Final Draft Report - South African Heritage Resources Agency
Transcription
Final Draft Report - South African Heritage Resources Agency
Final Draft Basic Assessment Report for the Proposed Development of x2 Dwelling Units & Associated Infrastructure On Portion 49 & 50 of the Farm Uitzicht 216, Knysna Reference No: NEAS REF: DEA/EIA/0001554/2012 DEA REF NR. 14/12/16/3/3/1/755 December 2013 BOKAMOSO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS & ENVIRONMENTALCONSULTANTS P.O. BOX 11375 MAROELANA 0161 TEL: (012) 346 3810 Fax: 086 570 5659 Email:[email protected] UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT (For official use only) File Reference Number: Application Number: Date Received: Basic assessment report in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended. Kindly note that: 1. This basic assessment report is a standard report that may be required by a competent authority in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and is meant to streamline applications. Please make sure that it is the report used by the particular competent authority for the activity that is being applied for. 2. This report format is current as of 1 September 2012. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ascertain whether subsequent versions of the form have been published or produced by the competent authority 3. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with typing. 4. Where applicable tick the boxes that are applicable in the report. 5. An incomplete report may be returned to the applicant for revision. 6. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of material information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it may result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations. 7. This report must be handed in at offices of the relevant competent authority as determined by each authority. 8. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted. 9. The signature of the EAP on the report must be an original signature. 10. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner. 11. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the competent authority. Any interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in this report on request, during any stage of the application process. 12. A competent authority may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this report need to be completed. 13. Should a specialist report or report on a specialised process be submitted at any stage for any part of this application, the terms of reference for such report must also be submitted. 14. Tw December 2013 1 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT 15. Shape files (.shp) for maps must be included on the electronic copy of the report submitted to the competent authority. December 2013 2 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? NO YES X If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for the specialist appointed and attach in Appendix I. 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION General Project History and Background: Note: It is very important to read this introduction section, because it provides crucial background information that should be taken into consideration when perusing the remainder of this Basic Assessment Report. The application is for two dwelling houses and associated structures and infrastructure on Portion 49 and Portion 50 of the Farm Uitzicht 216, Knysna. A right of way servitude has been registered from Church Street in Brenton-on-Sea to the respective properties, but no physical vehicle access has yet been constructed to provide access to the properties. At present there is no formal access to any of the properties and therefore the application is also for an access road. From a town planning point of view the owners of the properties already have the right to construct dwelling houses, but the applicable environmental legislation and policies requires that an EIA application process (at the National Department of Environmental Affairs) and OSCAE Permit application process (to be submitted to the involved local authority – the Knysna Local Authority)) be followed prior to the construction of such houses and access road. According to the applicants they have engaged with the relevant authorities regarding the construction of houses and an access over a period of more than ten years and the recent history is briefly summarised below: The owners already formerly followed an application process for the proposed houses and access road. The former application was lodged at the local authority before the Amended 2010 EIA Regulations came into effect on 2 August 2010. At the time when the original applications were lodged, the proposed activities (the construction of the private homes and an access road) did not trigger any of the activities as listed in the former ECA and NEMA EIA Regulations and therefore it was not necessary to follow an EIA process. The former December 2013 3 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT application only required that the applicant obtain an OSCAE permit from the local authority and the applicant eventually managed to obtain such permit. After the OSCAE permit was issued, the applicant still had some issues to deal with and unfortunately the delays resulted in the unexpected expiring of the OSCAE permit that was issued. Please note that the local authority issued an OCSAE permit for the above mentioned project and this means that the relevant authority already supported construction of houses and an access road (in line with the activities as described in this application) on the two properties. After the OSCAE permit expired, the applicant appointed Bokamoso Environmental to assist with the way forward and it was requested that Bokamoso meet with the local authority in order to determine whether it will be possible to revive the OSCAE permit/ to extend the validity of such permit. Bokamoso then had a meeting with the relevant officials at the Knysna Local Municipality and the local authority confirmed that the OSCAE Permit had expired and that it will not be possible to revive it/ extend its validity. The local authority furthermore indicated that there is a possibility that the proposed activities will now trigger listed activities as listed in the Amended 2010 EIA Regulations and the relevant official recommended that we peruse the EIA Regulations and determine whether any listed activities are triggered prior to re-entering into an application process for a new OSCAE Permit. The proposed construction activities were then compared with the 2010 Listed Activities and it was eventually confirmed that a few activities as listed in Listing Notices 1 and 3 will be triggered. The activities that will be triggered are listed and described in this report. Due to the fact that DEA is the delegated authority responsible for the evaluation of the EIA application, the local authority recommended that we refrain from submitting a separate OSCAE permit to them for consideration. According to the local authority the OSCAE permit will automatically be granted once the EIA authorisation has been granted by the delegated authority. Based on the above, it was decided to attach the new OSCAE permit application as part of the BA Application and it is required that the involved local authority consider the BAR as well as the OSCAE permit application and that the local authority issue the new OSCAE permit as soon as authorisation has been granted by DEA (if DEA decides to grant authorisation). Refer to Appendix J for the new OSCAE Permit Application December 2013 4 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT The most sensitive aspect of this application is the access road to the properties. There are two possible access alternatives. The first option is to construct the access road to the proposed houses on the road servitude, which stretches from Brenton-on-Sea. The owners and the relevant authorities (The Department of Water Affairs (DWA) and the management of the Goukamma Nature Reserve) already did a thorough site walk-about (during the former application process) in order to determine the preferred alignment for the Brenton-onSea access road and the proposed road alignment was plotted in accordance with the GPS waypoints as determined on site during the walking exercise. The alignment as plotted mainly follows the road servitude with only a few minor deviations. The second access road alternative is to obtain access through the Goukamma Nature Reserve from the Buffelsbaai Road. There is already an access point from the Buffelsbaai road and a large section of this proposed access road already exists as an internal road of the Goukamma Nature Reserve. It will only be necessary to upgrade the existing road and to construct a small portion of road to the east in order to extend the road towards the proposed houses. The option of the proposed access road from the Goukamma Nature Reserve has always been on the table, but the owners were reluctant to consider this option, because the management of the Goukamma Nature Reserve/ Cape Nature agreed to provide access on the condition that the remainder of the owners’ properties be conserved/protected against further development by means of a Stewardship Agreement. The owners were not in favour of such an agreement, because they did not know what such an agreement entailed and they did not want their valuable land to be sterilised from future development, especially since no similar restrictions were placed on the surrounding landowners when they obtained their accesses to their properties and when they developed their homes/facilities. The owners were also not certain about the future plans of the Goukamma Nature Reserve (i.e. the management of the Nature Reserve can decided to construct a large hotel on the nature reserve property (as in the case of the proposed Malelane Hotel in the Kruger National Park)/ they can decided to sell the land off for development purposes) and if this option is followed, the owners will most probably struggle to sell their properties which were subjected to severe conservation restrictions imposed on the undeveloped portions of their farms. We compiled a First Draft Basic Assessment Report (DBAR) for discussion purposes with the relevant authorities and with the surrounding land-owners and in this Draft Report we motivated that the Brenton-on-Sea access road was regarded as the preferred access alternative because: December 2013 5 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT -The proposed access road can act as fire-fighting road and it can also act as a fire break (as in the case of the access road of Ms Susan Campbell – one of the neighbours); -A large section of the servitude road is covered with highly flammable exotic invaders that increase the fire risks in the area and the construction of the access road will result in the removal of these invaders; -The proposed access road will act as an emergency road; -The proposed access road will assist in the open space maintenance and management and it will also assist with the long terms eradication of weeds and exotic invaders (the land will be more accessible); and -It will not be necessary for the owners to enter into a restrictive Stewardship Agreement with the relevant authorities. This first DBAR was discussed with the relevant parties during a focus group meeting that was held at the Buffelsbaai Restaurant in October 2013, but most parties present, including the management of the Goukamma Nature Reserve, disagreed with the Brenton-on Sea access proposal. The parties present at the meeting however indicated that they were satisfied (in principle) with the proposed positioning of the houses and their associated outbuildings and infrastructure, because the proposed “cluster-and-space” layout concept closer to the beach will make fire-fighting in larger blocks easier. It will also be easier to protect the houses and outbuildings from fire if they are situated away from the larger continuous block of land to be burnt. The management of the nature reserve did however not regard the proposed Brenton-onSea access road as necessary for firefighting; emergency situations or environmental management. The management of the Goukamma Nature Reserve and the other affected parties expressed their concerns regarding the proposed access road on the road servitude and they were adamant that any form of access from Brenton-on-Sea had to be prevented. The management of the Goukamma Nature Reserve indicated that they regard the Goukamma access alternative as the preferred alternative from a social, economic, ecological and institutional point of view and they recommended that Bokamoso arrange a discussion meeting with the owners to discuss the various options. According to the management of the Nature Reserve there are various levels of stewardship agreements and they also indicated that they have now formulated the agreement options into a userfriendly document and that such options will be made available to the owners for consideration. December 2013 6 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT The follow-up meeting was arranged and took place in George at the offices of Environmental Affairs on 28 October 2013. During this meeting the management of the Goukamma Nature Rebserve (on behalf of Cape Nature) made the user-friendly Stewardship Agreement option document available to the owners and explained the purpose and advantages of such an agreement. They also indicated that they will afford the owners an opportunity to consider all the possible levels of agreement before making any decisions. During the meeting the owners indicated that each of them currently have the right to construct x5 dwelling houses on their farms and that they did not want to “let-go” of such rights. It was furthermore explained that the study area has very high eco-tourism potential and that they did not want to lose the opportunity to fulfil in such needs when the time is ripe for tourism development in the specific area. It was then explained by the management of the Goukamma Nature reserve that the Stewardship Programme makes provision for the reservation of additional sections of the larger study area for future development and such future development area will eventually be indicated and/fixed on a development masterplan/ framework plan compiled in conjunction with the nature reserve. The Stewardship programme also makes provision for public-private partnerships and according to the management of the Goukamma Nature Reserve; the only expansion option for the nature reserve is towards the east (into the properties/farms of the owners). The owners indicated that they also want the section of the access road (the Brenton-on-Sea access road) on their properties (which were delineated on site and for which the GPS waypoints were specifically identified on site) to be incorporated into the larger master plan/ development framework for the possible construction of future private internal circulation routes (i.e. when future expansions (in line with the masterplan/development framework takes place). It was eventually decided that all possible future facilities/ structures/ roads etc. to be developed on the farms will be discussed and fixed during the compilation of the Stewardship Agreement. According to the Goukamma Nature Reserve the signing of such a Stewardship Agreement also holds other advantages to the owners (i.e. the Goukamma Nature Reserve will offer to assist with firefighting on the properties, they will assist with the policing of the area, they will assist with the maintenance of the fire breaks and the open spaces, they will assist with the maintenance of the access road, they will assist with the eradication of weeds and exotic invaders and they will assist with the rehabilitation of disturbed/ exposed areas). It is also important to note that Ms Susan Campbell (one of the neighbours) also forwarded a letter which confirms that they will also be willing to enter into a stewardship agreement with December 2013 7 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT the Nature Reserve if the owners agree to sign such an agreement. This undertaking from Ms Campbel and her family is appreciated and the owners feel strongly about the fact that the surrounding land-owners should also sign such agreements, because it will guarantee the future protection of the area as a whole and it will promote holistic, pro-active and integrated planning of the entire area (including the Goukamma nature reserve, which can only expand to the east). Even though the management of the Goukamma Nature Reserve regarded the proposed access road through the Goukamma Nature Reserve as the preferred access alternative, they do not regard the current access point from the Buffelsbaai road and the existing road alignment through the nature reserve as the long terms and final alternative. Apparently the existing access road crosses through a small wetland area and the intention is to move the access point away from the wetland area and to re-align the access/internal road to areas that are less sensitive. It was also decided that the proposed re-alignment of the internal road and the access position will form part of future planning and due to the fact that Dr. Herman Joubert (one of the owners) is a well-known traffic engineer, Dr. Joubert’s assistance with the proposed new access point and re-alignment will be much appreciated. The shorter term plan is however to utilise the existing access position and internal road in its current position until the proposed new access road and internal road re-alignment have been approved by the relevant authorities. The owners perused the Stewardship Agreement options supplied to them by the Goukamma Nature Reserve management and they have now indicated, in writing that they are willing to sign an agreement with the government to regulate future development on their properties. The signing of such an agreement and the provision of such an agreement to the delegated authority must be incorporated as one of the conditions of approval (if the delegated authority agrees to approve the proposed private development). a) Describe the project associated with the listed activities applied for The Proposed construction of the following structures and infrastructure on Portion 49 and Portion 50 of the Farm Uitzicht 216, Knysna: An access road that will serve the two Farm Portions. There are currently two road access road alternatives. Access Road Alternative (S1): December 2013 8 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT This access road alternative traverses an existing registered servitude for a local road on Portions 39, 40 and 41 of the Farm Uitzicht 216, Knysna. The alignment of the access road on these Portions deviates from the registered servitude to avoid sensitive vegetation and achieve a superior alignment from a road construction point of view. It has been agreed with the owner of the property that a new servitude will be registered. According to the interested and affected parties and the relevant authorities, this access alternative is not the preferred alternative. Access Road Alternative (S2): This access road traverses the Goukamma Nature Reserve, which is situated to the west of the study area. The owners (and their workers/ guests etc.) will be entitled to use the existing access gate from Buffelbaai Road and to drive to their farms on an existing internal road, which cuts through the nature reserve. Only minor road clearing and grading works will be required towards the east where the existing road will be extended toward the proposed new dwellings. According to the interested and affected parties and the relevant authorities, this access alternative is not the preferred alternative. Goukamma Nature reserve however indicated that they will only consider it to provide access to the properties if the owners agree to enter into a Stewardship Agreement, which will ensure the long term protection and management of the larger area. At this stage the owners indicated that they are willing to enter into a Stewardship Agreement and therefore Bokamoso and the owners also regard Alternative 2 as the preferred alternative. The construction of outbuildings on both Farm Portions; The installation of services (water, sewage, electricity (solar/ Eskom power)) on both Farm Portions; The construction of x 2 dwelling units and ancillary buildings (x1 dwelling unit on each Farm Portion); The construction of fire breaks; The construction of elevated boardwalks/ pedestrian pathways (on ground level) to provide beach access to both dwelling units; All the activities as listed above will require some vegetation clearance; Conservation lines/ fences will be erected to prevent damage to natural areas that will surround the structures as listed above. Refer to Figure 1 for Locality map and refer to Figure 2 for an Aerial Photograph b) Provide a detailed description of the listed activities associated with the project as applied for Listed activity as described in GN R.544, 545 and 546 Description of project activity GN R.544 Item 9 December 2013 9 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT The construction of facilities or infrastructure exceeding 1000 metres in length for the bulk transportation of water, sewage or storm water(i) With an internal diameter of 0,36 metres or more; or (ii) With a peak throughput of 120 litres per second or more, Excluding where: a. Such facilities or infrastructure are for bulk transportation of water, sewage or storm water or storm water drainage inside a road reserve; or Where such construction will occur within urban areas but further than 32 metres from a watercourse, measured from the edge of the watercourse. GN R.544 Item 11 The construction of: (i) Canals; (ii) Channels; (iii) Bridges; (iv) Dams; (v) Weirs; (vi) Bulk storm water outlet structures; (vii) Marinas; (viii) Jetties exceeding 50 square metres in size; (ix) Slipways exceeding 50 square metres in size; (x) Buildings exceeding 50 square metres in size; or (xi) Infrastructure or structures covering 50 square metres or more Where such construction occurs within a watercourse or within 32 metres of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind the development setback line. The proposed residential dwelling units and their associated outbuildings and structures on both farm portions will require the installation of services (on site/ municipal services). In the case of municipal services it will most probably be necessary to install pipelines and other infrastructure (i.e. pump stations) that will exceed 1 000 metres in length. The internal diameter of infrastructure that exceeds 1000 metres will be less than 0.36 metres. Access to the proposed x2 dwelling units and its associated outbuildings and infrastructure, forms a very important part of this application. At present there is no vehicular access to the properties. Two alignment alternatives for the proposed access road to the properties will be considered. The alignment alternatives have already been described above. Furthermore, both farm portions are situated within the 100m high watermark and there is also a strong possibility that some of the proposed structures and infrastructure will also encroach the 100m line. Although no evidence was found of any watercourses during site visits, there is also a possibility that the proposed access road will cut across some non-perennial drainage lines. December 2013 An elevated/ low-impact pedestrian walkway (at ground level)/ boardwalk that will provide 10 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT access to the beach will form part of the associated structures applied for. During discussions, the relevant authorities indicated that they would prefer non-elevated beach access (especially at the high-water mark/after the first dune), because elevated boardwalks cannot accommodate the ever changing dunes and water levels. Security is also becoming an issue in the area and therefore it will also be necessary to implement some form of access control. According to the management of the Goukamma Nature Reserve, the existing access road through the Goukamma Nature Reserve traverses a watercourse/small wetland/marshy area immediately after the entrance into the reserve. Some upgradings (i.e. road widening/ the installation of a culvert/ small bridge structure) might be necessary in this area to accommodate the proposed access to the properties through the nature reserve. Please note that the relevant authorities regard this access road alternative as the preferred alternative. GN R.544 Item 16 Construction or earth moving activities in the sea, an estuary, or within the littoral active zone or a distance of 100 metres Inland of the highwater mark of the sea or an estuary, whichever is the greater, in respect of – i.) Fixed or floating jetties and slipways; ii.) Tidal pools; iii.) Embankments; iv.) Rock revetments or stabilizing structures including stabilizing walls; v.) Buildings of 50 square metres or moreDecember 2013 The two farm portions are situated within 100 metres of the highwater mark and the seashore forms the southern boundary of the two farm portions. Both sites slope slightly in a southerly direction. The construction and associated site clearance on both properties (one house with associated structures/ 11 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT But excluding a.) If such construction or earth moving activities will occur behind a development setback line; or b.) Where such construction or earth moving activities will occur within existing ports or harbours and the construction or earth moving activities will not increase the development footprint or throughput capacity of the port or harbor; c.) Where such construction or earth moving activities is undertaken for purposes of maintenance of the facilities mentioned in (i)(vi) above; or Where such construction or earth moving activities is related to the construction of a port or harbor, in which case activity 24 of Notice 545 of 2010 applies. GN R.544 Item 17 The planting of vegetation or placing of any material on dunes and exposed sand surfaces, within the littoral active zone for the purpose of preventing the free movement of sand, erosion or accretion, excluding where the planting of vegetation or placement of material relates to restoration and maintenance of indigenous coastal vegetation or where such planting of vegetation or placing of material will occur behind a development setback line. buildings and infrastructure on each farm portion) will exceed 50 square metres. The natural area can be characterized by a thick deposit of recent windblown (Aeolian) sand that covers much of the site above the high-water mark. It forms an extensive sand dune system, which has largely been stabilized by vegetation (some of the vegetation used by the authorities for the stabilisation of the dunes are exotics). Two exposed sand surfaces/ dune areas occur on Portion 50 and it is envisaged to plant indigenous and preferably endemic vegetation in these areas. This will also include the establishment of small on-site indigenous nurseries that will ensure the continuous provision of onsite material to restore and maintain the indigenous coastal vegetation. After the construction phase rehabilitation will take place. During the rehabilitation phase the landowners wish to re-establish December 2013 12 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT indigenous and endemic vegetation on the disturbed sections of the study area and a long term rehabilitation plan will also be put in place to assist with the on-going removal of invader species The land-owners want to personally occupy the two houses and they regard the protection and rehabilitation of the farm properties involved as extremely important. GN R.544 Item 18 The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 5 cubic metres into, or the dredging, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock from i) A watercourse; ii) The sea; iii) The seashore; iv) The littoral active zone, an estuary or a distance of 100 metres inland of the highwater mark of the sea or an estuary, whichever distance is the greaterBut excluding where such infilling, depositing, dredging, excavation, removal or moving i) Is for maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a management plan agreed to by the relevant environmental authority; or ii) Occurs behind the development setback line. GN R.544 Item 24 The transformation of land bigger than 1000 square metres in size, to residential, retail, commercial, industrial or institutional use, where, at the time of the coming into effect of this Schedule such land was zoned open space, conservation or had an equivalent zoning. The establishment of elevated boardwalks/ on ground level pedestrian walkways will most probably trigger activity (iv) and the possible upgrading works in and around the watercourse area at the proposed Goukamma Nature Reserve access road will most probably trigger activity (i). The two farm portions and their associated outbuildings and structures are classified as being part of a protected area therefore this activity will be triggered as the development of the dwelling units and their associated outbuildings and structures, services and access road will be larger than 1 000 square metres in size. At December 2013 this stage the estimated 13 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT ecological footprint for each dwelling unit and associated structures/ buildings is ± 2 500m²3 000m² per residential unit. Even though the study area is zoned agricultural, it is situated in an area regarded as critical biodiversity area and such area is regarded as conservation worthy. GN R.544 Item 26 Any process or activity identified in terms of section 53(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004). According to the conservation plans supplied by the involved Local Authority, the study area is situated in an area identified as a Critical Biodiversity area as well as areas with potential occurrence of threatened species or habitat important for supporting threatened species. The EMF compiled by DEA for the area furthermore confirms that the two farm portions are situated within an area with high habitat sensitivity and in an area regarded as a Critical Biodiversity area. Please note that the status of the study area in terms of the BioDiversity Act is not confirmed yet, but the delegated authority however recommended that Bokamoso incorporate such activity in order to allow for the incorporation of this activity if this Listed Activity is triggered during the application process. It is therefore requested that the delegated authority confirm (at the end of the application process) whether this activity should remain as one of the listed activities applied for. If this listed activity is not included in December 2013 14 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT the current application, a new application would be required to include this activity. The inclusion of this activity was specifically discussed with Mr. Danie Smit from DEA and he agreed it will be better to rather follow a cautious approach by rather including this activity from the start. GN R.546 Item 4 The construction of a road wider than 4 metres with a reserve less than 13,5 metres: (d) in Western Cape: i) In an estuary; ii) All areas outside urban areas; iii) In urban areas (aa) Areas zoned for use as public open space within urban areas; and (bb) Areas designated for conservation use in Spatial Development Frameworks adopted by the competent authority, or zoned for a conservation purpose. The two farm portions and their associated outbuildings/structures and infrastructure fall outside the urban area and as mentioned earlier the construction of an access/ access roads to supply access to the properties is inevitable. Two potential access alternatives will be investigated in the application. The one alternative is to gain access from the Goukamma Nature Reserve (at present the preferred alternative) and the second alternative will be to construct a private and narrow access road on the alignment of a proposed local road for which a road servitude has been registered. In the case of road Alternative 2, the intention will not be to apply for the approval of the local road, but only for the approval of the sub-standard private access road on the proposed alignment of the local road and this road will only be accessible to the land-owners in the area and to emergency vehicles during fire and life threatening emergencies. Please note that the construction of the local road (if this is ever planned) will require that a new EIA application process be followed and it will be recommended that this December 2013 15 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT requirement be emphasized in conditions of approval (if delegated authority agrees approve the access road/ application). the the to the At this stage the intention is to construct an access road that is narrower than 4m, but unforeseen circumstances during the construction and operational phases could require that sections of the road to be constructed are wider than 4m (i.e. to re-align a section of the road in order to avoid a tree/ some sensitive vegetation units/ species). The detail design of the access road will be made available prior to the actual construction phase. Also take note that the actual construction phase could require (in some areas) that construction activities go above the 4m threshold and therefore the potential construction phase requirements could also trigger this activity. GN R.546 Item 14 The clearance of an area of 5 hectares or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation, except where such removal of vegetation is required for: a.) In Western Cape: i.) All areas outside urban areas. The landowners have identified a need to enhance the indigenous fauna through after construction rehabilitation works that will allow for the re-establishment of indigenous/ endemic vegetation and for the eradication of exotic species and especially invasive species and weeds. (1) Purposes of agriculture or afforestation inside areas identified in spatial December 2013 16 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT instruments adopted by the competent authority for agriculture or afforestation purposes; (2) The undertaking of a process or activity included in the list of waste management activities published in terms of section 19 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008) in which case the activity is regarded to be excluded from the list; (3) The undertaking of a linear activity falling below the thresholds in Notice 544 of 2010. GN R.546 Item 16 The construction of: (i) Jetties exceeding 10 square metres in size; (ii) Slipways exceeding 10 square metres in size; (iii) Buildings with a footprint exceeding 10 square meters in size; or (iv) Infrastructure covering 10 square meters or more d) in Western Cape; i.) All watercourses; ii.) In an estuary: i.) Outside urban areas; in: (aa) A protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA, excluding conservancies; (bb) National December 2013 The construction of the dwelling units and associated structures and infrastructure (on each farm) will most definitely trigger this activity, because the farm portions are situated outside the urban edge and they are situated in close proximity/adjacent to the Goukamma Nature Reserve. The combined footprint of the two developments, which will also require the implementation of some infrastructure, will exceed 10m². 17 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA Where such construction occurs within a watercourse or within 32 meters of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind the development setback line. BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Protected Area Expansion Strategy Focus areas; (cc) World Heritage Sites; (dd) Sensitive areas as identified in an environmental management framework as contemplated in chapter 5 of the Act and as adopted by the competent authority; (ee) Sites or areas identified in terms of an International Convention; At this stage the envisaged ecological footprint for each unit is ± 2500 - 3000m² (including the dwelling units, outbuildings, exterior hard surfaces, boardwalks etc.). The proposed access road and some of the other infrastructure required (depending on the availability of infrastructure) will also require the clearance of 10m² or more of vegetation. Please take note that the proposed access road will most probably cut through areas that incorporate non-perennial drainage lines/ watercourses. (ff) Critical biodiversity areas or ecosystem service areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in bioregional plans; (gg) Core areas in biosphere reserves; (hh) Areas within 10 kilometers from national parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometers from any other protected areas. December 2013 18 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA 2. BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES “alternatives”, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to— (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; the type of activity to be undertaken; the design or layout of the activity; the technology to be used in the activity; the operational aspects of the activity; and the option of not implementing the activity. Describe alternatives that are considered in this application as required by Regulation 22(2)(h) of GN R.543. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity (NOT PROJECT) could be accomplished in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. The determination of whether site or activity (including different processes, etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. After receipt of this report the, competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent. The identification of alternatives should be in line with the Integrated Environmental Assessment Guideline Series 11, published by the DEA in 2004. Should the alternatives include different locations and lay-outs, the co-ordinates of the different alternatives must be provided. The co-ordinates should be in degrees, minutes and seconds. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection. December 2013 19 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA a) BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Site alternatives Note: No site alternatives were considered, because the applicants specifically purchased the Farm Portions involved for the construction of private dwelling units. In the case of Portion 50, the family of the applicant has owned the property for approximately 50 years. The tranquil setting, the attractive natural surroundings and the coastline, which borders the properties, are just a few site assets that contribute to the high economic value of such properties and both properties are much sought after for the development of lodges, guest houses and private homes. As already mentioned, the applicants intend to construct residential units for their personal use on the two farm portions and the they also regard the protection and conservation of the study area and its surroundings as a priority. The applica ts e e i dicated that they are illi g to joi a reside t’s foru i the area a d that they will assist with the protecting of the area (i.e. fire management, eradication of exotic invaders, rehabilitation of the area with indigenous/ endemic vegetation and the conservation of the area). They will also make the private road to be constructed for their exclusive use available for fire management and emergency situations. During a focus- group meeting with the management of the Goukamma Nature Reserve, the possibility of trading the existing municipal caravan park on the ridge (before one enters Buffelsbaai) with the study area was regarded as an option to consider. This option has been discussed with the land-owners, but they indicated that they were not interested in such a land-swop, because they regarded their land- alues, the “e se of Place of their properties, the uniqueness of their properties and the exclusivity of their properties as irreplaceable and more valuable that the existing under-utilised caravan park. Description Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) Alternative 2 Description Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) Alternative 3 Description December 2013 20 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT In the case of linear activities: Alternative: The proposed access road, which forms part and parcel of this application and possible water supply / sewage supply pipelines, represents linear activities. Latitude (S): Alternative S2 (preferred) Starting point of the activity Middle/Additional point of the activity End point of the activity ° .52 “ ° 25.93 “ ° . “ Longitude (E): 22°56 8.69 E 22°57 49.29 E ° . E Access Road Alternative S2 This alternative will require the provision of access through the Goukamma Nature Reserve, which is situated to the immediate west of the study area. Initially, Alternative S1 as described below was regarded as the preferred alternative. The reasons for this are set out in the introduction and background section of this report. After several discussion sessions between the relevant authorities, the surrounding land-owners and the owners, it agreed to recommend Alternative S2 as the preferred alternative. The implementation of this alternative however requires that the owners enter into a Stewardship Agreement with the relevant authority. The owners confirmed (in writing) that they are willing to commit themselves to such a Stewardship Agreement. The agreement will be finalised if the delegated authority authorise the private projects as proposed in this BAR. Refer to Figure 3 for the proposed alignment of Alternative 2 December 2013 21 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Alternative S1 (if any) Starting point of the activity Middle/Additional point of the activity End point of the activity 34° . “ ° 7.46 “ ° 31.32 “ 22° . E ° 0.84 E 22°58 46.92 E Access Road Alternative S1 This alternative stretches from the east (an existing dirt road from Brenton-onSea) towards the study area (mainly on an existing local road servitude). The alignment for this access road is the alignment that follows the alignment of the existing future local road servitude. Apparently the original purpose of this road servitude was to link the Buffalo Bay village with Brenton-On-Sea. According to the relevant authorities it is highly unlikely that this road (as a local road) will ever be constructed, because the topography of the area earmarked for the road and the rehabilitation difficulties against such steep slopes makes it almost impossible to construct (especially the area to the west of the study area, which incorporates steep sand dunes that are currently covered with vegetation that took many years to achieve the current vegetative coverage). Refer to Figure 3 for figure which indicates the existing road servitude Alternative S3 Starting point of the activity Middle/Additional point of the activity End point of the activity Services Alternative SA1: (The preferred services alternative) – The provision of on-site water through the abstraction of groundwater and the provision of an on-site sewage treatment system Water: December 2013 22 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT This alternative will not require the installation of any linear pipelines/ services. The domestic water for the two houses will be obtained from ground water resources (a borehole/ boreholes).1 The amount of water required will not be significant (approximately 1.5kl/day for each household and some water for irrigation of the rehabilitated areas). One or two boreholes will be drilled on the properties and the boreholes will be equipped with the required pumps and they will be registered at the National Department of Water Affairs. If the amount of water required for the construction and operational phases of the development exceeds the volume for permissible use, a Section 21 (a) water license application will be submitted to DWA for consideration. At this stage we are however of the opinion that the applicant will only require a General Authorisation (GA) from DWA, because the volumes of water required will most probably fall within the permissible wateruse category. This must however be confirmed by DWA. At this stage it is estimated that each household will require approximately 4kl/ water per day. As alternative, water supply can be obtained from the existing municipal water supply in Buffels Bay over a distance of approximately 1000 metres. Sewer: This alternative will require the installation of an on-site sanitation facility for the two houses. Due to the fact that the properties are situated adjacent to each other, it is proposed that only one such facility be erected for both dwellings. The type of system to install will be confirmed with the DWA and the amount of sewer that will be treated on site will be approximately 500-600m³ per annum. The effluent treatment threshold as set in the National Environmental Management Act (as amended on 29 November 2013) is above the amount of effluent that will be treated on the properties and therefore it will not be necessary to apply for this activity. It will however be necessary to apply for a General Authorisation for the discharge of treated effluent if the treated effluent will be discharged/ irrigated on the site. At this stage we are proposing that one Lilliput system/Scarab System/ similar system be installed for the treatment of the sewer generated by both houses. A sewer suction system was also considered, but due to the low accessibility of the study area and the pollution potential in the case of overflowing/spillages, the usage of suction tanks is not regarded as a viable option. As environmental consultants we are convinced that the proposed on site treatment of sewer (in an environmental friendly manner) is the preferred sewage alternative. 1 During the meeting with Cape nature on 28 October 2013, the management of the Goukamma Nature Reserve indicated that they have existing boreholes in the Goukamma Nature Reserve that are suitable for domestic purposes. The borehole/s are situated adjacent to he proposed access road and the officials indicated that they are willing to consider it to make the borehole water available to the owners for usage. This option will be discussed with the management in more detail and DWA will also be consulted in this regard. Detail regarding further discussions will be included as part of the Final BAR. December 2013 23 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Services Alternative SA2: (Not the preferred Services Alternative) This alternative i ol es the i stallatio of se e a d ate li es f o the Buffels aai village/ from Brenton-on Sea. The sewer of the two houses will then be connected to the u i ipal se e syste i stalled i Buffels aai / Brenton-on-Sea, but will require a pump station. The proposed water-pipeline to be installed will also be connected to the municipal ate syste of Buffels aai / Brento-on-Sea. Where possible the proposed two pipelines will run parallel to each other. In some areas it will not be possible for the sewer and the water to gravitate and therefore some sewer and water pump stations will have to be installed. Leaking sewage and water pipes could have a detrimental effect on the environment and the excavation required for the proposed pipeline will have impacts on the natural vegetation and fauna. In places where it will not be possible to install underground pipes, the proposed pipelines could also have visual impacts, especially from sensitive view sheds such as the coastline. For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with coordinates taken every 250 meters along the route for each alternative alignment. In the case of an area being under application, please provide the co-ordinates of the corners of the site as indicated on the lay-out map provided in Appendix A. b) Lay-out alternatives Description Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) ° .52 “ ° 30.59 “ 22°56 8.69 E 22°58 29.65 E The proposed construction of the following structures and infrastructure on Portion 49 and Portion 50 of the Farm Uitzicht 216, Knysna: • • • • • • • An access road that will serve the two Farm Portions. At this stage the preferred access road alternative is the road that traverses the Goukamma Nature Reserve; The construction of associated outbuildings on both Farm Portions; The installation of services (water, sewage, electricity (solar/ Eskom power) on both Farm Portions – note on-site services will be provided to prevent damage to the natural vegetation; The construction of x 2 dwelling units (x1 dwelling unit on each Farm Portion); The construction of elevated boardwalks to provide beach access to both dwelling units; All the activities as listed above will require some vegetation clearance; Co se atio li es/ fe es ill e e e ted to p e e t December 2013 24 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT damage to natural areas that will surround the structures as listed above. Fire breaks will need to be implemented if Alternative 2 is not followed. Note: A luste -a d spa e layout o ept as follo ed and the proposed houses and associated outbuildings and infrastructure were strategically positioned to: - Provide easy beach access (for recreational and emergency purposes); - To limit the visual impacts; - To limit damage to the existing vegetation; and - To allow for effective fire management (the management of the nature reserve recommended that the structures be located closer to the beach (away from the larger continuous block of vegetation in the northern portions of the farms), because they prefer burning exercises that involve larger continuous blocks. The burning of smaller fragmented blocks with structures in between requires more fire breaks and more intensive fire management procedures. Refer to Figure 3 Alternative 2 Description Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) Alternative two is similar to that of the preferred 34° . “ Alternative 1. The only difference lies in the access road ° 31.32 “ proposals. For this second alternative, the proposed access road follows a registered right-of way servitude from Church Street extension to the Campbell access road plus Campbell access road – access via right-of-way across Portions 39, 40 and 41, and then a new private access via Portion 49 and Portion 50 to the position of the residential dwellings position that straddles the boundary between Portion 49 and Portion 50, some 150 metres from the shore line. 22° . E 22°58 46.92 E This route has been optimized by means of inspections by all relevant authorities, inspection and local adjustment by the road engineer and guidance from the botanist to avoid sensitive plant species. Please note that the evaluation of the road alternatives already commenced more than 5 years ago. During the initial investigations various departments (including DWA) and a suitable qualified fauna and flora specialist walked the site (with the owners) and confirmed that the December 2013 25 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT proposed alignment as indicated on the plans, are suitable for the proposed access road. During those initial walk-about exercises DWA even went as far as to provide GPS waypoints for the preferred road alignment in sensitive areas. The same route as formerly determined on the site (which included the specific waypoints determined) were again trailed, tested and investigated during the most recent fauna and flora exercises (beginning of 2013) and according to the fauna and flora specialist, the alignment as proposed is regarded as this alternative for the private access road to the two properties. If approved, this access road will be used and managed as a private access road that will only be accessible to the applicant, visitors of the applicant, surrounding landowners (on request) and emergency vehicles. The intention is not at all to construct the local road as envisaged by the local authority. A separate EIA application will be required for the implementation of the proposed local link road. According to the various authorities it is highly unlikely that this road will ever be constructed. Even though the owners regard this access alternative as a viable alternative, the surrounding land-owners and the authorities are not in support of this access alternative. Alternative 3 Description c) Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) Technology alternatives Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) Technology alternatives considered include the following: Sewer: For purpose of the proposed on-site sanitation system the following alternatives are considered: A suction system, which involves the usage of suction pipes to empty the sewage, which will be stored in sealed underground tanks. The sewage will then be discharged at the municipal treatment works away from the study area; Due to the sites accessibility problem, this alternative is not regarded as the preferred alternative. December 2013 26 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT A septic tank system: Septic tanks are no longer supported by DWA, because it can cause ground water pollution. This system is therefore not regarded as the preferred system; A Lilliput system or a system (acceptable to DWA) will be used and the water to be released into the surrounding environment will comply with Special Standards. Refer to Appendix K for more detail regarding the proposed on-site sanitation system. Note: We are not specifically applying for EIA authorisation for the proposed on-site sewage treatment system, because it does not trigger any activity as listed in the 2010 Amended NEMA EIA Regulations (also not listed in the NEMA EIA Regulations or NEMWA as Amended on 29 November 2013). Electricity: At present the land-owners are considering the implementation of solar systems and wind turbines, but the possibility of an Eskom connection as power supply/ back-up power supply will also be investigated. The Western Cape has low radiation levels and unpredictable wind patterns and this could reduce the effectiveness of Solar and Wind Power as the only sources of electricity/ energy. Gas stoves and geysers are also commonly used in the area and the applicants agreed to consider the usage of gas for heating and cooking purposes. Water: As already explained, the applicants will use water from boreholes for their domestic water supply. The ground water levels in the area are high and it is anticipated that sufficient ground water will be available for the two houses. In order to reduce the ground water abstracted for domestic usage, rain water tanks for the capturing of roof water will also be installed at each house. Alternative 2 Alternative 3 d) Other alternatives (e.g. scheduling, demand, input, scale and design alternatives) Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) Alternative 2 Alternative 3 e) No-go alternative The no-go option entails that the development area stay in the current state. Presently no sensitive features such as ridges, wetlands, nor any protected fauna and flora species are present on site. December 2013 27 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT According to the fauna and flora specialist the vegetation of the study area is currently disturbed by the occurrence of invasive species. The construction of residential dwellings on the property, which will also include an ongoing rehabilitation plan, will in the longer terms assist with the eradication of invasive species and the controlled replacement of such invaders with indigenous/ endemic vegetation. The applicants/ owners also confirmed that they are planning to retire on the properties and that they regard the conservation, management and protection of the study area as extremely important. The owners/ applicants ag eed to e o e pa t of a eside t s fo u and they will assist with fire management and other environmental related actions required to ensure the on-going protection and conservation of the area. The rehabilitation plan to be implemented by the applicant will also involve the establishment of a small on-site indigenous nursery and the plants cultivated in the nursery will be used for purpose of the rehabilitation works envisaged in the area. The proposed construction/ scraping of an access road towards the two properties will make the surrounding and densely vegetated area more accessible for fire fighting and other emergency situations. It will also supply easier access to the areas already invaded by exotics and weeds and it will eventually allow for more effective rehabilitation of the areas, environmental management and monitoring. At present the vehicular road from Brenton-on Sea towards the study area terminates at a point and the recent fauna and flora investigation (conducted for purpose of this application) was conducted on foot and it was necessary to prune back vegetation to allow for movement through the area. Paragraphs 3 – 13 below should be completed for each alternative. 3. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY a) Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative activities/technologies (footprints): Alternative: Alternative A12 (preferred activity alternative – there is only one site/ locality alternative) Alternative A3 (if any) 6 000m² (2 500m² – 3 000m² per dwelling unit) excluding the access road m2 or, for linear activities: 2 “Alternative A..” refer to activity, process, technology or other alternatives. December 2013 28 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Alternative: Alternative S2 (preferred activity alternative – through the Goukamma Nature Reserve) Alternative S1 (second access road alternative - linear/ the access road from Brenton-on-Sea) Alternative S3 (if any) b) Length of the activity: 3 110m – (According to the available information this road has no servitude) – the size of the proposed road will be ±10 500m² - please note that a large section of this road will however follow an existing road and therefore the area to be transformed will be smaller than the area to be transformed for the implementation of Alternative S2 2 850m – (the proposed access road will be a single lane road with a few (± 34) wider areas for vehicles to pass each other – the size of the servitude is ±0.0114km² and size of the proposed road within the servitude is ± 9000m² - 10 000m² m Indicate the size of the alternative sites or servitudes (within which the above footprints will occur): Alternative: Alternative A1 and S1 (preferred activity alternative) A1 – Activities on the two farm properties Size of the site/servitude: Activity A1 – The extent of the proposed activities on the two farm portions: Portion 49: 50.7721 ha – the development footprint will occupy December 2013 29 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT less than 2% of the total land area Portion 50: 51.1 ha – in this case the development footprint will also occupy less than 2% of the total land area Activity S2: Alignment for the access road – through the Goukamma Nature Reserve 3 110m – (According to the available information this road has no servitude) – the size of the proposed road will be ±10 500m² - please note that a large section of this road will however follow an existing road and therefore the area to be transformed will be smaller than the area to be transformed for the implementation of Alternative S1 Alternative A2 and S2 (if any) There is no alternative A2 Activity S1: Second alternative access road 2 850m – (the proposed access road will be a single lane road with a few (± 34) wider areas for December 2013 30 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT vehicles to pass each other – the size of the servitude is ±0.0114km² and size of the proposed road within the servitude is ± 9000m² - 10 000m² m2 Alternative A3 (if any) 4. SITE ACCESS Does ready access to the site exist? YES If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built NO x 2 850m or 3 110m – depending what access road will be constructed (Alternative S1 or Alternative S2) Describe the type of access road planned: Access Road Alternative (S2): This access road traverses the Goukamma Nature Reserve, which is situated to the west of the study area. The owners (and their workers/ guests etc.) will be entitled to use the existing access gate from Buffelbaai Road and to drive to their farms on an existing internal road, which cuts through the nature reserve. Only minor road clearing and grading works will be required towards the east where the existing road will be extended toward the proposed new dwellings. According to the interested and affected parties and the relevant authorities, this access alternative is not the preferred alternative. After a meeting with Cape Nature regarding the alternative access roads, it was established that the access road for Portions 49 and 50 via the Goukamma Nature Reserve is supported by Cape Nature rather than Alternative 2 (as described below). The owners of Portions 49 and 50 have agreed to enter into a Biodiversity Stewardship Programme with Cape Nature in order to protect the natural heritage of the area. The proposed access will be constructed within a width of 3 metres and will be no wider than 4 (four) metres. Access Road Alternative (S1): This access road alternative traverses an existing registered servitude for a local road on Portions 39, 40 and 41 of the Farm Uitzicht 216, Knysna. The alignment of the access road on these Portions deviates from the registered servitude to avoid sensitive vegetation and December 2013 31 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT achieve a superior alignment from a road construction point of view.3 It has been agreed with the owner of the property that a new servitude will be registered. According to the interested and affected parties and the relevant authorities, this access alternative is not the preferred alternative. Include the position of the access road on the site plan and required map, as well as an indication of the road in relation to the site. 5. LOCALITY MAP An A3 locality map must be attached to the back of this document, as Appendix A. The scale of the locality map must be relevant to the size of the development (at least 1:50 000. For linear activities of more than 25 kilometres, a smaller scale e.g. 1:250 000 can be used. The scale must be indicated on the map.). The map must indicate the following: an accurate indication of the project site position as well as the positions of the alternative sites, if any; indication of all the alternatives identified; closest town(s;) road access from all major roads in the area; road names or numbers of all major roads as well as the roads that provide access to the site(s); all roads within a 1km radius of the site or alternative sites; and a north arrow; a legend; and locality GPS co-ordinates (Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees and decimal minutes. The minutes should have at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection). 3 An access road has already been constructed on Portions 39 of the farm Uitzicht within the right-of-way servitude. The access to Portions 49 and 50 will traverse portions of Portions 39, 40 and 41 within the registered servitude. From Portion 41 the proposed access deviates from the registered servitude to avoid the dune crossing on Portion 49, avoid sensitive plant species and achieve a better alignment from a road construction point of view. December 2013 32 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Figure 1 – Locality Map Figure 2 – Aerial Map 6. LAYOUT/ROUTE PLAN A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this document. The site or route plans must indicate the following: the property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50 metres of the site; the current land use as well as the land use zoning of the site; the current land use as well as the land use zoning each of the properties adjoining the site or sites; the exact position of each listed activity applied for (including alternatives); servitude(s) indicating the purpose of the servitude; a legend; and a north arrow. December 2013 33 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA 7. BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT SENSITIVITY MAP The layout/route plan as indicated above must be overlain with a sensitivity map that indicates all the sensitive areas associated with the site, including, but not limited to: watercourses; the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWA); ridges; cultural and historical features; areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species); and critical biodiversity areas. The sensitivity map must also cover areas within 100m of the site and must be attached in Appendix A. 8. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this report. It must be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable. 9. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of at least 1:200 as Appendix C for activities that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity. 10. ACTIVITY MOTIVATION Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity): 1. Is the activity permitted in terms of the property’s existing land use rights? YES X NO Even though the two land-owners have the right to construct private dwellings on their properties, the proposed low impact development activities and the proposed access road require an EIA authorisation in terms of the 2010 NEMA EIA Regulations from DEA and an OSCAE permit from the involved local authority. The land use rights (zoning) permits the construction of the dwelling units and ancillary buildings, while a registered servitude provides for the access road. 2. Will the activity be in line with the following? (a) Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES X NO Please explain The proposed construction of private dwellings on farmland is in line with the PSDF. The proposed activities cannot be regarded as an urban development and due to the low impact/ small size of the proposed structures; it will be possible to provide on-site services and infrastructure. It will not be necessary to connect the two houses to municipal December 2013 34 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT services. The zoning and uses of the properties will not change; the properties will remain farmland and will be conserved. The introduction of the new private access road and the two dwelling units will promote improved environmental management and monitoring on the sensitive areas (i.e. better accessibility will make it easier to remove exotic invaders on a regular basis, fire management will be more effective, security will be better). (b) Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area YES X NO Please explain The proposed activities will include a low density rural development on farm portions (in line with the surrounding private homes in farm portions). Owners of farm portions have the right to construct private dwellings and associated outbuildings on their properties. The proposed development will not be services and cannot be regarded as an urban development. (c) Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Spatial Development Framework (SDF) of the Local Municipality (e.g. would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing approved and credible municipal IDP and SDF?). YES X NO Please explain No rezoning application will be required for the construction of the two houses and the access road. The two houses will be developed as private farm houses and the proposed access road will be constructed through the Goukamma Nature Reserve (Alternative S2) or within existing road servitude (Alternative S1). The proposed private and low scale development will be in line with the IDP. It is also important to note that the involved local authority already (in a former application process) approved the construction of the proposed access road and the private dwellings4. An OSCAE permit has been issued, but unfortunately it lapsed and therefore the applicant had to re-apply. (d) Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality YES X NO Please explain The proposed development will not require any rezonings and the proposed development will be a rural-residential development, in line with the land-use as indicated on the structure plan. As already mentioned, the town planning division of the local authority support the construction of the proposed private dwellings. (e) An Environmental Management Framework (EMF) adopted by the Department (e.g. Would the approval of YES NO this application compromise the integrity of the existing X Please explain environmental management priorities for the area and if so, can it be justified in terms of sustainability considerations?) If the environmental management guidelines as supplied in the EMP/ Rehabilitation Plan are applied, the approval of the application will not compromise the integrity of the existing environmental management priorities for the area. In fact, we are of the opinion 4 The existing rights allow for the construction of x5 houses on each farm portion December 2013 35 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT that these proposed activities will assist with the more effective implementation of the environmental management goals set for the area. At present the study area incorporates some highly flammable exotic invaders that urgently need to be removed and replaced with suitable indigenous/ endemic vegetation. This will only be possible if the area is accessible and if the removal of these plants takes place in an on-going basis. The vegetation on and around the study area currently creates high fire risks and the area is not accessible for fire management. The proposed new private access road can also be implemented to act as a fire break and as access route for fire trucks/ fire fighters during fire conditions. The two owners already confirmed their commitment to assist with the conservation and protection of the surrounding area and they also offered to establish an on-site nursery specifically for the rehabilitation of the area. (f) Any other Plans (e.g. Guide Plan) YES X NO Please explain As already mentioned, the proposed construction of the private farm houses will not require a rezoning or a guide plan amendment. The proposed facilities will be in line with the existing land-use for the area. 3. Is the land use (associated with the activity being applied for) considered within the timeframe intended by the existing approved SDF agreed to by the relevant environmental authority (i.e. is the proposed development in line with the projects and programmes identified as priorities within the credible IDP)? YES X NO Please explain The proposed construction of farm houses will not have an impact on any projects and programmes identified as priorities within the credible IDP. The proposed facilities are a low impact, private development and (as in the case of the surrounding farms) the landowners have the right to construct their private homes on the farm portions. 4. Does the community/area need the activity and the associated land use concerned (is it a societal priority)? (This refers to the strategic as well as local level (e.g. development is a national priority, but within a specific local context it could be inappropriate.) YES NO Please explain X The community will not directly benefit from the implementation of the development. The proposed access road will however make the surrounding and densely vegetated area accessible for rehabilitation, the removal of exotic invaders and for fire fighting/ fire prevention purposes. According to the fauna and flora specialist the fire risks on the study area and its surroundings are high. The facilities will contribute to job creation, which is a national priority. 5. Are the necessary services with adequate capacity currently available (at the time of application), or must additional capacity be created to cater for the development? (Confirmation by the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I.) YES NO X Please explain Services will only be required for two private dwelling houses and the potential December 2013 36 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT environmental damage of lengthy services pipelines for municipal sewer and water connections will cause more damage than environmental friendly on-site services solutions. The other houses on the surrounding farms also have on-site services. Electricity is available to surrounding properties. The proposed on-site sanitation system will be a DWA approved system and it will not cause any ground water pollution. The domestic water will be abstracted from boreholes and as already mentioned, the water demand for the two properties are very low. The borehole/s will however be registered at DWA and a General Authorisation Application/ S21 WULA will be submitted to DWA for such boreholes. 6. Is this development provided for in the infrastructure planning of the municipality, and if not what will the implication be on the infrastructure planning of the municipality (priority and placement of services and opportunity costs)? (Comment by the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I.) YES NO X Please explain No implication, because the applicants will provide their own services, except for electricity. It is however recommended that the involved local authority also supply comments regarding this matter. 7. Is this project part of a national programme to address an issue of national concern or importance? YES NO X Please explain This is a private development. 8. Do location factors favour this land use (associated with the activity applied for) at this place? (This relates to the contextualisation of the proposed land use on this site within its broader context.) YES X NO Please explain The study area is situated in a rural area and the only two urban areas in close proximity a e Buffels aai a d B e to -on-Sea. The study area is situated in an area which incorporates low impact development (mainly single residential dwelling units on farmland) and the proposed development fits into the broader context. The study area and its surroundings are mainly covered with natural vegetation and it is linked to the Goukamma Nature Reserve. The proposed dwelling units will cover less than 2% of the properties and if well planned and managed, the proposed dwelling units will not have a detrimental impact on the visual qualities of the area. 9. Is the development the best practicable environmental option for this land/site? YES X NO Please explain The proposed two private dwellings will have a low impact on the surrounding fauna and flora and the implementation of the narrow private access road will have a dual purpose. It will supply access to the two properties and it will open up the area for rehabilitation purposes and for fire fighting and other emergency situations. The invasion of alien plant species will be controlled. December 2013 37 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT 10. Will the benefits of the proposed land use/development outweigh the negative impacts of it? YES NO X Please explain At present the owners cannot reach their properties and they cannot develop their dwellings for which they already have the rights. In exchange for the proposed low impact development with an ecological footprint of approximately 3 000m² per dwelling unit, the owners will provide an access road for rehabilitation, weed control, fire fighting and more effective environmental management and monitoring. The security of the area will also be improved. 11. Will the proposed land use/development set a precedent for similar activities in the area (local municipality)? YES NO X Please explain No, there proposed development will only be for private dwellings and there are already some private dwelling units (in line with the proposed development) on the surrounding farm portions. The proposed activities are in line with current land use rights and use of surrounding properties is known by the relevant landowners. 12. Will any person’s rights be negatively affected by the proposed activity/ies? YES NO X Please explain The o e s ights to de elop eside tial d elli gs o thei p ope ties ill e egati ely affected if the development proposal is rejected/ refused. The impact on adjoining properties is within the existing rights. 13. Will the proposed activity/ies compromise the “urban edge” as defined by the local municipality? YES NO X Please explain The proposed development is not regarded as an urban development and it will therefore not have any negative effect on the current urban edge. 14. Will the proposed activity/ies contribute to any of the 17 Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPS)? YES NO X Please explain 15. What will the benefits be to society in general and to the local Please explain communities? The proposed facilities will create a number of employment opportunities in an area with high levels of unemployment, but not generate definite benefits towards the society as it is a private residential development. An open property adjacent to the beach is subject to temporary informal settlements and therefore the proposed development poses a safety benefit as it will eliminate this occurrence on the property. The proposed development will also assist with the eradication of invasive species and the reduction of fire risks. 16. Any other need and desirability considerations related to the proposed Please explain activity? The need to develop and utilize the property lies with the applicant. The proposed development will consist of 2 houses with their associated outbuildings and infrastructure. The site has been the property of the applicant for more than fifty years. The owners want to make use of the properties and they are in favour of the protection and conservation of the area, which is linked to the Goukamma Nature Reserve. The aim is to rehabilitate the December 2013 38 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT properties and to manage the properties as an extension of the Goukamma Nature Reserve, which is situated to the west of the study area. The owners are willing to cooperate with authorities and surrounding property owners to develop the potential of the area for eco-tourism, conservation and environmental education. 17. How does the project fit into the National Development Plan for 2030? Please explain The proposed activities promotes sustainable development and the conservation of our natural resources. 18. Please describe how the general objectives of Integrated Environmental Management as set out in section 23 of NEMA have been taken into account. The proposed activities will promote sustainable development. The land-owners are more than willing to become part of a forum responsible for the conservation, protection and on-going environmental management and monitoring of the study area and its surroundings. The owners also indicated that they are more than willing to enter into a public-private partnership with Cape Nature/ the management of the Nature Reserve and the owners indicated that they will have no objection against the development of ecotourism focused facilities such as hiking trails, low impact tented camps, an environmental education centre, offices for Cape Nature on their properties. They are willing to assist in the planning and management of such facilities. The owners are furthermore planning to implement an on-going rehabilitation plan and weed removal programme. The eradication of exotic invaders will also be regarded as an on-going environmental responsibility. 19. Please describe how the principles of environmental management as set out in section 2 of NEMA have been taken into account. The app oa h is to i ple e t a luste -and-spa e de elop e t that ill allo fo the provision of larger and continuous open spaces that will be easier to maintain and manage. The private development project will promote conservation and a long-term rehabilitation plan will be implemented to ensure the ongoing eradication of exotic weeds and invaders and the stabilisation of the sensitive dunes. A public-private partnership (through the Stewardship Programme/ any other mechanism as determined by the parties) will be established between Cape Nature, the owners and if possible, the surrounding land-owners to ensure the long-term conservation, protection, management and rehabilitation of this valuable area. This integrated and holistic planning approach will also promote sustainable development. December 2013 39 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA 11. BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are applicable to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations, if applicable: Title of legislation, policy Applicability to the project or guideline Administering authority Date National Environmental Management Act No. 107 of 1998 National 27 November 1998 See below The NEMA is primarily an enabling Act in that it provides for the development of environmental implementation plans and environmental management plans. The principles listed in the act serve as a general framework within which environmental management and implementation plans must be formulated. Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations in terms of Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998) See below National 2010 The Minister of Environmental Affairs passed (in June 2010) the Amended Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations in terms of Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA). The Amended Regulations came into effect on 2 August 2010, and therefore all new applications must be made in terms of the Amended NEMA regulations and not in terms of the 2006 NEMA Regulations or the New Regulations of the ECA. The purpose of this process is to determine the possible negative and positive impacts of the proposed development on the surrounding environment and to provide measures for the mitigation of negative impacts and to maximize positive impacts. Notice No. R 544, R 545 and R 546 of the Amended Regulations list the activities that indicate the process to be followed. The activities listed in Notice No. R 544 requires that a Basic Assessment process be followed and the Activities listed in terms of Notice No. R 545 requires that the Scoping and EIA process be followed. Notice No. 546 has been introduced to make provision for Activities in certain geographical and sensitive areas. Implications for the development Significant– The application for the proposed development consists of activities listed under Notice R. 544 (Listing No. 1) and R. 546 (Listing No. 3) and therefore a Basic Assessment Report will be submitted to DEA for consideration. National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) See below National & Provincial 20 August 1998 The pu pose of this A t is to e su e that the atio s ate esou es are protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled in ways that take into account, amongst December 2013 40 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT other factors, the following: Meeting the basic human needs of present and future generations; Promoting equitable access to water; Promoting the efficient, sustainable and beneficial use of water in the public interest; Reducing and preventing pollution and degradation of water resources; Facilitating social and economic development; and Providing for the growing demand for water use. In terms of the section 21 of the National Water Act, the developer must obtain water use licenses if the following activities are taking place: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) Taking water from a water resource; Storing water; Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a water course; Engaging in a stream flow reduction activity contemplated in section 36; Engaging in a controlled activity identified as such in section 37(1) or declared under section 38(1); Discharging waste or water containing waste into a water resource through a pipeline, canal, sewer, sea outfall or other conduit; Disposing of waste in a manner which may detrimentally impact on a water resource; Disposing in any manner which contains waste from or which has been heated in any industrial or power generation process; Altering the bed, banks, course or disposing of water found underground if it is necessary for the safety of people; Removing, discharging, or disposing of water found underground if ti is necessary for the efficient continuation of an activity or for the safety of people; and Using water for recreational purposes. The National Water Act also requires that (where applicable) the 1:50 and 1:100 year flood line be indicated on all the development drawings (even the drawings for the external services) that are submitted for approval. Implications for the development The proposed facilities are not subjected to flood lines of any perennial streams or water course within an expected frequency of 1:50 and 1:100 years. The nearest perennial stream is the Goukamma River and estuary and its inlet into the ocean is more than 1.5 km of the nearest boundary of the site. In terms of Section 21 of the National Water Act, the developer will not need any water licenses for the proposed development. According to Cape nature the first section of the proposed access road through Goukamma Nature Reserve (Note: there is already an existing road that follows the proposed access road alignment) cuts through a watercourse/ marshy area. Some upgrading might require a Section 21 WUL. The implications and requirements will be confirmed in the FBAR. December 2013 41 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004) BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT See below National & 2004 Provincial The NEMA: AQA serves to repeal the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (45 of 1965) and various other laws dealing with air pollution and it provides a more comprehensive framework within which the critical question of air quality can be addressed. The purpose of the Act is to set norms and standards that relate to: Institutional frameworks, roles and responsibilities Air quality management planning Air quality monitoring and information management Air quality management measures General compliance and enforcement. Amongst other things, it is intended that the setting of norms and standards will achieve the following: The protection, restoration and enhancement of air quality in South Africa Increased public participation in the protection of air quality and improved public access to relevant and meaningful information about air quality. The reduction of risks to human health and the prevention of the degradation of air quality. The Act describes various regulatory tools that should be developed to ensure the implementation and enforcement of air quality management plans. These include: P io ity A eas, hi h a e ai pollutio hot spots . Listed A ti ities, hi h a e p o le p o esses that e ui e a At osphe i Emission Licence. Co t olled E itte s, hi h i ludes the setti g of e issio sta da ds fo lasses of emitters, such as motor vehicles, incinerators, etc. Control of Noise. Control of Odours. Implications for the development During the construction phase, dust and the generation of noise can become a significant factor, especially to the surrounding landowners. Activity will be limited to small scale construction and closest dwellings 700 metres away (Buffels Bay). However if the development is well planned and the mitigating measures are successfully implemented the p oposed de elop e t s o t i utio to ai pollutio a d the ge e atio of ai pollution can become less significant. National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 45 of 1965 (NHRA) See below National & Provincial April 1965 The National Heritage Resources Act legislates the necessity and heritage impact December 2013 42 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT assessment in areas earmarked for development, which exceed 0.5ha. The Act makes provision for the potential destruction to existing sites, pending the archaeologist s recommendations through permitting procedures. Permits are administered by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA). Implications for the development There was no need for a heritage assessment on the proposed construction site, if any such features are discovered during construction activities and clearing of the application site, the o e t p o edu es fo a E i o e tal i ide t (at the end of EMP, Appendix H) must be followed. National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) See below National 2003 The purpose of this Act is to provide for the protection, conservation and management of ecologically viable areas representative of “outh Af i a s iologi al iodi e sity a d its natural landscapes. Implications for the development A small section of the western side of Portion 50 of the Farm Uitzicht 216, Knysna RD falls within the Protected area as indicated in the Protected Areas Act. However, considering the position of the proposed activity this Act will not be applicable as the area of construction falls outside the borders of the Protected area. National Environmental See below Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004) National 2004 The Biodiversity Act, provides for the management and protection of the count y s biodiversity within the framework established by NEMA. It provides for the protection of species and ecosystems in need of protection, sustainable use of indigenous biological resources, equity and bioprospecting, and the establishment of a regulatory body on biodiversity- South African National Biodiversity Institute. Objectives of the Act: (a) With the framework of the National Environmental Management Act, to provide for: (i) The management and conservation of biological diversity within the Republic and of the components of such biological diversity: (ii) The use of indigenous biological resources in a sustainable manner; and (iii) The fair and equitable sharing among stakeholders of benefits arising from bioprospecting involving indigenous biological resources; (b) To give effect to ratified international agreements relating to biodiversity which are binding on the republic; December 2013 43 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT (c) To provide for co-operative governance in biodiversity management and conservation; and (d) To provide for a South African National Biodiversity Institute to assist in achieving the objectives of this Act. Implications for the development The proposed study area is classified as a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) as it is an area with potential occurrence of threatened species or habitat that is important for supporting threatened species. Considering the Botanical and Ecological study it is deemed necessary to develop an access road through the site to the proposed houses as it would provide access to manage alien and invasive plant species on the site as well. The layout of the preferred alternative traverses through areas that are considered not to be sensitive and which will have the least negative impact on the surrounding environment. Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983) See below National 1 June 1983 This act provides for control over the utilization of natural agricultural resources of South Africa in order to promote the conservation of soil, water sources and the vegetation as well as the combating of weeds and invader plants; and for matters connecting therewith. Implications for the development The proposed development will be contributing to conservation of the site as an alien and invasive species management programme will be implemented. An OSCAE permit have been obtained by the applicant for development of residences and an access road within an area proclaimed in terms of the Act, only limited activity is authorized. National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act 59 of 2009) See below National 11 June 2010 This Act came into effect on 11 June 2010. It aims to consolidate waste management in South Africa, and contains a number of commendable provisions, including: The establishment of a national waste management strategy, and national and provincial norms and standards, for amongst other, the classification of waste, waste service delivery, and tariffs for such waste services; Addressing reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery of waste; The requirements for industry and local government to prepare integrated waste management plans; The establishment of control over contaminated land; Identifying waste management activities that requires a license, which currently include facilities for the storage, transfer, recycling, recovery, treatment and disposal of waste on land; Co-operative governance in issuing licenses for waste management facilities, by means of which a licensing authority can issue an integrated or consolidated license jointly with other organs of state that has legislative control over the activity; and The establishment of a national waste information system. December 2013 44 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Implications for the development Not Significant : Treated effluent is no longer listed as an activity in NEMWA. The amendments came into effect on 29 November 2013. No waste management license will be required during the construction or operational phases of the proposed access road and residences. Due to the fact that a limited amount of solid construction waste will be stored and handled on the site, before it is hauled away and dumped at the nearest registered landfill site. National Environmental Management Act: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act 24 of 2008) See below National 2008 This legislation promotes the conservation of coastal areas as well as estuarine environments. It encourages developments that are ecologically sustainable and socially and economically justifiable. This Act defined coastal buffer areas as well as a coastal protected zone where certain activities will require a permit. Some of these activities that might be applicable to the proposed development include: a) The erection, construction, placing, or any significant alteration or extension of a building or structure; b) The construction or any significant alteration or extension of a road; c) The clearing of indigenous vegetation other than cultivated indigenous vegetation; d) The stabilization or destabilization of dunes. Implications for the development Significant – The study area falls within an area that relates to this act and the activities will include the construction of two residential units and their outbuildings as well as an access road which will involve the clearing of indigenous vegetation. However, the impact of the proposed development will be low as its only for purposes of two residential houses that will only be utilized on an ad-hoc basis. Land Use Planning Ordinance, 1995. (Ordinance 15 of 1985) Applications for subdivision, township developments and/or rezoning as the existing land use changes. Ribbon Road Development Act, 1940 (Act 21 of 1940) As the access road will be linked to a District Road a Provincial Road Engineer is required to approve any application for the change of land use rights. Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, 1970 (Act 70 of 1970) The property is excluded from the urban edge and therefore it is unlikely that December 2013 Provincial 1985 1940 National 1970 45 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT the subdivision of land will be approved. The size of the surrounding land units might also contribute to such approval. Western Cape Provincial SDF (2009) See below Provincial 2009 The Western Cape Provincial SDF (WCPSDF) encourages new developments to be within existing urban areas in order to minimise the impact on the rural and natural environment and rather conserve it. Implications for the development According to the SDF, the development of resorts and chalet type accommodation facilities are encouraged rather than freehold tenure due to services such as water and energy. This does not seem applicable for the proposed private residence as they will promote environmentally friendly products and the water and electricity in a single house on a site will never meet those demands in a resort. The proposed residence will ultimately be a vacation house that will even lower the water and electricity demands. (Note: No land use change, all activities within existing rights and Common Law) Knysna SDF (2008) See below Municipal 2008 The proposed development site is located in a Core Conservation Area according to the Knysna Spatial Development Framework. Such Area is described as the coastal dune areas and its associated sensitive indigenous vegetation. The conservation of these areas is of importance and those areas that are of low yield, in terms of forestry, should be rehabilitated from the Western Head through to the Goukamma Nature Reserve, known as the coastal green belt. Implications for the development As the property falls within the Core Conservation Area, the private property should be of low environmental and visual impact. This includes the dwelling house, associated outbuildings and access road. The facilities should be located in the area with the least impact on the environment. 12. WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT a) Solid waste management Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation YES NO phase? X If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? The information is currently unavailable, but will be submitted on availability. How will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)? December 2013 46 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT During the construction phase the disposal of solid waste will be the responsibility of the landowner. The solid waste will be delivered to a collection point in Knysna/ to a registered landfill site. Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)? All construction solid waste will be transported to the solid waste disposal site of the Knysna Municipality. Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? YES NO X Approximately 4m³/ month How will the solid waste be disposed of (describe)? The solid waste will be collected in bins on the application site and then dumped at the nearest registered landfill site on a weekly basis. All materials that are suitable for recycling will be separated and delivered to a collection point in Knysna. Organic waste will be used for composting. If the solid waste will be disposed of into a municipal waste stream, indicate which registered landfill site will be used. Local authority to provide information Where will the solid waste be disposed of if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)? The solid waste will be disposed of into the municipal waste stream. If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the NEM:WA? NO X If YES, inform the competent authority and request a change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application. Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility? YES NO X If YES, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application. b) YES Liquid effluent Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system? If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site? December 2013 YES YES NO X m3 NO X 47 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility? If YES, provide the particulars of the facility: Facility name: Contact person: Postal address: Postal code: Telephone: Cell: E-mail: Fax: YES NO X Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any: c) Emissions into the atmosphere Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere other that exhaust emissions and dust associated with construction phase activities? If YES, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO X YES NO X If YES, the applicant must consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. If NO, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration: d) Waste permit Will any aspect of the activity produce waste that will require a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA? YES NO X If YES, please submit evidence that an application for a waste permit has been submitted to the competent authority e) Generation of noise Will the activity generate noise? NO YES Temporary during the construction phase X If YES, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO X If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. December 2013 48 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT If NO, describe the noise in terms of type and level: Noise will be temporarily generated during the construction phase of this project, but will be low as the construction activities will be of small scale. Noise will not be regarded as an issue during the operational phase, because the proposed application is only for two private residents. 13. WATER USE Please indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity by ticking the appropriate box(es): River, stream, The activity will Other dam or lake not use water Investigations indicate that it would be possible to rely on local water supply, including roof water collected and stored in underground tanks and ground water extraction from a number of small well points in alluvial unconsolidated sand in the vicinity of the proposed structures. This method has successfully been used in the Sedgefield area and elsewhere in the Western Cape. Solar panels will be used to provide water supply to the dwelling units and ancillary buildings. The Civil Engineer also indicated that it would be possible to obtain water supply from the Municipality. Municipal Water board Groundwater If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other Not available natural feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month: but will be provided as soon as it is known. Does the activity require a water use authorisation (general authorisation or water NO YES use license) from the Department of Water Affairs? X If YES, please provide proof that the application has been submitted to the Department of Water Affairs. 14. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient: December 2013 49 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT The design of any structure will be done in a way to minimize energy consumption for heating, cooling and lighting. Maximum use will be made of renewable energy sources and electricity usage will be minimized. As a minimum, solar panels and solar geysers will be installed, but if feasible, solar energy will be augmented by mini wind turbines. All equipment will be installed where it will have a minimum visual impact. Equipment for renewable energy generation will be designed according to the most recent greenhouse technology and according to the SANS requirements. Renewable energy sources will be connected to battery back-up and used primarily for water heating, lights and small appliances and will be connected to a proposed underground cable reticulation system from the main energy source. The following could be considered: Where possible energy saving light bulbs must be used in all the units as well as outside Time switches may be used for outdoor lighting Geysers must be fitted with insulation blankets Solar panels can be used to heat the water and geysers and for outdoor lighting. Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any: The EMP for the development will encourage each property owner to use solar power as alternative energy source, even if this alternative source only supplies a fraction of the energy required. However the applicant is determined to use renewable/alternative sources for a large proportion of the total energy consumption. December 2013 50 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Important notes: 1. For linear activities (pipelines, etc) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section B and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan. Section B Copy No. (e.g. A): 2. Paragraphs 1 - 6 below must be completed for each alternative. 3. Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES NO If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for each specialist thus appointed and attach it in Appendix I. All specialist reports must be contained in Appendix D. Property description/physi cal address: Province District Municipality Local Municipality Ward Number(s) Farm name and number Portion number Western Cape Knysna Municipality – Town Planning and Environmental Department Knysna Uitzicht 216 49 and 50 SG Code C03900000000021600049 C0390000000 0021600050 C03900000000021600039 C03900000000021600040 C03900000000021600041 Where a large number of properties are involved (e.g. linear activities), please attach a full list to this application including the same information as indicated above. Current land-use zoning as per local municipality IDP/records: Agriculture In instances where there is more than one current land-use zoning, please attach a list of current land use zonings that also indicate which portions each use pertains to, to this application. Is a change of land-use or a consent use application required? December 2013 YES NO X 51 0 3 9 0 0 3 9 0 0 3 9 0 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA 1. BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the site. Alternative S1: It depends on the specific location due to the dunes Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 10% 10% 10% 10% Steeper than 1:5 10% 40% 10% Alternative S2 (if any): Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5 Alternative S3 (if any): Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5 2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site: 2.1 Ridgeline 2.2 Plateau 2.3 Side slope of hill/mountain 3. 2.4 Closed valley 2.5 Open valley 2.6 Plain 2.7 Undulating plain / low hills 2.8 Dune 2.9 Seafront X GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE Is the site(s) located on any of the following? Alternative S1: Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep) Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) Soils with high clay content (clay fraction more than 40%) Any other unstable soil or geological feature An area sensitive to erosion Alternative S2 (if any): YES NO YES NO Alternative S3 (if any): YES NO YES NO YES YES NO NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES YES NO NO YES YES NO NO YES YES NO NO If you are unsure about any of the above or if you are concerned that any of the above aspects may be an issue of concern in the application, an appropriate specialist should be appointed to assist in the completion of this section. Information in respect of the above will often be available as part of the project information or at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by the Council for Geo Science may also be consulted. December 2013 52 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA 4. BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT GROUNDCOVER Indicate the types of groundcover present on the site. The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s). Natural veld Natural veld with Natural veld Veld dominated with scattered heavy alien Gardens by alien speciesE good conditionE E E infestation aliens Building or other Sport field Cultivated land Paved surface Bare soil structure If any of the boxes marked with an “E “is ticked, please consult an appropriate specialist to assist in the completion of this section if the environmental assessment practitioner doesn’t have the necessary expertise. 5. SURFACE WATER Indicate the surface water present on and or adjacent to the site and alternative sites? Perennial River Non-Perennial River Permanent Wetland Seasonal Wetland Artificial Wetland Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO NO UNSURE UNSURE UNSURE UNSURE UNSURE UNSURE If any of the boxes marked YES or UNSURE is ticked, please provide a description of the relevant watercourse. The only water body that is situated in close proximity of the study area is the ocean, which is situated to the south-east of the study area. 6. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA Indicate land uses and/or prominent features that currently occur within a 500m radius of the site and give description of how this influences the application or may be impacted upon by the application: Natural area Low density residential Medium density residential High density residential Informal residentialA Retail commercial & warehousing Light industrial Medium industrial AN Dam or reservoir Hospital/medical centre School Tertiary education facility Church Old age home Sewage treatment plantA Train station or shunting yard N December 2013 Polo fields Filling station H Landfill or waste treatment site Plantation Agriculture River, stream or wetland Nature conservation area Mountain, koppie or ridge 53 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA Heavy industrial AN Power station Office/consulting room Military or police base/station/compound Spoil heap or slimes damA Quarry, sand or borrow pit BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Railway line N Major road (4 lanes or more) N Airport N Museum Historical building Protected Area Harbour Graveyard Sport facilities Golf course Archaeological site Other land uses (describe) Beach Sand Dunes If any of the boxes marked with an “N “are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? If any of the boxes marked with an "An" are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? Specify and explain: If any of the boxes marked with an "H" are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? Specify and explain: Does the proposed site (including any alternative sites) fall within any of the following: Critical Biodiversity Area (as per provincial conservation plan) Core area of a protected area? Buffer area of a protected area? Planned expansion area of an existing protected area? Existing offset area associated with a previous Environmental Authorisation? Buffer area of the SKA? YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO NO If the answer to any of these questions was YES, a map indicating the affected area must be included in Appendix A. 7. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including Archaeological or paleontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the site? If YES, explain: YES NO X Uncertain If uncertain, conduct a specialist investigation by a recognised specialist in the field (archaeology or palaeontology) to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site. Briefly explain the findings of the specialist: December 2013 54 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? NO X Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources NO YES Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)? X If YES, please provide proof that this permit application has been submitted to SAHRA or the relevant provincial authority. 8. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTER a) Local Municipality YES Please provide details on the socio-economic character of the local municipality in which the proposed site(s) are situated. Level of unemployment: The Knysna Municipality has an unemployment rate of 24.8% in 2011 which improved since 2001 when it was 28.3%. This decrease in unemployment is highly unlikely due to the closure of a number of businesses and the loss of job opportunities. This unemployment rate excludes individuals younger than 15 and older than 65. 75.2% of the population is employed in the formal or informal markets. A large component of the unemployed section of the population is the youth that does not seem to have access to job opportunities. Economic profile of local municipality: The wealth distribution of the Knysna Municipality is similar to what is experienced nationally. 16.4% of households within the Municipality earn no income. The middle and high income groups have increased since 2001. The last fifteen years the economy of Knysna showed positive growth, however since the boom in 2005 the growth has slowed down. Level of education: Within the Knysna Municipality there are fourteen Primary schools, four High schools and four other Educational Institutions. A majority of the population, 93.5%, received primary education but only 28.6% of the population have passed Matric and 2.5% have not attended any form of schooling. There is a big concern within the municipality as more individuals are passing Matric but less obtained a form of higher education (tertiary qualification) as only 8% received higher education in 2011. December 2013 55 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA b) BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Socio-economic value of the activity What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? ±R 19 000,000.00 What is the expected yearly income that will be generated by or as a result of the Not significant. activity? Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES NO X Is the activity a public amenity? NO YES X How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development and Approximately construction phase of the activity/ies? 16 jobs What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the Approximately development and construction phase? R 2 million What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? Approximately 40% How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the Approximately operational phase of the activity? 6 jobs What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the Approximately first 10 years? R 2 million What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? ±95% 9. BIODIVERSITY Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the biodiversity occurring on the site and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. To assist with the identification of the biodiversity occurring on site and the ecosystem status consult http://bgis.sanbi.org or [email protected]. Information is also available on compact disc (cd) from the Biodiversity-GIS Unit, Ph (021) 799 8698. This information may be updated from time to time and it is the applicant/ EAP’s responsibility to ensure that the latest version is used. A map of the relevant biodiversity information (including an indication of the habitat conditions as per (b) below) and must be provided as an overlay map to the property/site plan as Appendix D to this report. a) Indicate the applicable biodiversity planning categories of all areas on site and indicate the reason(s) provided in the biodiversity plan for the selection of the specific area as part of the specific category) If CBA or ESA, indicate the reason(s) for its selection in biodiversity plan It is an area with potential occurrence of threatened species or habitat that is No Natural important for supporting threatened Area species. Remaining (NNR) Systematic Biodiversity Planning Category Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) Ecological Support Area (ESA) Other Natural Area (ONA) December 2013 56 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA b) Indicate and describe the habitat condition on site Habitat Condition Percentage of habitat condition class (adding up to 100%) Natural 90% Near Natural (includes areas with low to moderate level of alien invasive plants) Degraded (includes areas heavily invaded by alien plants) Transformed (includes cultivation, dams, urban, plantation, roads, etc) c) BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Description and additional Comments and Observations (including additional insight into condition, e.g. poor land management practises, presence of quarries, grazing, harvesting regimes etc). % 10% % Complete the table to indicate: (i) the type of vegetation, including its ecosystem status, present on the site; and (ii) whether an aquatic ecosystem is present on site. Aquatic Ecosystems Terrestrial Ecosystems Ecosystem threat status as per the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) d) Critical Endangered Vulnerable Least Threatened Wetland (including rivers, depressions, channelled and unchanneled wetlands, flats, seeps pans, and artificial wetlands) YES NO UNSURE Estuary YES NO Coastline YES NO Please provide a description of the vegetation type and/or aquatic ecosystem present on site, including any important biodiversity features/information identified on site (e.g. threatened species and special habitats) The proposed study area borders the coastal line in the south, a plantation to the north and existing and proposed urban developments to the east and west. The vegetation of the area is identified as South Cape Dune Fynbos and 20% of this vegetation type is under formal conservation, the vegetation is regarded as Coastal Fynbos. The area is considered to be in a pristine condition with some areas with severe invasion of exotic trees, especially on the front dunes. The invader species have changed the soil December 2013 57 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT characteristics and conditions in such a way that nothing but these trees can grow there. The densely grown exotic trees are a great fire risk and will be difficult to control as it is a high amount of fuel for a veld fire. On the study area there are two very high scalloping sand dunes that differ in age, succession and species composition. The older (and higher) dune has acid and nutrient poor soils as a result of the red data plant species Erica glandulosa subspecies fourcadei have settled. In the low lying areas that is more even, the common Blombosse (Metalasia muricata) and Turpentine Boegoes (Agathosma apiculata) occur in very dense stands. These plant species contains strong smelling volatile oils that could become a great fire risk as these oils are highly flammable. The areas next to the beach where the younger dunes area situated is where a number of indigenous plant species are present. The large shrubs are the stronger pioneer species such as Crysanthemoides monilifera, Passerina species and Phylica species. Phylica littoralis, a red data plant species, occur on the bare soil patches in this area. Four new red data plant species have been identified on the study area. Access Road Alternatives: The original alignment for Alternative S1 (no longer the preferred alternative) has changed after a qualified traffic engineer and botanist investigated the study area. The revised alignment avoids the rare Erica species that occurs on the higher dunes. This proposed alignment runs through the common Blombosse and Turpentine Boegoes and this road will serve as a fire break and fire escape road between these highly flammable plants. The road also excludes the high and steep dunes and the lower lying areas. Phylica littoralis that occur in the sensitive areas have been avoided in the new alignment. The very rare grass species, Pentaschistus barbatus subspecies orientalis, was totally excluded from the new proposed alignment. The proposed alignment was planned in such a way that the older dunes are excluded from the alignment as well as all red data plant species and sensitive communities as prescribed by the OSCAE Permits issued by the Knysna Municipality. The owners of the study area are well aware of the conservation value of the property and its associated biodiversity. They have protected and preserved it for almost fifty years and it is their intention to continue conserving it and therefore the access road will be necessary for management. The proposed ultimate access road alignment that was originally marked out by the botanist and engineers as well as the alternative route through the adjacent reserve will have a positive impact on the conservation strategies of the local biodiversity. The botanist stated that both or any one of these proposed road accesses should be allowed to proceed as it can contribute to the upliftment of the local biodiversity towards the sustainable development and conservation. This conservation of the local biodiversity can link up with the local Garden Route Initiatives under the protection of OSCAE. However, the Goukamma route (Alternative S2) follows an existing track and would December 2013 58 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT drastically reduce environmental impact. December 2013 59 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 1. ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE Publication name Date published Site notice position Date placed NOTICE OF BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS Thursday, 20 December 2012 Latitude Longitude 34° 4'36.09"S 22°58'48.74"E 34° 3'55.55"S 23° 0'31.86"E 20 December 2012 – 28 February 2013 (excluding 15 December – 7 January) Include proof of the placement of the relevant advertisements and notices in Appendix E1. 2. DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE MEASURES Provide details of the measures taken to include all potential I&APs as required by Regulation 54(2)(e) and 54(7) of GN R.543. Key stakeholders (other than organs of state) identified in terms of Regulation 54(2)(b) of GN R.543: Title, Name and Surname Bulelwa Nkwateni Magda Williams Georlene Wolmarans Affiliation/ key stakeholder status Council Geo-Science Heritage Western Cape ESKOM SANRAL Gautrans Randwater Transnet DA Councillor Roads Ward Councillor Ward Councillor Contact details (tel number or e-mail address) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Include proof that the key stakeholder received written notification of the proposed activities as Appendix E2. This proof may include any of the following: e-mail delivery reports; registered mail receipts; courier waybills; signed acknowledgements of receipt; and/or or any other proof as agreed upon by the competent authority. December 2013 60 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA 3. BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP This only highlights the main issues, a complete Comments and Issues Report is attached as Appendix E3 The proposed development is situated The proposed development is located on within a Critical Biodiversity Area and areas that will have the least negative adjacent to a Protected Area. impact on the environment. The development is on a low scale. The applicability of the National Waste Act As EAPs we are of the opinion that the proposed development will not require a Section 21 Water-Use License. DWA must however still confirm our interpretation of the matter. 4. COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT The practitioner must record all comments received from I&APs and respond to each comment before the Draft BAR is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a comments and response report as prescribed in the EIA regulations and be attached to the Final BAR as Appendix E3. 5. AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION Authorities and organs of state identified as key stakeholders: Authority/Organ of State Contact Tel No person (Title, Name and Surname) DWA Susan Steyn Municipality Mr. Mabula Knysna DEADP - George Danie Swanepoel DEA - Pretoria Danie Smit Fax No e-mail 082 808 2720 044 302 6300 [email protected] [email protected] 044 805 8600 [email protected] 012 310 3268 [email protected] Postal address Include proof that the Authorities and Organs of State received written notification of the proposed activities as appendix E4. In the case of renewable energy projects, Eskom and the SKA Project Office must be included in the list of Organs of State. 6. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS Note that, for any activities (linear or other) where deviation from the public participation requirements may be appropriate, the person conducting the public participation process may deviate from the December 2013 61 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT requirements of that sub-regulation to the extent and in the manner as may be agreed to by the competent authority. Proof of any such agreement must be provided, where applicable. Application for any deviation from the regulations relating to the public participation process must be submitted prior to the commencement of the public participation process. A list of registered I&APs must be included as appendix E5. Copies of any correspondence and minutes of any meetings held must be included in Appendix E6. SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT The assessment of impacts must adhere to the minimum requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2010, and should take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also be addressed in the assessment of impacts. 1. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES Provide a summary and anticipated significance of the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts that are likely to occur as a result of the planning and design phase, construction phase, operational phase, decommissioning and closure phase, including impacts relating to the choice of site/activity/technology alternatives as well as the mitigation measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed. This impact assessment must be applied to all the identified alternatives to the activities identified in Section A(2) of this report. 1.1 Impacts during the construction phase: Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) – LAYOUT ALTERNATIVE The application sites are currently vacant and consist of natural vegetation that has been disturbed in certain areas. The Access Road: Due to the fact that it will be necessary for construction workers, consultants, owners, vehicles and equipment etc. to reach the development property, it will be necessary to first construct/formalise the access road. At this stage the preferred alternative is the proposed access road that traverses the Goukamma Nature Reserve. The access road will mainly follow the alignment of an existing internal road and it will only be extended towards the east to provide access to the two private houses. It will be necessary to discuss the upgradings required to the existing road through the Nature Reserve with the management of the nature reserve and the parties responsible for the upgradings to the road and maintenance of the road during the construction phase must also be determined. December 2013 62 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT The area close to the access point (where the wetland/marshy area is present) must receive special attention and the mitigation measures to be applied to protect the integrity of the watercourse must be determined and specified. Photographs must be taken of the access road prior to the construction phase (for record keeping purposes) and damage to the road must be prepared by the contractors/owners during/after the construction phase. The Development of the Houses: For purpose of the development of the housing units and the associated outbuildings and infrastructure, only the areas to be developed will be disturbed. The specific development areas will be earmarked (on site) prior to the construction phase. Indigenous plant species that can be transplanted and temporarily stored (i.e. in a temporary in-situ nursery) must be identified prior to the construction phase by a suitably qualified specialist. These plant species must be re-used for rehabilitation purposes after the construction works have been completed. In order to prevent the disturbance of the surrounding area (areas not earmarked for development) a conservation fence/ line will be erected around the development cluster. No disturbance will be allowed to occur beyond the conservation line. It is proposed that fire breaks be implemented along the conservation line and this fire break must also be maintained during the operational phase. Cape Nature offered to assist with the establishment and maintenance of the fire breaks and it is therefore recommended that Cape Nature also be involved in the determination of the conservation line prior to the construction phase. Note: No mitigation measures will be supplied for the positive impacts, because it is not necessary to mitigate positive impacts. Where possible mitigation measures to prevent or restrict negative impacts will be supplied when the negative impacts are listed. These mitigation measures will be incorporated as part of the EMP. Refer to Appendix H. Direct Impacts: Impact directly caused by the development. Indirect Impacts: identifiable Impacts caused by development impacts – not directly noticeable or Activity Impact summary Significance Alternative A1 and S2 (preferred alternative) The Direct impacts (Construction development Phase): of 2 houses (one on each Positive: portion), Prevent informal associated settlement from taking outbuildings place on the site; and an Prevent Illegal dumping access road. from taking place Improved environmental management and December 2013 Proposed mitigation Construction site plan to be drawn up clearly indicating the construction site and construction areas. No unnecessary vegetation clearance. The construction of the new access road to be completed prior to the construction of the dwelling units 63 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA Activity BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Impact summary Significance monitoring Eradication of invasive species Negative: Visual impacts associated with construction Short term impacts on the Sense of place Availability of Municipal services If municipal services are the preferred option, the excavations for the pipelines will have short term impacts on the visual quality of the area and short and long term impacts on the natural vegetation and in some areas on the dune stability (not the preferred option) Noise Pollution caused by construction equipment and construction workers Damage to local access roads by construction machinery and vehicles Accessibility of the sites for the construction of the houses Erosion Soil contamination Dust during construction phase Construction rubble Waste management Safety and security risks Fire risks due to the December 2013 Proposed mitigation The new access road will be the only access to the study area Fence (with a temporary conservation fence) the beach area in order to prevent access from the beach and security problems on the beach No fires will be allowed for cooking and heating purposes Appoint a 24 hour security guard to ensure that nobody resides o the study area during the construction phase and for the monitoring of the security on the beach and along the access road Install on-site services and such services must be environmental friendly and approved/ supported by the relevant authorities In area that are not accessible to construction vehicles and equipment, manual measures must be implanted to prevent damage to the environment. Such areas must be identified by the ECO prior to the commencement with construction Erect conservation fence/ delineate a conservation line prior to the construction phase in order to protect the surrounding natural areas 64 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA Activity BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Impact summary Significance use of fire for cooking and heating purposes Removal of indigenous vegetation Snaring and hunting of fauna species Development in a sensitive area Possible damage to the coastline Security risks associated with construction workers that secretly sleeps on the beach and in the densely vegetated areas Proposed mitigation All disturbed areas to be re-vegetated as soon as possible Dust suppression methods to be employed during the dry season or under circumstances with extreme dust. Temporary chemical toilets to be provided for construction workers Determine storage areas for equipment/ site camp prior to the construction phase. The proposed construction camp must be situated in close proximity of the construction access and it must preferably be screened in order to reduce the construction related visual impacts During the site clearing exercises exotic invaders in close proximity must be removed Indirect impacts: Positive: Job creation Cumulative impacts: Additional vehicular and pedestrian access roads due to construction activities Direct impacts (Operational Phase): Positive impacts: Prevent informal settlement from taking place on the site; December 2013 Waste management procedures to be addressed and resolved prior to the construction phase Waste management agreements to be in 65 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA Activity BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Impact summary Significance Prevent Illegal dumping from taking place Improve environmental management and monitoring Fire management and prevention Eradication of exotic invaders and weeds Improved surveillance and security Possible eco-tourism linkage between nature reserve and the other natural areas Emergency access Increased bio-diversity Creation of habitats Negative: Visual impacts Impacts on the Sense of Place Development in a sensitive area of national and international importance Risks of the applicant developing a larger development that will not be for private use Risks of the formalisation of the proposed local road on the existing servitude No waste management December 2013 Proposed mitigation place Architect to do detailed designs with elevations in order to illustrate visual impacts of facades, finishing and general appearance Architectural presentation to the local authority to include visual impact assessment The environmental features/ assets on the areas identified for transformation must preferably be preserved and the development (including the access road must be designed) to avoid such features. The final layout to be presented to the involved local authority must supply proof that such features/ assets were conserved/ taken into consideration. No thatch roofs The access road will at all times remain a private road. The owner/ applicant to compile a list of people that will be allowed to utilize the access road. If necessary a removable obstruction (i.e. removable bollard/ boom/gate etc) should be placed on the private road and this obstruction must prevent public access to the road. Only the selected parties will be furnished with keys to the removable element to be placed on the road. 66 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA Activity BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Impact summary Significance Indirect impacts: Positive: Job creation Eco-tourism potential Negative: Improved access to the area from the beach Impact of lighting on the evening sky December 2013 Proposed mitigation On-going rehabilitation and eradication of exotic invasives. Rehabilitation plan with maintenance intervals to be submitted to the local authority and DEA for approval prior to construction All disturbed areas to be re-vegetated. Public-private partnership negotiations in order to ensure the long term protection and management of the areas The establishment of a conservancy/ residents forum with the Goukamma Nature reserve as member in order to ensure the long term conservation and protection of the area Operational phase ECO reports to be submitted to DEA on a yearly basis in order to report back on the progress with the environmental rehabilitation and the eradication of invasive species The access points to and from the beach must also be monitored/ designed to restrict uncontrolled access to the natural areas. Such measures must also form part of the presentation to be made by the architect at the local authority after the finalisation of 67 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA Activity BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Impact summary Significance Cumulative impacts: Sense of place Direct impacts (Decommissioning / Closure Phase): Positive: Prevent informal settlement from taking place on the site; Prevent Illegal dumping from taking place Negative: High visibility Sense of place Noise Pollution Erosion Soil contamination Dust Waste management Safety and security risk Removal of indigenous vegetation Development in a natural protected area Proposed mitigation the detailed layout for the facility Use exterior lighting that will not compromise the dark sky currently experienced in that area (especially if one takes the qualities of the Goukamma nature reserve into consideration) If well planned and managed the proposed development can assist with the enhancement of the Sense of Place No unnecessary vegetation clearance. All disturbed areas to be re-vegetated as soon as possible. Dust suppression methods to be employed during the dry season or under circumstances with extreme dust. Toilet facilities to be provided to casual labourers No development close to surface water allowed. Indirect impacts: Positive: Job creation December 2013 68 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Activity Impact summary Significance Proposed mitigation Cumulative impacts: Noise Alternative A1 and S1 The anticipated impact for this alternative will be similar that the impacts listed for Alternative A1 & S2. The only difference lies in the potential impacts associated with the construction of the two access roads. Access road S1 will have a larger impact during the construction phase (short term), because it will require the permanent removal of some sensitive vegetation and the stability of dune ecological system will be negatively affected. Access road S2 will mainly follow an existing road on the nature reserve and therefore less vegetation will have to be removed. The vegetation adjacent to the existing road is also subject to edge effects in will in general not be as sensitive as areas without any major human intervention. No-go option The long term impacts of the no-go option, both direct and indirect, will be higher than the implementation of the proposed alternatives (only if well planned and managed). A complete impact assessment in terms of Regulation 22(2)(i) of GN R.543 must be included as Appendix F. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement that summarises the impact that the proposed activity and its alternatives may have on the environment after the management and mitigation of impacts have been taken into account, with specific reference to types of impact, duration of impacts, likelihood of potential impacts actually occurring and the significance of impacts. Alternative A1 and S2 (preferred alternative) Two similar alternatives were taken into consideration for this development. The only difference between the two alternatives is the access road towards the two properties, which are situated immediately adjacent to each other. Alternative A1 represents the specific facility applied for, which includes the two private dwellings with their associated outbuildings and infrastructure and Alternative S2 represents the proposed access road through the Goukamma Nature Reserve. The most significant impacts associated with this alternative are: - The ecological impacts associated with development within the pre-determined ecological footprint area. The short term ecological impact of this option is regarded as less severe than the ecological impact of the proposed access road through Portions 39, 40, 41, 49 and 50 (Alternative S2). - The visual impacts of the dwellings and their associated structures and infrastructure; and December 2013 69 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA - BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT The availability and installation of services. The proposed localities for the two houses and the proposed alignment of the access road (Alternative S1) have been identified by means of two walkabout exercises.5 During such walkabout exercises the GPS waypoints for the road alignments and the proposed position of the two dwellings were identified and indicated on plans. The purpose of this walkabout was to identify sensitive ecological and other features that should be avoided and to amend the conceptual road alignment and position for the houses to avoid such sensitive features. During the second walkabout exercise, which was undertaken by the fauna and flora specialist in 2013, the specialist re-evaluated the access road formerly determined (mainly from an ecological point of view) and confirmed that the access road as identified is still regarded as a workable alternative. The updated fauna and flora report attached as Appendix D supplies a detailed description of the status quo of the study area and its surroundings and the proposed road alignment. Alignment Alternative S1 was Initially regarded as the preferred access road alternative and the reasons for this original viewpoint is set out in the introduction and background included at the beginning of this BAR. Alternative S2 is now regarded as the preferred access road alignment alternative and the reasons for this change are also discussed in this report. The proposal is that an ecological footprint of approximately 3 000m² (less than 2% of the total size of the farm portion) be approved for each dwelling unit development and the footprints must be located in the vicinity of the GPS positions already determined. During the design of the detailed layout of the facility (i.e. position of houses, outbuildings, paved areas, boardwalks towards the beach etc.), the specific site conditions (i.e. ecological features and species, slope, views, visibility etc.) will be regarded as the form giving element and the layout will be adapted (where possible) to accommodate such features. The detailed layout of the facility will then be submitted to the local authority for approval. The design of all structures will be done in a way to minimize energy consumption for heating, cooling and lighting. Maximum use will be made of renewable energy sources and electricity usage will be minimized. As a minimum, solar panels and solar geysers will be installed, but if feasible, solar energy will be augmented by mini wind turbines. All equipment will be installed where it will have a minimum visual impact. It is also proposed that the appointed architect do elevations of the two dwelling houses and their associated structures and infrastructure (especially impacts to be experienced from sensitive view sheds such as the beach and the nature reserve) and that the visual impacts of the facility (if any) be illustrated and where possible mitigated. DWA and Cape Nature were present during the first walkabout exercise and the involved DWA official assisted with the determination of the waypoints for the proposed access road from Brenton-on-Sea. 5 December 2013 70 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT From former experience it is recommended that the roofs of the dwellings and associated structures be a charcoal colour and that the colour of the walls blend-in with the natural mosaic of colours of the surrounding natural environment. The colours grey, charcoal and brown are regarded as the most suitable for a development that will be viewed from a distance. The designer must also avoid the proposal of large monotonous structures that will appear out of context. The facades must rather be broken-up and the development must preferable be scattered across the proposed development footprint area. The owners/ applicants are fully aware of the fact that the study area is regarded as being situated within an area of special conservation value and their intention is to protect and preserve the natural vegetation and characteristics of the study area as far as possible. Equipment for renewable energy generation will be designed according to the most recent greenhouse technology and according to the SANS requirements. Renewable energy sources will be connected to battery back-up and used primarily for water heating, lights and small appliances and will be connected to a proposed underground cable reticulation system from the main energy source. Even though municipal water and sewage will be available (most probably from Buffels aai , it ill e e essa y to i stall le gthy pipeli es a d pu p statio s ith pollution risks along the sewer pipeline and at the pump station) for the achievement of such municipal connections. As EAP we recommend that the owners rather install environmental friendly on-site services, because the environmental impacts for the implementation of such services will be lower that the anticipated impacts associated with the installation of the pipelines across the sensitive sand dunes. The proposed development is very small and we are convinced that it will be possible to provide the development with good quality domestic water (to be abstracted from a borehole/ boreholes and through the on-site collection of rain water in rain water tanks) and there are a number of on-site sanitation systems that are environmental friendly and supported by DWA. The applicants will install a system that is approved/ supported by DWA and the involved local authority. Due to the access restrictions of the development, waste management can be regarded as a problem. The local authority could indicate that it will be difficult to reach the properties with waste removal trucks and request that the domestic waste be placed at a more accessible collection point. The waste collection detail must be discussed with the involved local authority and such detail must be incorporated in a services agreement between the owners and the local authority. If no waste collection services are available from the local authority, the owners must appoint a waste removal contractor and the details of such contractor must be supplied to DEA and the involved local authority prior to the commencement of construction. The area is considered to be in a pristine condition with some areas with severe invasion December 2013 71 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT of exotic trees, especially on the front dunes. The invader species have changed the soil characteristics and conditions in such a way that nothing but these trees can grow there. The densely grown exotic trees are a great fire risk and fires will be difficult to control as some of the invaders contain high amount of flammable fuel. The Ecologist and the Engineer provided certain mitigation measures that will reduce the impacts on the biodiversity. The aim (during and after the development) will rather be to eradicate the exotic invaders and weeds and to assist with the creation of habitats and the increase of the biodiversity on and around the study area. The applicants are also against the construction of a formal local road (within the servitude) that will link Brenton-on-“ea ith Buffels aai , e ause the isual a d ecological impacts of such a road eventually destroy the ecological and aesthetical value and potential of the natural area. The applicants therefore indicated that they will form part and parcel of a campaign against the link road if such a road ever becomes an option. The owners of the study area are well aware of the conservation value of the property and its associated biodiversity. They have protected and preserved it for almost fifty years and it is their intention to continue conserving it and therefore the access road will be necessary for management. This conservation of the local biodiversity can link up with the local Garden Route Initiatives under the protection of OSCAE. The impact on the environment via human impacts is considered insignificant as the road will strictly be used by the owners on adhoc basis. Access road S2 (the preferred alternative) will be a single road that will link up with the existing access road via the Goukamma Nature Reserve and is considered as the most suitable alignment from an environmental management point of view as it will have a positive impact on the conservation strategies of the local biodiversity. The proposed access road is suggested to run through the Goukamma Nature Reserve. This route mainly follows an existing track (which stretches from an existing access on the Buffelsbaai Road) through the Goukamma Nature Reserve. For this proposed alternative two options are considered: Option1: Utilisation of the existing management track up to +- 100m from boundary of Portion 50. This route includes a number of sections that are not comfortably trafficable by two wheel drive vehicles (regarded as the short term option); and Option 2: The diversion of the existing track to achieve a superior route from a road design point of view and rehabilitation of the existing track (regarded as the longer term option ) Some of the other impacts that may be experienced by this development are related to the socio-economic impacts during the operational phase related to visual and sense of place. However, this can be mitigated through architectural designs to ensure the residences are aesthetically pleasing to fit into the natural environment. December 2013 72 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT After careful mitigation measures and recommendations on the potential impacts, the proposed development should not pose such a significant impact on the environment. A development of such a small scale on the proposed study area should not detrimentally affect the environment in such a way that it should not be approved. Alternative A1 and S1 (Alternative 2) The impacts of Alternative A1 & S1 are regarded as similar when one considers the proposed two dwelling houses and their associated structures and infrastructure. The impacts (especially the short term impacts) of the alternative access road (Alternative S1) across portions 39, 40 and 41 are much higher than the preferred alternative. This alignment was planned in such a way that the older dunes are excluded from the alignment as well as all red data plant species and sensitive communities as prescribed by the OSCAE Permits issued by the Knysna Municipality. The road excludes the high and steep dunes and the lower lying areas. Phylica littoralis that occur in the sensitive areas have been avoided in the new alignment. The very rare grass species, Pentaschistus barbatus subspecies orientalis, was totally excluded from the new proposed alignment. The proposed ultimate access road alignment that was originally marked out by the botanist and engineers. Due to the fact that the access road is via a registered servitude and solely for private use by the owners of Portion 49 and 50 and not for the public, it is regarded to have a low impact. The impact on the environment via human impacts is considered insignificant as the road will strictly be used by the owners on ad-hoc basis. The Ecologist motivated that the access road will be environmentally friendly and enhances conservation. Some of the other impacts that may be experienced by this development are related to the socioeconomic impacts during the operational phase related to visual and sense of place. However, this can be mitigated through architectural designs to ensure the residences are aesthetically pleasing to fit into the natural environment. Alternative C No-go alternative (compulsory) If the study area remains in its current state the alien invasive plant species present on and around the study area will continue to spread and invade the sensitive natural areas, which currently have high ecological and/or conservation potential. The alien invasive plant species poses high fire risks and it also poses a risk to the adjacent protected area and with no human intervention, this occurrence can eventually disturb/ destroy the indigenous dune vegetation. The proposed development will initiate an alien invasive management programme to control / reduce these alien plant species and it will also assist with the establishment of a fire breaks and a fire management plan. December 2013 73 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Based on the above, the no-go alternative is not regarded as being the desired option. The development is of such small scale that the impacts of the construction phase will outweigh the anticipated long term negative impacts of the no-go option. December 2013 74 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT SECTION E. RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER Is the information contained in this report and the documentation attached hereto sufficient to make a decision in respect of the activity applied for (in the view of the environmental assessment practitioner)? YES X NO If “NO”, indicate the aspects that should be assessed further as part of a Scoping and EIA process before a decision can be made (list the aspects that require further assessment). If “YES”, please list any recommended conditions, including mitigation measures that should be considered for inclusion in any authorisation that may be granted by the competent authority in respect of the application. As a result of the above mentioned information, Bokamoso request that the above development be approved subject to the following conditions: All mitigation measures and recommendations as part of the attached Botanical Survey must be adhered to; The EMP must be adhered to at all times and the appointed ECO must ensure the developer comply with the EMP; A comprehensive rehabilitation plan, which will address and mitigate the anticipated short term construction related impacts and the long term impacts associated with the exotic invaders must be compiled and submitted to DEA and the local authority for approval; Confirmation of the availability of services (especially water) must be supplied to DEA prior to the commencement of construction; The services agreement between the applicants and the local authority must be supplied to DEA prior to construction; Proof of positive feedback from DWA regarding the proposed on-site sanitation system; Confirmation of the waste management arrangements (whether the local authority will assist with the waste management, where waste will be collected and if the local authority cannot assist with waste management, the name of the waste contractor that will be used during the construction and operational phase must be supplied); The detailed layout plan and elevations, which illustrate and mitigate the anticipated visual impact must be submitted to the involved local authority for approval prior to the commencement with construction; After the finalisation of the layout plan, a suitably qualified heritage consultant must be appointed to determine the cultural and historical impact of the proposed layout on the environment and on possible cultural and historical features on the site. At this stage we are of the opinion that there are no cultural and historical features on the study area, but this must however be confirmed at layout plan stage; Detail regarding the finishing proposed for the facility must also be submitted to the involved local authority for approval prior to construction. The specifications must amongst others address the paint colours, types of finishing materials, roof colours and December 2013 75 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT finishings etc.; A detailed layout plan of the proposed and approved access road alternative (including detailed vertical and horizontal alignment) must be submitted to DEA for approval; and Proof of the new OSCAE permit as issued by the involved local authority must be submitted to DEA prior to the commencement of construction. YES X Is an EMPr attached? NO The EMPr must be attached as Appendix G. The details of the EAP who compiled the BAR and the expertise of the EAP to perform the Basic Assessment process must be included as Appendix H. If any specialist reports were used during the compilation of this BAR, please attach the declaration of interest for each specialist in Appendix I. Any other information relevant to this application and not previously included must be attached in Appendix J. Lizelle Gregory ________________________________________ NAME OF EAP ________________________________________ SIGNATURE OF EAP December 2013 _________________ DATE 76 UITZICHT 216 KNYSNA BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT SECTION F: APPENDIXES The following appendixes must be attached: Appendix A: Maps Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Facility illustration(s) Appendix D: Specialist reports (including terms of reference) Appendix E: Public Participation Appendix F: Impact Assessment Appendix G: Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) Appendix H: Details of EAP and expertise Appendix I: Specialist’s declaration of interest Appendix J: Additional Information December 2013 77