_______________________________________________________________________________________ Digby Wells and Associates (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd Co. Reg. No. 2010/008577/07. Turnberry Office Park, 48 Grosvenor Road, Bryanston, 2191. Private Bag X10046, Randburg, 2125, South Africa Tel: +27 11 789 9495, Fax: +27 11 069 6801, [email protected], www.digbywells.com _______________________________________________________________________________________ Directors: GE Trusler (C.E.O), GB Beringer, LF Koeslag, J Leaver (Chairman)*, NA Mehlomakulu*, MJ Morifi*, DJ Otto, RA Williams* *Non-Executive _______________________________________________________________________________________ ■ Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery Flora and Wetland Specialist Report Project Number: HCI4929 Prepared for: Mbali Coal (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of HCI Coal (Pty) Ltd January 2018
107
Embed
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated … · 2018-02-23 · Mbali Coal (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of HCI Coal (Pty) Ltd January 2018. Digby Wells
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
_______________________________________________________________________________________ Digby Wells and Associates (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd Co. Reg. No. 2010/008577/07. Turnberry Office Park, 48 Grosvenor Road, Bryanston, 2191. Private Bag X10046, Randburg, 2125, South Africa Tel: +27 11 789 9495, Fax: +27 11 069 6801, [email protected], www.digbywells.com _______________________________________________________________________________________ Directors: GE Trusler (C.E.O), GB Beringer, LF Koeslag, J Leaver (Chairman)*, NA Mehlomakulu*, MJ Morifi*, DJ Otto, RA Williams* *Non-Executive _______________________________________________________________________________________
■
Proposed Construction of a
pipeline for the conveyance of
treated water from Tweefontein
Wastewater Treatment Plant to
Mbali Colliery
Flora and Wetland Specialist
Report
Project Number:
HCI4929
Prepared for:
Mbali Coal (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of HCI Coal (Pty) Ltd
Table 8-2: Interactions for the planning and pre-construction phase ................................... 71
Table 8-3: Potential Impacts of the Planning and Pre-Construction Phase .......................... 72
Table 8-4: Interactions for the Construction Phase .............................................................. 73
Table 8-5: Potential Impacts of the Construction Phase ...................................................... 75
Table 8-6: Interactions for the Operational Phase ............................................................... 77
Table 8-7: Potential Impacts of the Operational Phase ........................................................ 78
Table 8-8: Interactions for the Decommissioning Phase ...................................................... 79
Table 8-9: Potential Impacts of the Decommissioning, Closure and Rehabilitation Phase ... 82
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: CVs of the Project Team
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Alien invasive vegetation
Plants that do not occur naturally within the area but have been
introduced either intentionally or unintentionally. Vegetation
species that originate from outside of the borders of the biome -
usually international in origin.
Basal cover The cross-sectional area of the plant that extends into the soil.
Base flow Long-term flow in a river that continues after storm flow has
passed.
Biodiversity
The number and variety of living organisms on earth, the millions
of plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genes they contain,
the evolutionary history and potential they encompass and the
ecosystems, ecological processes and landscape of which they
are integral parts.
Catchment The area contributing to runoff at a particular point in a river
feature.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental ix
Ecoregion
An ecoregion is a "recurring pattern of ecosystems associated
with characteristic combinations of soil and landform that
characterise that region”.
Groundwater Subsurface water in the saturated zone below the water table.
Intermittent flow Flows only for short periods.
Indigenous vegetation Vegetation occurring naturally within a defined area.
Perennial Flows all year round.
Wetland
Defined according to the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of
1998) (NWA) as: “Land which is transitional between terrestrial
and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near
the surface or the land is periodically covered with shallow water,
and which land in normal circumstances supports or would
support vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soil.”
LIST OF ACRONYMS
AIP Alien Invasive Plants
BRP Bioregional Plan
CBA Critical Biodiversity Areas
CMA Catchment Management Agencies
DMR Department of Mineral Resources
DWA Department of Water Affairs (currently the Department of Water and Sanitation)
DWAF Department of Water and Forestry (currently the Department of Water and Sanitation)
DWE Digby Wells Environmental
DWS Department of Water and Sanitation
EC Ecological Class
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIS Ecological Importance and Sensitivity
EMF Environmental Management Framework
EMO Environmental Management Officer
ESA Ecological Support Area
F Facultative species
FD Facultative dry-land species
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental x
FW Facultative wetland species
GIS Geographical Information System
Ha Hectares
HGM Hydro-geomorphic
MPRDA Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002)
MRA Mining Right Area
NEM:BA National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004)
NEMA National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)
NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystems Priority Areas
NWA National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998)
ONA Other Natural Area
OW Obligate wetland species
PA Protected Area
PES Present Ecological State
REC Recommended Ecological Category
RQIS Resource Quality Information Services
SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute
SFI Soil Form Indicator
SWI Soil Wetness Indictor
TUI Terrain Unit Indicator
WMA Water Management Areas
WRC Water Research Commission
WUL Water Use Licence
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 11
1 Introduction
The Mbali Colliery is owned and operated by Mbali Coal, a wholly owned subsidiary of HCI
Coal (Pty) Ltd (HCI Coal) and is situated approximately 10 km south of the town Ogies
adjacent to the Ogies – Bethal Road in the Mpumalanga Province. The Mbali colliery is
located on portions 16, 17, 20, 31 and the Remaining Extent (RE) of portion 9 of the farm
Klippoortjie 32 IS.
The Mbali Colliery Mining Right (Reference No. MP 30/5/1/2/2 228 MR) was granted by the
Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) in June 2008 and is valid until 25 June 2018. HCI
Coal intends to apply for extension of validity of the Mining Right in due course and are
investigating the option of continuing operations of their washing plant at Mbali through toll-
washing agreements, after the Mbali reserves have been depleted.
Mbali Colliery began operating in October 2013 with an extraction rate of 150 000 tonnes per
month. The coal is mined from the number 4 and 5 seams using standard opencast mining
methods. Run-of-Mine (RoM) coal is extracted through truck and shovels methods and
hauled to the coal washing plant located on the mine. The washed coal is stockpiled on site
and then it is transported by road to the local market for metallurgical purposes, and/ or
Eskom Power Stations for power generation. The total estimated ROM tonnage is 1 800 000
tonnes per year.
The coal washing plant obtains water through the pumping of water from its open pits and
Pollution Control Dam (PCD). The colliery is currently experiencing water shortages due to
regional drought and requires an additional source of process water to continue operating its
washing plant. Therefore Mbali Colliery is proposing to source water from the Tweefontein
Water Reclamation Plant at Goedgevonden Mine (GGV). Operational Management of
Tweefontein Water Reclamation Plant at has been contracted to Glencore Operations South
Africa (Pty) Ltd (Glencore).
The GGV Mine is situated approximately 3 km north of the Mbali Colliery. Glencore has
agreed, in principle to supply water to the Mbali Colliery from the Tweefontein Water
Reclamation Plant which is currently being discharged to the environment in accordance
with their Water Use License (WUL). To facilitate the water supply, HCI Coal will have to
construct (and licence) a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from the Tweefontein
Water Reclamation Plant to the Mbali Colliery.
The design capacity of the pipeline will be 2 Mℓ/day (2,000 m3 per day at around 30 ℓ/s). The
pipeline diameter will be around 250 mm (0.25 m) and the length is approximately 3.6 km.
The proposed pipeline route is along the existing R545 Road and existing Mbali Colliery
access road, crossing the Klippoortjiespruit just south of GGV.
It is proposed that once Mbali Colliery reaches LOM it will source coal from other operations
and process coal in the existing plant at the Mbali Colliery. Therefore, the pipeline and coal
washing plant will remain in operation even after ceasing mining operation activities and the
mining area is rehabilitated.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 12
Activities that are listed in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations1
require environmental authorisation prior to commencing. The proposed pipeline as
described above constitutes Listed Activities in terms of GN R 983 (Listing Notice 1) and GN
R 985 (Listing Notice 3) as amended.
This specialist Flora and Wetlands Report has been compiled in terms of Appendix 6 of the
NEMA EIA Regulations (as amended) in terms of the Basic Assessment process which is
being followed in applying for Environmental Authorisation.
The requirements of Appendix 6 are presented in Table 1-1 and cross-referenced to the
relevant sections of this Report.
Table 1-1: Structure of this report in accordance with the EIA Regulations
Regulatory Requirement for EIA Reports Relevant Section of
this report
1. (1) A specialist report prepared in terms of these Regulations must contain -
(a) details of— (i) the specialist who prepared the report; and (ii) the expertise of that specialist to compile a specialist report
including a curriculum vitae;
Please refer to
Section 2 and
Appendix A of this
Report
(b) a declaration that the specialist is independent in a form as may be specified by the competent authority;
Please refer to
Section 2 of this
report: Details of the
Specialist
(c) an indication of the scope of, and the purpose for which, the report was prepared;
Please see Section 3:
Scope and Purpose of
this Report
(c) an indication of the quality and age of base data used for the specialist report;
Please see Section 6
(c) a description of existing impacts on the site, cumulative impacts of the proposed development and levels of acceptable change;
Please see Section 6:
Existing Environment
(d) the duration, date and season of the site investigation and the relevance of the season to the outcome of the assessment;
Please see Section 4.
(e) a description of the methodology adopted in preparing the report inclusive of equipment and modelling used;
Please see Section 5:
Methodology
(f) details of an assessment of the specific identified sensitivity of the site related to the proposed activity or activities and its associated structures and infrastructure, inclusive of a site plan identifying site
Please see Section
6.1.4
1 As published in Government Notices R982; 983; 984 and 985 on 4 December 2014, as Amended 7 April 2017.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 13
alternatives;
(g) an identification of any areas to be avoided, including buffers;
Please see Section
6.1.4
(h) a map superimposing the activity including the associated structures and infrastructure on the environmental sensitivities of the site including areas to be avoided, including buffers;
Please see Section
6.1.4
(i) a description of any assumptions made and any uncertainties or gaps in knowledge;
Please see Section 7:
Assumptions,
Limitations and Gaps
in knowledge
(j) a description of the findings and potential implications of such findings on the impact of the proposed activity or activities;
Please see Section 8:
Impact Assessment
(k) any mitigation measures for inclusion in the EMPr; Please see Section 9:
Mitigation and
Management
Measures
(l) any conditions for inclusion in the environmental authorisation;
(m) any monitoring requirements for inclusion in the EMPr or environmental authorisation;
Please see Section
10: Monitoring
Requirements
(n) a reasoned opinion— (i) whether the proposed activity, activities or portions thereof
should be authorised; (i) (A) regarding the acceptability of the proposed activity or
activities; and (ii) if the opinion is that the proposed activity, activities or
portions thereof should be authorised, any avoidance, management and mitigation measures that should be included in the EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan;
Please see Section
12: Reasoned opinion
of the specialist
(o) a description of any consultation process that was undertaken during the course of preparing the specialist report;
Please see Section 11 (p) a summary and copies of any comments received during any consultation process and where applicable all responses thereto; and
(q) any other information requested by the competent authority.
No additional
information was
requested.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 14
2 Details of the Specialist
This Specialist Report has been compiled by the following specialists (CVs of the Project
Team are included in Appendix A):
Table 2-1: Details of the Specialist(s) who prepared this Report
Responsibility Fieldwork, report writing and review
Full Name of Specialist Kieren Jayne Bremner
Highest Qualification M.Sc Aquatic Health
Years of experience in
specialist field 10
Responsibility Fieldwork and report writing
Full Name of Specialist Kathryn Roy
Highest Qualification M.Sc Restoration Ecology
Years of experience in
specialist field
2
2.1 Declaration of the Specialist
I Kieren Bremner, as the appointed specialist, hereby declare/affirm the correctness of the information provided or to be provided as part of the application, and that I:
■ in terms of the general requirement to be independent:
other than fair remuneration for work performed/to be performed in terms of this
application, have no business, financial, personal or other interest in the activity
or application and that there are no circumstances that may compromise my
objectivity; or
am not independent, but another specialist that meets the general requirements
set out in Regulation 13 have been appointed to review my work (Note: a
declaration by the review specialist must be submitted);
■ in terms of the remainder of the general requirements for a specialist, am fully aware
of and meet all of the requirements and that failure to comply with any the
requirements may result in disqualification;
■ have disclosed/will disclose, to the applicant, the Department and interested and
affected parties, all material information that have or may have the potential to
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 15
influence the decision of the Department or the objectivity of any report, plan or
document prepared or to be prepared as part of the application;
■ have ensured/will ensure that information containing all relevant facts in respect of
the application was/will be distributed or was/will be made available to interested and
affected parties and the public and that participation by interested and affected
parties was/will be facilitated in such a manner that all interested and affected parties
were/will be provided with a reasonable opportunity to participate and to provide
comments;
■ have ensured/will ensure that the comments of all interested and affected parties
were/will be considered, recorded and submitted to the Department in respect of the
application;
■ have ensured/will ensure the inclusion of inputs and recommendations from the
specialist reports in respect of the application, where relevant;
■ have kept/will keep a register of all interested and affected parties that participate/d in
the public participation process; and
■ am aware that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 48 of the 2014
NEMA EIA Regulations.
Signature of the specialist:
Kieren Jayne Bremner
Full Name and Surname of the specialist:
Digby Wells Environmental
Name of company:
12-01-2018
Date:
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 16
3 Scope and Purpose of this Report
Digby Wells was commissioned by HCI Coal to complete a Flora and Wetland Assessment
for the proposed pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from the Tweefontein Water
Reclamation Plant to the Mbali Colliery .The following actions are required for this Scope of
Work:
■ The identification and the delineation of wetlands within 500m of the proposed
pipeline;
■ A description and characterisation of the identified wetland areas;
■ Determination of the wetland ecological health, importance and sensitivity;
■ A floral assessment of the wetland vegetation present;
■ Assessment of potential impacts to the wetlands from the activities; and
■ Discussion of recommended mitigation measures to be taken into account.
4 Details of the site visit
The wet season survey took place on the 5th of December 2017. The survey was limited to
one day. A wet season was preferred for plant identification purposes as this is when the
majority of plant species flower in the region. A 500m study area on each side of the
proposed pipeline was investigated. The locality can be seen in Figure 4-1.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 17
Figure 4-1: Locality
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 18
5 Methodology
5.1 Flora
5.1.1 Literature Review and Desktop Assessment
As the sampling of the entire study area is not possible, representative samples of the
vegetation were assessed. Aerial imagery was utilized to identify and stratify homogenous
vegetation units.
5.1.2 Assessment
An extensive transect was walked through each habitat type. Vegetation was classified and
the broad plant communities identified during the classification were then mapped to show
their distribution. Species lists were compiled for each broad habitat type.
5.1.3 Species of Special Concern
From the overall species list, a list of Species of Conservation Concern (SSC) was compiled.
A comprehensive SSC species list was compiled taking the following Red Data lists into
consideration:
■ International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Data list (2015);
■ The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Red Data list version
2015.1;
■ The National Environmental Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), 2004 (Act 10 of 2004); and
■ The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna
(CITES) list (2016).
An initial list of SSC expected to be found within the study area comprises PSSC (Possible
Species of Special Concern). If any of these (and any additional species on the above lists)
are recorded on site, they are ascribed the status Confirmed Species of Special Concern
(CSSC).
The South African Red Data list uses the same criteria as that defined by the IUCN.
According to the IUCN all species are classified in nine groups, set through criteria such as
rate of decline, population size, area of geographic distribution, and degree of population
and distribution fragmentation (IUCN, 2010). The categories are described in Table 5-1
below.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 19
Table 5-1: Red Data Categories (taken from SANBI 2012)
CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
Extinct (EX) No known individuals remaining.
Extinct in the Wild (EW) Known only to survive in captivity.
Critically Endangered (CR) Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Endangered (EN) High risk of extinction in the wild
Vulnerable (VU) High risk of endangerment in the wild.
Near Threatened (NT) Likely to become endangered in the near future.
Least Concern (LC) Lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category.
Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.
Data Deficient (DD) Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction.
Not Evaluated (NE) Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.
Extinct Threatened species are species that are facing a high risk of
extinction. Any species classified in the IUCN categories CR, EN or
VU is a threatened species. Species of conservation concern are
species that have a high conservation importance in terms of
preserving South Africa’s high floristic diversity and include not only
threatened species, but also those classified in the categories, NT,
LC and DD
Threatened
Other categories of
conservation concern
Other categories
The online IUCN data base was referenced in order to identify Red Data species and their
various threat status categorisations.
5.2 Wetlands
5.2.1 Literature Review and Desktop Assessment
For the purposes of this Project, wetland areas were identified and preliminary wetland
boundaries were delineated at the desktop level using detailed aerial imagery (Southern
Mapping, 2015) along with 5m contours. Baseline and background information was
researched and used to understand the area on a desktop level prior to fieldwork; this
included but was not limited to:
■ NFEPA (Nel et al., 2011);
■ Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines;
■ Water Management Areas (WMA) and Quaternary Catchments; and
■ Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 20
5.2.2 National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas
The NFEPA project provides a collated, nationally consistent information source of wetland
and river ecosystems for incorporating freshwater ecosystem and biodiversity goals into
planning and decision-making processes (Nel et al. 2011). The spatial layers (FEPA’s)
include the nationally delineated wetland areas that are classified into hydrogeomorphic
(HGM) NFEPA project types and ranked in terms of their biodiversity importance. These
layers were assessed to evaluate the importance of the wetland areas located within the
Project area.
Whilst being an invaluable tool, it is important to note that the NFEPA’s were delineated and
studied at a desktop and low resolution level. Thus, the wetlands delineated via the ground-
truthing work done through this study may differ from the NFEPA data layers. The NFEPA
assessment does, however, hold significance from a national perspective. As mentioned
above, the NFEPA wetlands have been ranked in terms of importance in the conservation of
biodiversity and Table 5-2 below indicates the criteria considered.
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 40
Figure 5-5: Regional Vegetation
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 41
5.4 Impact Assessment Methodology
Impacts and risks have been identified based on a description of the activities to be
undertaken. Once impacts have been identified, a numerical environmental significance
rating process will be undertaken that utilises the probability of an event occurring and the
severity of the impact as factors to determine the significance of a particular environmental
impact.
The severity of an impact is determined by taking the spatial extent, the duration and the
severity of the impacts into consideration. The probability of an impact is then determined by
the frequency at which the activity takes place or is likely to take place and by how often the
type of impact in question has taken place in similar circumstances.
Following the identification and significance ratings of potential impacts, mitigation and
management measures will be incorporated into the EMP.
Details of the impact assessment methodology used to determine the significance of
physical, bio-physical and socio-economic impacts are provided below.
The significance rating process follows the established impact/risk assessment formula:
Where
And
And
Significance = CONSEQUENCE X PROBABILITY
X NATURE
Consequence = intensity + extent + duration
Probability = likelihood of an impact occurring
Nature = positive (+1) or negative (-1) impact
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 42
The matrix calculates the rating out of 147, whereby intensity, extent, duration and
probability are each rated out of seven as indicated in Table 5-12. The weight assigned to
the various parameters is then multiplied by +1 for positive and -1 for negative impacts.
Impacts are rated prior to mitigation and again after consideration of the mitigation has been
applied; post-mitigation is referred to as the residual impact. The significance of an impact is
determined and categorised into one of seven categories (The descriptions of the
significance ratings are presented in Table 5-13).
It is important to note that the pre-mitigation rating takes into consideration the activity as
proposed, (i.e., there may already be some mitigation included in the engineering design). If
the specialist determines the potential impact is still too high, additional mitigation measures
are proposed.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 43
Table 5-11: Impact assessment parameter ratings
Rating
Intensity/ Irreplaceability
Extent Duration/Reversibility Probability Negative Impacts
(Nature = -1)
Positive Impacts
(Nature = +1)
7
Irreplaceable loss or
damage to biological or
physical resources or
highly sensitive
environments.
Irreplaceable damage to highly sensitive cultural/social resources.
Noticeable, on-going natural and / or social benefits which have improved the overall conditions of the baseline.
International
The effect will occur across international borders.
Permanent: The impact is irreversible, even with management, and will remain after the life of the project.
Definite: There are sound scientific reasons to expect that the impact will definitely occur. >80% probability.
6
Irreplaceable loss or
damage to biological or
physical resources or
moderate to highly
sensitive
environments.
Irreplaceable damage to cultural/social resources of moderate to highly sensitivity.
Great improvement to the overall conditions of a large percentage of the baseline.
National
Will affect the entire country.
Beyond project life: The impact will remain for some time after the life of the project and is potentially irreversible even with management.
Almost certain / Highly probable: It is most likely that the impact will occur.>65 but <80% probability.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 44
Rating
Intensity/ Irreplaceability
Extent Duration/Reversibility Probability Negative Impacts
(Nature = -1)
Positive Impacts
(Nature = +1)
5
Serious loss and/or
damage to physical or
biological resources or
highly sensitive
environments, limiting
ecosystem function.
Very serious widespread social impacts. Irreparable damage to highly valued items.
On-going and widespread benefits to local communities and natural features of the landscape.
Province/ Region
Will affect the entire province or region.
Project Life (>15 years): The impact will cease after the operational life span of the project and can be reversed with sufficient management.
Likely: The impact may occur. <65% probability.
4
Serious loss and/or
damage to physical or
biological resources or
moderately sensitive
environments, limiting
ecosystem function.
On-going serious social issues. Significant damage to structures / items of cultural significance.
Average to intense natural and / or social benefits to some elements of the baseline.
Municipal Area
Will affect the whole municipal area.
Long term: 6-15 years and impact can be reversed with management.
Probable: Has occurred here or elsewhere and could therefore occur. <50% probability.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 45
Rating
Intensity/ Irreplaceability
Extent Duration/Reversibility Probability Negative Impacts
(Nature = -1)
Positive Impacts
(Nature = +1)
3
Moderate loss and/or
damage to biological or
physical resources of
low to moderately
sensitive environments
and, limiting ecosystem
function.
On-going social issues. Damage to items of cultural significance.
Average, on-going positive benefits, not widespread but felt by some elements of the baseline.
Local
Local including the site and its immediate surrounding area.
Medium term: 1-5 years and impact can be reversed with minimal management.
Unlikely: Has not happened yet but could happen once in the lifetime of the project, therefore there is a possibility that the impact will occur. <25% probability.
2
Minor loss and/or
effects to biological or
physical resources or
low sensitive
environments, not
affecting ecosystem
functioning.
Minor medium-term social impacts on local population. Mostly repairable. Cultural functions and processes not affected.
Low positive impacts experience by a small percentage of the baseline.
Limited
Limited extending only as far as the development site area.
Short term: Less than 1 year and is reversible.
Rare / improbable: Conceivable, but only in extreme circumstances. The possibility of the impact materialising is very low as a result of design, historic experience or implementation of adequate mitigation measures. <10% probability.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 46
Rating
Intensity/ Irreplaceability
Extent Duration/Reversibility Probability Negative Impacts
(Nature = -1)
Positive Impacts
(Nature = +1)
1
Minimal to no loss
and/or effect to
biological or physical
resources, not affecting
ecosystem functioning.
Minimal social impacts, low-level repairable damage to commonplace structures.
Some low-level natural and / or social benefits felt by a very small percentage of the baseline.
Very limited/Isolated
Limited to specific isolated parts of the site / Project Footprint.
Immediate: Less than 1 month and is completely reversible without management.
Highly unlikely / None: Expected never to happen. <1% probability.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 48
Table 5-13: Significance rating description
Score Description Rating
109 to 147 A very beneficial impact that may be sufficient by itself to justify implementation of the project. The impact may result in permanent positive change
Major (positive) (+)
73 to 108
A beneficial impact which may help to justify the implementation of the project. These impacts would be considered by society as constituting a major and usually a long-term positive change to the (natural and / or social) environment
Moderate (positive) (+)
36 to 72 A positive impact. These impacts will usually result in positive medium to long-term effect on the natural and / or social environment
Minor (positive) (+)
3 to 35 A small positive impact. The impact will result in medium to short term effects on the natural and / or social environment
Negligible (positive) (+)
-3 to -35
An acceptable negative impact for which mitigation is desirable. The impact by itself is insufficient even in combination with other low impacts to prevent the development being approved. These impacts will result in negative medium to short term effects on the natural and / or social environment
Negligible (negative) (-)
-36 to -72
A minor negative impact requires mitigation. The impact is insufficient by itself to prevent the implementation of the project but which in conjunction with other impacts may prevent its implementation. These impacts will usually result in negative medium to long-term effect on the natural and / or social environment
Minor (negative) (-)
-73 to -108
A moderate negative impact may prevent the implementation of the project. These impacts would be considered as constituting a major and usually a long-term change to the (natural and / or social) environment and result in severe changes.
Moderate (negative) (-)
-109 to -147
A major negative impact may be sufficient by itself to prevent implementation of the project. The impact may result in permanent change. Very often these impacts are immitigable and usually result in very severe effects. The impacts are likely to be irreversible and/or irreplaceable.
Major (negative) (-)
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 49
6 Existing Environment
6.1 Wetland delineation and classification
Multiple wetland systems totalling 211.8 ha fall within the 500m buffer of the proposed
pipeline route. Four HGM Units were identified on site; a large un-channelled valley bottom
wetland that drains into a channelled valley bottom system, a seep and an isolated
depression. The breakdown of the wetland types per area is detailed in Table 6-1 and
illustrated in Figure 6-1.
Table 6-1: Wetland HGM Units
HGM Unit HGM Unit Type Area (ha)
1 Un-channelled Valley Bottom 69.4
2 Depression 9.8
3 Channelled Valley Bottom 103.5
4 Seep 29.2
The buffer zones relating to the wetlands are illustrated in Figure 6-2. Zones of Regulation of
100m around each wetland have been assigned according to the regulations on use of water
for mining and related activities aimed at the protection of water resources (GN 704 in GG
20119 of 4 June 1999).
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 50
Figure 6-1: Wetland Delineation
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 51
Figure 6-2: Wetland Regulation Zones
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 52
6.1.1 HGM Unit 1
HGM Unit 1 is an un-channelled valley bottom covering 69.4 ha (Figure 6-3). It has gentle
slopes and is dominated by Paspalum dilatatum (Dallis Grass), Eragrostis curvula (Weeping
Lovegrass) and Juncus effusus (Common Rush). Erythrina zeyheri (Plough-breaker) and
Crinum bulbispermum (Orange River Lily, protected species) which both favour wetland
areas, were also observed.
Impacts to this wetland include agriculture and road crossings:
■ The impact of the road crossings is diminished as large culverts are present which
allow for the flow of water underneath the roads;
■ Croplands have replaced some of the naturally occurring vegetation and this has
impacted the ability of wetlands to maintain biodiversity;
■ Cattle-grazing activities were noted in this HGM unit, which has resulted in
overgrazing, trampling and erosion. In addition, this impact has resulted in impacts
on water quality of the wetlands associated with the site. These activities cause
increased sedimentation of the systems due to exposed substrate. Sedimentation
alters the natural hydrological and geomorphological functioning of the wetlands and
may have an impact on aquatic life. The impaired water quality may also result from
additional loading of phosphates and nitrates; and
■ Disturbance has also led to the establishment of alien and invasive plant species,
further limiting the ability of the hydromorphic grasslands to function.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 53
;
Figure 6-3: HGM unit 1
6.1.2 HGM Unit 2
HGM unit 2 is a depression wetland covering approximately 9.8 ha (Figure 6-4). The
depression is inundated with water and displays vegetation that favours this environment.
The wetland was mainly intact with the major impacts on the periphery of the wetland.
The major impacts are the following
■ The powerlines and associated servitude within the depression wetland has resulted
in disturbance to the system. Impacts such as removal of vegetation, compaction of
soils and erosion will also pose a threat to avifauna. The decreases in ecological
integrity of the wetlands are also likely to deter avifaunal populations;
■ Croplands have replaced some of the naturally occurring vegetation and this has
impacted the ability of wetlands to maintain biodiversity; and
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 54
■ The depression is impacted on by a road, which has resulted in some fragmentation
of the natural system, compaction of soils in some places and loss of vegetation.
Figure 6-4: HGM unit 2
6.1.3 HGM Unit 3
HGM unit 3 is a channelled valley bottom that runs parallel to a section of the proposed
pipeline and Mbali Access Road and covers 104 ha (Figure 6-5).
This wetland has been largely impacted as a result of the following:
■ Dams were abundant and have impacted severely on the wetland integrity of the site,
causing head-cut erosion upstream and in-stream erosion downstream;
■ Edge effects related to mining activities have resulted in impacts to water quality of
the wetland;
■ The impact of the road crossings is large as culvert design is considered insufficient
to allow for the flow of water underneath the roads; and
■ Croplands along the edges of the wetland have replaced some of the naturally
occurring vegetation.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 55
Figure 6-5: HGM unit 3
6.1.4 HGM Unit 4
HGM unit 4 is a hillslope seep that feeds into and is connected to the channelled valley
bottom wetland (HGM Unit 3) and covers 29.2 ha.
This wetland has been largely impacted as a result of the following:
■ Edge effects related to mining activities have resulted in impacts to water quality of
the wetland (the wetland falls partly within the approved Mbali Mining Right Area);
■ Edge effects related to adjacent mining activities have resulted in loss of the wetland
habitat and biodiversity;
■ Croplands along the edges of the wetland have replaced some of the naturally
occurring vegetation; and
■ Cattle-grazing activities have resulted in the loss of wetland ecological integrity.
6.2 Flora
The majority of the study area had undergone transformation due to cultivation for maize and
soya beans as well as mining activities and road construction which resulted in historical
disturbance of floral components and soil compaction in some areas. Livestock were also
observed throughout most of the site and evidence of overgrazing was recorded in grassland
areas.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 56
A total of 42 plant species were recorded on site. The natural areas associated with the
project area are discussed in more detail in the sections that follow. The disturbed grassland,
cultivated areas and alien bushclumps have also been discussed. The primary land uses
and vegetation habitats identified in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline route are listed in
Table 6-2 and illustrated in Figure 6-6.
Table 6-2: Vegetation Habitats (and other land use) and Approximate Areas
Vegetation Unit Area (ha) Proportion of total project
Bioaccumulation of aluminium and iron in the food chain of Lake Loskop, South Africa.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 75:134-141 p.
Rountree, M.W., H. Malan and B. Weston (editors). 2012. Manual for the Rapid Ecological
Reserve Determination of Inland Wetlands (Version 2.0). Joint Department of Water
Affairs/Water Research Commission Study.
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Digby Wells Environmental 88
Rutherford MC, Mucina L. Introduction. In: Mucina L, Rutherford MC,editors. The vegetation
of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity
Institute, 2006; p. 384–385
Swanepoel, C.M., Barnard, R.O., 2007. Discussion Paper: Wetland in agriculture. Water
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
Appendix A: CVs of the Project Team
Flora and Wetland Specialist Report
Proposed Construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of treated water from Tweefontein Wastewater Treatment Plant to Mbali Colliery
HCI4929
DANIEL JAKOBUS OTTO
_________________________________________________ Digby Wells and Associates (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (Subsidiary of Digby Wells & Associates (Pty) Ltd). Co. Reg. No. 2010/008 577/07. Fern Isle, Section 10, 359 Pretoria
Ave Randburg Private Bag X10046, Randburg, 2125, South Africa Tel: +27 11 789 9495, Fax: +27 11 789 9498, [email protected], www.digbywells.com
________________________________________________ Directors: A Sing*, AR Wilke, LF Koeslag, PD Tanner (British)*, AJ Reynolds (Chairman) (British)*, J Leaver*, GE Trusler (C.E.O)
■ Howie, D.R. and Otto. D. (1996). The Impact of Gold Mining Activities on the Water Quality
and Users in the Upper Klip River Catchment. WISA Conference Proceedings 1996.
■ Pulles, W., Howie, D., Otto, D., and Easton, J. (1996) A Manual on Mine Water
Management And Treatment Practices in South Africa. WRC Report TT 80/96.
■ Contributing Author. A manual to Assess and Manage the Impact of Gold Mining Operations
on the Surface Water Environment. WRC Report No. TT79/96.
■ Matla’s successful wetland undertaking, SA Mining, March 2009.
■ Grundling, A.T; Price, J.S; Linstrom, A; Grundling, P; Van den Berg, H.M.; Riddel, E and
Otto, D.J. (2010) The South African National Wetland Classification System: Relevance to
the wetlands in the Kruger National Park. 8th Savanna Science Network Conference.
Skukuza, South Africa.
_________________________________________________ Digby Wells and Associates (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. Co. Reg. No. 2010/008577/07. Turnberry Office Park, 48 Grosvenor Road, B ryanston, 2191. Private Bag
X10046, Randburg, 2125, South Africa Tel: +27 11 789 9495, Fax: +27 11 069 6801, [email protected], www.digbywells.com
________________________________________________ Directors: GE Trusler (C.E.O), GB Beringer, LF Koeslag, J Leaver (Chairman)*, NA Mehlomakulu*, MJ Morifi*, DJ Otto, RA Williams*
Ongoing Aquatic Biomonitoring and Toxicological Assessments:
Aquatic biomonitoring and toxicological assessments include to varying degrees the
application of the following:
o Desktop evaluations of the project area;
o Site selections and visual assessments of each site;
o On-site testing of biota specific water quality parameters including pH,
electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) and
temperature, discussed against the relevant guideline water quality values
Digby Wells Environmental 3
defined by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), formerly the
Department of water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF 1996 vol. 7).
o Macro-invertebrate sampling according to the SASS5 protocol;
o Assessment of habitat suitability using IHAS;
o Fish sampling by means of electro-shocker, seine nets, cast nets;
o Diatom, sediment and water sampling;
o Bioaccumulation studies;
o Application of various Ecostatus methodologies including: FRAI, MIRAI,
VEGRAI, IHI and RHAM;
o In earlier years, application of older RHP indices including: FAII, IHIA and
RVI;
o Whole Effluent Toxicological testing on various trophic levels;
o Provinces worked in include Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo Province, North
West Province, Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal, Free Sate; as well as
other African countries including Ghana and the Democratic Republic of
Congo.
o Project range and variety includes aquatic ecological assessments for
commercial, mining, residential and linear developments.
Aquatic and Wetland Present Ecological State assessments conducted as part of the
Environmental Impact Assessment Process:
Aquatic ecological assessments include to varying degrees the application of the
following:
o Site selections and visual assessments of each site;
o On-site testing of biota specific water quality parameters including pH,
electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) and
temperature, discussed against the relevant guideline water quality values
defined by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), formerly the
Department of water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF 1996 vol. 7).
o Macro-invertebrate sampling according to the SASS5 protocol;
o Fish sampling by means of electro-shocker, seine nets, cast nets;
o Diatom, sediment and water sampling;
o Application of various Ecostatus methodologies including: FRAI, MIRAI,
VEGRAI, IHI and RHAM;
o In earlier years, application of older RHP indices including: FAII, IHIA and
RVI;
o RDL wetland mammal assessment;
o Provinces worked in include Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo Province, North
West Province, Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal, Free Sate as well as other
African countries including Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
o Project range and variety includes aquatic ecological assessments for
commercial, mining, residential and linear developments.
Digby Wells Environmental 4
5 Project Experience
Some of my project experience includes:
Specialist studies and project management
Numerous wetland delineation and function studies in the Gauteng, Free State and Mpumalanga
provinces, South Africa.
Development of an aquatic intervention plan and regional impact analysis for the Nokeng Flourspar
Mine, Gauteng.
Development and project management of aquatic biomonitoring studies at the Cronimet Mine,
Limpopo Province, and the NECSA complex, Pelindaba.
Implementation of a water quality monitoring programme on the Bushmans and Kariega Estuaries,
Eastern Cape.
Aquatic and water quality monitoring and compliance reporting
Development of the 2010 State of the Rivers Report for the City of Johannesburg.
Development of an annual report detailing the results of the Everest Platinum Mine water monitoring
program.
Aquatic biomonitoring programs for several Xstrata Alloys Mines and Smelters.
Aquatic biomonitoring programs for several Anglo Platinum Mines.
Aquatic biomonitoring programs for several Assmang Chrome Operations.
Aquatic biomonitoring programs for Petra Diamonds.
Aquatic biomonitoring programs for several coal mining operations.
Aquatic biomonitoring programs for several mining operations for various minerals including iron ore,
and small platinum and chrome mining operations.
Aquatic biomonitoring program for industrial clients in the paper production and energy generation
industries.
Aquatic biomonitoring programs for the City of Tshwane Waste Water Treatment Works.
Aquatic biomonitoring programs for the North West Wastewater Treatment Works.
Baseline aquatic ecological assessments for numerous mining developments.
Baseline aquatic ecological assessments for numerous residential commercial and industrial
developments.
Baseline aquatic ecological assessments in Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Water quality monitoring on the Bushmans and Kariega estuaries, Eastern Cape.
Wetland delineation and wetland function assessment
Wetland studies for developments in the mining industry.
Wetland studies for developments in the residential commercial and industrial sectors.
Digby Wells Environmental 5
Public participation processes
Team member in the Public Participation Process for the Cronimet Mine.
Team member in the Public Participation Process for Wesiswe Platinum Mine.
Training and education
Training of junior staff in the aquatic biomonitoring field.
Educational workshops in mini-SASS in both Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape.
Educational workshops on water quality monitoring and environmental awareness in the Eastern
Cape Province.
Research projects
2006 – 2010: BREMNER, K.J. The use of the Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) as a
sentinel species of the possible effects on health and reproduction of DDE in vivo exposure and from
a DDT sprayed area.
2006: BREMNER, K.J. KNEIDINGER, T.M. SERFONTEIN, S. An assessment of the water quality
status of the Blesbokspruit Wetlands Ramsar Site. Unpublished. Distinction
2005: BREMNER, K. A study of the effect of barriers on the integrity of the Houtboschloop River
Ecosystem. Unpublished. Distinction
6 Professional Registration
Registered RHP SASS5 practitioner.
_________________________________________________ Digby Wells and Associates (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. Co. Reg. No. 2010/008577/07. Turnberry Office Park, 48 Grosvenor Road, Bryanston, 2191. Private Bag
X10046, Randburg, 2125, South Africa Tel: +27 11 789 9495, Fax: +27 11 789 9498, [email protected], www.digbywells.com
________________________________________________ Directors: AJ Reynolds (Chairman) (British)*, GE Trusler (C.E.O), GB Beringer, LF Koeslag, J Leaver*, NA Mehlomakulu, DJ Otto