HOUMOED AVENUE EXENSION PHASE 2
FAUNAL IMPACT STUDY
PRODUCED FOR CHAND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
BY
August 2017 Fauna Baseline Specialist Study
CONTENTS 1 Introduction ...... 3 1.1 Assessment Approach & Philosophy ...... 3 1.2 Relevant Aspects of the Development ...... 5 2 Methodology ...... 6 2.1 Data Sourcing and Review ...... 6 2.2 Site Visit & Sampling ...... 8 2.3 Sensitivity Mapping & Assessment...... 8 2.4 Sampling Limitations and Assumptions ...... 9 3 Description of the Affected Environment- Baseline ...... 9 3.1 Broad-Scale Vegetation Patterns ...... 9 3.2 Critical Biodiversity Areas & Broad-Scale Processes ...... 9 3.3 Faunal Communities ...... 11 3.4 Site Sensitivity Assessment ...... 13 4 Identification & Nature of Impacts ...... 15 5 Assessment of Impacts ...... 16 5.1 Construction-Phase Impacts ...... 16 5.2 Operational Phase Impacts ...... 18 5.3 Cumulative Impacts ...... 19 6 Conclusion & Recommendations ...... 20 7 References ...... 22 Annex 1. List of Mammals ...... 23 Annex 2. List of Reptiles ...... 24 Annex 3. List of Amphibians ...... 25 Annex 4. List of Avifauna ...... 26
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Fauna Baseline Specialist Study
1 INTRODUCTION
The City of Cape Town is proposing to extend Houmoed Avenue from Noordhoek Main Road in Kommetjie up to Fish Eagle Road. This would however take place in two phases with Phase 2 considered here being the extension of the road from the intersection with Lekkerwater Road to Fish Eagle Road. This would provide an alternative route for traffic using the Ou Kaapse Weg/Kommetjie Road intersection as well as a non-motorised transport (NMT) route between Kommetjie Road and Noordhoek Road. At the same time, the affected parts of Masiphumelele would be reblocked and the roads and housing upgraded. The total length of the roadworks for the road link is approximately 1000m. Chand Environmental Consultants is conducting the required environmental authorisation process for the development and has appointed Simon Todd Consulting to provide a specialist faunal assessment as part of the above process. The full scope of the study is detailed in Section 1.1 below.
Terms of Reference The terms of reference for the study are as follows: a) Undertake a site inspection and compile (where possible / relevant) a photographic record of relevant findings and overall site conditions as it relates to faunal habitats and aspects. b) Describe the site, project and the route alternatives. c) Description of the faunal species noted and likely to be found in the study area, including the likely presence of any sensitive species, the overall condition and significance of habitats, the conservation importance/priorities of species etc. d) Identify and assess the impacts of the proposed project on the faunal resources, using the appropriate assessment criteria. e) This would culminate in a faunal impact assessment report that must meet the requirements for specialist reports as contained in the 2014 EIA Regulations. f) The assessment of potential impacts under d) should include and be presented according to the assessment methodology format as provided by Chand for each site alternative: g) The assessment of potential impacts should include the identification and description of cumulative impacts; h) The report referred to in e) should include a description of any assumptions, uncertainties and gaps in knowledge.
1.1 ASSESSMENT APPROACH & PHILOSOPHY
The assessment is conducted according to the EIA Regulations, as published and amended by the Department of Environmental Affairs (2017), as well as within the best-practice
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Fauna Baseline Specialist Study guidelines and principles for biodiversity assessment as outlined by Brownlie (2005) and De Villiers et al. (2005).
This includes adherence to the following broad principles:
That a precautionary and risk-averse approach be adopted towards projects which may result in substantial detrimental impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, especially the irreversible loss of habitat and ecological functioning in threatened ecosystems or designated sensitive areas: i.e. Critical Biodiversity Areas (as identified by systematic conservation plans, Biodiversity Sector Plans or Bioregional Plans) and Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas.
Demonstrate how the proponent intends complying with the principles contained in section 2 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended (NEMA), which, amongst other things, indicates that environmental management should.
In order of priority aim to: avoid, minimise or remedy disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity; Avoid degradation of the environment; Avoid jeopardising ecosystem integrity; Pursue the best practicable environmental option by means of integrated environmental management; Protect the environment as the people’s common heritage; Control and minimise environmental damage; and Pay specific attention to management and planning procedures pertaining to sensitive, vulnerable, highly dynamic or stressed ecosystems.
These principles serve as guidelines for all decision-making concerning matters that may affect the environment. As such, it is incumbent upon the proponent to show how proposed activities would comply with these principles and thereby contribute towards the achievement of sustainable development as defined by the NEMA.
In order to adhere to the above principles and best-practice guidelines, the following approach forms the basis for the study approach and assessment philosophy:
The study includes data searches, desktop studies, site walkovers / field survey of the property and baseline data collection, describing:
Fauna Describe and assess the terrestrial fauna present in the area that will be affected by the proposed development.
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Conduct a faunal assessment that can be integrated into the ecological study. Describe the existing impacts of current land use as they affect the fauna. Clarify species of special concern (SSC) and that are known to be: endemic to the region; that are considered to be of conservational concern; that are in commercial trade (CITES listed species); or, are of cultural significance. Provide monitoring requirements as input into the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for faunal related issues.
Other pattern issues Any significant landscape features or rare or important faunal habitat associations such as seasonal wetlands, alluvium, seeps, quartz patches or salt marshes in the vicinity. The extent of alien plant cover of the site, and whether the infestation is the result of prior soil disturbance such as ploughing or quarrying (alien cover resulting from disturbance is generally more difficult to restore than infestation of undisturbed sites). The condition of the site in terms of current or previous land uses.
In terms of process, the following will be identified or described:
The key ecological “drivers” of ecosystems on the site and in the vicinity, such as fire.
Any mapped spatial component of an ecological process that may occur at the site or in its vicinity (i.e. corridors such as watercourses, upland-lowland gradients, migration routes, coastal linkages or inland-trending dunes, and vegetation boundaries such as edaphic interfaces, upland-lowland interfaces or biome boundaries)
Any possible changes in key processes, e.g. increased fire frequency or drainage/artificial recharge of aquatic systems.
1.2 RELEVANT ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT
Due to significant traffic increases in this area and with a view to supporting the traffic during the Kommetjie Road upgrade, the City of Cape Town is proposing to extend Houmoed Avenue from the junction with Noordhoek Main Road up to Fisheagle Road. This would take place in two phases with Phase 1 being the section from Noordhoek Main Road to Lekkerwater Road and Phase 2 being the section from Lekkerwater Road to Fish Eagle Road. This would provide an alternative route for traffic using the Oukaapse Weg/Kommetjie Road Intersection as well as a non-motorised transport (NMT) route
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Fauna Baseline Specialist Study between Kommetjie Road and Noordhoek Road. The total length of the roadworks for the road link is approximately 1000m (Figure 1).
In light of the urgency with which an alternative route is required as a result of the upgrades to Kommetjie Main Road, it is likely that a temporary roadway will initially be provided for the Houmoed Ave extension. Once upgrades to Kommetjie Main Road are completed, the permanent Houmoed Ave roadway will be constructed. Two options are being considered, which are illustrated below in Figure 1, but there is not a large difference between the two options. The works would also include the upgrading of stormwater infrastructure, street lighting, and traffic signals. At the same time the Masiphumelele informal settlement would be upgraded with formalised services, infrastructure and housing.
Figure 1. Layout of the Houmoed Extension, showing the route from Lekkerwater Road in the east to Fish Eagle Road in the west. Alternative 1 is illustrated in purple and Alternative 2 in blue, with the proposed future new road layout within Masiphumelele in yellow.
2 METHODOLOGY
2.1 DATA SOURCING AND REVIEW
Data sources from the literature consulted and used where necessary in the study includes the following:
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Habitat & Ecosystems Vegetation types and their conservation status were extracted from the South African National Vegetation Map (Mucina and Rutherford 2006 and Updated Powrie 2012 edition) as well as the National List of Threatened Ecosystems (2011). The Critical Biodiversity Areas for the site and surroundings were extracted from the CBA maps for the City of Cape Town’s BIONET (2015) (retrieved from SANBI:BGIS).
Fauna Lists of mammals, reptiles and amphibians which are likely to occur at the site were derived based on distribution records from various spatial databases (SANBI’s SIBIS and BGIS databases). Literature consulted includes Branch (1988) and Alexander and Marais (2007) for reptiles, Du Preez and Carruthers (2009) for amphibians, Friedmann and Daly (2004) and Skinner and Chimimba (2005) for mammals. Apart from the literature sources, additional information on reptiles were extracted from the SARCA web portal, hosted by the ADU, http://vmus.adu.org.za for the above quarter degree square. The faunal species lists provided are based on species which are known to occur in the broad geographical area, as well as a preliminary assessment of the availability and quality of suitable habitat at the site. The conservation status of each species is also listed (conservation status is from the 2016 Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho (EWT, SANBI 2016) (See Figure 2).
Figure 2. Schematic representation of the South African Red List categories. Taken from http://redlist.sanbi.org/redcat.php
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2.2 SITE VISIT & SAMPLING
The affected area was sampled in August 2017. The route was checked at various points in Masiphumelele but most sites were not actively sampled as the majority of the route is within dense housing with no natural habitat remaining. In areas of natural vegetation active searching for reptiles and amphibians was conducted. Observations of birds present in the wetland were made at various points along the route and all species observed or heard noted. Calls of amphibians were also noted where present and used to identify the species present. Photographs of relevant or sensitive features were taken were necessary.
2.3 SENSITIVITY MAPPING & ASSESSMENT
A faunal ecological sensitivity map of the route was produced by integrating the information collected on-site with the available ecological and biodiversity information available in the literature and various spatial databases. This includes delineating the different habitat units identified in the field and assigning sensitivity values to the units based on their ecological properties, conservation value and the observed presence of species of conservation concern. The ecological sensitivity of the different units identified in the mapping procedure was rated according to the following scale:
Low – Areas of natural or transformed habitat with a low sensitivity where there is likely to be a negligible impact on ecological processes and terrestrial biodiversity. Most types of development can proceed within these areas with little ecological impact. Medium- Areas of natural or previously transformed land where the impacts are likely to be largely local and the risk of secondary impact such as erosion low. These areas usually comprise the bulk of habitats within an area. Development within these areas can proceed with relatively little ecological impact provided that appropriate mitigation measures are taken. High – Areas of natural or transformed land where a high impact is anticipated due to the high biodiversity value, sensitivity or important ecological role of the area. These areas may contain or be important habitat for faunal species or provide important ecological services such as water flow regulation or forage provision. Development within these areas is undesirable and should only proceed with caution as it may not be possible to mitigate all impacts appropriately. Very High – Critical and unique habitats that serve as habitat for rare/endangered species or perform critical ecological roles. These areas are essentially no-go areas from a developmental perspective and should be avoided as much as possible.
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In some situations, areas were also classified between the above categories, such as Medium-High, where it was deemed that an area did not fit well into a certain category but rather fell most appropriately between two sensitivity categories.
2.4 SAMPLING LIMITATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS
The major potential limitation associated with the sampling approach is the narrow temporal window of sampling. Some fauna may be seasonal while others are rare and only occasionally encountered. As a result, not all fauna present at the site are likely to have been recorded during the site visit. However additional information from experience in the area has been used where appropriate, which includes other studies in the greater Noordhoek Wetland System. The assessment is also based on habitat availability as well as species presence. As such, the lists of fauna for the site are based on those observed during the site visit as well as those likely to occur in the area based on their distribution and habitat preferences. However, the actual footprint of the road is largely restricted to heavily impacted and transformed areas and there is little intact habitat that would be directly impacted by the road, with the result that the number of species actually present within the affected area would be low. This represents a sufficiently conservative and cautious approach which takes the study limitations into account.
3 DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT- BASELINE
3.1 BROAD-SCALE VEGETATION PATTERNS
The vegetation along most of the route would have consisted of Phragmites reed beds, but these have largely been transformed due to expansion of the informal sections of Masiphumelele into the vlei. Originally, the areas outside of the vlei would have consisted of Hangklip Sand Fynbos (Mucina and Rutherford 2006/2012), but are not largely transformed into urban development and gardens. The only part of the affected area where there is some natural vegetation is along the edge of the informal settlement where there are some remnants sections of the vlei, which can best be considered as part of the Cape Lowland Freshwater Wetlands ecosystem type. Historically the broader area would likely have consisted of a mosaic of habitat types, with less permanent wetlands interspersed with areas of drier sand fynbos on marine-derived acid sands.
3.2 CRITICAL BIODIVERSITY AREAS & BROAD-SCALE PROCESSES
The site falls within the planning domain of the City of Cape Town’s BIONET (2017 update). This biodiversity assessment identifies Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) which represent biodiversity priority areas which should be maintained in a natural to near natural state.
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The assessment is designed to identify an efficient set of Critical Biodiversity Areas (and Ecological Support Areas) that meet the targets for the underlying biodiversity features in as small an area as possible and in areas with least conflict with other activities. Of fundamental importance is that these areas are identified in a configuration that deliberately facilitates the functioning of ecological processes (both currently and in the face of climate change) which are required to ensure that the biodiversity features persist in the long term. The CBA maps for the area are illustrated below in Figure 3. In terms of the Biodiversity Network, the Houmoed Avenue Extension is mapped as falling along the edge of an area classified as “Other Natural Areas” which are areas identified as being of lower significance and not currently required to meet conservation targets. The Cities 2017 Wetlands layer indicates that this area is considered to be an Ecological Support Area.
Figure 3. Extract of the City of Cape Town Bionet and Wetlands layer showing the affected area around the Houmoed Avenue Phase 2 route.
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3.3 FAUNAL COMMUNITIES
Mammals
According to the MammalMap database, 30 mammals have been recorded from the quarter degree 3418AB. The actual number of species present within the affected area would be significantly less than this due to the extensive transformation of the affected area as well as the proximity to the urban fringe. No species of conservation concern known from the broad area (see Annex 1). Species observed at or near the site include small mammals such the Striped Mouse Rhabdomys pumilus, Pygmy Mouse Mus minutoides, Greater Red Musk Shrew Crocidura flavescens, Brants's African Climbing Mouse Dendromus mesomelas, Namaqua Rock Mouse Aethomys namaquensis and Southern African Vlei Rat Otomys irroratus as well as the subterranean Cape Golden Mole Chrysochloris asiatica and Cape Mole-rat Georychus capensis. Larger species which occur in the area include Marsh Mongoose Atilax paludinosus, Cape Grey Mongoose Herpestes pulverulentus and Cape Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis. Most of these species are using the fringes of the wetlands along the urban fringe as well as any drier areas within the wetlands themselves. The Marsh Mongoose would however be using the whole wetland system. The African Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis is also present in the greater Noordhoek Wetlands System, but are not likely to be using the affected area to any significant degree as there are few available food resources in the affected area and high levels of human disturbance which would deter them from the area.
The footprint of the road and changes to the informal settlement would generate very little impact on habitat for mammals as the affected area is highly impacted and intact habitat loss would be very low and it is likely that there are few mammals actually using the affected area and it is only likely to be small mammals that are present within the affected area.
Reptiles According to the SARCA database 35 reptiles have been recorded on the peninsula in the broad vicinity of the site. Two listed species have been recorded from the broader area in the past, the Cape Dwarf Chameleon Bradypodion pumilum (Vulnerable) and Black Girdled Lizard Cordylus niger (Near Threatened). There is no habitat for the Girdled Lizard at the site, but the Cape Dwarf Chameleon is common at Lake Michelle and can be assumed to be fairly frequent along the extension route as well. Apart from the above reptiles, the wetland is also likely to be important for a variety of snakes which favour wet or sandy areas including Aurora House Snake Lamprophis aurora, Red-lipped Snake Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia, South African Slug-eater Duberria lutrix lutrix, Spotted Harlequin Snake Homoroselaps lacteus, Brown Water Snake Lycodonomorphus rufulus, Mole Snake Pseudaspis cana and Cape Legless Skink Acontias meleagris. The South African Marsh 11 Houmoed Avenue Extenson Phase 2
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Terrapin Pelomedusa galeata would be resident within the wetland, while most of the above snakes apart from the Mole Snake, forage in wetlands and also potentially the adjacent gardens and urban areas.
In terms of the development footprint and the affected area, there are not likely to be many species present as the majority of the area has been transformed and reptiles would generally be present only along the section where there is some remnant vegetation along the vlei.
Amphibians Nineteen frog species have been recorded in the FrogMap database for the area, of which five are listed: the Cape Rain Frog Breviceps gibbosus (VU); Rose's Toadlet Capensibufo rosei (VU); Cape Platanna Xenopus gilli (EN); Lightfoot's Moss Frog Arthroleptella lightfooti (NT); Leopard Toad Sclerophrys pantherinus1(EN) and Micro Frog Microbatrachella capensis (CR). Lightfoot’s Moss Frog and Rose’s Toadlet are associated with undisturbed montane fynbos, usually in high mountainous areas and would therefore not occur at the site. Although the Cape Platanna could potentially occur within the site, most of the more accessible areas have been taken over by the Common Platanna and it is not likely that it is present as a result. Although it was not observed during the site visit, the Endangered Western Leopard Toad is confirmed present in the area and breeds in the Noordhoek Wetlands System. The new road is likely to experience heavy traffic at times and as roadkill is a major source of mortality for the Western Leopard Toad, it could increase mortality of toads moving in and out of the wetlands. However, it is not clear how much this would actually occur as Masiphumelele is very heavily developed and is not favourable habitat for toads and as a result it is not likely that many toads are moving through this area to breed in the vlei.
Apart from the direct impacts, amphibians are highly susceptible to pollution and construction phase oil and fuel spills are a threat, as would be increased levels of dirty water entering the vlei off of the new road surface.
Avifauna According to the ADU SABAP2 database, there have been 184 avifaunal species recorded from the broader area. This does however include a variety of seabirds, which are not considered relevant for the site. Species observed in the wetland include Common Waxbill, Cape Canary, Cape Wagtail, Common Moorhen, Lesser Swamp Warbler, Levaillant's Cisticola, Cape Weaver, Cape Spurfowl, Helmeted Guineafowl, African Purple Swamphen, Black Crake, Karoo Prinia, Cape Bulbul and Yellow-billed Duck.
1 This species was under the generic name Amietophrynus but is now treated under Sclerophrys (Frost 2016).
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The only highly significant avifaunal habitat in the area are the areas of open water along Phase 1 and along the Phase 2 study area, the only area of some importance are the reedbeds along the margin of the development area. The dense reedbeds are breeding habitat for many of the smaller passerines as well as wetland-associated species such as Swamphen, Crake and Black-crowned Night Heron.
Due to the transformed nature of the affected area, impacts on birds are likely to be low. There is already a lot of human disturbance in the affected area and the road would probably not increase disturbance to a significant degree.
3.4 SITE SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT
The sensitivity map for the site is illustrated below in Figure 4. The wetland itself is considered high sensitivity and the transformed areas such as roads, urbanised areas and gardens are considered low sensitivity (See Error! Reference source not found. and Figure for examples of typical habitat within the development footprint).
Sensitivity High Medium Low
Figure 4. Sensitivity map of the area around the Houmoed Avenue Extension, showing that the wetland is considered high sensitivity compared to the adjacent transformed areas.
Although the wider vlei area offers the resident fauna a safe refuge from direct anthropogenic disturbances and is an important part of the greater Noordhoek Wetland system, the affected area is highly disturbed and would not currently be important for fauna. The construction and long-term presence of the road will likely increase noise and
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Fauna Baseline Specialist Study disturbance along the edge of the wetland to some degree, but this is not likely to be very significant in the face of the existing disturbance along the majority of the affected area. Although the road would impinge slightly into the vlei in a few areas along the margin of Masiphumelele, the total extent of habitat loss within intact areas less than one hectare and is not considered highly significant as these are not high-value areas due to their exposure to noise, pollution and disturbance from the informal settlement. Overall, the impact of the development is considered low and there are not likely to be highly significant impacts associated with the road development.
Figure 5. Typical habitat along most of the route consists of transformed areas associated with Masiphumelele with no natural habitat remaining. Here, looking along the road alignment near the junction with Fish Eagle Road.
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Figure 6. Example of the affected area towards the junction with Lekkerwater Road, showing the informal settlement and houses with the reedbeds of the wetland in the background. The houses within Lake Michelle on the other side of the wetland can also been seen in the distance and illustrate the relatively narrow nature of the wetland in this area which is only about 150m wide.
4 IDENTIFICATION & NATURE OF IMPACTS
The construction phase of the Houmoed Avenue Extension would pose some risks to the wetland as a result of all the disturbance happening along the road alignment and the likely required in-filling of the margin of the wetland. This is best seen as urban creep and the extension of an existing impactor into the wetland rather than an entirely novel impact into an undisturbed ecosystem. The Houmoed Avenue Phase 2 extension would result in some direct long-term habitat loss within the wetland as well as a possible increase in disturbance along the edge of the wetland during construction. Habitat loss within the reedbed habitat would be low as the majority of the route is already transformed and habitat loss is not considered highly significant as the total extent of loss amounts to a very small proportion of the available habitat. The large amount of disturbance and loose soil generated during construction would also pose a pollution risk to the wetland.
During operation of the road, the major likely impacts on fauna would be disturbance from vehicles or people moving along the road, as well as vehicle-related mortality of fauna along 15 Houmoed Avenue Extenson Phase 2
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the road, especially vulnerable species such as snakes and frogs such as the Western Leopard Toad, although the intensity of this impact is likely to be relatively low along the Phase 2 study area due to the low habitat value of areas away from the vlei. The road would also contribute some extent to cumulative impacts on natural habitats in the area. Development pressure in the greater Noordhoek-Kommetjie-Sun Valley area is currently high with a number of recently approved or proposed developments, all of which are increasing habitat loss and fragmentation in the area. This is likely to impact the ability of fauna to disperse or move about the landscape. This can impact the genetic integrity of the affected populations as well as increase the likelihood that local populations will go extinct.
In terms of the two route alternatives, these are not considered significantly different for faunal impacts and as a result, they are considered to be of equal impact. Consequently, there is not a distinct preferred alternative for fauna.
5 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS
The likely impacts associated with the Houmoed Avenue Extension Phase 2 are assessed below for the construction and operational phases of the development. The assessment is considered applicable to Alternative 1 as well as Alternative 2 as these are not considered substantively different from one another for faunal impacts.
5.1 CONSTRUCTION-PHASE IMPACTS
Impacts associated with the construction phase of the Houmoed Avenue Extension Phase 2 are assessed below and a variety of mitigation measures aimed at reducing the impact of the development on fauna suggested. It is important to note that with regards to the suggested mitigation measures, the measures suggested by the freshwater specialist study have been reviewed and are supported by this study as well. Any measures aimed reducing impact on the wetland will also be similarly effective in limiting impact or restoring habitat for fauna. As such, measures stipulated in the freshwater specialist study aimed at restoring or maintaining function of the wetland are not repeated here, but the focus is on measures that are not provided in that study or which have not been covered in sufficient detail as to the manner in which they pertain to fauna.
Impact 1. Loss of faunal habitat due to transformation of currently intact habitat for road construction Impact Description: Road construction will result in habitat loss for fauna within the wetland and along the margin. This would amount to less than 1ha of habitat loss within the margins of the vlei affecting the reedbed habitat.
Extent Duration Intensity Status Significance Probability Confidence
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Without Mitigation L H L -‘tve LOW H H
With Mitigation L H M -‘tve LOW M H
Although habitat loss cannot be well mitigated, the total extent of habitat loss of intact habitat Extent to which Impact would be low and is not considered highly significant as the affected areas are already considered can be avoided, of low ecological value. managed or mitigated
The road footprint and work area should be demarcated with poles and construction tape before construction commences and all vehicles and personnel restricted to within this area. Any work that may be required outside of this area should be supervised by the ECO. Any temporary use areas such as construction camps and lay-down areas should be located away from the wetland. No excess soil, rock or other material should be dumped or stored temporarily in the wetland. Proposed mitigation Construction should take place in late summer to minimize impact to the wetland. This is when faunal activity along the road alignment is likely to be lowest. In the wet season, faunal activity is likely to be higher and there is also significantly greater risk of large rainfall events resulting in erosion of loose soils and pollution of the wetland. In addition, drier conditions in late summer are likely to pose less of a risk to construction vehicles of getting stuck in the wetland or causing large amounts of disturbance due to the loose substrate. The impact on the areas of intact wetlands cannot easily be reversed because once the wetland Extent to which Impact has been transformed for the road, some habitat would be lost for as long the road persists and can be reversed there is little chance that it would ever be removed. The total extent of this loss is however very low. Extent to which Impact may cause This is highly unlikely as the affected area is already highly impacted with little intact habitat irreplaceable loss of remaining. resources
Impact 2. Direct faunal impacts due to road construction Impact Description: Increased levels of noise, pollution, disturbance and human presence during construction will be detrimental to fauna. Sensitive and shy fauna are likely to move away from the area during the construction phase as a result of the noise and human activities present, while some slow-moving species would not be able to avoid the construction activities and might be killed if proper management and monitoring is not in place. Extent Duration Intensity Status Significance Probability Confidence
Without Mitigation L L M -‘tve LOW H H
With Mitigation L L M -‘tve LOW M H
Extent to which Impact Some faunal disturbance is unavoidable during construction, but there are measures that can be can be avoided, implemented to reduce this to a lower level. managed or mitigated Construction should preferably take place in the late summer when faunal activity in the wetland is at its lowest. Proposed mitigation During construction, any fauna directly threatened by the construction activities should be removed to a safe location by the ECO or other suitably qualified person. No fires should be allowed within the site as there is a risk of fires spreading into the
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reedbeds of the wetland. All fuels, oils and other hazardous materials should be stored in the appropriate manner to prevent contamination of the site. Any accidental chemical, fuel and oil spills that occur at the site should be cleaned up in the appropriate manner as related to the nature of the spill, including any polluted soils. No trenches or holes that may be required should be left open for extended periods as fauna are likely to fall in and become trapped. Any such holes or trenches present should be checked regularly and any fauna that have become trapped should be removed and set free. As Western Leopard Toads are threatened by mortality crossing roads, this impact needs to be mitigated as much as possible. The most effective mitigation in this regard is to prevent toads from crossing the road. The following measures should be implemented in order reduce mortality of Leopard Toads as well as other amphibians and fauna: o The edge of the road and walkway should have a step of at least 200mm high between the pavement and the embankment. This will prevent toads from getting onto the road and encourage then to go under the culverts. o As there are likely to be roads from the urban area entering the road, there is also the possibility that toads will enter the road from the side streets and become trapped on the road if there is a high step or gutter along the edge of the road. As a result it is strongly recommended that the edge of the road should have a graded kerb that frogs can navigate and not a step as required on the outside edge of the road. This combination of a graded kerb on the inside edge and stepped kerb on the outside edge of the road is a key mitigation measure that should be implemented to reduce the impact of the road on Leopard Toads and other similar fauna. o The connectivity of the wetland with any drainage or stormwater canal features which enter the wetland should be maintained. These should not be canalised and should have natural (earth) or rock gabion sides as far as possible. o The Western Leopard Toad Conservation Committee should also be provided opportunity to comment on the development and the proposed mitigation measures. Contact details of the Committee as well the regional representatives can be accessed on https://www.leopardtoad.co.za/index.html
Faunal disturbance due to construction activities will be transient and exist only as long the as the Extent to which Impact construction phase. can be reversed
Although there may be some impact during construction, this would be transient and it would not Extent to which Impact be likely that there would be any irreplaceable loss of resources, especially as the majority of the may cause affected area is already transformed. irreplaceable loss of resources
5.2 OPERATIONAL PHASE IMPACTS
Impact 1. Direct faunal impacts due to road operation Impact Description: Fauna will be negatively affected by the presence and use of the road as a result of vehicle collisions and noise, street
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lighting, human disturbance and increased exposure of the wetland to anthropogenic impact. Extent Duration Intensity Status Significance Probability Confidence
Without Mitigation L H M -‘tve LOW M H
With Mitigation L H L -‘tve LOW M H
Extent to which Impact Some faunal disturbance due to operation cannot be avoided, but there are some measures that can be avoided, can be implemented to reduce this to a lower level. managed or mitigated There should be measures to limit litter inputs on the wetland, this could include litter traps on the canals, as well as holding ponds to capture runoff before it enters the wetland. There should also be bins provided along the walk-way at regular intervals. Street lighting should be designed in a manner which reduces light pollution into the wetland Proposed mitigation as much as possible. As such, lighting should be directed away from the wetland and should preferably be shielded in a manner which prevents it from throwing light unnecessarily into the wetland. Woody aliens along the edge of the wetland should be controlled on a regular basis.
Faunal disturbance due to the operation of the road will persist for the lifetime of the road and as Extent to which Impact a result, there is little that can be done to reverse this impact. However as the affected area has can be reversed low ecological value for most fauna, this is not likely to significant affect many species.. Extent to which Impact may cause It is highly unlikely that there would be any irreplaceable loss of resources as the affected is irreplaceable loss of already highly impacted and has low ecological value. resources
5.3 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Cumulative Impact 1. Cumulative habitat loss and fragmentation due to the Houmoed Avenue Extension Impact Description: The road will contribute to cumulative habitat loss and fragmentation in the Noordhoek-Sun Valley area, potentially impacting species ability to disperse about the landscape or respond to environmental change. Extent Duration Intensity Status Significance Probability Confidence
Without Mitigation L H L -‘tve LOW H H
With Mitigation L H L -‘tve LOW H H
Extent to which Impact The impact would be of low significance as the impact on intact habitat would be low and with can be avoided, mitigation, any residual impact could be well mitigated. managed or mitigated Ensure that the development footprint is kept to a minimum. No alien species should be planted or allowed to persist along the road embankment and edge of the wetland. This area should preferably be landscaped using appropriate indigenous Proposed mitigation species. Alien plant species colonising the road verge and the edge of the wetland should be cleared at least on an annual basis.
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Human impacts on the wetland should be reduced as much as possible, this includes limiting or preventing pedestrian access to the wetland, as well as limiting how much litter enters the wetland.
Extent to which Impact The impact will persist for the life of the road and it is not likely that it will be reversed. can be reversed Extent to which Impact Although there will be some long-term habitat loss along the edge of the vlei, it is highly unlikely may cause that this would result in any loss of irreplaceable resources as the affected area is already irreplaceable loss of significantly disturbed and transformed. resources
6 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
The majority of the Houmoed Avenue Extension Phase 2 route passes through areas that are already transformed by urbanisation and dense informal housing. The development would would result in less than 1ha of habitat loss along the margin of the Pick and Pay Wetland system, in areas that are largely already heavily impacted by human activity and considered to be of low ecological significance and importance for fauna. As a result, there are not likely to be any highly significant impacts on fauna associated with the development and the overall impact of the development is therefore considered to be low.
Impacts associated with the construction phase of the development would be habitat loss resulting from the road footprint and disturbance resulting from construction activities. The loss of habitat is considered of low significance as the extent of intact habitat affected is low and of low ecological value for fauna due to existing impact. Disturbance is considered to be of low significance as the majority of the affected area is already highly impacted or in close proximity to human activity and disturbance. Although potential impacts on Western Leopard Toads are considered a significant concern along Phase 1 of the development, this is likely to be less significant along most parts of Phase 2 as there are not likely to be many toads moving in and out of the vlei in the Masiphumelele area due to the density of urbanisation within this area.
During the operational phase, the presence of the road will result in a number of potential impacts related to disturbance of fauna along the road. These impacts include pollution due to runoff from the road surface, increased light pollution due street lighting, increased levels of noise and litter input to the wetland as well as increased exposure and access of the wetland to people. Due to the transformed and highly disturbed nature of the majority of the route, these impacts are however likely to be low significance. Suggested mitigation measures to maintain a low impact include limiting pedestrian access to the wetland where possible, reducing light pollution from street lighting, measures to reduce litter inputs and measures to improve the quality of the habitat along the road such as clearing any woody aliens which become established and using indigenous species to revegetate the road verge. 20 Houmoed Avenue Extenson Phase 2
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The road would potentially increase cumulative impacts on the on the larger Noordhoek Wetland System however as the affected area is already largely transformed, the contribution of the Houmoed Avenue Phase 2 extension would be very low. Within the affected area, the expansion of the informal housing into the vlei is of greater significance and is currently the major driver of habitat loss within the vlei area at the current time. Measures have however been included in the design of the road to discourage further encroachment and as such, the road should function to provide a hard boundary between the settlement and the vlei and should limit further encroachment.
Overall, the impacts of the development on fauna are likely to be low and there are no highly significant impacts on fauna likely to be associated with the development. As such, there are no faunal ecological reasons to indicate that the development should not go ahead as planned.
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7 REFERENCES
Alexander, G. & Marais, J. 2007. A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa. Struik Nature, Cape Town.
Bates, M.F., Branch, W.R., Bauer, A.M., Burger, M., Marais, J., Alexander, G.J. & de Villiers, M. S. 2014. Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 32. SANBI, Pretoria.
Brownlie, S. 2005. Guideline for involving biodiversity specialists in EIA processes: Edition 1. CSIR Report No ENV-S-C 2005 053 C. Republic of South Africa, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Cape Town.
Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho (EWT, SANBI 2016).
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. and Nienaber, S. (2011). Technical Report for the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas project. WRC Report No. K5/1801.
Minter LR, Burger M, Harrison JA, Braack HH, Bishop PJ & Kloepfer D (eds). 2004. Atlas and Red Data book of the frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SI/MAB Series no. 9. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Mucina L. & Rutherford M.C. (eds) 2006. The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
WWF. 1999. Synthesis Report on Environmental Baseline: Noordhoek Kommetjie Wetlands. Common Ground Consulting. Cape Town.
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ANNEX 1. LIST OF MAMMALS
List of mammals which have been recorded in the broad area of the Houmoed Avenue Extension based on the MammalMap Database for QDS 3418AB. Conservation dependent large mammals, marine mammals and non-free ranging or introduced species are not included in the list. Conservation status is from the 2016 Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho (EWT, SANBI 2016). Family Genus Species Common name Red list category Bathyergidae Bathyergus suillus Cape Dune Mole-rat Least Concern Bathyergidae Cryptomys hottentotus Southern African Mole-rat Least Concern Bathyergidae Georychus capensis Cape Mole-rat Least Concern Bovidae Sylvicapra grimmia Bush Duiker Least Concern Cercopithecidae Papio ursinus Chacma Baboon Least Concern Chrysochloridae Chrysochloris asiatica Cape Golden Mole Least Concern Felidae Caracal caracal Caracal Least Concern Felidae Felis silvestris Wildcat Least Concern Herpestidae Atilax paludinosus Marsh Mongoose Least Concern Herpestidae Herpestes pulverulentus Cape Gray Mongoose Least Concern Hystricidae Hystrix africaeaustralis Cape Porcupine Least Concern Muridae Acomys subspinosus Cape Spiny Mouse Least Concern Muridae Aethomys namaquensis Namaqua Rock Mouse Least Concern Muridae Mus minutoides Southern African Pygmy Mouse Least Concern Muridae Myomyscus verreauxi Verreaux's Mouse Least Concern Muridae Otomys irroratus Southern African Vlei Rat Least Concern Muridae Otomys saundersiae Saunders' Vlei Rat Least Concern Muridae Rhabdomys pumilio Xeric Four-striped Grass Rat Least Concern Mustelidae Aonyx capensis African Clawless Otter Least Concern Mustelidae Ictonyx striatus Striped Polecat Least Concern Mustelidae Mellivora capensis Honey Badger Least Concern Nesomyidae Dendromus mesomelas Brants's African Climbing Mouse Least Concern Procaviidae Procavia capensis Rock Hyrax Least Concern Soricidae Crocidura flavescens Greater Red Musk Shrew Least Concern Soricidae Myosorex varius Forest Shrew Least Concern Vespertilionidae Neoromicia capensis Cape Serotine Least Concern Viverridae Genetta genetta Common Genet Least Concern Viverridae Genetta tigrina Cape Genet Least Concern
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ANNEX 2. LIST OF REPTILES
List of reptiles which have been recorded in the broad area of the Houmeod Avenue Extension site based on the Reptile Map Database for QDS 3418AB. Conservation status is from Bates et al. (2014).
Family Genus Species Subspecies Common name Red list category
Agamidae Agama armata Peters' Ground Agama Least Concern Agamidae Agama atra Southern Rock Agama Least Concern Chamaeleonidae Bradypodion pumilum Cape Dwarf Chameleon Vulnerable Colubridae Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia Red-lipped Snake Least Concern Colubridae Dasypeltis scabra Rhombic Egg-eater Least Concern Colubridae Dispholidus typus typus Boomslang Least Concern Cordylidae Chamaesaura anguina anguina Cape Grass Lizard Least Concern Cordylidae Cordylus cordylus Cape Girdled Lizard Least Concern Cordylidae Cordylus niger Black Girdled Lizard Near Threatened Cordylidae Pseudocordylus microlepidotus microlepidotus Cape Crag Lizard Least Concern Elapidae Naja nivea Cape Cobra Least Concern Gekkonidae Afrogecko porphyreus Marbled Leaf-toed Gecko Least Concern Gekkonidae Goggia lineata Striped Pygmy Gecko Least Concern Gerrhosauridae Tetradactylus seps Short-legged Seps Least Concern Lacertidae Meroles knoxii Knox's Desert Lizard Least Concern Lamprophiidae Amplorhinus multimaculatus Many-spotted Snake Least Concern Lamprophiidae Duberria lutrix lutrix South African Slug-eater Least Concern Lamprophiidae Homoroselaps lacteus Spotted Harlequin Snake Least Concern Lamprophiidae Lamprophis aurora Aurora House Snake Least Concern Lamprophiidae Lycodonomorphus inornatus Olive House Snake Least Concern Lamprophiidae Lycodonomorphus rufulus Brown Water Snake Least Concern Lamprophiidae Psammophis crucifer Cross-marked Grass Snake Least Concern Lamprophiidae Psammophis notostictus Karoo Sand Snake Least Concern Lamprophiidae Psammophylax rhombeatus rhombeatus Spotted Grass Snake Least Concern
Lamprophiidae Pseudaspis cana Mole Snake Least Concern
Leptotyphlopidae Leptotyphlops nigricans Black Thread Snake Least Concern South African Marsh Pelomedusidae Pelomedusa galeata Not evaluated Terrapin Scincidae Acontias meleagris Cape Legless Skink Least Concern Scincidae Trachylepis capensis Cape Skink Least Concern Scincidae Trachylepis homalocephala Red-sided Skink Least Concern Southern Blind Legless Scincidae Typhlosaurus caecus Least Concern Skink Testudinidae Chersina angulata Angulate Tortoise Least Concern Delalande's Beaked Blind Typhlopidae Rhinotyphlops lalandei Least Concern Snake Viperidae Bitis arietans arietans Puff Adder Least Concern
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ANNEX 3. LIST OF AMPHIBIANS
List of amphibians which have been recorded in the broad vicinity of the Houmoed Extension site based on the Frog-Map database for the QDS 3418AB.
Family Genus Species Common name Red list category
Brevicepitidae Breviceps gibbosus Cape Rain Frog Vulnerable Brevicepitidae Breviceps montanus Cape Mountain Rain Frog Least Concern Brevicepitidae Breviceps rosei Sand Rain Frog Least Concern Bufonidae Capensibufo rosei Rose's Toadlet Vulnerable Bufonidae Sclerophrys gutturalis Guttural Toad Least Concern Bufonidae Vandijkophrynus angusticeps Sand Toad Least Concern Hyperoliidae Hyperolius horstockii Arum Lily Frog Least Concern Hyperoliidae Hyperolius marmoratus Painted Reed Frog Least Concern Hyperoliidae Semnodactylus wealii Rattling Frog Least Concern Pipidae Xenopus gilli Cape Platanna Endangered Pipidae Xenopus laevis Common Platanna Least Concern Pyxicephalidae Amietia fuscigula Cape River Frog Least Concern Pyxicephalidae Arthroleptella lightfooti Lightfoot's Moss Frog Near Threatened Pyxicephalidae Cacosternum boettgeri Common Caco Least Concern Pyxicephalidae Cacosternum platys Flat Caco Least Concern Critically Pyxicephalidae Microbatrachella capensis Micro Frog Endangered Pyxicephalidae Strongylopus bonaespei Banded Stream Frog Least Concern Pyxicephalidae Strongylopus grayii Clicking Stream Frog Least Concern Pyxicephalidae Tomopterna delalandii Cape Sand Frog Least Concern
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ANNEX 4. LIST OF AVIFAUNA
List of the 184 bird species which have been recorded near the site based on the SABAP 2 database for the Pentad 3405_1820. The list is sorted according to the reporting rate order with the most-commonly reported species near the top of the list.
Common name Scientific Name Reporting Rate Prinia, Karoo Prinia maculosa 90.9028 Robin-chat, Cape Cossypha caffra 90.1389 White-eye, Cape Zosterops virens 88.5417 Ibis, Hadeda Bostrychia hagedash 88.4028 Goose, Egyptian Alopochen aegyptiacus 87.9861 Gull, Kelp Larus dominicanus 87.2917 Gull, Hartlaub's Larus hartlaubii 85.2083 Starling, Red-winged Onychognathus morio 84.9306 Sunbird, Southern Double-collared Cinnyris chalybeus 83.8194 Bulbul, Cape Pycnonotus capensis 83.1944 Pigeon, Speckled Columba guinea 82.3611 Crow, Pied Corvus albus 79.4444 Dove, Red-eyed Streptopelia semitorquata 79.3056 Starling, Common Sturnus vulgaris 76.3889 Cormorant, White-breasted Phalacrocorax carbo 72.5 Ibis, African Sacred Threskiornis aethiopicus 72.1528 Lapwing, Blacksmith Vanellus armatus 68.2639 Fiscal, Common (Southern) Lanius collaris 68.2639 Wagtail, Cape Motacilla capensis 67.2917 Dove, Rock Columba livia 66.1806 Guineafowl, Helmeted Numida meleagris 61.5972 Dove, Laughing Streptopelia senegalensis 58.4028 Canary, Cape Serinus canicollis 57.7083 Boubou, Southern Laniarius ferrugineus 56.3889 Grassbird, Cape Sphenoeacus afer 56.3194 Weaver, Cape Ploceus capensis 55.8333 Waxbill, Common Estrilda astrild 55 Spurfowl, Cape Pternistis capensis 53.6111 Sunbird, Malachite Nectarinia famosa 53.2639 Cormorant, Reed Phalacrocorax africanus 51.8056 Duck, Yellow-billed Anas undulata 51.4583 Swamp-warbler, Lesser Acrocephalus gracilirostris 50.6944 Moorhen, Common Gallinula chloropus 50.4167 Rush-warbler, Little Bradypterus baboecala 49.7917 Heron, Grey Ardea cinerea 49.7222 Bokmakierie, Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus 49.3056 Coot, Red-knobbed Fulica cristata 49.0278 Cisticola, Levaillant's Cisticola tinniens 49.0278 26 Houmoed Avenue Extenson Phase 2
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Darter, African Anhinga rufa 48.8889 Egret, Little Egretta garzetta 48.3333 Sparrow, Cape Passer melanurus 47.1528 Cormorant, Cape Phalacrocorax capensis 47.0139 Heron, Black-headed Ardea melanocephala 46.7361 Raven, White-necked Corvus albicollis 46.6667 Egret, Cattle Bubulcus ibis 46.5972 Turtle-dove, Cape Streptopelia capicola 42.6389 Grebe, Little Tachybaptus ruficollis 39.1667 Thrush, Olive Turdus olivaceus 39.0278 Sunbird, Orange-breasted Anthobaphes violacea 37.7083 Swallow, Greater Striped Hirundo cucullata 37.5694 Thick-knee, Spotted Burhinus capensis 36.9444 Tern, Swift Sterna bergii 36.8056 Oystercatcher, African Black Haematopus moquini 36.5972 Sugarbird, Cape Promerops cafer 34.7222 Swallow, White-throated Hirundo albigularis 33.4722 Kingfisher, Pied Ceryle rudis 33.4028 Swift, African Black Apus barbatus 33.2639 Grebe, Great Crested Podiceps cristatus 32.7083 Shoveler, Cape Anas smithii 31.1806 Martin, Rock Hirundo fuligula 31.1806 Flycatcher, African Dusky Muscicapa adusta 30.7639 Whydah, Pin-tailed Vidua macroura 30.6944 Chaffinch, Common Fringilla coelebs 30.5556 Southern Masked-weaver, Southern Ploceus velatus 29.4444 Swallow, Barn Hirundo rustica 28.4028 Greenbul, Sombre Andropadus importunus 28.1944 Sparrow, House Passer domesticus 26.3889 Spoonbill, African Platalea alba 25.9028 Buzzard, Jackal Buteo rufofuscus 25.7639 Goose, Spur-winged Plectropterus gambensis 25.4861 Bishop, Yellow Euplectes capensis 25.4167 Swift, Alpine Tachymarptis melba 25.3472 Heron, Purple Ardea purpurea 25.1389 Fish-eagle, African Haliaeetus vocifer 24.8611 Kestrel, Rock Falco rupicolus 24.375 Sparrowhawk, Black Accipiter melanoleucus 24.3056 Swamphen, African Purple Porphyrio madagascariensis 24.0972 Pelican, Great White Pelecanus onocrotalus 23.4028 Night-Heron, Black-crowned Nycticorax nycticorax 23.2639 Neddicky, Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla 22.9167 Batis, Cape Batis capensis 22.7778 Teal, Red-billed Anas erythrorhyncha 22.1528
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Swift, Little Apus affinis 22.0833 Ibis, Glossy Plegadis falcinellus 21.8056 Cormorant, Crowned Phalacrocorax coronatus 21.0417 Swift, White-rumped Apus caffer 19.6528 Tern, Caspian Sterna caspia 18.75 Martin, Brown-throated Riparia paludicola 18.6806 Thick-knee, Water Burhinus vermiculatus 18.6111 Chat, Familiar Cercomela familiaris 18.4028 Mousebird, Speckled Colius striatus 18.3333 Mousebird, Red-faced Urocolius indicus 18.3333 Buzzard, Steppe Buteo vulpinus 18.3333 Kingfisher, Malachite Alcedo cristata 18.1944 Siskin, Cape Crithagra totta 18.1944 Stilt, Black-winged Himantopus himantopus 17.3611 Plover, Three-banded Charadrius tricollaris 17.1528 Falcon, Peregrine Falco peregrinus 17.0139 Flycatcher, Fiscal Sigelus silens 16.8056 Marsh-harrier, African Circus ranivorus 15.9722 Teal, Cape Anas capensis 15.6944 Bunting, Cape Emberiza capensis 14.5833 Eagle-owl, Spotted Bubo africanus 14.2361 Kite, Black-shouldered Elanus caeruleus 14.1667 Egret, Yellow-billed Egretta intermedia 13.8889 Goshawk, African Accipiter tachiro 13.8194 Canary, Brimstone Crithagra sulphuratus 13.75 Lapwing, Crowned Vanellus coronatus 12.6389 Tern, Sandwich Sterna sandvicensis 12.6389 Cuckoo, Klaas's Chrysococcyx klaas 12.3611 Gannet, Cape Morus capensis 12.3611 Mousebird, White-backed Colius colius 12.1528 Tern, Common Sterna hirundo 12.0139 Paradise-flycatcher, African Terpsiphone viridis 11.875 Pochard, Southern Netta erythrophthalma 11.5278 Pipit, African Anthus cinnamomeus 11.1111 Duck, Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 10.9028 Bittern, Little Ixobrychus minutus 10.625 Cisticola, Grey-backed Cisticola subruficapilla 10.625 Olive-pigeon, African Columba arquatrix 10.4167 Plover, White-fronted Charadrius marginatus 9.8611 Gull, Grey-headed Larus cirrocephalus 9.8611 Waxbill, Swee Coccopygia melanotis 9.5833 Drongo, Fork-tailed Dicrurus adsimilis 9.5139 Apalis, Bar-throated Apalis thoracica 9.5139 Flamingo, Greater Phoenicopterus ruber 9.4444
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Duck, African Black Anas sparsa 9.3056 Greenshank, Common Tringa nebularia 9.2361 Avocet, Pied Recurvirostra avosetta 9.2361 Saw-wing, Black (Southern race) Psalidoprocne holomelaena 9.0278 Coucal, Burchell's Centropus burchellii 8.6806 Buzzard, Forest Buteo trizonatus 8.4722 Heron, Goliath Ardea goliath 8.4722 Kite, Yellow-billed Milvus aegyptius 7.7778 Harrier-Hawk, African Polyboroides typus 7.7778 Sunbird, Amethyst Chalcomitra amethystina 7.4306 Lark, Red-capped Calandrella cinerea 7.2917 Sparrow, Southern Grey-headed Passer diffusus 6.8056 Crow, House Corvus splendens 6.5278 Reed-warbler, African Acrocephalus baeticatus 6.5278 Snipe, African Gallinago nigripennis 6.3194 Crake, Black Amaurornis flavirostris 5.9722 Sparrowhawk, Rufous-chested Accipiter rufiventris 5.9722 Penguin, African Spheniscus demersus 5.9722 Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola juncidis 4.8611 Nightjar, Fiery-necked Caprimulgus pectoralis 4.7222 Eagle, Booted Aquila pennatus 4.5833 Kingfisher, Giant Megaceryle maximus 4.2361 Cormorant, Bank Phalacrocorax neglectus 4.1667 Duck, White-backed Thalassornis leuconotus 4.0278 Longclaw, Cape Macronyx capensis 3.9583 Peacock, Common Pavo cristatus 3.8889 Rock-thrush, Cape Monticola rupestris 3.8194 Woodpecker, Ground Geocolaptes olivaceus 3.75 Whimbrel, Common Numenius phaeopus 3.6111 Plover, Kittlitz's Charadrius pecuarius 3.6111 Bishop, Southern Red Euplectes orix 3.2639 Eagle, Verreaux's Aquila verreauxii 2.8472 Tern, Whiskered Chlidonias hybrida 2.6389 Canary, Yellow Crithagra flaviventris 2.3611 Teal, Hottentot Anas hottentota 2.2222 Duck, White-faced Dendrocygna viduata 2.0139 Shelduck, South African Tadorna cana 1.8056 Canary, Forest Crithagra scotops 1.8056 Woodpecker, Olive Dendropicos griseocephalus 1.7361 Sandpiper, Common Actitis hypoleucos 1.5278 Crow, Cape Corvus capensis 1.1806 Tern, Antarctic Sterna vittata 1.1111 Sandpiper, Wood Tringa glareola 1.0417 Openbill, African Anastomus lamelligerus 1.0417
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Hoopoe, African Upupa africana 0.9722 Swallow, Pearl-breasted Hirundo dimidiata 0.9722 Flamingo, Lesser Phoenicopterus minor 0.9028 Petrel, White-chinned Procellaria aequinoctialis 0.9028 Flufftail, Buff-spotted Sarothrura elegans 0.8333 Ostrich, Common Struthio camelus 0.7639 Stint, Little Calidris minuta 0.7639 Stork, White Ciconia ciconia 0.7639 Honeybird, Brown-backed Prodotiscus regulus 0.6944 Cuckoo, Diderick Chrysococcyx caprius 0.6944 Painted-snipe, Greater Rostratula benghalensis 0.6944 Plover, Common Ringed Charadrius hiaticula 0.6944 Falcon, Lanner Falco biarmicus 0.6944 Duck, Domestic Anas platyrhynchos 0.6944 Duck, Hybrid Mallard Anas hybrid 0.6944 Dove, Lemon Aplopelia larvata 0.625 Scrub-robin, Karoo Cercotrichas coryphoeus 0.625 Francolin, Grey-winged Scleroptila africanus 0.5556 Woodpecker, Cardinal Dendropicos fuscescens 0.5556 Shearwater, Sooty Puffinus griseus 0.5556 Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuculus solitarius 0.4861 Owl, Barn Tyto alba 0.4861 Wood-owl, African Strix woodfordii 0.4861 Flufftail, Striped Sarothrura affinis 0.4861 Skua, Subantarctic Catharacta antarctica 0.4861 Grebe, Black-necked Podiceps nigricollis 0.4861 Honeyguide, Greater Indicator indicator 0.4167 Honeyguide, Lesser Indicator minor 0.4167 Tern, White-winged Chlidonias leucopterus 0.4167 Honey-buzzard, European Pernis apivorus 0.4167 Albatross, Shy Diomedia cauta 0.4167 Coucal, White-browed Centropus superciliosus 0.3472 Crake, Baillon's Porzana pusilla 0.3472 Turnstone, Ruddy Arenaria interpres 0.3472 Sandpiper, Curlew Calidris ferruginea 0.3472 Jaeger, Parasitic Stercorarius parasiticus 0.3472 Rock-thrush, Sentinel Monticola explorator 0.3472 Warbler, Knysna Bradypterus sylvaticus 0.3472 Crombec, Long-billed Sylvietta rufescens 0.3472 Barbet, Acacia Pied Tricholaema leucomelas 0.2778 Sandpiper, Marsh Tringa stagnatilis 0.2778 Tern, Arctic Sterna paradisaea 0.2778 Harrier, Black Circus maurus 0.2778 Albatross, Black-browed Thalassarche melanophris 0.2778
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Stonechat, African Saxicola torquatus 0.2778 Duck, Maccoa Oxyura maccoa 0.2083 Bee-eater, European Merops apiaster 0.2083 Dove, Namaqua Oena capensis 0.2083 Crake, Spotted Porzana porzana 0.2083 Jacana, African Actophilornis africanus 0.2083 Egret, Great Egretta alba 0.2083 Hamerkop, Hamerkop Scopus umbretta 0.2083 House-martin, Common Delichon urbicum 0.2083 Lark, Cape Clapper Mirafra apiata 0.2083 Pipit, Plain-backed Anthus leucophrys 0.2083 Canary, White-throated Crithagra albogularis 0.2083 Seedeater, Streaky-headed Crithagra gularis 0.2083 Albatross, Shy Thalassarche cauta 0.2083 Duck, Fulvous Dendrocygna bicolor 0.1389 Swift, Horus Apus horus 0.1389 Fishing-owl, Pel's Scotopelia peli 0.1389 Crane, Blue Anthropoides paradiseus 0.1389 Godwit, Bar-tailed Limosa lapponica 0.1389 Plover, Grey Pluvialis squatarola 0.1389 Jaeger, Pomarine Stercorarius pomarinus 0.1389 Giant-petrel, Southern Macronectes giganteus 0.1389 Petrel, Great-winged Pterodroma macroptera 0.1389 Wheatear, Capped Oenanthe pileata 0.1389 Martin, Banded Riparia cincta 0.1389 Martin, Sand Riparia riparia 0.1389 Palm-swift, African Cypsiurus parvus 0.0694 Rail, African Rallus caerulescens 0.0694 Sanderling, Sanderling Calidris alba 0.0694 Knot, Red Calidris canutus 0.0694 Ruff, Ruff Philomachus pugnax 0.0694 Gull, Franklin's Larus pipixcan 0.0694 Heron, Squacco Ardeola ralloides 0.0694 Egret, Snowy Egretta thula 0.0694 Storm-petrel, European Hydrobates pelagicus 0.0694 Crested-flycatcher, Blue-mantled Trochocercus cyanomelas 0.0694 Thrush, Kurrichane Turdus libonyanus 0.0694 Starling, Pied Spreo bicolor 0.0694 Bulbul, Dark-capped Pycnonotus tricolor 0.0694 Warbler, Marsh Acrocephalus palustris 0.0694 Sunbird, Greater Double-collared Cinnyris afer 0.0694 Pipit, Long-billed Anthus similis 0.0694 Pipit, Tree Anthus trivialis 0.0694 Wagtail, Yellow Motacilla flava 0.0694
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Waxbill, Blue Uraeginthus angolensis 0.0694 Seedeater, Protea Crithagra leucopterus 0.0694 Duck, Muscovy Cairina moschata 0.0694
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SPECIALIST DECLARATION
I, ..Simon Todd..., as the appointed independent specialist, in terms of the 2014 EIA Regulations, hereby declare that I:
. I act as the independent specialist in this application; . I perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant; . regard the information contained in this report as it relates to my specialist input/study to be true and correct, and do not have and will not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity, other than remuneration for work performed in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 and any specific environmental management Act; . I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work; . I have expertise in conducting the specialist report relevant to this application, including knowledge of the Act, Regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity; . I will comply with the Act, Regulations and all other applicable legislation; . I have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity; . I have no vested interest in the proposed activity proceeding; . I undertake to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing - any decision to be taken with respect to the application by the competent authority; and - the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority; . I have ensured that information containing all relevant facts in respect of the specialist input/study was distributed or made available to interested and affected parties and the public and that participation by interested and affected parties was facilitated in such a manner that all interested and affected parties were provided with a reasonable opportunity to participate and to provide comments on the specialist input/study; . I have ensured that the comments of all interested and affected parties on the specialist input/study were considered, recorded and submitted to the competent authority in respect of the application; . all the particulars furnished by me in this specialist input/study are true and correct; and . I realise that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 48 and is punishable in terms of section 24F of the Act.
Signature of the specialist: ______
Name of Specialist: ____Simon Todd______
Date: ____10 July 2018______
Houmoed Avenue Extenson Phase 2
Fauna Baseline Specialist Study
CV/SUMMARY OF EXPERTISE – SIMON TODD
Simon Todd is Director and principal scientist at 3Foxes Biodiversity Solutions and has over 20 years of experience in biodiversity measurement, management and assessment. He has provided specialist ecological input on more than 200 different developments distributed widely across the country, but with a focus on the three Cape provinces. This includes input on the Wind and Solar SEA (REDZ) as well as the Eskom Grid Infrastructure (EGI) SEA and Karoo Shale Gas SEA. He is on the National Vegetation Map Committee as representative of the Nama and Succulent Karoo Biomes. Simon Todd is a recognised ecological expert and is a past chairman and current deputy chair of the Arid-Zone Ecology Forum. He is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (No. 400425/11).
Recent experience and relevant projects in and around the greater Cape Town area include the following: Section 24G on Farm Klein Melkbosch No. 94, Blaauberg. Doug Jeffery Environmental Consultants. 2014. Ecological Constraints Analysis - Erf 1279/1 Simonsvlei. Doug Jeffery Environmental Consultants. 2018. Groot Springfontein Coastal Development - Faunal Ecology Impact Assessment. Doug Jeffery Environmental Consultants. 2018. Proposed Improvements to the Ou Kaapse Weg / Silvermine Road Intersection. Khula Environmental Consultants. 2013. Infrastructure Development at the Maritime Warfare Centre, Simons’ Town. Sillito Environmental Consulting 2014. Remainder of Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie: Development Framework. Fauna Baseline Study. Headland Planners. 2017.
Houmoed Avenue Extenson Phase 2