. I am not sure how Adjacent 2019, email a land surveyor, and project mapping has been updated important it is for the purposes of your basic Landowner accordingly. assessment process, but I suggest that you ask the (17/113; Venters for an accurate drawing and size of the 74/113; property to be sub-divided. 75/113; 288/113) 2.2 1. With the exception of existing structures, no Amanda 22 October No structures are proposed to be constructed within the 20m buffer structure or anything whatsoever shall be erected, Mboniswa, 2019, area. The parking lot and boundary wall/ fence will be within 20m constructed or established within a distance of SANRAL emailed of the road reserve, however, these are excluded for the mentioned comment requirement and therefore do not require approval. twenty (20) meters measured from the national
road reserve boundary, without the written approval of the SANRAL. 2.3 2. The Developer shall, at his own cost and in Amanda 22 October The requirement for a 2m high boundary wall/fence has been taken accordance with SANRAL’s stipulations, establish a Mboniswa, 2019, into account in the proposed layout. permanent 2 metre high brick wall/security SANRAL emailed comment Detailed plans for the proposed wall/fence will be submitted to fence/palisade fence on the common boundary of SANRAL for approval. the relevant property and the R335 national road reserve, where applicable. Detailed plans of the proposed wall/security fence/palisade fence must be submitted to SANRAL for approval. The maintenance of the wall will be the responsibility of the property owner/successor in title/Home Owners Association. 2.4 3. The SANRAL will not be liable for any damage or Amanda 22 October The project engineer has prepared a stormwater management plan diminishment in value of the land development area Mboniswa, 2019, as part of the Roads and Wet Services Report (see Appendix D(i)). arising out of any impact on the proposed SANRAL emailed comment The project engineer, Mr Jaco Spies, consulted with the development as a result of existing or future storm engineers who have been appointed by SANRAL to consult on water drainage from the national road. the proposed upgrades of the R336 (Royal HaskoningDHV), to 4. Such facilities, as referred to above in condition 3, determine the proposed stormwater upgrades for the portion of as are necessary for the control and disposal of the R336 in the vicinity of Africanos. Based on those discussions storm water from the land development area shall Mr Spies has recommended the installation of a 600mm diameter be constructed to the satisfaction of the SANRAL. storm water pipe (subject to SANRAL approval) in the R336 road Prior to the establishment of the proposed reserve as part of the proposed Stormwater Management Plan.
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development a storm water management plan must be submitted to SANRAL for approval. 2.5 5. No free-standing advertising signs will be allowed Amanda 22 October No free-standing advertising signs are proposed to be erected in terms of Regulations on Advertising on or visible Mboniswa, 2019, alongside the R336. Should such be required in the future, from the National Road as published in SANRAL emailed application will be made to SANRAL for approval prior to erection. comment Government Gazette no 6968 dated 22 December 2000 and the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual and Act 7 of 1998. Any advertisement on subject properties along the R336 must be submitted to SANRAL for approval prior erection. 2.6 7. The SANRAL shall not be held liable to any party Amanda 22 October The applicant will take the potential noise, air and light pollution should it be found at and time in the future that Mboniswa, 2019, impacts associated with the R336 into the design of the proposed noise, air pollution and light pollution emanating SANRAL emailed expansion so as to reduce any potential impacts that could be comment experience by guests. from the national road presents a problem to the development adjacent to the national road. The developer/successor in title/local authority shall be responsible for taking such steps as may be necessary to reduce the impact of such noise, air and/or light pollution.
3. Town Planning
COMMENTS RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT PHASE NO COMMENT NAME DATE RESPONSE 3.1 SUBDIVISION, REZONING AND CONSOLIDATION Randall 16 May Noted. OF REMAINDER PORTION 74 (TANAHMAS) AND Moore, District 2019, PORTION 228 OF THE FARM COMMANDO KRAAL Roads emailed ESTATE NO. 113, DIVISION OF UITENHAGE: Engineer, EC comment ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT SUNDAYS RIVER Dept. of VALLEY Transport
1. Your letter P85/7 dated 29 March 2019 has reference.
2. This office as the Controlling Authority in Terms of Act 21 of 1940 and the Eastern Cape Roads Act
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(3/2003) approves the Subdivision of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 into Portions A and B and Rezoning Portion A to Business Zone 1 and then the Consolidation of Portions A and 228 of Farm No. 113 as per attached Plan No. 113-74 dated December 2018. 3.2 4. Please note that this approval does not in any way Randall 16 May The proponent does not intend to apply for a relaxation of the constitute a relaxation in the building line or any other Moore, District 2019, building line, or any other restrictions imposed on the property. restrictions imposed on the property. Roads emailed Engineer, EC comment Dept. of Transport 3.3 APPLICATION IN TERMS OF THE SUBDIVISION Sebueng 5 August Noted. OF AGRICULTURAL LAND ACT, ACT 70 OF 1970: Chipeta, Chief 2019, REMAINDER OF PORTION 74 (TANAHMAS) OF Director: emailed The conveyancer will register the subdivision and consolidation, THE FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO. 113, Natural comment upon receipt of a positive environmental authorization, should one DIVISION OF EAST UITENHAGE; EASTERN CAPE Resources be issued. PROVINCE Management, DAFF: LUSM Your letter bearing reference P85/7 dated 06 April 2019 refers.
With reference to the above-mentioned subject, the Department wishes to inform you that the application has been granted.
Consent No. 54760 issued in terms of section 4 of the Act is enclosed in duplicate.
To facilitate registration, the conveyancer must lodge the signed copy of the consent with the Registrar of Deeds together with the documents. 3.4 CONSENT IN TERMS OF THE SUBDIVISION OF Sebueng 5 August Granting of Consent for subdivision of agricultural land is noted. AGRICULTURAL LAND ACT, 1970 Chipeta, Chief 2019, Director: emailed By virtue of the powers delegated to me by the Natural comment Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Resources consent is hereby granted in terms of section 4(2) of Management, the Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, 1970, for the DAFF: LUSM
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subdivision of the agricultural land described in paragraph 1, into units indicated in paragraph 2, subject to the conditions set out in paragraph 3.
PARAGRAPH 1: THE AGRICULTURAL LAND TO WHICH THIS CONSENT APPLIES Remainder of Portion 74 (Tanahmas) of the Farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, in Extent 18.3634 Hectares; Division of Uitenhage; Eastern Cape Province
PARAGRAPH 2: CONSENT GRANTED The subdivision of the above-mentioned agricultural land into two portions measuring approximately 5.0 and 13.4 hectares respectively represented by the figures marked Portion A and Portion B as shown on the sketch plan attached. 3.5 PARAGRAPH 3: CONDITIONS PERTAINING TO Sebueng 5 August The proponent intends to simultaneously subdivide and consolidate THIS CONSENT Chipeta, Chief 2019, the mentioned portions and register them upon transfer of the 3.1 Simultaneously with registration of transfer, a Director: emailed property. Registration is proposed upon receipt of Environmental portion measuring approximately 5,0 hectares Natural comment Authorisation, should such be granted. (Portion A) must be consolidated with Portion 228 of Resources the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, in extent Management, 1,1684 hectares. DAFF: LUSM
3.5 This consent is valid for 5 years from date of grant. Should it not be registered within the time frame, a new complete application must be lodged which will be considered on its own merits. 3.6 3.2 The portions created in subparagraph 3.1 above Sebueng 5 August The portions are proposed to be rezoned to Business Zone 1. may be used for non-agricultural and related Chipeta, Chief 2019, purposes. Director: emailed Natural comment Resources Management, DAFF: LUSM 3.7 3.3 This consent does not imply that the Sebueng 5 August The SRCC (the landowner) has confirmed that water rights, abovementioned subdivisions are assured of a Chipeta, Chief 2019, equivalent to the size of the portion to be subdivided, ie. ~5ha, will permanent water supply. Director:
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Natural emailed be transferred to the proponent upon the transfer of the property. Resources comment See confirmation attached in Appendix G(viii). Management, DAFF: LUSM 3.8 3.4 This consent does not exempt the property from Sebueng 5 August Noted. The proponent intends to attain all necessary approvals the provisions of any other law, and does not purport Chipeta, Chief 2019, prior to commencement of any expansion on site. to interfere with the rights of any person who may Director: emailed have an interest in the agricultural land. Natural comment Resources Management, DAFF: LUSM COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT PHASE NO COMMENT NAME DATE RESPONSE 3.9 THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS Amanda 22 October In-principle approval is noted. AGENCY LIMITED AND NATIONAL ROADS Mboniswa, 2019, ACT, 1998 (Act 7 of 1998); NATIONAL ROUTE SANRAL emailed The conditions referred to are included elsewhere in the Comments R75 SECTION 2: APPLICATION FOR comment and Responses Report, under the respective sections. SUBDIVISION, REZONING 7 CONSOLIDATION OF REMAINDER PORTION 74 (TANAHMAS) & PORTION 228 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO. 113; UITENHAGE
Your application dated 06 April 2019, received on 10 April and supplemented by amended application dated 03 July 2019, received 10 July 2019 refers.
Subdivision and Consolidation applications: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has considered your application in terms of Section 48 and 49 of The South African National Roads Agency Limited and National Roads Act 7 of 1998 (SANRAL Act) and has the following comments to the proposed development: • Subdivision of Remainder Portion 74 (Tanahmas) into two erven – Portion A measuring approximately 5.0ha and Portion B measuring approximately 13.4ha;
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• The application for Rezoning Portion A from Light Agricultural to Business 1; • and Consolidation of Portion A and Portion 228 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate is approved in-principle, in accordance with annexed Subdivision Plan No. 113-74A drawn by A.S. Conradie Professional Land Surveyor, dated June 2019 and Master Site Plan Drawing No. B1015.01 drawn by Ellis Architecture dated 24/04/2019. Subject to the following conditions: 3.10 6. In the event of any of this land being Amanda 22 October Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of Farm 113 is proposed to be consolidated with any other land, the title to the Mboniswa, 2019, consolidated with Portion 228 of Farm 113. The conditions stipulated consolidated land shall be subject to the above SANRAL emailed by SANRAL will be applicable to the new consolidated portion. conditions. comment 3.11 8. The above conditions shall be registered Amanda 22 October This stipulation is noted. However, it is likely that an extension will be notarially, at the applicant’s own cost, by way of a Mboniswa, 2019, required to the 12-month deadline as the properties will only be Bilateral Notarial Deed, such registration to take SANRAL emailed transferred to the applicant upon receipt of a positive Environmental place by no later than twelve (12) calendar comment Authoristion, should such be granted. months from the date of this Approval or such extended date as may be agreed in writing by Written confirmation that the conditions have been fulfilled, along with SANRAL in SANRAL’s sole and absolute a certificate from an Engineer will be submitted to SANRAL prior to discretion. the facility becoming operational.
9. The applicant shall, at his own cost and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 49(5)(a) and (b) of the SANRAL Act, insert conditions 1-7 in the Title Deed in respect of the newly formed erf, as indicated on the attached Subdivision Plan No. 113-74A, dated June 2019.
10. The written confirmation of the SANRAL, that the conditions referred to herein have been fulfilled to its satisfaction, shall be required prior to the occupation of the site. The applicant/developer shall provide SANRAL with a certificate from a Professional Consulting Engineer certifying that the design and construction of all services and other
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improvements referred to in these conditions have been undertaken to the required standards.
SANRAL is therefore unable to evaluate this Amanda 22 October A layout plan has been included in the Basic Assessment Report in component of your application at this juncture. Mboniswa, 2019, Appendix A and C. In addition, the project engineer has included a a) An amended Site Development Plan/ Layout SANRAL emailed layout as an appendix to his Roads and Wet Services Report Plan for the proposed development, factoring the comment (attached as Appendix D(i) to this report) which includes the proposed above-mentioned comments, must be submitted. water, sewerage and stormwater infrastructure proposed for the site. b) A Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) including an Access Layout plan for the proposed development SANRAL representatives are registered on the I&AP database as an must be submitted. affected Organ of State and therefore will be provided with copies of the reports, which includes the proposed layout, during the various Kindly note that this is an In-Principle Approval commenting phases that will be provided. In addition, a copy of the with regards to the proposed development. Final completed TIA was submitted to SANRAL directly by the Traffic Approval will be provided on assessment of the Specialist. Comment has not yet been received from SANRAL on the Traffic Impact Assessment and amended Site TIA. Development Plans and the above-mentioned outstanding annexures.
4. Traffic / Access
COMMENTS RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT PHASE NO COMMENT NAME DATE RESPONSE 4.1 3. No new accesses are granted. Randall Moore, 16 May 2019 The existing main access to the development off the R336 is District Roads proposed to be relocated to approximately 200m south-east of the Engineer, EC R336/ Zuurberg Way (MN50600) intersection in order to Dept. of accommodate the increased vehicular activity generated by the Transport expanded development. No additional accesses are proposed off the R336. COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT PHASE NO COMMENT NAME DATE RESPONSE 4.2 11. a) No new direct access to or egress from the Amanda 22 October The initial proposed layout indicated that the expanded Country national road R336 will be permitted. The existing Mboniswa, 2019, Estate continue to use the existing primary entrance, located on the vehicular access will not be suitable for the SANRAL emailed R336, for access and egress to and from the site. However, based proposed development, on Portion A and Portion comment on these comments received from SANRAL, the access point has 228 as shown on annexed Master Site Plan Drawing
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No. B1015.01 drawn by Ellis Architecture dated been relocated to be at least 200m from the point of intersection of 24/04/2019. the national road (R336) with any other road (MN50600).
Access is sought from the National Road R336 for a In addition, the Traffic Specialist has proposed that the boundary business development and ancillary uses, in wall or fence line be set back as indicated in the Facility Illustration addition to the existing Tourism Accommodation (Appendix C), to maximise sight distance for motorists exiting the facility (Africanos Country Estate) on Portion 228, is site and travelling along the R336. Also, acceleration and proposed on the new property to be formed by the deceleration lanes are proposed at the relocated access point to consolidation of Portion 228 Farm Commando Kraal allow decelerating vehicles to move out of the main traffic stream. Estate and Portion 74 of Tanahmas. In order to accommodate the above, the proposed layout has been Currently there is an existing access for Portion 228, amended. See the new proposed layout in Appendices A and C of suitable for the existing land use only. As indicated this report. on annexed Site Plan Drawing No. B1015.01 drawn by Ellis Architecture dated 24/04/2019, the new SANRAL representatives are registered on the I&AP database as development proposal to be made permissible by an affected Organ of State and therefore will be provided with the proposed consolidation and rezoning of Portion copies of the reports, which includes the proposed layout, during A comprises of the following improvements: the various commenting phases that will be provided. In addition, a • Parking lot for approximately 200 vehicles; copy of the completed TIA was submitted to SANRAL directly by • Convenience store (300sqm) the Traffic Specialist. Comment has not yet been received from SANRAL on the TIA. • Multifunction Hall (800sqm) • Double Storey Hotel, Gym and Spa • Six (6) new accommodation units/chalets • Kids Play Area and Farm Yard (2700sqm) • Caravan Park (10 600sqm) with Ablution facilities (80sqm) • Staff housing, Tool shed and Laundry (432sqm)
Although a new separate access for the subdivided subject Portion A is not proposed; an Access application for the new consolidated property and rezoning is necessary. When changing the land use of a property, the access conditions also change, which necessitates new access requirements. Increasing the intensity of the land use, as evident in the development proposal, will cause an inherent increased pressure of vehicular movements at the
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property’s access point and immediate road network. It is the responsibility of both the SANRAL and the local municipality to ensure that the developer provides mitigating measures for any negative impacts caused by his development.
When reviewing the new access layout, the SANRAL ‘Procedures for Road Planning and Geometric Design’ should be consulted and the regulation which states that access points should be 200m from the point of intersection of the national road with any other road.
For the purposes of evaluating such, and ensuring that they are compatible with National Road standards, a detailed Site Development Plan – clearly indicating dimensions of existing and proposed building lines, floor areas and parking provision of all structures on site. A Traffic Impact Assessment detailing the new proposed access layout for the proposed development, must be submitted.
5. Agriculture
COMMENTS RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT PHASE NO COMMENT NAME DATE RESPONSE 5.1 Kindly note that the properties concerned are Sebueng 5 August Noted. subject to the provisions of the Conservation of Chipeta, Chief 2019, Agricultural Resources Act 1983 (Act 43 of 1983). Director: Natural emailed Resources comment Management, DAFF: LUSM COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT PHASE NONE
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APPENDIX F: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (EMPR) DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
BASIC ASSESSMENT
Africanos Country Estate Expansion Proposed Expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 to a Portion of Remainder of Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality
August 2020
Prepared for: JN Venter Beleggings Trust PO Box 112 Kirkwood 6120
Prepared by: Sandy Wren, Marisa Jacoby, and JP Hechter Public Process Consultants PO Box 27688, Greenacres, PE, 6057 120 Diaz Road, Adcockvale, PE 6001 Phone: 041 – 374 8426; Fax: 041 - 373 2002 Email: [email protected]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART B: DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME Page Number 1.1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 293 1.1.1 Activities and Regulations for which Application has been made 293
1.1.1.1 Listed Activities 295
1.2 DURATION OF AUTHORISATION 296
1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES 296
1.4 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 297
Part A: CONSTRUCTION PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (CEMPr)
Part B: OPERATIONAL PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (OEMPr)
ABBREVIATIONS BA Basic Assessment CARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act CEMPr Construction Phase Environmental Management Programme DAFF Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries DEDEAT Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism DWS Department of Water and Sanitation ECO Environmental Control Officer EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMPr Environmental Management Programme EA Environmental Authorisation OEMPr Operational Phase Environmental Management Programme SEM Site Environmental Manager
DEFINITIONS
"EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended)" - In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), published in GN R326, 327, 325 and 324, promulgated under Chapter Five of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMAA), and published in Government Gazette 40772 on the 7 April 2017, the project requires a Basic Assessment, because it triggers, amongst others, the following listed activity, in Listing Notice 1 (GN R327): “27. The clearance of an area of 1 hectares or more, but less than 20 hectares of indigenous vegetation,…”
"The Department/ Competent Authority" - The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Sarah Baartman Region.
"Commencement" - Any physical activity on site that can be viewed as associated with the clearing and site preparation phase.
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1.1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The proponent, JN Venter Beleggings Trust, proposes to expand the existing Africanos Country Estate, Addo Sundays River Valley Municipality. The existing resort, consisting of, amongst others, the Africanos Inn, restaurant, chalets, function rooms, staff housing and associated infrastructure is located on Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, and measures 1.16 hectares in extent. The JN Venter Beleggings Trust proposes to expand the existing resort onto a portion of the adjacent property, namely, Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, measuring 5 hectares in extent. The majority of the proposed expansion is to take place on this adjacent portion of land and, where possible, will tie into existing infrastructure, subject to the outcome of the various specialist assessments.
The existing Africanos Country Estate is located on Portion 228 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113. The proposed expansion is to take place on the adjacent Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113. The area under assessment is located approximately 3.5 kilometres west of the town of Addo. The nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant National Park is located approximately 3 kilometres east of the proposed expansion area. The area under assessment can be accessed off the R336, approximately 3.2 kilometers from the intersection of the R336 and the R335.
The proposed expansion of the existing Africanos Country Estate on a Portion of portion 74 can be divided into the following phases, namely:
• Preconstruction Phase • Construction Phase • Operational Phase
The activities associated with each phase are discussed in more detail in Section 1.1.1 below.
The proposed Basic Assessment Process has been undertaken in terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended). This Draft EMPr has been prepared in line with the amendments to the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014. In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), the project requires a Basic Assessment, prior to the commencement of any activities on the site.
1.1.1 Activities and Regulations for which Application has been made:
Proponent JN Venter Beleggings Trust Location of Activity Portion 228 & a portion of Remainder Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality Activity Description INTRODUCTION The proponent, JN Venter Beleggings Trust, proposes to expand the existing Africanos Country Estate, Addo Sundays River Valley Municipality. The existing resort, consisting of, amongst others, the Africanos Inn, restaurant, chalets, function rooms, staff housing and associated infrastructure is located on Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, and measures 1.16 hectares in extent. The JN Venter Beleggings Trust proposes to expand the existing resort onto a portion of the adjacent property, namely, Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, measuring 5 hectares in extent. The majority of the proposed expansion is to take
299 place on this adjacent portion of land and, where possible, will tie into existing infrastructure, subject to the outcome of the various specialist assessments.
PROJECT LOCALITY The area under assessment is located approximately 3.5 kilometres west of the town of Addo. The nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant National Park is located approximately 3 kilometres east of the proposed expansion area. The area under assessment can be accessed off the R336, approximately 3.2 kilometers from the intersection of the R336 and the R335.
PROJECT OVERVIEW The proposed expansion includes the addition of 12 chalets accommodating 24 additional guests, staff housing to accommodate 20 additional employees, 12 new caravan camping sites (with a new separate access point) which can accommodate 24 campers, and a double storey hotel with 36 rooms, accommodating 72 guests. In addition, the expansion will also include a new laundry, tool shed, convenience store, new multifunction hall, additional parking and kids outdoor play area. The proposed expansion will also necessitate the demolition of existing buildings to accommodate for proposed new development components.
In addition, the following associated services infrastructure will also be required • Extension to existing domestic water supply from irrigation canal offtake to existing raw water tanks and new water tanks (water pipeline) • Upgrade to effluent management system • Establishment of a stormwater management system • Establishment of rainwater harvesting system where possible
The total development footprint is anticipated to be approximately 5 ha and is proposed to extend across Portion 228 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113 and Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113.
The above proposed project description is subject to specialist assessment. A detailed project description and proposed layout will be provided in the Draft Consultation Basic Assessment Report.
Pre-Construction Phase Prior to commencement with construction activities on site, the detailed design drawings for the proposed expansion and associated supporting infrastructure must be finalized and the relevant permits and approvals must be obtained from various Organs of State (e.g. Municipal rezoning and building plan approvals, DWS WULA).
Construction Phase It is anticipated that the proposed construction phase of the project will entail the following activities on the site: • Demarcation of the expansion footprint • Clearing vegetation for construction • Installation of erosion protection measures • Site excavation and levelling. • Demolish some existing buildings within the proposed expansion footprint • Construction of buildings including: o 12 Chalets accommodating 24 Guests o Additional staff housing unit (20 persons) o 12 Caravan Sites and ablution building o Double Storey Hotel (36 rooms) o Multi-function Hall (200 seats) o Convenience store o Kids play area o New tool shed
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o New laundry room • Establishment of associated infrastructure including: o Semi-dry storm water pond (3539m2 / 760m3) o 600mm diameter storm water pipe (subject to SANRAL approval) in R336 road reserve o New road/ parking area o New access to caravan park o Relocation of primary access off the R336 o Extension to existing syphon consisting of maximum 825mm diameter concrete pressure pipe o Foulsewer treatment plant (160m2), buffer tank (36m²) and irrigation pond (225m²/600m³) o Upgrade of existing foulsewer conservancy tank to septic tank o 110mm diameter sewer pumping mains and 160mm diameter gravity sewers o 3 x sewer pump stations o 110mm diameter water reticulation o 450mm water pipeline from canal offtake to existing raw water tank o 2 x new water tanks (12.3m diameter, 119m² / 283m³ each)
Access The main access to the development will be via the proposed relocated access off the R336 Road, approximately 200m south-east of the R336/ Zuurberg Road intersection.
Operational Phase Once the construction phase is completed the Africanos Country Estate will provide accommodation for guests
See Section A of the Basic Assessment Report for more information on the proposed project.
1.1.1.1 Listed activities according to GN R327, 325 and 324 requiring Environmental Authorisation in terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended).
GN R327 (Listing Notice 1)
The proposed expansion footprint measures approximately 5 hectares. While the majority of the site was previously utilised “27. The clearance of an area of 1 for agriculture, some of the vegetation which has returned to the hectares or more, but less than 20 site is indigenous. hectares of indigenous vegetation,…” The listed activity thus requires Environmental Authorisation.
“28. Residential, mixed, retail, commercial, industrial or institutional The proposed expansion includes components which could be developments where such land was considered residential (staff housing), commercial (chalets, used for agriculture, game farming, restaurant, hotel) and retail (convenience store). The area under equestrian purposes or afforestation assessment is currently zoned Agriculture 1 and has been on or after 01 April 1998 and where utilised for commercial agriculture since 1 April 1998. such development: The proposed expansion will be located outside an urban area (ii) will occur outside an urban area, and is anticipated to be approximately 5 hectares. where the total land to be developed is bigger than 1 hectare; This listed activity thus requires Environmental Authorisation. Excluding where such land has already been develop for residential, mixed,
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retail, commercial, industrial, or institutional purposes”
GN R324 (Listing Notice 3) “4. The development of a road wider than 4 metres with a reserve less than 13,5 metres. The proposed expansion will require the construction of new roads within the development footprint. The width of these roads a. Eastern Cape is expected to vary between 4 metres and 8 metres.
i. Outside urban areas: The proposed expansion area falls within the Eastern Cape, outside an urban area and is located approximately 3 kilometres (gg) Areas within 10 kilometres from from the nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant National Park. national parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other This listed activity thus requires Environmental protected area identified in terms of Authorisation. NEMPAA or from the core areas of a biosphere reserve, excluding disturbed areas;” “16. The expansion of reservoirs, excluding dams, where the capacity will The proposed expansion will require the construction of an be increased by more than 250 cubic additional 2 reservoirs with a capacity to store 283 cubic metres metres. each. Thus, the existing water storage capacity on site will be increased by 566 cubic metres. a. Eastern Cape The proposed expansion area falls within the Eastern Cape, i. Outside urban areas: outside an urban area and is located approximately 3 kilometres from the nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant National Park. (hh) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or world heritage sites or 5 This listed activity thus requires Environmental kilometres from any other protected area Authorisation. identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core area of a biosphere reserve; or…” “17. The expansion of a resort, lodge, hotel, tourism or hospitality facilities where the Development footprint will The proposed facility will be expanded to accommodate a be expanded and the expanded combined total of an additional 120 people within the proposed facility can accommodate an new chalets, caravan camping site and hotel. In addition, staff additional 15 people or more. housing will also be provided for an additional 20 employees.
a. Eastern Cape The proposed expansion area falls within the Eastern Cape,
outside an urban area and is located approximately 3 i. Outside urban areas: kilometres from the nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant
National Park. (gg) Areas within 10 kilometres from
national parks or world heritage sites This listed activity thus requires Environmental or 5 kilometres from any other Authorisation. protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core area of a biosphere reserve;…”
1.2 DURATION OF AUTHORISATION Should an EA be issued in respect of the project, the duration of the authorisation will be indicated in said document.
1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES Environmental Management Programmes (EMPr), or Environmental Management Frameworks (EMF), serve to ensure that environmental impacts associated with particular activities are
302 monitored, minimised and mitigated for the duration of the project. The practical management measures that should be employed to achieve monitoring and mitigation targets are detailed in the EMPr (DEAT 2004). The EMPr is a dynamic document which should be updated and reviewed on a regular basis so that it may be adapted to changing management styles, and to include improved impact mitigation technology, as well as unforeseen environmental impacts. The EMPr should also be adapted if any changes are made to the project. If such changes will result in significant environmental impacts, which differ from those for which DEDEAT has granted authorisation, such changes must be submitted to the DEDEAT for approval before they are implemented.
This EMPr includes, but is not limited to, the environmental impacts identified in the Basic Assessment Report and the proposed mitigation measures that must be employed to minimise the harmful effects that those impacts may have on the environment.
The Basic Assessment Report contains a comprehensive description of the project and the receiving environment and should be read in conjunction with this EMPr. The lead author of the EMPr is Marisa Jacoby of Public Process Consultants. A CV outlining the experience and key competencies of the lead author is included in Appendix G(v) of the Basic Assessment Report.
In addition to a summary of the impacts, this EMPr contains more detailed information on the following: • The manner in which mitigation will be implemented. • The scheduling of the implementation of mitigation. • Responsibility and accountability for mitigation actions. • Monitoring and reporting procedures.
The life of the expansion to the Africanos Country Estate can be broadly divided into three phases: A Construction Phase - which includes all the surveying, land clearing/ levelling of the site, and construction activities associated with the establishment of the Chalets, Double storey Hotel, convenience store, multi-function hall, Staff housing, and Caravan Camping sites, including associated infrastructure.
An Operational Phase - which constitutes the day to day operation of the resort for the duration of its lifetime, until decommissioned. This would include the operation of services including the domestic effluent management system , water supply and waste management.
A Decommissioning Phase – which includes all the activities associated with the cessation of the described activity at the site. It is not anticipated to that the development will be decommissioned.
Environmental impacts, management practices and mitigation measures may differ for different phases of the development. However, some impacts will be present in all phases of the development, resulting in some repetition in the EMPr.
The EMPr report must be read in conjunction with the Basic Assessment Report and EA, as these documents may contain additional, detailed information not included in this report.
1.4 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS This EMPr does not include all the legislative and regulatory requirements applicable to this development. The representative appointed by the proponent to manage the operation, and the
303 persons responsible for the implementation of the EMPr, must also familiarise themselves with the specific legal requirements applicable to the described activities on site. These may include, but are not limited to: • Applicable Environmental Law • Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act 45 of 1965 • Conditions of Employment Act, 75 of 1997 • Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 • Constitution of South Africa No 108 of 1996 • Environment Conservation Act 73 of 1989 • Extension of Security of Tenure Act 62 of 1997 • Hazardous Substances Act 15 of 1973 • Health Act No 63 of 1977 • Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 • Land Reform (Labour Tenants) Act 3 of 1996 • National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977 • National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 • National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 • National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 • National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 • National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 – GNR 225 of 17 May 2000 • National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998 • National Water Act 36 of 1998 • Nature Conservation Ordinance Act 19 of 1974 • Noise Control Regulations GN R 154 in Government Gazette No. 13717 of 10 January 1992 • Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1994 • The Hazardous Substances Act 115 of 1973 • Local bylaws • Provincial legislation
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PART A: CONSTRUCTION PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (CEMPr)
Africanos Country Estate Expansion Proposed Expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 to a Portion of Remainder of Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality
August 2020
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART A: CONSTRUCTION PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Page Number PROGRAMME (CEMPr)
A.1 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS 301
A.2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 307
A.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE MONITORING 308
A.3.1 Baseline data 308
A.3.2 Interested and Affected parties 308
A.3.3 Monitoring 308
A.4 LEGAL ENFORCEABILITY 309
A.5 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE AND REPORTING 309
A.6 AUDIT PROCEDURE AND EMPr REVIEW SCHEDULE 309
A.7 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 309
A.8 REFERENCES 310
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Part A CONSTRUCTION PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (CEMPr)
During the Construction Phase, land will be cleared of vegetation and prepared (excavated and levelled) for the establishment of 12 Chalets, Double Story Hotel, 12 Caravan sites, Multi-function Hall, Kids play area, Convenience store, Staff housing, new laundry and tool shed. This will include the establishment of a stormwater management system and new parking. It will further entail incorporating new infrastructure with existing, such as domestic water supply, domestic effluent system and relocation of the existing access off the main road (R336), as well as construction of a new access to the site off Zuurberg Way.
The site preparation and construction activities will be done both by hand and with the aid of suitable earth moving equipment (excavators, bulldozers, TLBs, etc.) and other construction vehicles.
Environmental impacts associated with the Construction Phase of the development, as well as the appropriate mitigation actions, have been identified using specialist input for the various components of the affected environment provided in the Basic Assessment Report (BAR).
A.1 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS The management actions outlined below indicate the actions to be taken to minimise the potential negative impacts that this phase may have on the environment, as well as measures to enhance the potential benefits. The management actions must be conducted and accompanied by suitable design drawings based on specialist recommendations.
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IMPACT MITIGATION Ecology - Flora
• The two mature, large Fig Trees (Ficus burkei) must be retained. Clearing of alien vegetation and citrus orchards for the expansion of the resort and • Additional indigenous trees species may be planted in other areas (specifically the new caravan park / camping grounds) of the property to counteract losses associated infrastructure of those that are removed.
Promotion of colonisation and growth of alien plant species in response to clearing of • In areas disturbed by the construction tasks, as well as surrounding areas adjacent to these, perennial or vegetation or other disturbance to topsoil, woody alien species should be periodically removed and destroyed. including stockpiling of materials. • Monitoring is suggested on an annual basis and clearing to be done as required.
Ecology - Fauna • A faunal search-and-rescue operation must be undertaken prior to any vegetation clearing taking place. Any rescued animals should be relocated to areas of intact vegetation on the site, but far enough from development footprints so that they are unlikely to return during the construction phase. • Trenches and excavations must be inspected daily for animals that may have fallen in and become trapped. These must be rescued and translocated to a suitable natural area nearby. Injury or mortality of fauna • Injured fauna must be referred to an appropriate faunal rehabilitation or care centre (e.g. SPCA, African Dawn
Wildlife Sanctuary). • Personnel and contractors should receive environmental training / induction informing them of conduct regarding fauna on site. • No animals should be intentionally harmed or killed. • A register of faunal incidents and mortalities must be kept. Erosion Increased stormwater runoff and potential erosion – due to hardened surfaces (such as • A stormwater management plan must be designed and implemented for the Construction and roofing, roads, servitudes and paved areas) • Storm water should be controlled so as to not cause runoff to non-impacted areas or areas not hardened.
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• The correct and approved (by council by-laws) storm water management structures should be constructed and installed to all hardened surfaces where such an impact is a risk. • Erosion control and construction disturbance should be an important monitoring facet falling under the control of an Environmental Control Officer (ECO), who should be appointed to implement the environmental management plans (EMP’s) during the construction and site rehabilitation phases of this project.
• Storm water should be controlled so as to not cause runoff to non-impacted areas. Changes to topography and drainage • A continuous line of erosion stop-boards should be installed downhill of the construction area, or around stockpiled characteristics due to earthworks soils, aggregates or other erodible material. These will serve to trap wash-off (sediment) prior to it entering non-
impacted areas. These boards should be manually cleared on an event-related basis (rainfall), and all material trapped by the boards should be stockpiled or removed off site.
• A stormwater management plan must be designed and implemented for the Construction and Operational phases of the project. • The correct use and installation of storm water management structures is essential. • All denuded areas should have backing boards or similar structures to prevent soil erosion. Erosion of areas that are denuded or • Furthermore, the growth and coverage of these areas by non-woody indigenous vegetation, such as grasses, disturbed but not hardened should be encouraged, managed and promoted. • Denuded areas should be monitored regularly during the rainy season, or following heavy rainfall events, for signs of erosion, and these be addressed if identified. • Erosion control and construction disturbance should be an important monitoring facet falling under the control of an Environmental Control Officer (ECO), who should be appointed to implement the environmental management plans (EMP’s) during the construction phase of this project.
Aquatic • Construction should take place during the dry season to avoid high rainfall periods. • The mixing of cement should not take place within 20 m of water courses; and should be undertaken on a bunded surface, on other suitable material or other portable structure to contain the cement that is being mixed or spillages thereof. • An emergency operational plan should be in place in the event of accidental spillages of hazardous chemicals Chemical Pollution of water resources in the (cement, petrol and oil) and sewage which could potentially pollute subsurface water (not deep aquifer area surrounding the proposed expansion groundwater). • Hazardous and chemical wastes (includes old containers) should be disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste disposal site. • Accidental oil and fuel spillages should be cleaned up immediately by the Contractor, placed in sealed containers and disposed of at a licensed waste disposal site.
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• Emergency Spill Response Plan to be developed. • Portable ablution facilities to be emptied timeously (ie. Weekly). • Audit reporting by the Environmental Control Officer during camp site establishment (and to ensure construction activities remain within the proposed development area). • All solid wastes should be stored and disposed of appropriately. Littering should not be tolerated. • Vehicles and construction equipment should not undergo maintenance procedures on site; unless under emergency situations. • If maintenance procedures are required at the site, these should take place at the designated construction camp • If storage of fuels, oils and other hazardous materials is required at the construction camp, storage areas with bunded surfaces should be provided. • A stormwater management plan should include a large grassed area, with overflow draining into a shallow paved V channel over the proposed parking areas to the existing open stormwater channel next to the R336. This should route contaminated stormwater during construction to some degree. • Ensure contractors have an adequate waste management plan and waste containment receptacles. Use of wetlands, dams and drainage lines as • Waste receptacles must prevent waste from being blown away during windy periods and must be emptied dumping grounds timeously i.e. before they become full. Socio-Economic • Erosion protection measures to be placed on disturbed areas in case of heavy rainfall events during construction • Vegetation and topsoil should be cleared in a phased manner to avoid large areas of unconsolidated soils • Topsoil and soil stockpiles must be covered, wetted or otherwise stabilised to prevent wind erosion and dust Generation of Dust from Construction generation. Activities and Vehicles • A water cart must be employed on windy days to wet soils that would be prone to wind erosion to limit dust generation. • Disturbed areas are to be rehabilitated in parallel with construction completion. • Audit reporting by an Environmental Control Officer during construction. • Noise generated as a result of construction activities must be within the limits assigned by the municipal bylaws. • Encourage construction personnel to not make unnecessary noise. • Construction activities to occur within normal working hours on weekdays only. Noise Generation During Construction o 07h00-17h00, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays Activities • No loud music to be played on site • Signage with the contact details of the responsible person must be provided at the site. • A complaints register must be kept to document complaints and the corrective action taken. A Number of Temporary Employment and • As far as possible preference should be given to local labour for the construction of the proposed development Skills Development Opportunities will be including the installation of services infrastructure. Created during Construction
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• Construction personnel must not be allowed to light fires on site. • Construction personnel may not stay on site after working hours or set up temporary residences. General Health and Safety Risks Associated • Ablution facilities must be provided to construction personnel to prevent ablutions being performed in public. with the Construction Personnel Activities on • Ablution facilities to be emptied timeously (ie. weekly). Site • Litter bins must be provided at the construction footprint for waste generated by construction personnel. • Litter bins must be emptied on a weekly basis at a minimum and waste disposed of at an appropriately licensed waste disposal facility. • Construction footprints, including site offices, excavations, storage areas, materials lay-down areas, stockpile area, and workers rest areas must be clearly demarcated or fenced off before construction commences. Risk to Human Health and Safety due to • All construction activities must be limited to the demarcated areas. Open Excavations and Construction • Access to these demarcated areas must be strictly controlled. Machinery • Entry points and access routes to the sites must be clearly marked and traffic limited to those areas as far as possible. • Suitable warning and information signage must be erected before construction commences. Waste • Excavated soils should be stockpiled on site for as short a period as possible. • All waste may be temporarily sorted at site before being suitably disposed of at an appropriately licensed and registered waste disposal facility. • Collection of waste to be contracted to an approved contractor and disposed of at an appropriately licenced site. Safe disposal certificate to be obtained and kept as a record. Generation of waste and rubble • No construction phase waste to be stockpiled on site. • Litter bins must be provided at the construction footprint for waste generated by construction personnel. • Litter bins must be emptied on a weekly basis at a minimum and waste disposed of at an appropriately licensed waste disposal facility • Appropriate ablutions facilities to be provided on site. If portable toilets are utilised these must be emptied timeously. • Hazardous waste from construction activities to be separated and stored in acceptable receptacles and disposed to appropriately licenced site. • Hazardous waste to be classified, Safety Data Sheets to be compiled and waste manifest to record the generation, transporting and disposal of the waste. • Initial waste classification to be performed on all hazardous waste generated. Generation of limited hazardous waste • Environmental Officer to perform frequent audits in the waste storage area. • Monthly waste disposal record must be kept of all waste disposed. • Spill response plans and equipment should be available to deal with emergency situations that can arise during the management of waste. • All staff should be trained in the correct handling, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes.
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Archaeology • All construction activities must be monitored by an archaeologist/heritage practitioner or alternatively a person must be specially trained, for example the ECO, to conduct the monitoring. This must include the clearing of vegetation, leveling, excavations for pipelines and other underground/buried infrastructure and all above ground construction for the activities listed. • Construction managers/foremen should also be informed before construction starts on the possible types of heritage sites and cultural material they may encounter and the procedures to follow when they find sites. • Should such material be exposed then work must cease in the immediate area of the finds and it must be The exposure of significant archaeological reported to the archaeologist at the Albany Museum (Tel. 046 6222312) and/ or to the Eastern Cape Provincial heritage remains Heritage Resources Authority (Tel. 043 6422811) immediately so that a systematic and professional investigation can be undertaken. • All work must stop to allow an Archaeologist to conduct a systematic and professional investigation. Sufficient time should be allowed to remove/ collect such material (Possible archaeological features that maybe found in the area is appended to the EMPr as Appendix One). • The developer must finance the costs should additional studies be required as outlined above. The onus is also on the developer to ensure that this agreement is honoured in accordance with the National Heritage Act No. 25 of 1999.
• No mitigation is proposed as the buildings will be demolished, however, the two large mature Fig Trees (Ficus Impact on Architectural heritage resources burkei) should be retained.
Palaeontology • Fossil remains discovered during construction should be safeguarded (preferably in situ) and the ECO should alert the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (ECPHRA). • Appropriate mitigation (e.g. recording, sampling or collection) to be undertaken by a professional palaeontologist. Impact on fossil heritage resources • Should any substantial fossil remains (e.g. vertebrate bones, shells, petrified wood) be encountered during excavation, these should be safeguarded, preferably in situ and reported to ECPHRA for possible mitigation by a professional Palaeontologist (Contact details: Mr Sello Mokhanya, 74 Alexander Road, King Williams Town 5600; Email: [email protected]).. Traffic • Erect warning traffic signage Additional Traffic Volumes • Construction material deliveries rationalised to minimise traffic movements • Keep a construction plant on the farm during construction • Erect additional warning signage Traffic Safety Impact due to Slow Moving • Ensure compliance with Health and Safety requirement Traffic • Reduce delivery traffic
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A.2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The ultimate responsibility for the effective implementation of the EMPr lies with the proponent (holder of Environmental Authorisation (EA)), in this case JN Venter Beleggings Trust . Responsibility may be delegated to Project Managers, Construction Managers or Environmental Officers appointed by the proponent, during any stage of the development. The delegation of environmental responsibility will be determined by the institutional hierarchy of the organisation.
In addition, some of the mitigation measures outlined above will also be applicable to the operational phase.
The proponent will appoint a Project Manager for the Construction Phase of the proposed development. The Project Manager will be responsible for the implementation of the EMPr during the Construction Phase of the development.
An independent Environmental Control Officer (ECO) should be appointed to oversee the implementation of the EMPr during the Construction Phase of the project. The ECO will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of, and monitoring compliance with, the conditions set out in the EA, as well as the Construction Environmental Management Programme (CEMPr). This monitoring role may be supplemented by an internal Site Environmental Officer (SEM) or Site Officer, that will remain on site during the Construction Phase.
Table 1. Hierarchy of responsibility in the implementation of the EMPr. • Overall responsibility for management of the development. Project manager • Is familiar with the contents of the BAR, EMPr and the conditions of the EA. Name: • Ensures that policy, legislative and relevant environmental documentation is available to the Construction Manager. • Liaises with Construction/ Site Manager on a regular basis to Contact number: address any environmental issues (compliance, mitigation, disciplinary action) that may arise. • Selects and appoints contractors. • Is familiar with the institutional environmental policies and Codes of Practice. Construction/ Site Manager • Is familiar with the BAR, EMPr, EA, and relevant legislation. • Ensures that the information in the BAR, EMPr, EA, and Name: relevant legislation is communicated to contractors. • Ensures that contractors are familiar with institutional Codes of Conduct for contractors. Contact number: • Ensure that environmental policies, legislation and guidelines are adhered to. • Monitor implementation of the EMPr by conducting regular site visits and meetings. Environmental Control Officer • Responsible for overseeing and monitoring the implementation of the EMPr during the Construction Phase. Name: • Is familiar with the BAR, EMPr, EA, and relevant legislation. • Monitors compliance with the EMPr during the operational phase through annual environmental audits. Contact number: • Report non-compliance or appropriate remedial action.
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• Is familiar with the BAR, EMPr, EA, and relevant legislative requirements. • Ensures compliance with the EMPr and EA conditions. • Is familiar with and ensure compliance with the relevant Site Manager /Site internal institutional policy, and procedural guidelines Environmental Officer • Ensures compliance with the relevant institutional policy, and procedural guidelines Name: • Ensures compliance with the legislative requirements. • Implements the EMPr during the operational phase of the development by employing prescribed mitigation and Contact number: management measures. • Conducts environmental monitoring protocols at the facility. • Conducts regular inspections of the facility in order to monitor compliance with the EMPr. • Takes remedial or disciplinary action where required.
Should ownership of the project change, any EA granted in respect of the development must be transferred to the new owner, upon receipt of approval from the Department (DEDEAT). The EMPr, EA and Conditions of Approval remain binding on the new owner/ operator of the development.
A.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE MONITORING Environmental Performance Monitoring has been defined as the activities implemented to measure environmental changes resulting from a particular development or activity (Davy & Paradine 1996). These include anticipated and unexpected changes in the environment. Any change from baseline conditions must initiate remedial action, or a change in mitigation or management approach. Performance monitoring could include both the collection of physical data, as well as input from potentially affected neighbours or Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs).
A.3.1 Baseline data Environmental Performance Monitoring includes the gathering of baseline data with which the future environmental conditions can be compared.
The following baseline information, where currently not available, must be obtained before the construction phase commences: • Extent and location of alien invasive plants on site. • Extent and location of erosion features on site. • Location of the two mature, large Fig Trees (Ficus burkei)
Collection of baseline information will ultimately be the responsibility of the proponent. However, these tasks can be delegated to the SEM or Site Officer.
A.3.2 Interested and affected parties Neighbours and parties affected by the development must be afforded opportunity to comment on problems and impacts that they may experience as a result of the development, during the Construction Phase of the project. A complaints register must be kept which details such comments, as well as the intervention initiated to address the comment or complaint, where appropriate. These comments will be used to adapt and improve existing mitigation measures.
A.3.3 Monitoring During the vegetation clearing and site preparation phase the following must be monitored:
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• Monthly monitoring of the compliance with the conditions of approval as given in the EA, as well as the recommendations contained in the EMPr. • Areas disturbed during construction must be inspected for establishing alien invasive plants on a monthly basis. • Weekly monitoring of the extent and location of erosion around the development footprints. • On-going monitoring of areas disturbed during construction for potential archaeological and palaeontological material.
Information gathered during monitoring exercises, as well as the action taken, or operational adjustments made; must be recorded and these reports made available at the request of the DEDEAT.
A.4 LEGAL ENFORCEABILITY This EMPr is likely to be a condition of the EA, should authorisation for the activity be granted. As such it is a legally binding agreement between the proponent, as well as all his/ her sub-contractors, and the DEDEAT. The EMPr must be included in the contracts (tender documents or otherwise) entered into by the owner/ developer and any subcontractors. This will ensure that sub-contractors have a legal obligation to abide by the conditions set out in the EMPr. Should it be found that additional codes of conduct for contractors need to be included in this EMPr, this must be done at the first review opportunity.
A.5 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE AND REPORTING The management measures outlined for the Construction Phase of the development will take effect as soon as vegetation clearing and site preparation on the site is initiated, while the collection of baseline monitoring information must start prior to the commencement of construction activities.
Monitoring and stakeholder input reports will be kept as outlined in Section A.3.3 above and be made available at the request of the DEDEAT.
Environmental audit reports, as well as reviewed amended EMPr reports will be kept up to date so that they can be made available at the request of the DEDEAT.
A.6 AUDIT PROCEDURE AND EMPR REVIEW SCHEDULE The environmental audit is systematic, objective investigation of the environmental information of a development to determine to what extent they conform to the environmental standards set out in the EMPr and EA.
During the Construction Phase, the audit reports, as produced by the ECO after periodic (monthly) site visits, will serve as the auditing mechanism. A schedule for site audits in the Construction Phase must be agreed upon during the appointment of the ECO. The ECO must comment on environmental impacts that are not adequately mitigated, as well as mitigation measures that are not effective, and suggest appropriate further management actions. These comments must be included in an amended CEMPr (Construction Phase EMPr) that must be made available to the DEDEAT on request.
A.7 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Environmental education must be provided as part of the environmental induction process for the construction personnel that will be employed on site, prior to the commencement of the construction phase. The key requirements of the BAR, EMPr and EA will be included in the material which is presented to personnel during the formal environmental induction process.
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• Environmental induction will be facilitated by the SEM, or Site Manager if no SEM is appointed for the site. • No personnel will be allowed to work at the site without having passed through the environmental induction process. • Construction personnel will be updated continually on pertinent environmental and safety issues during weekly Toolbox Talks by the SEM or Site Manager. • Appropriate signage will be used to inform personnel of environmental conduct in specific areas.
Environmental induction training must include at a minimum: • Designation of workers rest areas and sanitation facilities. • Clarification of the meanings of warning signage used at the site. • Appropriate sanitation and waste disposal practices. • Procedures to be followed if heritage artefacts are discovered. • Explanation of prohibited activities including, but not limited to: o Procedure to be followed when encountering fauna. o No animals should be intentionally harmed. o No loud music or unnecessary noise to be created. o Open fires will only be allowed within designated areas, and not on windy days. Fires in designated areas are not to be left unattended. o Ablutions are not to be performed in public – ablution facilities must be utilised. o No intentional littering or inappropriate disposal of waste will be tolerated.
A.8 REFERENCES DEAT (2004) Environmental Management Plans, Integrated Environmental Management, Information Series 12, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), Pretoria.
A. Davy & Paradine, P. 1996. Environmental Performance Monitoring and Supervision. Environmental Assessment Source Book – Update. World Bank Environment Department. Pp. 8.
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PART B: OPERATION PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (OEMPR)
Africanos Country Estate Expansion Proposed Expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 to a Portion of Remainder of Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality
August 2020
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART B: OPERATIONAL PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Page Number PROGRAMME (OEMPr)
B.1 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS 313
B.2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 318
B.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE MONITORING 318
B.3.1 Baseline data 318
B.3.2 Interested and Affected parties 318
B.3.3 Monitoring 318
B.4 LEGAL ENFORCEABILITY 319
B.5 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE AND REPORTING 319
B.6 AUDIT PROCEDURE AND EMPr REVIEW SCHEDULE 319
B.7 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 319
B.8 REFERENCES 319
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Part B OPERATIONAL PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (OEMPr)
Once the construction phase is completed the accommodation will start operation and the constructed infrastructure will be operational. Domestic effluent will be treated onsite by means of a Clearedge sewage system. The final treated effluent will be utilized for irrigation of ornamental gardens. Water will be provided from the LSRWUA canal system and treated utilizing the existing onsite water treatment plant. Domestic refuse will temporarily be stored in an enclosed communal refuse bin prior to collection and transportation to the municipal refuse facility.
Potential negative impacts associated with the Operational Phase are limited mainly to impacts on the local biophysical environment due to increased stormwater runoff and potential contamination by waste. The operational phase will commence upon the completion of the installation of the services infrastructure and the completion of construction of the first phase of accommodation units.
Environmental impacts associated with the Operational Phase of the development, as well as the appropriate mitigation actions, have been identified using specialist input for the various components of the affected environment provided in the Basic Assessment Report (BAR).
B.1 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS The management actions outlined below, indicate the actions to be taken to minimise the potential negative impacts that the operation of the development may have on the environment, as well as measures to enhance the potential benefits.
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IMPACT MITIGATION Ecology - Flora • In areas disturbed by the construction tasks, as well as surrounding areas adjacent to these, perennial or woody Promotion of colonisation and growth of alien species should be periodically removed and destroyed. alien plant species in response to • Monitoring is suggested on an annual basis and clearing to be done as required. ongoing operations • It is also suggested to plant trees that are indigenous to the region, in the new camping grounds and resort ornamental gardens. Aquatic • Storm water should be effectively maintained (ongoing management) so as to not cause runoff to non-impacted areas or areas not hardened, especially the existing farm dam on the adjacent property. • The flowing stormwater management actions are recommended by the project engineer: o In order to reduce the run-off of overland storm water, it is proposed that storm water be intercepted from the roof areas and conveyed to rainwater storage tanks near the buildings. The surplus storm water from the roofs will be directed to the open grassed areas on and near the proposed caravan park, hotel, multi-function hall and kids play area. o Intercept and convey the storm water from the biggest part of the site to the shallow storm water detention area as far as practically possible. o Subject to the detailed design of earthworks, the formed road/ parking areas and grassed areas and storm water system, the formed surface areas shall be designed to also act as shallow storm water channels under minor storms and emergency overland flow routes during or after major storm conditions where needed. o The general resultant longitudinal gradients of the formed surface areas/roads shall be designed to direct the Changes to the hydrological regime of surface storm water flow to the shallow storm water detention area as far as practically possible. rivers and streams in the area o The big grassed area on the site combined with the storm water detention facility will detain the intercepted storm surrounding the proposed resort water from more than 70% of the new development area of the site. This is to ensure that the post-development expansion flow which will leave the site to be similar or less than the pre-development flows and simultaneously replenish the underground water sources. o The storm water detention area has been designed to retain post-development major design storm intercepted flows up to a maximum 1 in 100 year recurrence intervals and release up to a maximum of a 1 in 5 year recurrence interval run-off to the existing storm water system next to, and in the reserve of, the R336 Road. o Detain and/or discharge the storm water from the storm water pond in accordance with the applicable regulations and design guidelines. In accordance with our calculations the shallow grassed stormwater detention area will detain 759m³ over an area of 3 539m² (approximately 20m wide x 179m long x maximum 600mm deep. The detained overflow from the said detention area will drain via a shallow paved “V” channel over the proposed parking area to the existing open storm water channel next to, and in the reserve of, the R336 Road. • Due to the partial sedimentation process that occurs under lower flow velocities on the grassed areas and in the grassed storm water detention pond including the biological breakdown of contaminants by the sun energy and oxidation, the quality of the intercepted run-off can be improved prior to discharge to the R336 Road system.The gradient of constructed “embankments” to the grassed stormwater detention area shall not be steeper than 1 in
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5 to enhance the safety of people, establishment of vegetation and soil stability under wet conditions as far as practical possible.
• Ensure no leakages from the Clearedge Sewage Onsite Treatment System or irrigation pond • To ensure effective working of the Clearedge package plant system in combination with the irrigation pond, final treated water samples are to be tested by a SANAS accredited / or an independent laboratory in the NMBM. • Testing to be done on a bi-weekly basis Chemical pollution of water resources • Conduct regular maintenance of the Clearedge System (rivers, streams, dams and wetlands) in the area. • The sludge will have to be removed approximately approximately 6 times a year, by a competent and licensed contractor to a suitable registered waste disposal site (e.g. Waste Tech) complete with a safe disposal certificate. • Monitor the water quality of the overflow being discharged to the treated wash water irrigation pond and take remedial action if necessary. Waste • The solid waste from the development to be collected and stored in containers in a communal refuse room Potential impacts associated with general before collection by a private licensed Contractor with a safe disposal certificate as dictated by the municipality. waste generation and storage on site • The solid waste will be collected on a regular basis (weekly) from the communal refuse area and be disposed at the registered Sunland Waste Dump on the Remainder Farm 639 in the Administrative District of Uitenhage. • All hazardous waste materials should be stored separately in a controlled isolated and secure space in order to reduce contamination.
o All waste materials such as used chemical containers should be temporarily stored on site before collection within a secure area (locked)This area/space should be roofed and bunded Potential impacts associated with o The areas/ space constructed must have the sufficient capacity to hold a spillage event (surface area and hazardous waste generation and storage height of walls forming the bunded area should be sufficient to prevent overflow) on site o Access limited to authorised personnel only
• The hazardous waste generated must be removed by a licensed Contractor with the applicable safe disposal certificate to be disposed of at an appropriately registered facility. • Hazardous waste must not be allowed to accumulate on site. • Regular maintenance to be conducted on the Clearedge Sewage Treatment Plant by a suitably qualified individual so as to reduce the likelihood of a breakdown. • Chemicals, fuel or hazardous substances must be securely stored in a facility where potential leaks or spills can Potential impacts associated with the use be contained. and storage of chemicals on site • Ensure chemical containers and their seals or stoppers are appropriate for the type and quantity of chemical
stored. As far as is practicable, chemicals should be stored in the containers in which they are supplied.
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• Containers that have held hazardous chemicals shall be treated as full, unless the receptacle or package has been rendered free from hazardous chemicals. • Packages shall be inspected regularly to ensure their integrity. Leaking or damaged packages shall be removed to a safe area for repacking or disposal. Labels shall be reattached or replaced, as necessary, to clearly identify the contents of the package. • All packages in storage shall be labelled to allow unmistakable identification of the contents. • Procedures shall be established to deal with clean up and safe disposal of spillages. Supplies and materials needed to control the spillages shall be readily accessible. • Regularly review the chemicals held in storage and correctly dispose of those no longer required. • Chemicals must be stored compatibly with one another. • Appropriate training must be provided to authorised personnel for the handling and storage of chemicals. • All chemical packaging waste must be treated as hazardous and NOT be recycled. It should be stored separately from general waste and disposed of at a suitably registered hazardous waste disposal facility. Erosion • Storm water should be effectively maintained (ongoing management) so as to not cause runoff to non-impacted areas or areas not hardened, especially the existing farm dam on the adjacent property. • The flowing stormwater management actions are recommended by the project engineer: o In order to reduce the run-off of overland storm water, it is proposed that storm water be intercepted from the roof areas and conveyed to rainwater storage tanks near the buildings. The surplus storm water from the roofs will be directed to the open grassed areas on and near the proposed caravan park, hotel, multi-function hall and kids play area. o Intercept and convey the storm water from the biggest part of the site to the shallow storm water detention area as far as practically possible. Increased stormwater runoff and potential for erosion – the potential of storm water o Subject to the detailed design of earthworks, the formed road/ parking areas and grassed areas and storm water to cause erosion due to hardened system, the formed surface areas shall be designed to also act as shallow storm water channels under minor surfaces storms and emergency overland flow routes during or after major storm conditions where needed. o The general resultant longitudinal gradients of the formed surface areas/roads shall be designed to direct the surface storm water flow to the shallow storm water detention area as far as practically possible. o The big grassed area on the site combined with the storm water detention facility will detain the intercepted storm water from more than 70% of the new development area of the site. This is to ensure that the post-development flow which will leave the site to be similar or less than the pre-development flows and simultaneously replenish the underground water sources. o The storm water detention area has been designed to retain post-development major design storm intercepted flows up to a maximum 1 in 100 year recurrence intervals and release up to a maximum of a 1 in 5 year recurrence interval run-off to the existing storm water system next to, and in the reserve of, the R336 Road.
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o Detain and/or discharge the storm water from the storm water pond in accordance with the applicable regulations and design guidelines. In accordance with our calculations the shallow grassed stormwater detention area will detain 759m³ over an area of 3 539m² (approximately 20m wide x 179m long x maximum 600mm deep. The detained overflow from the said detention area will drain via a shallow paved “V” channel over the proposed parking area to the existing open storm water channel next to, and in the reserve of, the R336 Road.
• Due to the partial sedimentation process that occurs under lower flow velocities on the grassed areas and in the grassed storm water detention pond including the biological breakdown of contaminants by the sun energy and oxidation, the quality of the intercepted run-off can be improved prior to discharge to the R336 Road system. • The gradient of constructed “embankments” to the grassed stormwater detention area shall not be steeper than 1 in 5 to enhance the safety of people, establishment of vegetation and soil stability under wet conditions as far as practical possible. Socio-Economic A Number of Permanent Employment Opportunities will be Created during the • As far as possible preference should be given to local labour Operational Phase Traffic Traffic Safety Impact due to additional • Additional signage erected warning passing motorists of activity, including pedestrian crossing. traffic Noise Noise generation during use of the multi- • The multi-function hall must adhere to the local municipal by-laws regarding noise nuisance and disturbance. function hall
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B.2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A number of the mitigation measures contained in the OEMPr will in effect be implemented in the construction phase by JN Venter Beleggings Trust (e.g. Stormwater management plan). Responsibility may be delegated to Environmental Officers, or Maintenance Managers, appointed by the proponent on the site during the operational phase of the development. In addition, compliance with the mitigation measures identified for the operational phase will be the responsibility of the individual homeowners and/or the Homeowners Association.
Should ownership of the land change, any EA granted in respect of the development must be transferred to the new owner, upon receipt of approval from the Department (DEDEAT). The EMPr, EA and Conditions of Approval remain binding on the new owner of the individual erven.
B.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE MONITORING Environmental Performance Monitoring has been defined as, the activities implemented to measure environmental changes resulting from a particular development or activity (Davy & Paradine 1996). These include anticipated and unexpected changes in the environment. Any change from baseline conditions must initiate remedial action, or a change in mitigation or management approach. Performance monitoring could include both the collection of physical data, as well as input from potentially affected neighbours or affected parties.
B.3.1 Baseline data Environmental Performance Monitoring includes the gathering of baseline data with which the future environmental conditions can be compared.
Baseline data gathered prior to commencement of the Construction Phase, will be used to compare environmental conditions on the site during the Operational Phase of the development, to past (predevelopment) conditions.
B.3.2 Interested and Affected parties Neighbours and parties affected by the development must be afforded opportunity to comment on problems and impacts that they may experience as a result of the development, during the Operational Phase of the project. Since visitors to the resort will be required to comply with resort rules it is assumed that any complaints made by adjacent landowners will be made to the owners/operators of the resort. If necessary, adjacent landowners could also make complaints directly to the Sundays River Valley Municipality if local bylaws are contravened who in turn will take the necessary action against the resort.
B.3.3 Monitoring Information gathered during monitoring exercises, as well as the action taken, or operational adjustments made; must be recorded and these reports made available at the request of the DEDEAT.
Once the development becomes operational the following monitoring will be required: • Monthly monitoring of the quantity and quality of the wastewater generated by the domestic effluent treatment package plant. • Monthly monitoring of chemical and waste storage areas. • The entire site must be monitored for signs of encroachment by alien plant species on an annual basis and remedial action taken as soon as possible.
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It is anticipated that the owners/operators of the resort will be responsible for ensuring that the environmental monitoring and record keeping is undertaken for the duration of the project lifetime.
B.4 LEGAL ENFORCEABILITY This EMPr is likely to be a condition of the EA, should authorisation for the activity be granted. As such it is a legally binding agreement between the proponent, as well as all his/ her sub-contractors, and the DEDEAT. The EMPr must be included in the contracts (tender documents or otherwise) entered into by the owner/ developer and any subcontractors. This will ensure that sub-contractors have a legal obligation to abide by the conditions set out in the EMPr. Should it be found that additional codes of conduct for contractors need to be included in this EMPr, this must be done at the first review opportunity.
B.5 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE AND REPORTING The management measures outlined for the Operational Phase of the development will take effect as soon as the facility becomes operational (i.e. once the houses have been constructed and the associated infrastructure has been completed).
Monitoring and stakeholder input reports will be kept as outlined in Section B.3.3 above and be made available at the request of the DEDEAT.
Environmental audit reports, as well as reviewed amended EMPr reports will be kept up to date so that they can be made available at the request of the DEDEAT.
B.6 AUDIT PROCEDURE AND EMPR REVIEW SCHEDULE Once the resort becomes operational, JN Venter Beleggings Trust or appointed operators must comply with all statutory legislation, as well as all of the recommendations as set out in the Basic Assessment Report (BAR). An annual audit must be conducted by a suitably qualified independent ECO, appointed by JN Venter Beleggings Trust during the Operational Phase. These audits must assess the effectiveness of existing management and mitigation measures, and compliance with the OEMPr and conditions of the EA. The findings of the audit reports must feed into the EMPr ensuring that management and mitigation measures are adjusted and updated to ensure that impacts are managed effectively and efficiently. Audit reports must be made available to DEDEAT, at their request.
B.7 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION JN Venter Beleggings Trust or appointed operators will be responsible for compliance with the conditions in the EA, Basic Assessment Report and OEMPr. Therefore, the proponent must ensure that they educate themselves as to the relevant requirements of these documents. In addition, these documents must be included in any future sales agreements or lease agreements so that any new landowners or tenants are made aware of these conditions.
B.8 REFERENCES DEAT (2004) Environmental Management Plans, Integrated Environmental Management, Information Series 12, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), Pretoria.
A. Davy & Paradine, P. 1996. Environmental Performance Monitoring and Supervision. Environmental Assessment Source Book – Update. World Bank Environment Department. Pp. 8.
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Appendix One – Identification of Archaeological Features and Material from Coastal Areas: Guidelines and Procedures for Developers
Shell middens
Shell middens can be defined as an accumulation of marine shell deposited by human agents rather than the result of marine activity. The shells are concentrated in a specific locality above the high- water mark and frequently contain stone tools, pottery, bone and occasionally also human remains. Shell middens may be of various sizes and depths, but an accumulation which exceeds 1 m2 in extent, should be reported to an archaeologist.
Human Skeletal material
Human remains, whether the complete remains of an individual buried during the past, or scattered human remains resulting from disturbance of the grave, should be reported. In general the remains are buried in a flexed position on their sides, but are also found buried in a sitting position with a flat stone capping and developers are requested to be on the alert for this.
Fossil bone
Fossil bones or any other concentrations of bones, whether fossilized or not, should be reported.
Stone artefacts
These are difficult for the layman to identify. However, large accumulations of flaked stones which do not appear to have been distributed naturally should be reported. If the stone tools are associated with bone remains, development should be halted immediately and archaeologists notified.
Stone features and platforms
These occur in different forms and sizes, but easily identifiable. The most common are an accumulation of roughly circular fire cracked stones tightly spaced and filled in with charcoal and marine shell. They are usually 1-2 metres in diameter and may represent cooking platforms for shell fish. Others may resemble circular single row cobble stone markers. These occur in different sizes and may be the remains of wind breaks or cooking shelters.
Historical artefacts or features
These are easy to identify and include foundations of buildings or other construction features and items from domestic and military activities.
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APPENDIX 2: CHANCE FOSSIL FINDS PROCEDURE: Farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113 near Addo
Province & region: Eastern Cape, Sundays River Valley Municipality Responsible Heritage ECPHRA (Contact details: Mr Sello Mokhanya, 74 Alexander Road, King Williams Town 5600; Email: [email protected]). Management Agency Rock unit(s) Late Caenozoic Kudus Kloof Formation Potential fossils Freshwater molluscs, calcretised trace fossils, rhizoliths, possible bones and teeth of mammals in Late Caenozoic alluvium. 1. Once alerted to fossil occurrence(s): alert site foreman, stop work in area immediately (N.B. safety first!), safeguard site with security tape / fence / sand bags if necessary.
2. Record key data while fossil remains are still in situ: • Accurate geographic location – describe and mark on site map / 1: 50 000 map / satellite image / aerial photo • Context – describe position of fossils within stratigraphy (rock layering), depth below surface • Photograph fossil(s) in situ with scale, from different angles, including images showing context (e.g. rock layering) 3. If feasible to leave fossils in situ: 3. If not feasible to leave fossils in situ (emergency procedure only): • Alert Heritage Resources Agency and project palaeontologist (if any) who will • Carefully remove fossils, as far as possible still enclosed within the original sedimentary matrix (e.g. advise on any necessary mitigation entire block of fossiliferous rock) • Ensure fossil site remains safeguarded • Photograph fossils against a plain, level background, with scale until clearance is given by the Heritage • Carefully wrap fossils in several layers of newspaper / tissue paper / plastic bags Resources Agency for work to resume • Safeguard fossils together with locality and collection data (including collector and date) in a box in a ECO protocol safe place for examination by a palaeontologist • Alert Heritage Resources Agency and project palaeontologist (if any) who will advise on any necessary mitigation
4. If required by Heritage Resources Agency, ensure that a suitably-qualified specialist palaeontologist is appointed as soon as possible by the developer.
5. Implement any further mitigation measures proposed by the palaeontologist and Heritage Resources Agency
Record, describe and judiciously sample fossil remains together with relevant contextual data (stratigraphy / sedimentology / taphonomy). Ensure that fossils are Specialist palaeontologist curated in an approved repository (e.g. museum / university / Council for Geoscience collection) together with full collection data. Submit Palaeontological Mitigation report to Heritage Resources Agency. Adhere to best international practice for palaeontological fieldwork and Heritage Resources Agency minimum standards.
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APPENDIX G: OTHER INFORMATION
APPENDIX G(i): SITE NOTICE BOARD AND NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT
CLOSE-UP OF THE SITE NOTICE BOARD PLACED AT THE SITE ON 8 AUGUST 2019.
SITE NOTICE BOARD PLACED AT (33°31'05.11"S; 25°40'05.23"E)
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Newspaper advertisement placed in “The Herald” of 08 August 2019
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APPENDIX G(ii): DATABASE OF I&APS
THE I&AP DATABASE PRIOR TO THE RELEASE OF DRAFT CBAR FOR REVIEW
Registration Preferred Method of Title Name Surname Capacity Organisation and Position
Status Communication
Application
-
ior to Assessment iorto
r
Application Notice of BA Notice Application
-
Let1: Pre RequestRegister to RequestDeregister to Comment P Comment:Pre CBAR Let2: of Draft Notice SANParks: Environmental Organ of Email link to reports Ms Maretha Alant SANParks Manager - Garden Route x x State on website National Park
Interested Adjacent landowner Mr Colin Biggs Colin Biggs trust and Affected Email x x (67/113) Party Organ of Email copies of Ms Charlene Bissett SANParks SANParks: Regional Ecologist x x State reports
Dept. of Water and Sanitation: State cc in on email to Ms Marisa Bloem Provincial Authority x x Water Use Authorisation Sector Department Ncamile Dweni
Interested Adjacent landowner Mr Danie Bouwer Rolust Sondagsrivierplase CC and Affected Email x x (48/113) Party Chief Director: Dept. Agriculture, Forestry and State Email link to reports Ms Sebueng Chipeta Natural Resources x x Fisheries: LUSM Department on website Management
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Dept. of Economic Development, Environmental State Email link to reports Mr Luzuko Dali Provincial Authority x x Affairs and Tourism: Department on website Biodiversity Section
SANParks: Conservation Organ of Email link to reports Ms Catherine Dreyer SANParks x x Manager State on website
Dept. of Agriculture, Forestry State Email link to reports Mr Gcinile Dumse Provincial Authority and Fisheries: Land Use and x x Department on website Soil Management
State Email link to reports Mr Ncamile Dweni Provincial Authority Dept. Water & Sanitation: PE x x Department on website
Sundays River Valley Organ of Email link to reports Mr Sydney Fadi Local Authority x x Municipality: Municipal Manager State on website
Interested Adjacent landowner Mr Dirk Ferreira NEONBEL Dertien (Pty) Ltd and Affected Email x x x (RE 109/113) Party
Organ of Email link to reports Miss Susan Fourie Local Authority SRVM: Archives Manager x x State on website
Interested & Ms Jayshree Govender Private Consultant Affected Email x x Party Adjacent landowner Interested Sundays River Citrus Company: Mr Etienne Greeff (17/113; 74/113; and Affected Email x x x Financial Director 75/113; 288/113) Party
Sundays River Valley Organ of Email link to reports Mr Rudi Herholdt Local Authority x x x Municipality: Town Planning State on website
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Adjacent landowner Interested Mr Hilton Keeton (247/113) Addo Polo Hermitage House: Principal and Affected Email x x Club Party
Sundays River Valley Organ of couriered hard copy Ms Lithikazi Kobese Local Authority x x Municipality: Town Planning State and CD
Eastern Cape Dept. of State Email link to reports Mr Peter Lotter Provincial Authority Transport: Engineering x x Department on website Technologist
Dept. of Rural Development State Email link to reports Mr Ruffus Maloma Provincial Authority and Agrarian Reform: Soil x x Department on website Scientist
SANRAL - South African Organ of Email link to reports Ms Amanda Mboniswa Provincial Authority National Roads Agency: x x x State on website Statutory
Interested Adjacent Landowner Mr Freek Meyer Humansdorp Co-op and Affected Email x x (344/113) Party
Organ of Email link to reports x x SRVM: Director Infrastructure State on website Mr Xola Wandisile Mntonintshi Local Authority Planning and Development
Eastern Cape Provincial State Email copies of Mr Sello Mokhanya Provincial Authority x x Heritage Resources Authority Department reports
Eastern Cape Dept. of State Email link to reports Mr Randall Moore Provincial Authority Transport: District Roads x x x Department on website Engineer State cc in on email to Ms Ntombiyamayirha Mpumela Provincial Authority Dept. Water and Sanitation PE x x Department Ncamile Dweni Interested Adjacent landowner Sundays River Farming Trust : Ms Buyiswa Ndyenga and Affected Email x x x (42/113) General Manager Party
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SANRAL - South African National Roads Agency: Organ of Email link to reports Ms Chumisa Njingana Provincial Authority x x Southern Region General State on website Manager Interested Adjacent Tenant Ms Ellenette Olivier Private and Affected Email x x (344/113) Party SANRAL - South African National Roads Agency: Organ of Email link to reports Mr Mbulelo Peterson Provincial Authority x x Southern Region General State on website Manager
Lower Sundays River Water Organ of Email link to reports Mr Mike Primmer Service Provider x x Users Association State on website Interested Sundays River Valley Email link to reports Cllr S. M. Rune Ward Councillor and Affected x x Municipality: Ward 6 Councillor on website Party
SANParks: Park Planning and Organ of Email link to reports Mr Russel Smart SANParks x x Development Coordinator State on website
SANRAL - South African Organ of Email link to reports Ms Nenekazi Songxaba National Authority x x National Roads Agency State on website
Department of Economic Competent Mr Andries Struwig Competent Authority Development, Environmental Email x x Authority Affairs and Tourism
Interested Adjacent Landowner Mr Hansie Swanepoel Humansdorp Co-op and Affected Email x x (344/113) Party
Interested Adjacent landowner VENCO Fruit Processors (Pty) Ms Ilze Swart and Affected Email x x x (41/113) Ltd: Projects Engineer Party
Mr Nico Venter Applicant The JN Venter Beleggings Trust Applicant Email x x
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APPENDIX G(iii): CORRESPONDENCE SENT TO I&APS AND AUTHORITIES
CORRESPONDENCE SENT DURING THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT AND REGISTRATION PHASE ● LETTER 1: EMAIL TO DEDEAT - NOTICE OF INTENTION TO COMMENCE WITH A BA PROCESS From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Wednesday, 07 August 2019 15:41 To: Andries Struwig Subject: NOTICE OF INTENTION TO COMMENCE WITH A BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS: PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTION 228 TO A PORTION OF PORTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO 113, ADDO, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY. Attachments: Africanos Country Estate Expansion - DEDEAT - BAR Notification - 7Aug2019.pdf; Africanos - BID - final - 8Aug2019.pdf; Africanos - Comment Form - 8Aug2019.pdf
Afternoon Andries
Please find attached, correspondence which serves to notify the competent authority of the intention to commence with a Basic Assessment Process on behalf of The JN Venter Beleggings Trust, for the proposed expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 to a Portion of Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality.
A hard copy of the attached correspondence will also be delivered to your offices this afternoon.
The initial 32-day comment period is proposed to commence tomorrow and will extend until 9 September 2019.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
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● LETTER 1: NOTICE OF INTENTION TO COMMENCE WITH A BA PROCESS TO DEDEAT
PO Box 27688 Greenacres 6057 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale, PE 6001 Phone 041-3748426 Fax 041-3732002 Email [email protected] Ck 97/32984/23 VAT 44601 68273
7 August 2019
Attention: Mr Andries Struwig Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Private Bag X 5001 Greenacres 6057
Dear Sir,
RE: NOTICE OF INTENTION TO COMMENCE WITH A BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS: PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTION 228 TO A PORTION OF PORTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO 113, ADDO, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY.
In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), published in GN R326, 327, 325 and 324, promulgated under Chapter Five of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMAA), and published in Government Gazette 40772 on the 7 April 2017, this serves as notification to the competent authority, in this case the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Sarah Baartman Region, that a Basic Assessment Process is being conducted on behalf of JN Venter Beleggings Trust (the project proponent), for the proposed expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 to a Portion of Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality. PROJECT PROPONENT JN Venter Beleggings Trust
PROJECT NAME Africanos Country Estate Expansion: Proposed Expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 to a Portion of Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality
PROJECT LOCALITY The area under assessment consists of the existing Africanos Country Estate which is located on Portion 228 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113 and the adjacent Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113. The area under assessment is located approximately 3.5 kilometres west of the town of Addo. The nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant National Park is located approximately 3 kilometres east of the proposed expansion area. The area under assessment can be accessed off the R336, approximately 3.2 kilometers from the intersection of the R336 and the R335.
BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed expansion includes the addition of 12 chalets accommodating 24 additional guests, staff housing to accommodate 20 additional employees, 12 new caravan camping sites (with a new separate access point) which can accommodate 24 campers, and a double storey hotel with 36 rooms, accommodating 72 guests. In addition, the expansion will also include a new laundry, tool shed, convenience store, new multifunction hall, additional parking and kids outdoor play area. Associated services infrastructure will also have to be provided, although, where possible, this will
335 tie into existing infrastructure, subject to the outcome of the various specialist assessments. The proposed expansion will also necessitate the demolition of existing buildings to accommodate for proposed new development components. The total development footprint is anticipated to be approximately 5 ha and is proposed to extend across Portion 228 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113 and Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113.
For more detail on the proposed development, please see the accompanying Background Information Document.
APPLICABLE LEGISLATION The Basic Assessment process is being undertaken in terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended): GN R326, 327, 325 and 324, promulgated under Chapter Five of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMAA), and published in Government Gazette 40772 on the 7 April 2017. The need for a Basic Assessment is triggered by the inclusion of activities listed in Listing Notice 3 (GN R324): “17. The expansion of a resort, lodge, hotel, tourism or hospitality facilities where the development footprint will be expanded and the expanded facility can accommodate an additional 15 people or more. a. Eastern Cape i. Outside urban areas: (gg) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core area of a biosphere reserve;”
Public Process Consultants has been appointed by the JN Venter Beleggings Trust (the proponent), as the Environmental Assessment Practitioner to undertake the Basic Assessment, including Public Participation. The purpose of this letter is to notify the competent authority of the intention to submit an application for Environmental Authorisation in respect of the above project, as well as commence with the Basic Assessment process for the proposed project.
Please find attached with this correspondence the following documentation: • Background Information Document including the Approach to the Assessment process and a Locality Map • Comment Form
We trust that you will find the above in order. Please do not hesitate to contact Sandy, Marisa or JP at the contact details above should you have any comments or queries with regards to this submission.
Regards,
Sandy Wren Environmental Assessment Project Leader
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BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Africanos Country Estate Expansion Proposed Expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 to a Portion of Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality
BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT: August 2019
INTRODUCTION The proponent, JN Venter Beleggings Trust, proposes to expand the existing Africanos Country Estate, Addo Sundays River Valley Municipality. The existing resort, consisting of, amongst others, the Africanos Inn, restaurant, chalets, function rooms, staff housing and associated infrastructure is located on Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, and measures 1.16 hectares in extent. The JN Venter Beleggings Trust proposes to expand the existing resort onto a portion of the adjacent property, namely, Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, measuring 5 hectares in extent. The majority of the proposed expansion is to take place on this adjacent portion of land and, where possible, will tie into existing infrastructure, subject to the outcome of the various specialist assessments. The property is in the process of being transferred to the JN Venter Beleggings Trust and will in future be allocated a new property number.
In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), published in GN R326, 327, 325 and 324, promulgated under Chapter Five of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMAA), and published in Government Gazette 40772 on the 7 April 2017, the project requires a Basic Assessment, because it triggers, amongst others, the following listed activity, in Listing Notice 3 (GN R324):
“17. The expansion of a resort, lodge, hotel, tourism or hospitality facilities where the development footprint will be expanded and the expanded facility can accommodate an additional 15 people or more. a. Eastern Cape i. Outside urban areas: (gg) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core area of a biosphere reserve;”
PROJECT LOCALITY The area under assessment consists of the existing Africanos Country Estate which is located on Portion 228 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113 and the adjacent Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113. The area under assessment is located approximately 3.5 kilometres west of the town of Addo. The nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant National Park is located approximately 3 kilometres east of the proposed expansion area. The area under assessment can be accessed off the R336, approximately 3.2 kilometers from the intersection of the R336 and the R335. A locality map has been attached to this BID.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THIS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS? In terms of regulation 42(b) of Government Notice R326, interested and affected parties (I&APs) are to request in writing that their names be placed on the register of interested and affected parties. To register as an I&AP, complete the comment and registration form included with this correspondence or submit your contact details (via fax or email), stating your full name, address and contact numbers, to the consultant indicated in this documentation. In terms of regulation 43(1), a registered I&AP is entitled to comment in writing on all reports and plans submitted as part of the public participation process and raise any issues which may be of significance to the consideration of the application. Additionally, I&APs are required to disclose any direct business, financial, personal or other interest which they may have in the approval or refusal of the application. By registering on the project register, you will be notified as and when information on the project is available for I&AP review and comment.
WHAT DOES THIS DOCUMENT TELL YOU? This document provides you, as an I&AP, with background information on the proposed project, the Basic Assessment, as well as Public Participation process that will be undertaken. It indicates how you can become involved in the project, receive information and raise issues that may interest and/ or concern you. The sharing of information forms an important component of the Public Participation Process and provides you with the
337 opportunity to become actively involved in the Basic Assessment process from the outset. Public Participation is an important component of the Basic Assessment process and together with scientific investigations assists the competent authority, in this instance the Department of Economic Development Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), Sarah Baartman Region, with their decision-making. PROJECT OVERVIEW The proposed expansion includes the addition of 12 chalets accommodating 24 additional guests, staff housing to accommodate 20 additional employees, 12 new caravan camping sites (with a new separate access point) which can accommodate 24 campers, and a double storey hotel with 36 rooms, accommodating 72 guests. In addition, the expansion will also include a new laundry, tool shed, convenience store, new multifunction hall, additional parking and kids outdoor play area. The proposed expansion will also necessitate the demolition of existing buildings to accommodate for proposed new development components.
In addition, the following associated services infrastructure will also be required • Extension of existing domestic water supply from irrigation canal (water pipeline) • Establishment of new effluent management system • Establishment of a stormwater management system • Establishment of rainwater harvesting system where possible (underground tank)
The total development footprint is anticipated to be approximately 5 ha and is proposed to extend across Portion 228 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113 and Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113. The above proposed project description is subject to specialist assessment. A detailed project description and proposed layout will be provided in the Draft Consultation Basic Assessment Report.
ALTERNATIVES AND SITE SELECTION A key component of the Basic Assessment process is the identification and assessment of reasonable and feasible alternatives. Reasonable and feasible alternatives as raised by I&APs, specialists and the technical team will be considered in the assessment process. The following alternatives have been identified and will be considered in the assessment process: • No-go alternative • Layout/ footprint alternatives • Land Use Alternatives - Agriculture • Alternatives as identified by I&APs
OVERVIEW OF THE BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations 2014 (as amended), published in GN R326, 327, 325 and 324, promulgated under Chapter Five of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMAA), and published in Government Gazette 40772 on the 7 April 2017, the project requires a Basic Assessment and Environmental Authorisation is required prior to the commencement of any activities on site. The table below lists potential listed activities in GN R327 and 324, which trigger the need for a Basic Assessment. A cautious approach has been adopted towards the identification of listed activities. Where there is currently uncertainty with regards to the applicability of a listed activity, it has been included in the table below, in terms of the following:
GN R327 – Listing Notice 1 requiring Basic Assessment Activity Project Component 24. The development of a road— The proposed expansion is likely to require the construction of new roads within the (ii) with a reserve wider than 13,5 meters, or development footprint. The length and width of where no reserve exists where the road is these roads may exceed 1 kilometre and 8 wider than 8 metres; metres respectively and will be determined through the assessment process. but excluding a road— The listed activity may require Environmental (c) which is 1 kilometre or shorter. Authoristion. The proposed expansion footprint measures 27. The clearance of an area of 1 hectares or approximately 5 hectares. While the majority of more, but less than 20 hectares of indigenous the site is currently utilised for agriculture and vegetation,… resort purposes, some of the vegetation within
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the proposed expansion area may be indigenous. The vegetation type and extent will be determined by a vegetation specialist through the assessment process.
The listed activity may require Environmental Authoristion. 28.Residential, mixed, retail, commercial, The proposed expansion includes components industrial or institutional developments where which could be considered residential (staff such land was used for agriculture, game housing), commercial (chalets, restaurant, hotel) farming, equestrian purposes or afforestation on and retail (convenience store). The area under or after 01 April 1998 and where such assessment is currently zoned Agriculture 1 and development: has been utilised for commercial agriculture since 1 April 1998. (ii) will occur outside an urban area, where the total land to be developed is bigger than 1 The proposed expansion will be located outside hectare; an urban area and is anticipated to be approximately 5 hectares. excluding where such land has already been developed for residential, mixed, retail, The listed activity will require Environmental commercial, industrial or institutional purposes. Authoristion. GN R324 – Listing Notice 3 requiring Basic Assessment Activity Project Component The proposed expansion is likely to require the 4. The development of a road wider than 4 construction of new roads within the metres with a reserve less than 13,5 metres. development footprint. The width of these roads may exceed 4 metres and will be determined a. Eastern Cape through the assessment process. i. Outside urban areas: The proposed expansion area falls within the Eastern Cape, outside an urban area and is (gg) Areas within 10 kilometres from national located approximately 3 kilometres from the parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant National from any other protected area identified in terms Park. The majority of the site is currently of NEMPAA or from the core areas of a cultivated fields and resort. biosphere reserve, excluding disturbed areas; The listed activity may require Environmental Authoristion. The proposed expansion is anticipated to be 12. The clearance of an area of 300 square approximately 5 hectares. While the majority of metres or more of indigenous vegetation except the site is currently utilised for agriculture and where such clearance of indigenous vegetation resort purposes, some of the vegetation within is required for maintenance purposes the proposed expansion area may be undertaken in accordance with a maintenance indigenous. In terms of VegMap SA mapping management plan. resources, the vegetation on the site has been identified as Albany Alluvial Vegetation which is a. Eastern Cape listed as an endangered ecosystem in terms of section 52 of the NEMBA. i. Within any critically endangered or endangered ecosystem listed in terms of section The vegetation type and extent will be 52 of the NEMBA or prior to the publication of determined by a vegetation specialist through such a list, within an area that has been the assessment process. identified as critically endangered in the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment 2004;… The listed activity may require Environmental Authoristion.
16. The expansion of reservoirs, excluding The proposed expansion will require the dams, where the capacity will be increased by construction of an additional 2 water reservoirs more than 250 cubic metres. with a capacity to store 283 cubic metres each.
Thus, the existing water storage capacity on site a. Eastern Cape will be increased by 566 cubic metres.
i. Outside urban areas:
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The proposed expansion area falls within the (hh) Areas within 10 kilometres from national Eastern Cape, outside an urban area and is parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres located approximately 3 kilometres from the from any other protected area identified in terms nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant National of NEMPAA or from the core area of a Park. biosphere reserve; or The listed activity will require Environmental Authoristion. 17. The expansion of a resort, lodge, hotel, The proposed facility will be expanded to tourism or hospitality facilities where the accommodate an additional 120 people within Development footprint will be expanded and the new chalets, a new caravan camping site and a expanded facility can accommodate an new hotel. In addition, staff housing will also be additional 15 people or more. provided for an additional 20 employees.
a. Eastern Cape The proposed expansion area falls within the
Eastern Cape, outside an urban area and is i. Outside urban areas: located approximately 3 kilometres from the
nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant National (gg) Areas within 10 kilometres from national Park. parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres
from any other protected area identified in terms The listed activity will require Environmental of NEMPAA or from the core area of a Authoristion. biosphere reserve;…
The applicability of all the listed activities indicated above will be determined through the assessment process. The listed activities require Environmental Authorisation from the DEDEAT prior to the commencement of any activities on the site. The environmental assessment needs to show the responsible authority, DEDEAT, and the project proponent, JN Venter Beleggings Trust, what the consequences of their choices will be in biophysical, social and economic terms.
Public Process Consultants has been appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the Basic Assessment for the project. Public involvement forms an important component of this process, by assisting in the identification of issues and alternatives to be evaluated. The assessment process being implemented can be divided into three phases namely: • Pre-Application Phase o Notification to DEDEAT (We Are Here) o Project announcement, registration of I&APs and comment period (30 days) (We Are Here) o Preliminary specialist input o Draft Consultation Basic Assessment Report review period (30 days) • Application and Basic Assessment Phase o Application Form prepared and submitted to DEDEAT o Consultation Basic Assessment Report review period (30 days) o Final Basic Assessment Report submitted to DEDEAT • Decision Making and Appeal Period
To meet the timeframes as prescribed in the EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), specialist studies to be included as part of this assessment process have already commenced in parallel with the Pre-application Phase. The following specialist studies are proposed to form part of the assessment process: • Bulk Services Assessment (roads, stormwater, effluent and water reticulation) • Traffic Impact Assessment • Aquatic Assessment • Vegetation Assessment • Phase 1 Archaeological Assessment • Desktop Palaeontological Assessment (Letter of Exemption)
Phase 1: Pre-Application Phase (Current Stage) • Project Announcement and Registration of I&APs (30 days) The first stage in the process entails notification to the DEDEAT, as well as I&APs of the intention to proceed with the Basic Assessment Process. Identified I&APs are provided with a Background Information Document (BID) on the project, a locality map and a comment form. An advertisement will be placed in a local newspaper
340 and a site notice board will be erected at the site. I&APs are required to register their interest in the project to receive further project information. I&APs will be provided with a 30-day period to register their interest and raise any issues for inclusion in the Draft Consultation Basic Assessment Report (Draft CBAR).
• Draft Consultation Basic Assessment Report (30 days) In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), the objective of the Basic Assessment Process is to, amongst others, through a consultative process: o determine policies and legislation relevant to the activity; o identify the alternatives considered; o describe the need and desirability of the proposed alternatives; o undertake an impact and risk assessment process focussing on the geographical, physical, biological, social, economic, heritage and cultural sensitivity of the site; o based on the impact assessment determine the preferred alternative, identify suitable mitigation measures and any residual risks that need to be managed or monitored.
A Draft CBAR will be compiled, which will include a Comments and Responses Trail – indicating the issues and concerns raised by I&APs during the 30-day project announcement period. The Draft CBAR will be made available for a 30-day review period. All registered I&APs will be notified in writing of the opportunity to comment. In order to assist I&APs with their understanding of the project and to facilitate the identification of issues for inclusion in the Consultation Basic Assessment Report (CBAR), I&APs will be provided with an executive summary of the Draft CBAR, as well as a comment form. Copies of the report will also be made available on the website www.publicprocess.co.za.
Phase 2: Application and Basic Assessment Phase (30 days) • Application Form and Consultation Basic Assessment Report (CBAR) In parallel to the compilation and submission of the application form, the Consultation Basic Assessment Report (CBAR) will be compiled which will include a Comments and Responses Trail – indicating the issues and concerns raised by I&APs during the 30-day project announcement period as well as the 30-day review of the Draft CBAR (Phase 1: Pre-application phase).
Subsequent to the submission of the application form to the competent authority, the CBAR will be released for a minimum, legislated 30-day comment period. All registered I&APs will be notified in writing of the opportunity to comment. In order to assist I&APs with their understanding of the project and to facilitate the identification of issues for inclusion in the Final Basic Assessment Report (FBAR), I&APs will be provided with an executive summary of the CBAR, as well as a comment form. Copies of the report will also be made available on the website www.publicprocess.co.za.
• Final Basic Assessment Report Submission The Final Basic Assessment Report (FBAR), including the Comments and Responses Trail and EMPr will be compiled for submission to the competent authority (DEDEAT) for their consideration. In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations 2014 (as amended) where Basic Assessment is applied to an application the applicant must within 90 days of receipt of the application by the competent authority, submit to the competent authority, a Basic Assessment Report, including specialist studies, which has been subject to a 30-day public participation process. This Basic Assessment Report should include all the comments received during the 30-day comment period. All I&APs on the project database will be notified in writing of the submission of the Final BAR.
Phase 3: Decision Making and Appeal Period The competent authority must within 107 days of receipt of the Basic Assessment report grant or refuse environmental authorisation. The applicant must, within 14 days of the date of the decision, notify all registered I&APs of the decision and provide them with access to the decision and reasons for the decision, as well as indicate the manner of appeal.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AS AN I&AP? 1. I&APs are required to respond to the letters of notification and/ or newspaper advertisements to register their interest on the project database and raise any issues or concerns. o By emailing, faxing or mailing a comment form to the participation consultant indicated below. o By registering your interest in the project, you will be kept informed of the process and will be notified of any opportunities to comment. 2. I&APs are required to state their area of interest and/ or concern in the matter. o By emailing, faxing or mailing a comment form to the public participation consultant indicated below.
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3. By telephonically contacting the public participation consultant if you have a query, comment, or require further project information. 4. By reviewing the Draft Reports and submitting any comments/ issues within the specified comment periods.
WHO SHOULD YOU CONTACT? Sandy Wren Public Process Consultants PO Box 27688 Greenacres 6057 Phone: 041-374 8426 or Fax: 041-373 2002 Email : [email protected]
Information on the project can be downloaded from the following website: www.publicprocess.co.za
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Locality Map: Proposed Expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portions 228 and a portion of Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality.
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• CORRESPONDENCE TO DEDEAT: SUBMISSION OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR DEDEAT APPROVAL
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Thursday, 09 July 2020 12:00 To: 'Andries Struwig'; Dayalan Govender; Charmaine Struwig Cc: Sandra Wren; JP Hechter; '[email protected]' Subject: SUBMISSION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR APPROVAL: BASIC ASSESSMENT - PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTION 228 TO A PORTION OF PORTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO 113, ADDO, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY Attachments: Africanos - DEDEAT - PP Plan - FINAL - 9July2020.pdf
Morning Andries / Jeff
SUBMISSION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR APPROVAL: BASIC ASSESSMENT - PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTION 228 TO A PORTION OF PORTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO 113, ADDO, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY
As per GN 650, Annexure 3, published in Government Gazette 43412 on the 5 June 2020, please find hereunder the Public Participation Plan for approval, for the project indicated above. This plan has been prepared in line with Annexure 3 of GN 650 and in order to meet with the requirements of Chapter 6 of the EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended) and Regulations issued in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act (57/2002), published on 29 April 2020 in GN R480 of Government Gazette No. 43258
As per the attached, please note that the Public Participation for this project commenced on the 8 August 2019, prior to the initial 21 day Lockdown and this has been considered and outlined in the attached documentation.
If you have any questions or queries please contact myself or Marisa.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
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● LETTER 1: NOTICE OF INTENTION TO COMMENCE WITH A BA PROCESS TO I&APs PO Box 27688 Greenacres 6057 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale, PE 6001 Phone 041 374 8426 Fax 041 373 2002 Email [email protected] Ck 97/32984/23 VAT 44601 68273
8 August 2019
«Title» «Name» «Surname» «Organisation_and_Position» «Address1» «Address2» «City» «Code»
Dear «Title» «Surname»
RE: NOTICE OF BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS: PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTION 228 TO A PORTION OF PORTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO 113, ADDO, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), published in GN R326, 327, 325 and 324, promulgated under Chapter Five of the National Environmental Management Act (as amended), you have been identified as an Interested and/ or Affected Party (I&AP) for the above project. The project proponent, JN Venter Beleggings Trust, proposes to expand the existing Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113. onto a portion of the adjacent property, namely, Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, measuring 5 hectares in extent. The majority of the proposed expansion is to take place on this adjacent portion of land and, where possible, will tie into existing infrastructure, subject to the outcome of the various specialist assessments. The property is in the process of being transferred to the JN Venter Beleggings Trust and will in future be allocated a new property number.
In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), published in GN R326, 327, 325 and 324, promulgated under Chapter Five of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMAA), and published in Government Gazette 40772 on the 7 April 2017, the project requires a Basic Assessment (BA), because it triggers, amongst others, the following listed activity, in Listing Notice 3 (GN R324): “17. The expansion of a resort, lodge, hotel, tourism or hospitality facilities where the development footprint will be expanded and the expanded facility can accommodate an additional 15 people or more. a. Eastern Cape i. Outside urban areas: (gg) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core area of a biosphere reserve;”
A full list of the listed activities which may be triggered by the proposed development and which require Environmental Authorisation are contained in the accompanying Background Information Document (BID). In addition, application may have to be made for a Water Use Licence in terms of Section 21 water uses as stipulated in the Water Use Licence Application and Appeals Regulations, 2017 published in GN R267. Public Process Consultants has been appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake Basic Assessment for this project. You have been identified as an I&AP for the above project and have been included on the project I&AP database. In order to ensure that any issues and/ or concerns you may have are included in the Draft Consultation Basic Assessment Report, you are kindly requested to submit any comments to the EAP indicated above, during the 32-day comment period, which extends from the 08 August to 09 September 2019. To assist you in the submission of your comments, we have enclosed with this correspondence a Background Information Document including a locality map as well as a comment form. Further project information can be accessed on the website www.publicprocess.co.za.
We look forward to your input and participation in this process. Should you have any queries, please contact Sandy Wren, Marisa Jacoby or JP Hechter using the contact details provided above.
Yours sincerely
SANDY WREN EIA PROJECT LEADER
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● COMMENT FORM MAILED WITH LETTER 1
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• BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT MAILED WITH LETTER 1
BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Africanos Country Estate Expansion Proposed Expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portion 228 to a Portion of Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality
BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT: August 2019
INTRODUCTION The proponent, JN Venter Beleggings Trust, proposes to expand the existing Africanos Country Estate, Addo Sundays River Valley Municipality. The existing resort, consisting of, amongst others, the Africanos Inn, restaurant, chalets, function rooms, staff housing and associated infrastructure is located on Portion 228 of Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, and measures 1.16 hectares in extent. The JN Venter Beleggings Trust proposes to expand the existing resort onto a portion of the adjacent property, namely, Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113, measuring 5 hectares in extent. The majority of the proposed expansion is to take place on this adjacent portion of land and, where possible, will tie into existing infrastructure, subject to the outcome of the various specialist assessments. The property is in the process of being transferred to the JN Venter Beleggings Trust and will in future be allocated a new property number.
In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), published in GN R326, 327, 325 and 324, promulgated under Chapter Five of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMAA), and published in Government Gazette 40772 on the 7 April 2017, the project requires a Basic Assessment, because it triggers, amongst others, the following listed activity, in Listing Notice 3 (GN R324):
“17. The expansion of a resort, lodge, hotel, tourism or hospitality facilities where the development footprint will be expanded and the expanded facility can accommodate an additional 15 people or more. a. Eastern Cape i. Outside urban areas: (gg) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core area of a biosphere reserve;”
PROJECT LOCALITY The area under assessment consists of the existing Africanos Country Estate which is located on Portion 228 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113 and the adjacent Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113. The area under assessment is located approximately 3.5 kilometres west of the town of Addo. The nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant National Park is located approximately 3 kilometres east of the proposed expansion area. The area under assessment can be accessed off the R336, approximately 3.2 kilometers from the intersection of the R336 and the R335. A locality map has been attached to this BID.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THIS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS? In terms of regulation 42(b) of Government Notice R326, interested and affected parties (I&APs) are to request in writing that their names be placed on the register of interested and affected parties. To register as an I&AP, complete the comment and registration form included with this correspondence or submit your contact details (via fax or email), stating your full name, address and contact numbers, to the consultant indicated in this documentation. In terms of regulation 43(1), a registered I&AP is entitled to comment in writing on all reports and plans submitted as part of the public participation process and raise any issues which may be of significance to the consideration of the application. Additionally, I&APs are required to disclose any direct business, financial, personal or other interest which they may have in the approval or refusal of the application. By registering on the project register, you will be notified as and when information on the project is available for I&AP review and comment.
WHAT DOES THIS DOCUMENT TELL YOU?
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This document provides you, as an I&AP, with background information on the proposed project, the Basic Assessment, as well as Public Participation process that will be undertaken. It indicates how you can become involved in the project, receive information and raise issues that may interest and/ or concern you. The sharing of information forms an important component of the Public Participation Process and provides you with the opportunity to become actively involved in the Basic Assessment process from the outset. Public Participation is an important component of the Basic Assessment process and together with scientific investigations assists the competent authority, in this instance the Department of Economic Development Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), Sarah Baartman Region, with their decision-making.
PROJECT OVERVIEW The proposed expansion includes the addition of 12 chalets accommodating 24 additional guests, staff housing to accommodate 20 additional employees, 12 new caravan camping sites (with a new separate access point) which can accommodate 24 campers, and a double storey hotel with 36 rooms, accommodating 72 guests. In addition, the expansion will also include a new laundry, tool shed, convenience store, new multifunction hall, additional parking and kids outdoor play area. The proposed expansion will also necessitate the demolition of existing buildings to accommodate for proposed new development components.
In addition, the following associated services infrastructure will also be required • Extension of existing domestic water supply from irrigation canal (water pipeline) • Establishment of new effluent management system • Establishment of a stormwater management system • Establishment of rainwater harvesting system where possible (underground tank)
The total development footprint is anticipated to be approximately 5 ha and is proposed to extend across Portion 228 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113 and Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113. The above proposed project description is subject to specialist assessment. A detailed project description and proposed layout will be provided in the Draft Consultation Basic Assessment Report.
ALTERNATIVES AND SITE SELECTION A key component of the Basic Assessment process is the identification and assessment of reasonable and feasible alternatives. Reasonable and feasible alternatives as raised by I&APs, specialists and the technical team will be considered in the assessment process. The following alternatives have been identified and will be considered in the assessment process: • No-go alternative • Layout/ footprint alternatives • Land Use Alternatives - Agriculture • Alternatives as identified by I&APs
OVERVIEW OF THE BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations 2014 (as amended), published in GN R326, 327, 325 and 324, promulgated under Chapter Five of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMAA), and published in Government Gazette 40772 on the 7 April 2017, the project requires a Basic Assessment and Environmental Authorisation is required prior to the commencement of any activities on site. The table below lists potential listed activities in GN R327 and 324, which trigger the need for a Basic Assessment. A cautious approach has been adopted towards the identification of listed activities. Where there is currently uncertainty with regards to the applicability of a listed activity, it has been included in the table below, in terms of the following:
GN R327 – Listing Notice 1 requiring Basic Assessment Activity Project Component 24. The development of a road— The proposed expansion is likely to require the
construction of new roads within the (ii) with a reserve wider than 13,5 meters, or where no development footprint. The length and width of reserve exists where the road is wider than 8 metres; these roads may exceed 1 kilometre and 8
metres respectively and will be determined but excluding a road— through the assessment process.
(c) which is 1 kilometre or shorter.
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The listed activity may require Environmental Authoristion. The proposed expansion footprint measures approximately 5 hectares. While the majority of the site is currently utilised for agriculture and resort purposes, some of the vegetation within the proposed expansion area may be 27. The clearance of an area of 1 hectares or more, but indigenous. The vegetation type and extent will less than 20 hectares of indigenous vegetation,… be determined by a vegetation specialist through the assessment process.
The listed activity may require Environmental Authoristion. The proposed expansion includes components 28.Residential, mixed, retail, commercial, industrial or which could be considered residential (staff institutional developments where such land was used for housing), commercial (chalets, restaurant, agriculture, game farming, equestrian purposes or hotel) and retail (convenience store). The area afforestation on or after 01 April 1998 and where such under assessment is currently zoned development: Agriculture 1 and has been utilised for commercial agriculture since 1 April 1998. (ii) will occur outside an urban area, where the total land to be developed is bigger than 1 hectare; The proposed expansion will be located outside an urban area and is anticipated to be excluding where such land has already been developed approximately 5 hectares. for residential, mixed, retail, commercial, industrial or institutional purposes. The listed activity will require Environmental Authoristion. GN R324 – Listing Notice 3 requiring Basic Assessment Activity Project Component The proposed expansion is likely to require the 4. The development of a road wider than 4 metres with a construction of new roads within the reserve less than 13,5 metres. development footprint. The width of these roads may exceed 4 metres and will be a. Eastern Cape determined through the assessment process. i. Outside urban areas: The proposed expansion area falls within the Eastern Cape, outside an urban area and is (gg) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or located approximately 3 kilometres from the world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from National Park. The majority of the site is the core areas of a biosphere reserve, excluding currently cultivated fields and resort. disturbed areas; The listed activity may require Environmental Authoristion. The proposed expansion is anticipated to be approximately 5 hectares. While the majority of 12. The clearance of an area of 300 square metres or the site is currently utilised for agriculture and more of indigenous vegetation except resort purposes, some of the vegetation within where such clearance of indigenous vegetation is the proposed expansion area may be required for maintenance purposes undertaken in indigenous. In terms of VegMap SA mapping accordance with a maintenance management plan. resources, the vegetation on the site has been identified as Albany Alluvial Vegetation which is a. Eastern Cape listed as an endangered ecosystem in terms of section 52 of the NEMBA. i. Within any critically endangered or endangered ecosystem listed in terms of section 52 of the NEMBA or The vegetation type and extent will be prior to the publication of such a list, within an area that determined by a vegetation specialist through has been identified as critically endangered in the the assessment process. National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment 2004;… The listed activity may require Environmental Authoristion.
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The proposed expansion will require the 16. The expansion of reservoirs, excluding dams, where construction of an additional 2 water reservoirs the capacity will be increased by more than 250 cubic with a capacity to store 283 cubic metres each. metres. Thus, the existing water storage capacity on
site will be increased by 566 cubic metres. a. Eastern Cape
The proposed expansion area falls within the i. Outside urban areas: Eastern Cape, outside an urban area and is
located approximately 3 kilometres from the (hh) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other National Park. protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from
the core area of a biosphere reserve; or The listed activity will require
Environmental Authoristion. The proposed facility will be expanded to 17. The expansion of a resort, lodge, hotel, tourism or accommodate an additional 120 people within hospitality facilities where the Development footprint will new chalets, a new caravan camping site and a be expanded and the expanded facility can new hotel. In addition, staff housing will also be accommodate an additional 15 people or more. provided for an additional 20 employees.
a. Eastern Cape The proposed expansion area falls within the
Eastern Cape, outside an urban area and is i. Outside urban areas: located approximately 3 kilometres from the
nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant (gg) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or National Park. world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other
protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from The listed activity will require the core area of a biosphere reserve;… Environmental Authoristion.
The applicability of all the listed activities indicated above will be determined through the assessment process. The listed activities require Environmental Authorisation from the DEDEAT prior to the commencement of any activities on the site. The environmental assessment needs to show the responsible authority, DEDEAT, and the project proponent, JN Venter Beleggings Trust, what the consequences of their choices will be in biophysical, social and economic terms.
Public Process Consultants has been appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the Basic Assessment for the project. Public involvement forms an important component of this process, by assisting in the identification of issues and alternatives to be evaluated. The assessment process being implemented can be divided into three phases namely: • Pre-Application Phase o Notification to DEDEAT (We Are Here) o Project announcement, registration of I&APs and comment period (30 days) (We Are Here) o Preliminary specialist input o Draft Consultation Basic Assessment Report review period (30 days) • Application and Basic Assessment Phase o Application Form prepared and submitted to DEDEAT o Consultation Basic Assessment Report review period (30 days) o Final Basic Assessment Report submitted to DEDEAT • Decision Making and Appeal Period
To meet the timeframes as prescribed in the EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), specialist studies to be included as part of this assessment process have already commenced in parallel with the Pre-application Phase. The following specialist studies are proposed to form part of the assessment process: • Bulk Services Assessment (roads, stormwater, effluent and water reticulation) • Traffic Impact Assessment • Aquatic Assessment • Vegetation Assessment • Phase 1 Archaeological Assessment • Desktop Palaeontological Assessment (Letter of Exemption)
Phase 1: Pre-Application Phase (Current Stage)
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• Project Announcement and Registration of I&APs (30 days) The first stage in the process entails notification to the DEDEAT, as well as I&APs of the intention to proceed with the Basic Assessment Process. Identified I&APs are provided with a Background Information Document (BID) on the project, a locality map and a comment form. An advertisement will be placed in a local newspaper and a site notice board will be erected at the site. I&APs are required to register their interest in the project to receive further project information. I&APs will be provided with a 30-day period to register their interest and raise any issues for inclusion in the Draft Consultation Basic Assessment Report (Draft CBAR).
• Draft Consultation Basic Assessment Report (30 days) In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), the objective of the Basic Assessment Process is to, amongst others, through a consultative process: o determine policies and legislation relevant to the activity; o identify the alternatives considered; o describe the need and desirability of the proposed alternatives; o undertake an impact and risk assessment process focussing on the geographical, physical, biological, social, economic, heritage and cultural sensitivity of the site; o based on the impact assessment determine the preferred alternative, identify suitable mitigation measures and any residual risks that need to be managed or monitored.
A Draft CBAR will be compiled, which will include a Comments and Responses Trail – indicating the issues and concerns raised by I&APs during the 30-day project announcement period. The Draft CBAR will be made available for a 30-day review period. All registered I&APs will be notified in writing of the opportunity to comment. In order to assist I&APs with their understanding of the project and to facilitate the identification of issues for inclusion in the Consultation Basic Assessment Report (CBAR), I&APs will be provided with an executive summary of the Draft CBAR, as well as a comment form. Copies of the report will also be made available on the website www.publicprocess.co.za.
Phase 2: Application and Basic Assessment Phase (30 days) • Application Form and Consultation Basic Assessment Report (CBAR) In parallel to the compilation and submission of the application form, the Consultation Basic Assessment Report (CBAR) will be compiled which will include a Comments and Responses Trail – indicating the issues and concerns raised by I&APs during the 30-day project announcement period as well as the 30-day review of the Draft CBAR (Phase 1: Pre-application phase).
Subsequent to the submission of the application form to the competent authority, the CBAR will be released for a minimum, legislated 30-day comment period. All registered I&APs will be notified in writing of the opportunity to comment. In order to assist I&APs with their understanding of the project and to facilitate the identification of issues for inclusion in the Final Basic Assessment Report (FBAR), I&APs will be provided with an executive summary of the CBAR, as well as a comment form. Copies of the report will also be made available on the website www.publicprocess.co.za.
• Final Basic Assessment Report Submission The Final Basic Assessment Report (FBAR), including the Comments and Responses Trail and EMPr will be compiled for submission to the competent authority (DEDEAT) for their consideration. In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations 2014 (as amended) where Basic Assessment is applied to an application the applicant must within 90 days of receipt of the application by the competent authority, submit to the competent authority, a Basic Assessment Report, including specialist studies, which has been subject to a 30-day public participation process. This Basic Assessment Report should include all the comments received during the 30-day comment period. All I&APs on the project database will be notified in writing of the submission of the Final BAR.
Phase 3: Decision Making and Appeal Period The competent authority must within 107 days of receipt of the Basic Assessment report grant or refuse environmental authorisation. The applicant must, within 14 days of the date of the decision, notify all registered I&APs of the decision and provide them with access to the decision and reasons for the decision, as well as indicate the manner of appeal.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AS AN I&AP? 5. I&APs are required to respond to the letters of notification and/ or newspaper advertisements to register their interest on the project database and raise any issues or concerns. o By emailing, faxing or mailing a comment form to the participation consultant indicated below.
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o By registering your interest in the project, you will be kept informed of the process and will be notified of any opportunities to comment. 6. I&APs are required to state their area of interest and/ or concern in the matter. o By emailing, faxing or mailing a comment form to the public participation consultant indicated below. 7. By telephonically contacting the public participation consultant if you have a query, comment, or require further project information. 8. By reviewing the Draft Reports and submitting any comments/ issues within the specified comment periods.
WHO SHOULD YOU CONTACT? Sandy Wren Public Process Consultants PO Box 27688 Greenacres 6057 Phone: 041-374 8426 or Fax: 041-373 2002 Email : [email protected]
Information on the project can be downloaded from the following website: www.publicprocess.co.za
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Locality Map: Proposed Expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portions 228 and a portion of Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality.
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● LETTER 1: EMAIL SENT TO ALL I&APS
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APPENDIX G(iv): CORRESPONDENCE FROM I&APS AND AUTHORITIES
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT AND REGISTRATION PHASE ● CORRESPONDENCE FROM ORGANS OF STATE AND STATE DEPARTMENTS
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CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED DURING THE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT AND REGISTRATION PHASE ● CORRESPONDENCE FROM ORGANS OF STATE AND STATE DEPARTMENTS
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● CORRESPONDENCE FROM I&APS
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Monday, 12 August 2019 11:25 To: 'Natasha' Subject: RE: NOTICE OF BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS: PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTION 228 TO A PORTION OF PORTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO 113, ADDO, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY
Morning Natasha
Receipt of the comment form is hereby acknowledged and Mr Dirk Ferreira will remain registered as an I&AP and will continue to receive correspondence throughout the Basic Assessment Process.
Thank you.
Marisa Jacoby Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Natasha
Morning
Please see attached
Regards
Natasha Smith
PO Box 326 ADDO 6105 Tel: 042-0070306 [email protected]
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From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Monday, 12 August 2019 08:52 To: 'Etienne Greeff' Subject: RE: NOTICE OF BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS: PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTION 228 TO A PORTION OF PORTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO 113, ADDO, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY
Morning Etienne
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Thank you for pointing that out. We will be sure to get the correct boundaries from the surveyor when these become available.
Thanks.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Etienne Greeff
Good morning Marisa
Thank you for the information, I shall complete the form on Monday.
I just wish to point out that the sketch of the property to be subdivided is not accurate. I am not sure how important it is for the purposes of your basic assessment process, but I suggest that you ask the Venters for an accurate drawing and size of the property to be sub-divided.
Kind regards
Etienne Greeff Financial Director ∣ Sundays River Citrus Company (Pty) Ltd t: +27 42 233 0320 m: +27 83 508 7728 w: www.srcc.co.za
From: Etienne Greeff
Thanks Marisa
From: Marisa Jacoby
Hi Etienne
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Yes, we have you as the representative registered on the I&AP database. Our last correspondence to I&APs was on 8 August 2019, you would have been sent an email as well as a hard copy sent via normal mail..
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Etienne Greeff
Good afternoon Marisa
Has Sundays River Citrus Company, existing owner of the property to be sub-divided, and of the adjacent property, been registered as an I&AP?
Kind regards
Etienne Greeff Financial Director ∣ Sundays River Citrus Company (Pty) Ltd t: +27 42 233 0320 m: +27 83 508 7728 w: www.srcc.co.za
From: Sandra Wren Sent: 13 August 2019 09:18 AM To: 'Wilma Boshoff' Subject: RE: Basic Assessment Process
Hi Wilma
Thank you for the comment form received. We will ensure that Etienne remains on the database for this project and is notified of the various stages to comment during the assessment process.
Regards
Sandy Wren Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road, Adcockvale, PE, 6001 PO Box 27688, Greenacres, 6057 041 374 8426 (p) 041 373 2002 (f) 082 4909 828 (cell) [email protected] www.publicprocess.co.za
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From: Wilma Boshoff [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 12 August 2019 02:12 PM To: Sandra Wren
Good day Sandy Attached please find the signed and completed Basic Assessment Process document.
Kind regards,
Wilma Boshoff Personal Assistant to FD ∣ Sundays River Citrus Company (Pty) Ltd t: +27 87 700 4462 x 207 m: +27 64 900 2429 w: www.srcc.co.za
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From: Rudi Herholdt
Noted
Rudi Herholdt Sundays River Valley Municipality Manager: Infrastructure Planning & Development Work no: 042 2307733 Cell: 0839688168 Email: [email protected]
From: Steri Ndyenga
Good morning JP,
I confirm that the details written below are correct here is the landline number 042 233 410
Kind regards Buyiswa
From: JP Hechter
Good morning Buysiwa,
Thank you for you reply.
Could you kindly confirm the following details for our interested & affected parties database so that we can supply you with the necessary correspondence in the future.
Propert Landown Contact Postal Teleph Cellphone Email y er Person Address one Sundays Buyiswa Private Bag River Ndyenga: 081 020 [email protected]. 42 / 113 X24, Addo,
Farming General 7200 za 6105 Trust Manager
From: Steri Ndyenga
Good morning JP,
Yes SRFT is the landowner of portion 42 and we are farming with citrus
Kind regards Buyiswa Ndyenga
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From: JP Hechter
Dear Buyiswa,
We are the appointed environmental consultants to undertake the environmental assessment process required for the proposed Expansion of Africanos Country Estate on Portions 228 to a Portion of Potion 74 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, Addo, Sundays River Valley Municipality.
We have confirmed with Mr. Frikkie Olivier that the Sundays River Farming Trust is involved in citrus production on portion 42. Could you confirm that the SRFT is the tenant or landowner of this portion. If not the landowner, would it be possible to provided us with the contact details of the landowners.
Regards,
JP Hechter (BSc Hons) Jnr Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 072 275 4212 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
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CONFIRMATION OF THE PREFERRED METHOD OF COMMUNICATION IN PREPARATION OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN AS PER GN 650, ANNEXURE 3, PUBLISHED IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE 43412 ON THE 5 JUNE 2020
● PREFERRED METHOD OF COMMUNICATION AS CONFIRMED WITH ORGANS OF STATE / STATE DEPARTMENTS
Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT): Biodiversity Unit From: Thembinkosi Tyali
Hi Ms Jacobs Receipt of your email is acknowledged.
Regards,
Thembinkosi
From: Marisa Jacoby
Morning Mr Dali
Since we have not received a reply to our email sent on 22 June 2020 and again on 1 July 2020 (see below), we would like to recommend that the method to be used to provide you with copies of the reports be an emailed link to the reports on our website. Given that you received the previous email (see attached delivery receipt), this is deemed to be an acceptable method of delivery, unless otherwise indicated by you in response to this email. For the same reason, we assume you have internet access and are able to access the reports on our website, unless otherwise indicated by you in response to this email.
We trust you will find the above acceptable.
Please feel free to contact us should you wish to query the above or indicate an alternative format for receipt of copies of the reports.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road
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Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Wednesday, 01 July 2020 15:47 To: [email protected]; [email protected] Cc: Dayalan Govender
Afternoon Mr Dali
I am resending this email as Mr Tyali said your data should update today. We need your urgent response so that we can proceed with several applications.
Previously we would have provided you with hard copies of reports for you to review and provide comment, where necessary. However, due to the current situation created by the pandemic we are re- examining the way we would normally conduct public participation.
On June 5 2020 EIA Regulations pertaining to the issuing of permits, licences, authorisations and conducting of public participation were published by National DEFF. Annexure 3 of the Regulations requires that a public participation plan be drawn up by the EAPs and submitted to the DEDEAT for approval prior to the conducting of any public participation during the National State of Disaster. In this regard, we are required to confirm with all I&APs, Organs of State and State Departments on the databases for all of our projects the following: 1. The preferred method of receipt of the reports (ie. hard copies, CD, email, link to the reports on the website). 2. If the preferred method is electronically (via email or website link), the ability of the I&AP/Organ of State/State Department to view and/or download reports (ie. if the commentator has sufficient data)
Please can you indicate what will be your preferred method to receive reports for you to comment / review as a State Department? In addition, should you wish to receive the reports electronically, via email, or view/download them on the website, please can you confirm that you will have sufficient data to do so?
PREFERRED FORMAT PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” Hard Copy (couriered or hand delivered)
CD (couriered or hand delivered) Emailed Copy (potential size constraints for
Organs of State) Emailed link to reports on the website.
We Transfer
PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” YES NO
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Sufficient Data to view /
download reports
Your timeous response to the above request will be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za Department of Water and Sanitation From: Dweni Ncamile (PLZ)
Yes, agreed
Kind regards,
Ncamile Dweni (Mr.) Pr.Sci.Nat. Scientist Production Directorate: Planning and Information Department of Water and Sanitation: Port Elizabeth Office 140 Govan Mbeki Avenue Starport Building 7th Floor Tel: 041 501 0700 (ext. 729) Mobile: 082 953 2313 Fax: 041 586 4210 Postal address: Private Bag X6041 Port Elizabeth 6000 It is always better to be a follower who has leadership skills than to lead without leadership skills ῀ ND
"The information contained in this email is strictly confidential and may contain confidential and/or personal information. It is meant solely for the intended recipient. Access to this email by anyone else other than the intended recipient is unauthorised. If you are not the intended recipient, any processing of the email or the information contained therein (including disclosure, copying, distribution, storage) or any action taken or omitted in reliance thereon, is prohibited and may be unlawful. Please notify the sender immediately by email if you erroneously received this email and promptly
377 delete this email from your system. The views expressed in this email are, unless otherwise stated, those of the author and not those of the Department of Water and Sanitation or its management.”
From: Marisa Jacoby [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 17 June 2020 11:25 AM To: Bloem Marisa; Dweni Ncamile (PLZ) Cc: Mpumela Ntombiyamayirha(PLZ) Subject: EIA Applications: DWS commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Mr Dweni
I spoke to Marisa Bloem this morning regarding a way forward with regards to providing reports to DWS to comment on / review during EIA applications, given the current Covid-19 pandemic.
On June 5 2020 EIA Regulations pertaining to the issuing of permits, licences authorisations and conducting of public participation were published by National DEFF (see attached). Annexure 3 of the Regulations requires that a public participation plan be drawn up by the EAPs and submitted to the DEDEAT for approval prior to the conducting of any public participation during the National State of Disaster. In this regard, we are required to confirm with all I&APs, Organs of State and State Departments on the databases for all of our projects the following: 1. The preferred method of receipt of the reports (ie. hard copies, CD, email, website link). 2. If the preferred method is electronically (via email or website link), the ability of the I&AP/Organ of State/State Department to view and/or download reports (ie. if the commentator has sufficient data)
Ms Bloem has indicated that, since the majority of our applications relate to Section 21 (c) and (i), you should be added to our project databases. In addition, she indicated that the preferred method to receive reports, at this time, would be via an email containing a link to the reports on our website.
Please can you confirm that this is in order with you and that you will have sufficient data to download / view the reports on our website.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za South African National Parks From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Thursday, 18 June 2020 15:06 To: 'Maretha Alant' Subject: RE: EIA Applications: SANParks commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Thank you Maretha.
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Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Maretha Alant
Hi Marisa I have sufficient data and Wi-Fi to download documents from the website or drop box. Email is best as I am working from home and only attend occasional site visits. Regards Maretha
From: Marisa Jacoby [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 18 June 2020 10:29 AM To: Maretha Alant Subject: EIA Applications: SANParks commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Ms Alant
This email serves to confirm our telephonic discussion of this morning.
You have indicated that the format in which you would prefer to receive copies of reports for you review/ comment is via email. Since the size of the reports can be very large at times we would like to recommend that we will send an emailed link to the reports on our website for you to view/download them from there.
DEDEAT has requested that we also confirm that you have sufficient data to view/download these reports from the website.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Monday, 22 June 2020 09:57 To: [email protected]
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Cc: Catherine Dreyer Subject: SANParks Representatives for commenting on Reports
Morning Mr Padayachee
This email serves to confirm our telephonic discussion of this morning.
You have indicated that you would like to be replaced on all our I&AP databases, by Ms Catherine Dreyer (cc’ed) and that she will be providing comments on Basic Assessments and EIAs, as the SANParks representative for all projects that occur within 10kms of Addo Elephant National Park.
You have requested that you be de-registered from all of our databases and wish to no longer receive any correspondence.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our discussion.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Wednesday, 24 June 2020 08:49 To: Catherine Dreyer Subject: RE: EIA Applications: SANParks commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Cathy
Thank you for your response.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Catherine Dreyer
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Evening Marisa,
Reports can be sent via email or via a link to the report on the website. I can confirm that I will have sufficient data/Wi-Fi to download and view the reports.
Kind Regards, Cathy.
Cathy Dreyer Conservation Manager Addo Elephant National Park PO Box 52, Addo, 6105 R335 Paterson Road, Addo Tel: 042 233 8606 Mobile: 072 418 5810 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sanparks.org
From: Marisa Jacoby [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 22 June 2020 9:59 AM To: Catherine Dreyer
Morning Ms Dreyer
Mr Padayachee has requested that we include you on our I&AP databases as a representative for SANParks, where Basic Assessment or EIA processes are undertaken within 10km from Addo Elephant National Park. Previously we would have provided Organs of State with electronic copies of the reports on CD for them to review and provide comment, where necessary. However, due to the current situation created by the pandemic we are re-examining the way we would normally conduct public participation.
On June 5 2020 EIA Regulations pertaining to the issuing of permits, licences, authorisations and conducting of public participation were published by National DEFF (see attached). Annexure 3 of the Regulations requires that a public participation plan be drawn up by the EAPs and submitted to the DEDEAT for approval prior to the conducting of any public participation during the National State of Disaster. In this regard, we are required to confirm with all I&APs, Organs of State and State Departments on the databases for all of our projects the following: 1. The preferred method of receipt of the reports (ie. hard copies, CD, email, link to the reports on the website). 2. If the preferred method is electronically (via email or website link), the ability of the I&AP/Organ of State/State Department to view and/or download reports (ie. if the commentator has sufficient data)
Please can you indicate what will be your preferred method to receive correspondence on reports? In addition, please can you confirm that you will have sufficient data to view/download the reports on the website?
Your timeous response to the above request will be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants
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120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Tuesday, 30 June 2020 11:36 To: Charlene Bissett Subject: RE: EIA Applications: SANParks commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Charlene
Thank you for your response.
We will be sure to send you electronic copies of the reports via email, as requested below.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Charlene Bissett
Hi Marisa,
Please see my response below.
Regards Charlene
Dr Charlene Bissett Regional Ecologist (Addo Elephant, Mountain Zebra, Karoo, Camdeboo NPs) Scientific Services South African National Parks (SANParks) Kimberley Tel: 053 802 1914 Cell: 083 661 7291 www.sanparks.org
From: Marisa Jacoby
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To: Charlene Bissett
Morning Ms Bissett
Mr Russell Smart has requested that we include you on our I&AP databases as a representative for SANParks, where Basic Assessment or EIA processes are undertaken within 10km from Addo Elephant National Park. Previously we would have provided Organs of State with electronic copies of the reports on CD for them to review and provide comment, where necessary. However, due to the current situation created by the pandemic we are re-examining the way we would normally conduct public participation.
On June 5 2020 EIA Regulations pertaining to the issuing of permits, licences, authorisations and conducting of public participation were published by National DEFF. Annexure 3 of the Regulations requires that a public participation plan be drawn up by the EAPs and submitted to the DEDEAT for approval prior to the conducting of any public participation during the National State of Disaster. In this regard, we are required to confirm with all I&APs, Organs of State and State Departments on the databases for all of our projects the following: 1. The preferred method of receipt of the reports (ie. hard copies, CD, email, link to the reports on the website). 2. If the preferred method is electronically (via email or website link), the ability of the I&AP/Organ of State/State Department to view and/or download reports (ie. if the commentator has sufficient data)
Please can you indicate what will be your preferred method to receive correspondence on reports? In addition, please can you confirm that you will have sufficient data to view/download the reports on the website?
PREFERRED FORMAT PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” Hard Copy (couriered or hand delivered)
CD (couriered or hand delivered) Emailed Copy (potential size constraints for X Organs of State) Emailed link to reports on the website.
PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” YES NO Sufficient Data to view / download reports X
Your timeous response to the above request will be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth
383
Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Russel Smart
Perfect. Thanks. Russell. From: Marisa Jacoby [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 26 June 2020 10:59 To: Russel Smart
Morning Mr Smart
This email serves to confirm our telephonic discussion of this morning.
You have indicated that an emailed link to the reports on our website is an acceptable format in which to receive reports.
You have also confirmed that you have sufficient data to view/download these reports from the website.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our telephonic discussion.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za Sundays River Valley Municipality From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Wednesday, 08 July 2020 09:12 To: [email protected] Subject: EIA Applications: SRVM commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format Attachments: Relayed: EIA Applications: SRVM commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format; Relayed: EIA Applications: SRVM commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format Importance: High
Morning Mr Fadi
384
Since we have not received a reply to our email sent on 17 June 2020 and again on 22 June 2020 (see below), we would like to recommend that the method to be used to provide you with copies of the reports be an emailed link to the reports on our website. Given that you received the previous email (see attached delivery receipts), this is deemed to be an acceptable method of delivery, unless otherwise indicated by you in response to this email. For the same reason, we assume you have internet access and are able to access the reports on our website, unless otherwise indicated by you in response to this email.
The following SRVM representatives are also registered on our I&AP databases, where relevant: Mr Rudi Herholdt – Infrastructure Planning and Development Ms Lithakazi Kobese – Town Planning Mr Xola Mntonintshi – Infrastructure Planning and Development Ms Susan Fourie – Archives Manager
These representatives will also be receiving copies of the reports via an emailed link to the reports on our website.
We trust you will find the above acceptable.
Please feel free to contact us should you wish to query the above or indicate an alternative format for receipt of copies of the reports.
Thank you. Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Monday, 22 June 2020 11:51 To: [email protected] Subject: EIA Applications: SRVM commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Mr Fadi
I trust this email finds you well. We have been unable to reach you on the phone and are thus attempting to contact you via email.
Previously we would have provided you with electronic copies of reports on CD for you to review and provide comment, where necessary. However, due to the current situation created by the pandemic we are re-examining the way we would normally conduct public participation.
On June 5 2020 EIA Regulations pertaining to the issuing of permits, licences, authorisations and conducting of public participation were published by National DEFF. Annexure 3 of the Regulations requires that a public participation plan be drawn up by the EAPs and submitted to the DEDEAT for approval prior to the conducting of any public participation during the National State of Disaster. In this regard, we are required to confirm with all I&APs, Organs of State and State Departments on the databases for all of our projects the following: 1. The preferred method of receipt of the reports (ie. hard copies, CD, email, link to the reports on the website).
385
2. If the preferred method is electronically (via email or website link), the ability of the I&AP/Organ of State/State Department to view and/or download reports (ie. if the commentator has sufficient data)
Please can you indicate what will be your preferred method to receive reports for you to comment / review as a State Department? In addition, should you wish to receive the reports electronically, via email or view/download them on the website, please can you confirm that you will have sufficient data to do so?
PREFERRED FORMAT PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” Hard Copy (couriered or hand delivered)
CD (couriered or hand delivered) Emailed Copy (potential size constraints for
Organs of State) Emailed link to reports on the website.
PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” YES NO Sufficient Data to view / download reports
Your timeous response to the above request will be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za ● Delivery Receipt
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Tuesday, 23 June 2020 12:43 To: Rudi Herholdt Subject: RE: EIA Applications: SRVM: Infrastructure - commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
386
Thank you.
We will do so.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Rudi Herholdt
Yes
Rudi Herholdt Sundays River Valley Municipality Manager: Infrastructure Planning & Development Work no: 042 2307733 Cell: 0839688168 Email: [email protected]
From: Marisa Jacoby [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 12:31 PM To: Rudi Herholdt
Thank you Mr Herholdt
Should we therefore add the two officials indicated below: Mr Mntonintshi and Mss Fourie, to our database as well?
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za From: Rudi Herholdt
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Subject: RE: EIA Applications: SRVM: Infrastructure - commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Good morning
I hereby confirm. When submitting give detailed description as per tittle deed of the property.
Ms Kobese’s cell numbers as follow: 073 985 8141 and 060 604 0922
Our Director Infrastructure Planning and Development: Mr. Xola Wandisile Mntonintshi Email: [email protected] ([email protected]) Cell: 067 428 8222
Our archives Manager (Responsible for distribution): Miss Susan Fourie ([email protected]) Archives: [email protected]
Regards
Rudi Herholdt Sundays River Valley Municipality Manager: Infrastructure Planning & Development Work no: 042 2307733 Cell: 0839688168 Email: [email protected]
From: Marisa Jacoby [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 10:53 AM To: Rudi Herholdt
Morning Mr Herholdt
This email serves to confirm our telephonic discussion of this morning.
You have indicated that the format in which you would prefer to receive copies of reports for you review/ comment is an emailed link to the reports on our website.
You have also confirmed that you have sufficient data to view/download these reports from the website.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our telephonic discussion.
I have Ms Kobese’s email address, do you by any chance have a phone number for her?
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth
388
Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Lithakazi Kobese
Good Day
Please also supply hard-copy.
Physical address: 23 Middle Street Kirkwood
From: Marisa Jacoby
Morning Ms Lithakazi
This email serves to confirm our telephonic discussion of this morning.
You have indicated that the format in which you would prefer to receive copies of reports for you to review/ comment is an electronic copy on CD, to be couriered to your offices. Please can you provide us with a physical address to which the CD can be couriered. You have indicated that you will be back in the office from next week.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our telephonic discussion.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Wednesday, 24 June 2020 10:56 To: '[email protected]'; '[email protected]' Subject: EIA Applications: SRVM commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Miss Fourie
389
I was provided with your email address by Mr Rudi Herholdt. He has indicated that we should include you on our Interested and Affected Party database for any of our projects (environmental impact assessments) in the SRVM area.
On June 5 2020 EIA Regulations pertaining to the issuing of permits, licences, authorisations and conducting of public participation were published by National DEFF. Annexure 3 of the Regulations requires that a public participation plan be drawn up by the EAPs and submitted to the DEDEAT for approval prior to the conducting of any public participation during the National State of Disaster. In this regard, we are required to confirm with all I&APs, Organs of State and State Departments on the databases for all of our projects the following: 1. The preferred method of receipt of the reports (ie. hard copies, CD, email, link to the reports on the website). 2. If the preferred method is electronically (via email or website link), the ability of the I&AP/Organ of State/State Department to view and/or download reports (ie. if the commentator has sufficient data)
Please can you indicate what will be your preferred method to receive correspondence on reports? In addition, please can you confirm that you will have sufficient data to view/download the reports on the website?
PREFERRED FORMAT PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” Hard Copy (couriered or hand delivered)
CD (couriered or hand delivered) Emailed Copy (potential size constraints for
Organs of State) Emailed link to reports on the website.
PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” YES NO Sufficient Data to view / download reports
Your timeous response to the above request will be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za • Read Receipt
390
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Wednesday, 24 June 2020 10:45 To: '[email protected]' Subject: EIA Applications: SRVM: Infrastructure - commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Mr Mntonintshi
This email serves to confirm our telephonic discussion of this morning.
You have confirmed that the format in which you would prefer to receive copies of reports for you review/ comment is an emailed link to the reports on our website.
You have also confirmed that you have sufficient data to view/download these reports from the website.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our telephonic discussion.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za • Read Receipt
South African National Roads Agency From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Tuesday, 23 June 2020 11:43 To: '[email protected]'
391
Subject: EIA Applications: SANRAL commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Amanda
I trust this email finds you well. We have been unable to reach you on the phone and are thus attempting to contact you via email.
Due to the current situation created by the pandemic we are re-examining the way we would normally conduct public participation.
On June 5 2020 EIA Regulations pertaining to the issuing of permits, licences, authorisations and conducting of public participation were published by National DEFF. Annexure 3 of the Regulations requires that a public participation plan be drawn up by the EAPs and submitted to the DEDEAT for approval prior to the conducting of any public participation during the National State of Disaster. In this regard, we are required to confirm with all I&APs, Organs of State and State Departments on the databases for all of our projects the following: 1. The preferred method of receipt of the reports (ie. hard copies, CD, email, link to the reports on the website). 2. If the preferred method is electronically (via email or website link), the ability of the I&AP/Organ of State/State Department to view and/or download reports (ie. if the commentator has sufficient data)
Please can you indicate what will be your preferred method to receive correspondence on reports? In addition, please can you confirm that you will have sufficient data to view/download the reports on the website?
PREFERRED FORMAT PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X”
Hard Copy (couriered or hand delivered)
CD (couriered or hand delivered)
Emailed Copy (potential size constraints for
Organs of State)
Emailed link to reports on the website.
PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” YES NO Sufficient Data to view / download reports
Your timeous response to the above request will be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za • Read Receipt
392
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Tuesday, 23 June 2020 12:47 To: 'Nenekazi Songxaba (SR)' Cc: Mbulelo Simon Peterson (SR); Chumisa Njingana (SR); Amanda Mboniswa (SR) Subject: RE: EIA Applications: SANRAL commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Thanks Nenekazi
We will do so.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Nenekazi Songxaba (SR)
Hi Marisa,
Please add me to the I&AP database.
Kind regards,
Nenekazi Songxaba ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR Southern Region 20 Shoreward Drive, Baywest, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, 6025, South Africa T: 041 398 3214 | M: 082 929 7405
393
[email protected] | www.sanral.co.za Fraud Hotline Number - 0800 204 558
Nenekazi Songxaba (SR) PLANNING MANAGEMENT
20 Shoreward Drive, Baywest, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, 6025, South Africa D: 041 398 3214 | M: [email protected] | www.sanral.co.za Fraud Hotline Number - 0800 204 558
Please consider the environment before printing.
From: Marisa Jacoby [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 23 June 2020 12:43 PM To: Nenekazi Songxaba (SR)
Afternoon Nenekazi
Thank you very much for your timeous response.
Would you like me to add you to the I&AP database as well, so that you can receive correspondence directly from us, or should we continue to liaise with Mr Peterson directly?
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
394
From: Nenekazi Songxaba (SR)
Good day Marisa,
Our preferred method is through an Emailed link to reports on the website. I’m able to download the reports.
I have completed the tables below as required.
Kind regards,
Nenekazi Songxaba ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR Southern Region 20 Shoreward Drive, Baywest, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, 6025, South Africa T: 041 398 3214 | M: 082 929 7405 [email protected] | www.sanral.co.za Fraud Hotline Number - 0800 204 558
Nenekazi Songxaba (SR) PLANNING MANAGEMENT
20 Shoreward Drive, Baywest, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, 6025, South Africa D: 041 398 3214 | M: [email protected] | www.sanral.co.za Fraud Hotline Number - 0800 204 558
Please consider the environment before printing.
From: Mbulelo Simon Peterson (SR) Sent: 23 June 2020 12:19 PM To: Nenekazi Songxaba (SR)
395
Dear Nenekazi
Please respond to this email by end of business today.
Thank you
Mbulelo
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Marisa Jacoby
Morning Mr Peterson
I trust this email finds you well. We have been unable to reach you on the phone and are thus attempting to contact you via email.
Due to the current situation created by the pandemic we are re-examining the way we would normally conduct public participation.
On June 5 2020 EIA Regulations pertaining to the issuing of permits, licences, authorisations and conducting of public participation were published by National DEFF. Annexure 3 of the Regulations requires that a public participation plan be drawn up by the EAPs and submitted to the DEDEAT for approval prior to the conducting of any public participation during the National State of Disaster. In this regard, we are required to confirm with all I&APs, Organs of State and State Departments on the databases for all of our projects the following: 1. The preferred method of receipt of the reports (ie. hard copies, CD, email, link to the reports on the website). 2. If the preferred method is electronically (via email or website link), the ability of the I&AP/Organ of State/State Department to view and/or download reports (ie. if the commentator has sufficient data)
Please can you indicate what will be your preferred method to receive correspondence on reports? In addition, please can you confirm that you will have sufficient data to view/download the reports on the website?
PREFERRED FORMAT PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” Hard Copy (couriered or hand delivered)
CD (couriered or hand delivered) Emailed Copy (potential size constraints for
Organs of State) Emailed link to reports on the website. X
396
PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” YES NO Sufficient Data to view / download reports X
Your timeous response to the above request will be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Tuesday, 23 June 2020 11:32 To: Chumisa Njingana (SR) Subject: EIA Applications: SANRAL commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Chumisa
I trust this email finds you well. We have been unable to reach you on the phone and are thus attempting to contact you via email.
Due to the current situation created by the pandemic we are re-examining the way we would normally conduct public participation.
On June 5 2020 EIA Regulations pertaining to the issuing of permits, licences, authorisations and conducting of public participation were published by National DEFF. Annexure 3 of the Regulations requires that a public participation plan be drawn up by the EAPs and submitted to the DEDEAT for approval prior to the conducting of any public participation during the National State of Disaster. In this regard, we are required to confirm with all I&APs, Organs of State and State Departments on the databases for all of our projects the following: 1. The preferred method of receipt of the reports (ie. hard copies, CD, email, link to the reports on the website). 2. If the preferred method is electronically (via email or website link), the ability of the I&AP/Organ of State/State Department to view and/or download reports (ie. if the commentator has sufficient data)
Please can you indicate what will be your preferred method to receive correspondence on reports? In addition, please can you confirm that you will have sufficient data to view/download the reports on the website?
PREFERRED FORMAT PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” Hard Copy (couriered or hand delivered)
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CD (couriered or hand delivered) Emailed Copy (potential size constraints for
Organs of State) Emailed link to reports on the website.
PLEASE INDICATE BY MEANS OF A “X” YES NO Sufficient Data to view / download reports
Your timeous response to the above request will be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za • Read Receipt
Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries: LUSM From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Thursday, 18 June 2020 16:12 To: 'Gcinile Dumse' Subject: RE: EIA Applications: DAFF: LUSM commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Thank you Gcinile
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Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Gcinile Dumse
Good Afternoon Marisa
This serves as a true reflection of our telephonic conversation.
Regards
Gcinile Dumse (Resource Auditor) District: Nelson Mandela metro & Sara Baartman District Natural Resource Management formerly Land Use & Soil Management : East London Office Department : Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development (DALRRD) Tel: 043 704 6810 Official mobile: 066 375 0273 Atlernative Mobile: 078 418 1723 [email protected]
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Wednesday, 17 June 2020 11:58 To: [email protected] Subject: EIA Applications: DAFF: LUSM commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Mr Dumse
This email serves to confirm our telephonic discussion of this morning.
You have indicated that the format in which you would prefer to receive copies of reports for you review/ comment is an emailed link to the reports on our website.
You have also confirmed that you have sufficient data to view/download these reports from the website.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our telephonic discussion.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants
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120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
Department of Rural Development & Agrarian Reform From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Thursday, 18 June 2020 09:59 To: 'Ruffus Maloma' Subject: RE: EIA Applications: DAFF commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Ruffus
That is in order.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Ruffus Maloma
Morning Marisa
Yes, your email is an accurate reflection of our telephone discussion, but this will only work for now as I work from home I would like us to review this resolution when things go back to normal and I report to the office daily.
Kind regards Ruffus
From: Marisa Jacoby [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, 17 June 2020 12:20 PM To: Ruffus Maloma
Afternoon Mr Maloma
This email serves to confirm our telephonic discussion of this afternoon.
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You have indicated that the format in which you would prefer to receive copies of reports for you review/ comment is an emailed link to the reports on our website.
You have also confirmed that you have sufficient data to view/download these reports from the website.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our telephonic discussion.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
Eastern Cape Department of Transport From: Moore, Randall
Hello Ms Jacoby
Yes it is s true reflection of our discussion
Regards
Randall Moore District Roads Engineer Sarah Baartman District 083 666 1597
From: Marisa Jacoby [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 17 June 2020 14:50 To: Moore, Randall Cc: [email protected] Subject: EIA Applications: DoT commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Afternoon Mr Moore
This email serves to confirm our telephonic discussion of this afternoon.
You have indicated that the format in which you would prefer to receive copies of reports for you review/ comment is an emailed link to the reports on our website. We will also do the same for Mr Lotter.
You have also confirmed that you have sufficient data to view/download these reports from the website.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our telephonic discussion.
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Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Tuesday, 07 July 2020 12:16 To: [email protected] Subject: EIA Applications: ECPHRA commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format Attachments: Relayed: EIA Applications: ECPHRA commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format; Relayed: EIA Applications: ECPHRA commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Importance: High
Morning Mr Mokhanya
Since we have not received a reply to our email sent on 17 June 2020 and again on 22 June 2020 (see below), we would like to recommend that we continue to use the same method to provide you with copies of the reports, as we have done previously. ie copies of the reports sent via email.
Given that you received the previous emails (see attached delivery receipts), as well as the fact that this method has been used in the past, this is deemed to be an acceptable method of delivery, unless otherwise indicated by you in response to this email. For the same reason, we assume you have internet access and are able to receive the reports, unless otherwise indicated by you in response to this email.
We trust you will find the above acceptable.
Please feel free to contact us should you wish to query the above or indicate an alternative format for receipt of copies of the reports.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
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From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Monday, 22 June 2020 12:25 To: '[email protected]'
Morning Sir
I trust this email finds you well. We have been unable to reach you on the phone and are thus attempting to contact you via email.
Our email from last week refers (see below). Up until now we have provided you with copies of the reports via email. We are happy to continue to do so, if this is still your preferred format for receipt of the reports. Please can you confirm this by way of reply to this email.
In addition, some government departments have indicated that internet / data is a problem for them, now that they have been working from home. Please can you confirm that you will have sufficient data to receive and view the emailed copies of the report.
Your timeous response to the above request will be much appreciated as we are unable to conduct any public participation until we have received this confirmation.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Wednesday, 17 June 2020 15:32 To: [email protected] Subject: EIA Applications: ECPHRA commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Afternoon Mr Mokhanya
On June 5 2020 EIA Regulations pertaining to the issuing of permits, licences, authorisations and conducting of public participation were published by National DEFF (see attached). Annexure 3 of the Regulations requires that a public participation plan be drawn up by the EAPs and submitted to the DEDEAT for approval prior to the conducting of any public participation during the National State of Disaster. In this regard, we are required to confirm with all I&APs, Organs of State and State Departments on the databases for all of our projects the following: 1. The preferred method of receipt of the reports (ie. hard copies, CD, email, website link). 2. If the preferred method is electronically (via email or website link), the ability of the I&AP/Organ of State/State Department to view and/or download reports (ie. if the commentator has sufficient data)
Please can you indicate what will be your preferred method to receive reports for you to comment / review as a State Department? In addition, should you wish to receive the reports electronically, via email
403 or view/download them on the website, please can you confirm that you will have sufficient data to do so?
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
• Delivery Receipt
Lower Sundays River Water Users Association
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Monday, 29 June 2020 09:59 To: '[email protected]' Subject: EIA Applications: LSRWUA - commenting on reports - confirmation of preferred format
Morning Mr Primmer
This email serves to confirm our telephonic discussion of this morning.
You have indicated that an emailed link to the reports on our website is an acceptable format in which to receive reports.
You have also confirmed that you have sufficient data to view/download these reports from the website.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our telephonic discussion.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002
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Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
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• PREFERRED METHOD OF COMMUNICATION AS CONFIRMED WITH I&APS
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From: Wandile Micheal Junundu
------Forwarded message ------From: Wandile Micheal Junundu
This email serves to confirm our telephonic discussion.
You have confirmed that the format in which you would prefer to receive copies of reports for you review/ comment is an emailed link to the reports on our website.
You have also confirmed that you have sufficient data to view/download these reports from the website.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our telephonic discussion.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612
From: Andre Fourie
Hello
Correct. I am no longer employed at VENCO fruit.
Please contact Mr Andre Swart in this regard, and he will either be the new contact, or provide you with alternative contact details at VENCO.
Regards
Andre Fourie Operations Manager Sundays River Citrus Company (Pty) Ltd Tel: +27 42 233 0320 Cell: +27 71 312 0247
407 www.srcc.co.za
From: Marisa Jacoby
Afternoon Mr Fourie
This email serves to confirm our telephonic conversation of this morning.
You have indicated that you are no longer the representative for VENCO and as such would like to be removed from the I&AP database. We will therefore remove your name from the database for this project and you will no longer receive correspondence in this regard.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our conversation.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Ilze Swart
Hi Marisa,
Yes, I have access and will be able to download the mentioned reports
Kind regards
Ilze Swart Projects Engineer Venco Fruit Processors (Pty) Ltd Email: [email protected] Cell: 072 154 0499 Tel: 042 233 0438
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From: Marisa Jacoby
Afternoon Ilze
Thanks very much for your email.
For the sake of the Department of Environmental Affairs, and as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic I just need to confirm the following with you:
• Do you have access to the internet and would you be able to view/download reports from our website on the proposed project?
Below is the link to the project on our website if you would like to review any of the documents that have been published to date. We are hoping to release the next report (Draft Consultation Basic Assessment Report) in the next month. https://www.publicprocess.co.za/active-projects/22-africanos-country-estate
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
From: Ilze Swart
Hi Marisa,
Andre Swart has forwarded me the email regarding a new representative for VENCO fruits regarding the Africanos expansion.
You may update the details on file with mine. Please see the signature for all my necessary info. Should you require anything else, please let me know.
Ilze Swart Projects Engineer Venco Fruit Processors (Pty) Ltd
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Email: [email protected] Cell: 072 154 0499 Tel: 042 233 0438
From: Marisa Jacoby Sent: Monday, 29 June 2020 12:02 To: [email protected] Subject: Africanos Expansion - Request to de-register
Morning Mr Bolton
This email serves to confirm our telephonic conversation of this morning.
You have indicated that you are no longer the representative for the Addo Polo Club and as such would like to be removed from the I&AP database. We will therefore remove your name from the database for this project and you will no longer receive correspondence in this regard.
We trust the above is an accurate reflection of our conversation.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
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APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN FROM DEDEAT From: Andries Struwig
Good afternoon Ms Jacoby
Further to the email trail below and the public participation plan submitted for the proposed expansion of Africanos Country Estate within the Sundays River Valley Municipality (attached) please be advised that the Department has reviewed same and find it acceptable. The public participation plan as submitted is thus hereby approved and you may proceed with the process.
Thank you.
Andries Struwig Manager: EQM Cacadu Region
Andries Struwig Pr. Sci. Nat. Tel: 041 508 5840 • Mobile: 079 503 1762 Cnr of Athol Fugard Terrace & Castle Hill, Central Port Elizabeth, 6001 P/Bag X5001, Greenacres, South Africa, 6057 http://www.dedea.gov.za/ mailto:[email protected]
From: Andries Struwig Sent: Thursday, 09 July 2020 15:46 To: Marisa Jacoby
Good afternoon Ms Jacoby
I acknowledge receipt of the public participation plan referenced in the email below for the proposed expansion of Africanos Country Estate. You will be informed in due course whether such is acceptable or whether there are any questions that we may have. Please note that we have a backlog for approval of Public Participation Plans and we trust that you will bear with us.
Thank you.
Andries Struwig Manager: EQM Cacadu Region
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Andries Struwig Pr. Sci. Nat. Tel: 041 508 5840 • Mobile: 079 503 1762 Cnr of Athol Fugard Terrace & Castle Hill, Central Port Elizabeth, 6001 P/Bag X5001, Greenacres, South Africa, 6057 http://www.dedea.gov.za/ mailto:[email protected]
From: Marisa Jacoby
Morning Andries / Jeff
SUBMISSION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR APPROVAL: BASIC ASSESSMENT - PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTION 228 TO A PORTION OF PORTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO 113, ADDO, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY
As per GN 650, Annexure 3, published in Government Gazette 43412 on the 5 June 2020, please find hereunder the Public Participation Plan for approval, for the project indicated above. This plan has been prepared in line with Annexure 3 of GN 650 and in order to meet with the requirements of Chapter 6 of the EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended) and Regulations issued in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act (57/2002), published on 29 April 2020 in GN R480 of Government Gazette No. 43258
As per the attached, please note that the Public Participation for this project commenced on the 8 August 2019, prior to the initial 21 day Lockdown and this has been considered and outlined in the attached documentation.
If you have any questions or queries please contact myself or Marisa.
Thank you.
Regards Marisa Jacoby Senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner Public Process Consultants 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale Port Elizabeth Phone: 041 374 8426 / Fax: 041 373 2002 Cell: 083 2335612 Website: www.publicprocess.co.za
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APPENDIX G(v): EAP’S CV
CURRICULUM VITAE (CV) SANDRA JANE WREN
Name of Firm: Public Process Consultants cc. Name of Staff: SANDY Jane Wren Position: Sole Member (100% ownership) Profession: Public Participation Process Specialist and Environmental Impact Assessment Management Specialisation: Public participation process design and management for Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA’s), Policy Development Processes. Client, community liaison and report writing. Environmental Impact Assessment Management. Languages: English, excellent speaking, reading, and writing Afrikaans, good speaking, reading and writing
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
• Sandy Wren is a BA graduate from the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE) majoring in Political Science, Sociology and Industrial and Organisational Psychology (1992). • Sandy has BA Honours Degree in Development Theory (2003) which included courses in Environmental Management and Impact Assessment for which she obtained distinctions. • Project Management for Local Government co-sponsored by the Economic Development Institute of the World Bank, the Universities of Durban/ Westville, Stellenbosch, The Western Cape and Witwatersrand (1993) • Confident Communication - Mast Training Consultants (1995) • Management by Objectives
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
From Current
May 1997 to PRESENT Public Process Consultants (Sole Owner/ Manager) In May 1997, Sandy opened Public Process Consultants, which initially specialised in the management of public participation for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA’s), Strategic Environmental Impact Assessments (SEA’s) and Policy Development for Local, Provincial as well as National Government. Public Process Consultants is a balanced team offering extensive experience in the design and management of Environmental Impact Assessments coupled with expertise in and sensitivity towards the biophysical environment as well as the need for social and economic development. Public Process Consultants offer above average report writing and administration skills. As the sole owner and Manager of Public Process Consultants, Sandy is responsible for the following with regards to Environmental Impact Assessments:
• Client liaison, review of project description in order to determine relevant listed activities for Basic Assessment and/ or Environmental Impact Assessment as well as integrated applications (Waste License) • Review of relevant biodiversity planning frameworks, site review and identification of relevant specialist assessments for EIA • Develop a detailed project description in consultation with the client in order to determine and identify relevant listed activities requiring environmental authorisation. • Review of relevant legislation applicable to an Assessment • Develop terms of reference for specialist consultants and appointment of specialists • Compile Scoping and EIA Report as well as Basic Assessments, including public participation
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• Review of relevant specialist assessments • Review of EMPr • Liaison and consultation with relevant competent authority for decision making • Plan, manage and coordinate public participation process for Environmental Assessments o Identify I&APS o Liaison with I&APs o Record keeping of all communication with I&APs
May 2000 to June 2004 Sandy & Mazizi Consulting cc. (50% Owner/ Manager) In order to meet the requirements for Black Economic Empowerment Sandy Wren established Sandy and Mazizi Consulting with her former employee Mazizi Msutu. This provided Mr Msutu with a 50% equal shareholding in the business. The services formerly provided by Public Process Consultants continued to be provided by Sandy and Mazizi Consulting cc. The main focus of the company was in the area of social involvement in the various stages of development with its majority expertise in public participation in EIA’s, SEA’s, and policy development processes. During this period Sandy developed experience and expertise in the management of Environmental Impact Assessments. The company was closed in 2004 for Mr Msutu to persue further business opportunities.
April 1995 to March 1997 Regional Director, Idasa Eastern Cape As Regional Director of IDASA Sandy gained extensive experience in project management, co- ordination, training and facilitation of various interest groups, levels of government, community organisations, and other structures within civil society. Sandy while at Idasa covered the following projects:
• Facilitation of the establishment of non-racial local government structures in the Eastern Cape • Administrative co-ordination of the development of a regional economic development plan • Conference co-ordination • Voter Education Training and Co-ordination • Community Courts Conference co-ordination • Community facilitation for Local Government Structure Plans • Public Participation process design and management • Public participation for the Strategic and Environmental Impact Assessments (SEA) for the Coega IDZ and Ngqura Harbour as well as EMPr for the mining of Coega Kop Quarry • Public Participation for an Integrated Development Plan for Walmer/ Gqebera.
January 1993 – April 1995 Regional Coordinator, Idasa Eastern Cape 1994 Senior Coordinator, Idasa Eastern Cape In 1993 I was employed as Regional Coordinator by Idasa (Institute for Democracy in SA). In 1994 I was appointed to the level of Senior Coordinator in the Eastern Cape Office, although my responsibility was that of acting Director. My duties as a regional/ senior coordinator were:
• Coordinate all projects, seminars, workshops, conferences and Township Tours o This entailed budgeting, liasing with hotels, guest speakers, flight bookings, programme development, media liaison and participant liaison. • Manage education and training sessions • Recruit, induct, train, supervise and coordinate staff activities • Prepare budget plans and activity plans for all projects undertaken • Edit and write monthly newsletter as well as brochure
Areas of involvement: Local Government, Housing, Economic Development, Affirmative Action, Poverty Relief, Community Courts and Voter Education
1991 Vehicle Sales, Avis Rent a Car Responsible for the sale of vehicles to trade and the public as they were retired as rental vehicles
1992 Sales, Pierre’s Diamonds, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Caribbean Responsible for the design and sale of precious stones to passing trade.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER EXPERIENCE
Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessments As the owner and lead EAP on Environmental Impact Assessments, Sandy has the following responsibilities for the project listed below:
- Review project description in line with relevant EIA regulations to determine if Basic Assessment or Scoping and EIA is to be applied to an application. - Site visit and review of biodiversity planning frameworks, google earth imagery - Identify relevant specialist assessments to be undertaken as part of the EIA - Develop and manage the project budget and request quotations from specialists, for submission to client for approval - Liaise with all members of the project team, namely, decision making authority, organs of state, I&APs, project applicant, Town Planners, Project Engineers, Technical Team members (Architects, Irrigation Specialists, Planting Plan specialists) - Include an outline of the public participation process to be followed for assessment - Appoint all specialists - Manage and initiate the Scoping Process, draft Scoping Reports - Public Consultation o Identify I&APs o Newspaper Advertisements, site notice board o Information distribution to I&APs (CD’s, hard copies of reports, website, presentations where required) o Manage correspondence to and from I&APs o Datebase development and maintenance o Tracking and responding to issues raised - Identify legislation relevant to a project application - Review issues raised in order to determine if additional specialist studies may be required. - Identify and assess reasonable and feasible alternatives - Liaison with relevant organs of state (Local, Provincial and National) - Appointment of specialists, review of specialist assessments, synthesise recommendations into the EMPr, specialist studies include: o Aquatic o Vegetation o Archaeological o Palaeontological o Visual o Bulk Services (domestic water, effluent management, internal roads and stormwater management) o Traffic Assessment o Soil Suitability o Other as identified through the relevant assessment e.g. Security Risk Assessment - Compile Draft EIA and Final for submission to decision making authority - Notify I&APs of the appeal period - Responding to Appeals received, where appropriate
• Service Station at Humerail, Port Elizabeth • Morton Bay, Humerail, Port Elizabeth, a multi-purpose commercial property development • Brookes Hill Caravan Park, Humewood Port Elizabeth • Quarter Mile Oval Racing Track, Schoenmakerskop Sports Centre (stock car racing track) • Expansion and upgrading of Smart Stone, Victoria Drive, Port Elizabeth • Construction of a Wedding Venue on the Sardinia Bay Road • Residential development of Arlington Race Course, Victoria Drive • Residential development of varying densities, Walmer Heights, Port Elizabeth
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• Proposed Amanzi Country Estate (Lifestyle and eco estate) consisting of a golf course, hotel, residential units (approx 900), equestrian facilities, cricket field and various heritage components • Proposed Coega Ridge Development consisting of low to high density housing as well as light industrial, commercial and retail facilities • Upgrade of Sewer Pump Station No 1 and construction of a new 1500 meter pipeline, Hankey • Winterhoek Park Ext, Uitenhage (residential development) • Zeekoei River residential and mixed use development, Humansdorp • EIA for a new residential development at Goedemoedsfontein, Seaview, Port Elizabeth • EIA for a Residential and Mixed Use Development, Erf 325 Fairview Port Elizabeth • EIA for SA Breweries, Biogas Storage Facility, NMBM • EIA for a residential development, Willow Tree Country Estate, Sunlands • EIA for NiRoVe Paint Stripping, Perseverance, NMBM • EIA for the Weston Waste Water Treatment Works, Weston, Hankey • EIA for Landrost, clearing of agricultural land for Habata Boerdery • EIA for Portion 62 of 10, Little Chelsea, residential development • EIA for Riverbend Citrus, clearing of agricultural land for San Miguel Fruits SA • EIA for Venter Fert, Composting and Fertiliser Processing Plant for Venter Boerdery • EIA for Intsomi Citrus, clearing of agricultural land for San Miguel Fruits SA • EIA for Langbos Citrus, clearing of agricultural land • EIA for Scheepersvlakte Farms, clearing of agricultural land • EIA for Falcon Ridge, clearing of agricultural land, Habata Boerdery • EIA for Sylvania, clearing of agricultural land for San Miguel Fruits SA • EIA for Ikamva Lethu, clearing of agricultural land for Ikamva Lethu PTY Ltd • EIA for Dunbrody, clearing of agricultural land for Unifrutti SA • EIA for Portion 15 of Farm 203, clearing of agricultural land, for Habata Boerdery
Basic Assessments As the owner and lead EAP on Environmental Impact Assessments, Sandy has the following responsibilities for the project listed below:
- Review project description in line with relevant EIA regulations to determine if Basic Assessment is to be applied to an application. - Site visit and review of biodiversity planning frameworks, google earth imagery - Identify relevant specialist assessments to be undertaken as part of the EIA - Develop and manage the project budget and request quotations from specialists, for submission to client for approval - Liaise with all members of the project team, namely, decision making authority, organs of state, I&APs, project applicant, Town Planners, Project Engineers, Technical Team members (Architects, Irrigation Specialists, Planting Plan specialists) - Include an outline of the public participation process to be followed for assessment - Appoint all specialists - Manage and initiate the Assessment Process - Public Consultation o Identify I&APs o Newspaper Advertisements, site notice board o Information distribution to I&APs (CD’s, hard copies of reports, website, presentations where required) o Manage correspondence to and from I&APs o Datebase development and maintenance o Tracking and responding to issues raised o Site visit with I&APs and organs of state - Identify legislation relevant to a project application - Review issues raised in order to determine if additional specialist studies may be required. - Identify and assess reasonable and feasible alternatives - Liaison with relevant organs of state (Local, Provincial and National)
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- Appointment of specialists, review of specialist assessments, synthesise recommendations into the EMPr, specialist studies include: o Aquatic o Vegetation o Archaeological o Palaeontological o Visual o Bulk Services (domestic water, effluent management, internal roads and stormwater management) o Traffic Assessment o Soil Suitability o Other as identified through the relevant assessment e.g. Security Risk Assessment - Compile and review Draft and Final Basic Assessment for submission to decision making authority - Notify I&APs of the appeal period - Responding to Appeals received, where appropriate
• Residential Development, Erf 325 Theesecombe, Port Elizabeth • Installation of additional Nitrogen tanks at Umicore, Port Elizabeth • Borehole, water pipeline and power line, Glenconnor • Upgrading of Bulk Stormwater Infrastructure, a Portion of Macon Road Lorraine • Above Ground Fuel Storage Facilities, Rocklands Factory, Uitenhage • Community Centre, Nomathamsanqua, Addo • Residential and mixed use development of Erf 1846, Perridgevale • Borehole, water pipeline and power line, Glenconnor • Installation of additional Nitrogen tanks at Umicore, Port Elizabeth • Theesecombe erf 325, new residential development • Theesecombe erf 722, new residential development • Theesecombe erf 2377, new residential development • the Upgrading of Bulk Stormwater Infrastructure, a Portion of Macon Road Lorraine • Upgrading of Bulk Stormwater Infrastructure, Summerstrand, NMBM • Installation of minor stormwater infrastructure, Cluster H, Kwanobuhle, Uitenhage, Cluster B, Kuyga, Cluster A, Wells Estate and Khayamnandi, installation of stormwater infrastrucutre. • Citrus Packhouse, Blinkwater, Fort Beauford • Above Ground Fuel Storage Facilities, Rocklands Factory, Uitenhage • Various Basic Assessments for the establishment of new Broiler House facilities for Rocklands Poultry (Loerie, Nooidgedacht, Kirkwood, Boshfontein, Accurate, Lakeside and Altona) • Residential Development, Arcadia, Humansdorp, Kouga Municipality • Residential Development, Weston, Hankey, Kouga Municipality • Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project, Graff Reinet • Installation of Water Supply, Glenconner • New Agricultural Development for Habata Boerdery, • Oliphantskop • Logan Braes • Falcon Ridge • Badlands (Portion 8, Portion 16 and Portion 17) • Establishment of a Technical High School, Jeffreys Bay, Kouga Municipality • Municipal Housing Development, Alicedale, Makana Local Municipality • Erf 3231 Fairview, new residential Development • New Agricultural development, Nooidgedacht Citrus • New Broiler House Facilities, Venter Boedery • New Agricultural Development, Luthando Farm • Farm Dam Expansion, Kudusklof, Venter Boerdery • Ponders Packhouse Expansion, San Miguel Fruits SA • Stormwater Upgrade, Summerstrand for the NMBM
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Special Public Participation Experience Sandy has been responsible for the management of the public participation component for the Strategic and Environmental Impact Assessment listed below. This has entailed primary responsibility for all components relating to the public participation process and co- authoring, where relevant, the applicable assessment, the has entailed.
- Development of an appropriate public participation process, to include, where relevant community consultation, determine if public meetings are required - Develop and manage the project budget for the PPP - Identification of an initial database of I&APs - Notification to I&APs through all stages of the assessment process, including distribution of hard copies of the reports, CD’s, uploading files to the project website - Site notice board and newspaper advertisements - Develop presentations to synthesise the findings of the PP input received for presentation to e.g. Coega ELC, NMBM and other state departments - Develop presentations to present the findings of an assessment process to I&APs - Responding to and tracking of issues raised by IA&Ps - Documenting and report writing for the public participation process - Identification of issues raised by I&APs which may require additional specialist assessment, inclusion in a specialist assessment and / or project amendment and bring these to the attention of the EAP - • SEA for the Coega Industrial Development Zone and Harbour (1997) • EIA for the proposed IDZ and Harbour, East London • EIA EC Incinerators (Medical Waste Incinerator) • Closure and Rehabilitation of Ibhayi Waste Disposal Site • License Application for Arlington Waste Disposal Site • EIA Proposed Regional General and Hazardous Waste Processing Facility, Eastern Cape • EIA Identification of a new 400kV Powerline from Poseidon Substation to Grassridge Substation • EIA for the Rezoning of the Core Development Area, Coega IDZ • EIA for the Port of Ngqura • EMPR for the Mining of Coega Kop Quarry • SEA for the expansion of the Greater Addo Elephant National Park • EIA for the N2 Wild Coast Toll Road Project from East London to Durban • EIA for the proposed Pechiney Aluminium Smelter at the Coega IDZ • EIA for the proposed Madiba Bay Leisure Park • EIA for the proposed Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) to Power Project, Coega • EIA for the proposed extension of the Port of Ngqura. • Public Facilitation of the Addo, Wilderness and Tsitsikamma Management Plans for SANParks • Proposed establishment of a Marine Protected Area for Addo • EIA for the Mainstream Wind Energy Project Jeffreys Bay • EIA for the Ubuntu Wind Energy Project, Jeffreys Bay • EIA for the Banna ba Pifhu Wind Energy Project, Humansdorp • EIA for the Electrawinds Wind Energy Project, Coega Industrial Development Zone • EIA for the Marine Pipeline Servitude in the Coega Industrial Development Zone • EIA for the Bulk Liquid and Storage Handling Facility Coega Industrial Development Zone • EIA for the Ngura Manganese Terminal • Basic Assessment for Landside Infrastructure Port of Nqura • Public Participation for an Air Quality Management Plan for the Eastern Cape Province
Amendment Applications • Residential Development, Erf 2686 Parsonsvlei • Residential Development, Erf 2687Parsonsvlei
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• Agni Steels SA, Steel Recycling Plant, Coega Industrial Development Zone • Erf 325 Fairview, Residential Development, Fairview Suburban Estates Company Ltd
Section 24 G Applications • Portion 8 of Farm 203, expansion of an existing farm dam • Portion 23 of Farm 104 Swanepoels Kraal and the Remainder of Farm 650, Kirkwood, SRVM, clearing of vegetation
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CURRICULUM VITAE (CV) MARISA JACOBY
120 Diaz Road Phone: 041 374 8426 Adcockvale Fax: 041 373 2002 Port Elizabeth E-mail: [email protected] 6001
PERSONAL INFORMATION Nationality South African Language Proficiency English (fluent) Afrikaans (proficient) Xhosa (limited) Gender Female Marisa obtained a BSc Honours in Botany (cum laude), specialising in Environmental Management from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. In partial fulfilment of the requirements for this degree she completed two treatises entitled: “Germination inhibition in Syncarpha recurvata“ and “A GIS approach to designation of a nature reserve for the PPC mine at Grassridge”.
Marisa has worked as an EAP, as well as a biophysical specialist (fauna and flora) on various Basic Assessments, Scoping and EIA Processes for new residential developments, expansion of agricultural activities, broiler production facilities, and bulk infrastructure projects. EDUCATION Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (formerly University of Port Elizabeth)
2009 BSc Hons -Botany 2006 -2008 BSc – Botany and Geography WORK EXPERIENCE March 2011 - Present Public Process Consultants • Environmental Assessment Practitioner Tasks and Responsibilities: • Conduct Biophysical, Botanical and Ecological Assessments. • Prepare Specialist Reports and Chapters in capacity as Botanical and Ecological Specialist. • Review of relevant biodiversity planning frameworks, site review and identification of relevant specialist assessments for EIA. • Develop a detailed project description in consultation with the client in order to determine and identify relevant listed activities requiring environmental authorisation. • Review of relevant legislation applicable to an assessment. • Develop terms of reference for specialist consultants and appointment of specialists. • Preparation of Environmental Assessment Reports (Basic Assessment & Scoping and EIA) and Environmental Management Programmes. • Liaison and communication with clients, authorities (local, provincial and national authorities as required by the project) as well as interested and affected parties. • Plan, manage and coordinate public participation process for Environmental Assessments o Identify I&APS o Liaison with I&APs o Record keeping of all communication with I&APs • Basic GIS based mapping and spatial data analysis. • Content management for resources and public review documents on the company website.
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March 2010 - February 2011 Enspec – Consulting Structural Engineers Secretarial Assistant Tasks and Responsibilities: • Data capture and document management • Client invoicing and liaison • Answering calls and handling queries • Taking dictation February 2009 – November 2009 Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University - Practical Demonstrator: Botany Department Tasks and Responsibilities: • Assisting undergraduate students during practical exercises FIELDS OF INTEREST
Environmental Management, Terrestrial Ecology, Geographic Information Systems
BASIC ASSESSMENT EXPERIENCE Marisa, has been responsible for the planning, management and coordination of the following Basic Assessments, which has included the appointment of specialists and review of specialist studies as well as managing and coordinating public participation for the assessments:
Role: Junior EAP and Co-Author • Theesecombe erf 722, new residential development • Theesecombe erf 2377, new residential development • Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project, Graaff Reinet • New Agricultural Development for Habata Boerdery, Oliphantskop Logan Braes (Portions 16, 17, 18, 19) Falcon Ridge • Agrivillage Nomathamsanqa, Addo • Sewerage Reticulation for Weston, Hankey • Establishment of a Technical High School, Jeffreys Bay, Kouga Municipality • Municipal Housing Development, Alicedale, Makana Local Municipality • New Agricultural Development, Swanepoels Kraal
Role: Senior EAP and Co-Author • Residential and Mixed-Use Development, Weston, Hankey • Erf 3231 Fairview, new Social Housing Residential Development • Theesecombe erf 325, new residential development • Stormwater Infrastructure Upgrade, Summerstrand, NMBM • New Agricultural Development, Nooidgedacht Citrus • New Poultry Broiler House Facilities, Venter Boedery Disco Chicks Farm 2 Middledrift • New Agricultural Development, Luthando Farm • Farm Dam Expansion, Kuduskloof, Venter Boerdery • Ponders Packhouse Expansion, San Miguel Fruits SA SCOPING AND EIA EXPERIENCE Marisa, has been responsible for the planning, management and coordination of the following Environmental Impact Assessments, which has included the appointment of specialists and review of specialist studies as well as managing and coordinating public participation for the assessments:
Role: Junior EAP and Co-Author • EIA for Venter Fert, Composting and Fertiliser Processing Plant • EIA for the Weston Waste Water Treatment Works, Weston, Hankey • EIA for Portion 62 of 10, Little Chelsea, residential development • Agricultural Projects for San Miguel Fruits SA (Pty) Ltd EIA for Riverbend Citrus, agricultural development
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Role: Senior EAP and Co-Author • Agricultural Projects for San Miguel Fruits SA (Pty) Ltd EIA for Intsomi Citrus, agricultural development EIA for Sylvania Citrus, agricultural expansion • Agricultural Projects for Habata Boerdery EIA for Logan Braes (Portion 15), agricultural development EIA for Falcon Ridge, agricultural expansion • EIA for Ikamva Lethu Citrus, agricultural development • EIA for Dunbrody Citrus, agricultural expansion • EIA for Langbos Citrus, agricultural development • EIA for Scheepersvlakte Farms, agricultural development SECTION 24 G APPLICATION EXPERIENCE Role: Junior EAP and Co-Author • Portions 18 and 19 of Farm 203, clearing of vegetation • Portion 23 of Farm 104 Swanepoels Kraal and the Remainder of Farm 650, clearing of vegetation
Role: Senior EAP and Co-Author • Portion 8 of Farm 203, expansion of an existing farm dam AMENDMENT APPLICATION EXPERIENCE Role: Junior EAP and Co-Author • Residential Development, Erf 2686 Parsonsvlei, Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements (ECDOHS). • Residential Development, Erf 2687 Parsonsvlei, Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements (ECDOHS).
Role: Senior EAP and Co-Author • Erf 1082 Fairview, Residential Development, Fairview Suburban Estates Company Ltd ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT EXPERIENCE Role: Junior EAP and Co-Author • Potential for residential development, Erf 1 Parsonsvlei
Role: Senior EAP and Lead Author • Potential for agricultural development, Skietnek farm • Potential for agricultural development, Kariega Citrus • Potential for agricultural development, Umgcambo Citrus • Potential for agricultural development, Ikamva Lethu Citrus REFERENCES Prof E.E. Campbell, Head of Department - Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Tel.: +27 41 504 2329, e-mail: [email protected] (Treatise Supervisor)
Dr D.R. Du Preez, Director – School of Environmental Sciences, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Tel.: +27 41 504 2721, e-mail: [email protected] (Treatise Supervisor)
Mr A. Malherbe, Owner – Enspec Consulting Structural Engineers, Tel.: +27 41 581 4685, e-mail: [email protected] (Former Employer)
Ms S.J Wren – Public Process Consultants, Tel.: +27 41 374 8426, e-mail: [email protected] (Current Employer)
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APPENDIX G(vi): AUTHORITY CONTACT DETAILS
Preferred Method Organisation Registration Address Address Title Name Surname Capacity of City Code Phone Fax Cell Email and Position Status 1 2 Communication
Garden Route National Park: Organ of Email link to PO Box 044 302 083 455 Ms Maretha Alant SANParks Knysna 6570 [email protected] Environmental State reports on website 3542 5613 4050 Planner
SANParks: Organ of Email copies of
Ms Charlene Bissett SANParks Regional [email protected] State reports Ecologist
Dept. of Water Private Provincial State copied in on email Port 041 586 086 560 083 232 Ms Marisa Bloem & Sanitation Bag 6000 [email protected] Authority Department to Ncamile Dweni Elizabeth 4884 5042 9822 PE: WUAS X6041
Dept. of Economic Development, Private Provincial Environmental State Email link to Greenacre 041 508 041 585 066 430 [email protected]; Mr Luzuko Dali Bag 6057 Authority Affairs & Department reports on website s 5800 1958 3773 [email protected] X5001 Tourism: Biodiversity Section SANParks: Organ of Email link to
Ms Catherine Dreyer SANParks Conservation [email protected] State reports on website Manager
Dept. of Agriculture, Provincial State Email link to Private East 043 704 043 704 078 418 Mr Gcinile Dumse Forestry & Tecoma 5214 [email protected] Authority Department reports on website Bag X4 London 6810 6812 1723 Fisheries: LUSM Private 041 501 Provincial Dept. Water & State Email link to Port 082 953 Mr Ncamile Dweni Bag 6000 0700 (ext [email protected] Authority Sanitation: PE Department reports on website Elizabeth 2313 X6041 . 729) Sundays River Valley Local Organ of Email link to PO Box 042 230 042 230 Mr Sydney Fadi Municipality: Kirkwood 6120 [email protected] Authority State reports on website 47 7731 0069 Municipal Manager SRVM: Organ of Email link to PO Box [email protected]; Local Archives
State reports on website 47 [email protected] Miss Susan Fourie Authority Manager Kirkwood 6120
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Sundays River Valley Local Municipality: Organ of Email link to PO Box 042 230 042 230 083 968 Mr Rudi Herholdt Kirkwood 6120 [email protected] Authority Infrastructure State reports on website 47 7733 1799 8168 Planning & Development Sundays River Valley 073 985 Municipality: Local Organ of couriered hard PO Box 8141 / Ms Lithakazi Kobese Infrastructure Kirkwood 6120 [email protected] Authority State copy and CD 47 060 604 Planning & 0922 Development - Town Planner
Provincial EC Dept. of State Email link to PO Box 041 403 041 456 083 397 Mr Peter Lotter Algoa Park 6005 [email protected] Authority Transport Department reports on website 11100 6034 1666 6792
Dept. of Rural Development 64 Govan Provincial State Email link to Mutual Port 083 282 073 154 Mr Ruffus Maloma & Agrarian Mbeki 6000 [email protected] Authority Department reports on website Building Elizabeth 2545 0414 Reform: Soil Avenue Scientist
SANRAL - Provincial South African Organ of 041 398 081 015 Ms Amanda Mboniswa Email link [email protected] Authority National State 3233 4246 Roads Agency
SRVM: Director Organ of Email link to PO Box 067 428
[email protected] Infrastructure State reports on website 47 8222 Xola Local Planning and Mr Wandisile Mntonintshi Authority Development Kirkwood 6120 Eastern Cape Cnr Provincial Amalinda Provincial State Email copies of East 043 745
Mr Sello Mokhanya Heritage Drive and 5252 [email protected] Authority Department reports London 0888 Resources Scholl Authority Street
EC Dept. of Provincial Transport: State Email link to PO Box 041 403 041 456 083 666 [email protected] Mr Randall Moore Algoa Park 6005 Authority District Roads Department reports on website 11100 6041 1666 1597 a Engineer Private Ntombiyama Provincial Dept. Water & State cc'ed on email to Port 041 501 Ms Mpumela Bag 6000 [email protected] yirha Authority Sanitation: PE Department Ncamile Dweni Elizabeth 0714 X6041 SANRAL - Provincial South African Organ of 041 398 Ms Chumisa Njingana Email link [email protected] Authority National State 3251 Roads Agency
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SANRAL - South African National Roads Provincial Organ of 041 398 [email protected]; Mr Mbulelo Peterson Agency: Email link Authority State 3259 [email protected] Southern Region General Manager Lower Service Sundays River Organ of PO Box 042 234 084 844 Mr Mike Primmer Email Sunland 6115 [email protected] Provider Water Users State 10 0038 4552 Association SANParks: Park Planning Nelson Organ of Email link to PO Box Port 041 508 041 585 076 829 Mr Russel Smart SANParks and Mandela 6031 [email protected] State reports on website 76693 Elizabeth 5411 4154 2920 Development University Coordinator SANRAL - National South African Organ of Email link to 082 929 Ms Nenekazi Songxaba [email protected] Authority National State reports on website 041 398 7405 Roads Agency 3214 Chief Dept. Director: Agriculture, Natural State Email link to
Ms Sebueng Chipeta Forestry and [email protected] Resources Department reports on website Fisheries: Managem LUSM ent
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APPENDIX G(vii): DETAILS OF SPECIALISTS AND DECLARATION OF INTEREST
• ROADS AND WET SERVICES SPECIALIST
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• TRAFFIC SPECIALIST
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• BOTANICAL SPECIALIST
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• AQUATIC SPECIALIST
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• ARCHAEOLOGICAL SPECIALIST
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• ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE SPECIALIST
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• PALAEONTOLOGY SPECIALIST
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APPENDIX G(VIII): SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
• SPECIALIST IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY As per GN R326 Appendix 1, 3. (1) (h) the assessment of impacts must include the alternatives to be assessed within the preferred site, including the option of not proceeding with the activity. The impact assessment methodology has been aligned with the requirements for Basic Assessment Reports, as stipulated in GN R326 Appendix 1, 3. (1) of the 2014 EIA Regulations (as amended), which states the following: “A basic assessment report must contain the information that is necessary for the competent authority to consider and come to a decision on the application, and must include— (h) a full description of the process followed to reach the proposed preferred alternative within the site, including— (v) the impacts and risks identified for each alternative, including the nature, significance, consequence, extent, duration and probability of the impacts, including the degree to which these impacts— (aa) can be reversed; (bb) may cause irreplaceable loss of resources; and (cc) can be avoided, managed or mitigated; (vi) the methodology used in determining and ranking the nature, significance, consequences, extent, duration and probability of potential environmental impacts and risks associated with the alternatives; (vii) positive and negative impacts that the proposed activity and alternatives will have on the environment and on the community that may be affected focusing on the geographical, physical, biological, social, economic, heritage and cultural aspects; (viii) the possible mitigation measures that could be applied and level of residual risk; (ix) the outcome of the site selection matrix; (i) a full description of the process undertaken to identify, assess and rank the impacts the activity will impose on the preferred location through the life of the activity, including— (i) a description of all environmental issues and risks that were identified during the environmental impact assessment process; and (ii) an assessment of the significance of each issue and risk and an indication of the extent to which the issue and risk could be avoided or addressed by the adoption of mitigation measures;”
As per Guideline Document 5: Assessment of Alternatives and Impacts, the following methodology is to be applied to the prediction and assessment of impacts and risks. Potential impacts should be rated in terms of the direct, indirect and cumulative.
• Direct impacts are impacts that are caused directly by the activity and generally occur at the same time and at the place of the activity. These impacts are usually associated with the construction, operation or maintenance of an activity and are generally obvious and quantifiable. • Indirect impacts of an activity are indirect or induced changes that may occur as a result of the activity. These types of impacts include all the potential impacts that do not manifest immediately when the activity is undertaken or which occur at a different place as a result of the activity. • Cumulative impacts are impacts that result from the incremental impact of the proposed activity on a common resource when added to the impacts of other past, present or reasonably foreseeable future activities. Cumulative impacts can occur from the collective impacts of individual minor actions over a period of time and can include both direct and indirect impacts. • Spatial extent – The size of the area that will be affected by the impact/ risk o Site specific o Local (<2 km from site) o Regional (within 30 km of site) o National • Consequence/ Intensity –The anticipated severity of the impact/ risk
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o Extreme (extreme alteration of natural systems, patterns or processes, i.e. where environmental functions and processes are altered such that they permanently cease) o High (severe alteration of natural systems, patterns or processes i.e. where environmental functions and processes are altered such that they temporarily or permanently cease) o Medium (notable alteration of natural systems, patterns or processes i.e. where the environment continues to function but in a modified manner) o Low (negligible alteration of natural systems, patterns or processes i.e. where no natural systems/environmental functions, patterns, or processes are affected) • Duration –The timeframe during which the impact/ risk will be experienced o Temporary (less than 1 year) o Short term (1 to 6 years) o Medium term (6 to 15 years) o Long term (the impact will cease after the operational life of the activity) o Permanent (mitigation will not occur in such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be considered transient) • Reversibility – The degree to which the potential impacts/ risks can be reversed o Reversible o Partially Reversible o Irreversible • Irreplaceable loss of Resources - The degree to which the impact/ risk may cause irreplaceable loss of resources o Replaceable o Partially Replaceable o Irreplaceable
Using the criteria above, the impacts will further be assessed in terms of the following:
• Probability –The probability of the impact/ risk occurring o Improbable (little or no chance of occurring) o Probable (<50% chance of occurring) o Highly probable (50 – 90% chance of occurring) o Definite (>90% chance of occurring) • Significance – Will the impact/ risk cause a notable alteration of the environment? o Low to very low (the impact/risk may result in minor alterations of the environment and can be easily avoided by implementing appropriate mitigation measures, and will not have an influence on decision-making) o Medium (the impact /risk will result in moderate alteration of the environment and can be reduced or avoided by implementing the appropriate mitigation measures, and will only have an influence on the decision-making if not mitigated). o High (the impact/risk will result in major alteration to the environment even with the implementation of the appropriate mitigation measures and will have an influence on decision-making) o Very high (the impact/impact will result in very major alteration to the environment even with the implementation on the appropriate mitigation measures and will have an influence on decision- making i.e. the project cannot be authorised unless major changes to the engineering design are carried out to reduce the significance rating). • Status - Whether the impact/ risk on the overall environment will be positive, negative or neutral o “+” (positive - environment overall will benefit from the impact/risk). o “-“ (negative - environment overall will be adversely affected by the impact/risk). o “o” (neutral - environment overall will not be affected). • Confidence – The degree of confidence in predictions based on available information and specialist knowledge o Low o Medium o High
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Impacts, mitigatory measures and the monitoring of impacts will then be collated into the EMPr and these will include the following:
• Quantifiable standards for measuring and monitoring mitigatory measures and enhancements will be set. This will include a programme for monitoring and reviewing the recommendations to ensure their ongoing effectiveness. • Identifying negative impacts and prescribing mitigation measures to avoid or reduce negative impacts. Where no mitigatory measures are possible this will be stated. • Positive impacts will be identified, and mitigation measures will be identified to potentially enhance positive impacts where possible.
Management Actions and Monitoring of the Impacts:
• Where negative impacts are identified, mitigatory measures will be identified to avoid or reduce negative impacts. Where no mitigatory measures are possible this will be stated. • Where positive impacts are identified, mitigatory measures will be identified to potentially enhance positive impacts.
The table below is to be used by specialists for the rating of impacts: Table 1.1: Rating of impacts. This should include a description of the proposed impact to indicate if Nature of the Impact the impact is a direct, indirect or a cumulative impact. Extent Site specific, local, regional or national Duration Temporary, short term, medium term, long term or permanent Consequence /Intensity Extreme, High, medium or low Probability Improbable, probable, highly probable, definite Degree of Confidence Low, medium or High Reversibility Reversible, Partially Reversible, Irreversible Irreplaceable Loss of Replaceable, Partially Replaceable, Irreplaceable Resources Status and Significance Low, medium or High indicating whether Positive (+), Negative (-) or Neutral (without mitigation) (o) Overview of mitigatory measures to mitigate potentially negative impacts or Mitigation enhance potential positive impacts indicating how this mitigatory measure impacts on the significance of the impact Status and Significance Low, medium or High indicating whether the status of the impact is Positive (after mitigation) (+), Negative (-) or Neutral (o)
• Other aspects to be taken into consideration in the assessment of impact significance are: • Impacts will be evaluated for the construction and operational phases of the project: o NOTE: No assessment of impacts during the decommissioning phase of the project is proposed. The relevant guidelines and rehabilitation requirements applicable at that time will need to be applied. • Impacts will be evaluated with and without mitigation in order to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures on reducing the significance of a particular impact; and • The impact evaluation will, where possible, take into consideration the cumulative effects associated with this and other projects which are either developed or in the process of being developed in the local area.
The impact assessment will attempt to quantify the magnitude of potential impacts (direct and cumulative effects) and outline the rationale used. Where appropriate, National standards are to be used as a measure of the level of impact.
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• WRITTEN CONSENT LETTER FROM LANDOWNER TO COMMENCE WITH A BA PROCESS
PO Box 27688 Greenacres 6057 120 Diaz Road Adcockvale, PE 6001 Phone 041 374 8426 Fax 041 373 2002 Email [email protected] Ck 97/32984/23 VAT 44601 68273
23 July 2019
Mr Etienne Greeff Sundays River Citrus Company (Pty) Ltd Private Bag X24 Addo 6105
Dear Mr Greeff,
RE: CONSENT OF THE LANDOWNER: NOTICE OF BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS: PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AFRICANOS COUNTRY ESTATE ON PORTIONS 228 AND PORTION A OF POTION 74 OF FARM COMMANDO KRAAL ESTATE NO 113, ADDO, SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY MUNICIPALITY
As the current landowner of Portion 74 Farm 113 Commando Kraal Estate, you are hereby notified of the Basic Assessment (BAR) process in terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), published in GN R326, 327, 325 and 324, promulgated under Chapter Five of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMAA), and published in Government Gazette 40772 on the 7 April 2017, which is proposed to be undertaken on behalf of The JN Venter Beleggings Trust (project applicant), on Portion 228 and Portion A of Portion 74 of Farm 113 Commando Kraal Estate in the SRVM for the proposed expansion of Africanos Country Estate.
Public Process Consultants has been appointed by The JN Venter Beleggings Trust as the Environmental Assessment Practitioner to undertake the Basic Assessment process, including Public Participation for the proposed project as described hereunder.
PROJECT LOCALITY: The area under assessment consists of the existing Africanos Country Estate which is located on Portion 228 of Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113 and Portion A of Remainder Portion 74 of the farm Commando Kraal Estate No. 113. The area under assessment is located approximately 3.5 kilometres west of the town of Addo. The nearest boundary of the Addo Elephant National Park is located approximately 3 kilometres east of the proposed expansion area. The area under assessment can be accessed off the R336, approximately 3.2 kilometers from the intersection of the R336 and the R335.
BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project applicant, The JN Venter Beleggings Trust, proposes to expand the Africanos Country Estate onto a portion of Portion 74 Farm Commando Kraal Estate No 113, measuring approximately 5 ha for the construction of 12 new chalets, staff housing, 12 new caravan camping sites (with a new separate access point), and a double storey hotel with 36 rooms. In addition, the expansion will also include a new laundry, tool shed, convenience store, new multifunction hall, additional parking and kids outdoor play area.
The following associated services infrastructure will also be required:
• Extension of existing domestic water supply from irrigation canal (water pipeline) • Establishment of new effluent management system • Establishment of a stormwater management system with shallow detention depression and / or discharge along the R336 Road • Establishment of rainwater harvesting system where possible (underground tank)
LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT: In terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), published in GN R326, 327, 325 and 324, promulgated under Chapter Five of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMAA),
443 and published in Government Gazette 40772 on the 7 April 2017, the project requires a Basic Assessment, because it triggers, amongst others, the following listed activity, in Listing Notice 3 (GN R324):
“17. The expansion of a resort, lodge, hotel, tourism or hospitality facilities where the development footprint will be expanded and the expanded facility can accommodate an additional 15 people or more. a. Eastern Cape i. Outside urban areas: (gg) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core area of a biosphere reserve;”
The above listed activity, amongst others, requires Environmental Authorisation from the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), Sarah Baartman Region. The BAR needs to show the competent authority, DEDEAT, and the project applicant what the consequences of their choices will be in biophysical, social and economic terms.
CONSENT OF THE LANDOWNER In terms of Regulation 39. (1) of the NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014 (as amended), the purpose of this correspondence is to obtain your consent, as the landowner of Portion 74 of Farm 113 Commando Kraal Estate, to undertake the proposed activities as outlined above. Kindly complete the attached consent form and return to the EAP at contact details above, for inclusion in the application to the competent authority.
As the affected landowner of the farm on which the above-mentioned expansion is proposed to take place, you will be registered on the Interested and Affected Party (I&APs) project database. As a registered I&AP, you will be notified in writing of the various opportunities to comment on documentation, throughout the EIA process.
Should you have any queries with regards to the above please contact Sandy Wren or Marisa Jacoby using the contact details provided above.
Regards,
Sandy Wren Environmental Assessment Project Leader
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• CONFIRMATION OF EXISTING AND FUTURE WATER AVAILABILITY
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