TITLE : Plan Of Study For EIA AUTHORS : B. Dalton Nemai Consulting C. Chidley Nemai Consulting STUDY NAME : Hazelmere Dam Raising EIA REPORT STATUS : Final DATE : April 2007 DEAT REF. NO. N/A KZN DAEA REF. NO.: EIA/2314 Approved By Nemai Consulting C.C. ___________________________________ C.T. Chidley Project Leader
58
Embed
TITLE : Plan Of Study For EIA AUTHORS : B. Dalton Nemai ...
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
TITLE : Plan Of Study For EIA
AUTHORS : B. Dalton Nemai Consulting
C. Chidley Nemai Consulting
STUDY NAME : Hazelmere Dam Raising EIA
REPORT STATUS : Final
DATE : April 2007
DEAT REF. NO. N/A
KZN DAEA REF. NO.: EIA/2314
Approved By Nemai Consulting C.C. ___________________________________ C.T. Chidley Project Leader
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page ii of v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT................................................................. 1
% Time 100 100 100 100 100 100 50 50 50 100 1NOTE: During May, June and July the estuary should be open from 2 days before to 5 days after new moon. It is estimated that the discharge of 0.6m3/s would be required for a period of 2 weeks in these months.
It is recommended that field tests be undertaken to confirm or refine these
estimates.
The results could be used to design a water release program as part of a
management plan to meet the requirements of the estuary.
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 38 of 53
Further investigations are required on the effects of floods on the estuary if
the occurrence and magnitudes of major floods will be reduced.
Water Quality of the Estuary
In October 1998 the depth of the system ranged from between 1.6m and
3.2m, with there being no evidence that this has changed greatly since
1978. Average water temperatures are 13oC to 27oC for the winter and
summer months. Good wind induced mixing of the surface water prevents
thermal stratification. The salinity of the water in the Mdloti estuary is
generally less than 5gl-1 and this is most likely due to the present closed
mouth conditions. Although dissolved oxygen values recorded are generally
low, these are still within the acceptable range of 80-120% of saturation.
These low figures could be due to organic loading. Average pH for the
Mdloti River was calculated as 8 and is unusually high. This may be due to
photosynthetic activity. Turbidity in the Mdloti estuary is linked with rainfall
where during the summer month’s turbidity levels are high and during low
flow winter conditions the system is relatively clam and clear.
Mineral trace levels can be summarised as follows:
Ammonia
Ammonia concentrations reported in the Mdloti estuary appear to be within
the target range for marine waters (0.6mgl-1).
Nitrate
The nitrate concentrations found in the Mdloti estuary were high and this is
possibly attributed to the application of fertilizers on sugarcane fields.
Nitrate values in 1964 ranged between 0.22mgl-1 in summer and 0.15mgl-1
in winter.
Phosphate
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 39 of 53
Phosphate in 1964 ranged between 0.10mgl-1 in summer and 0.74mgl-1 in
winter. Treated effluent from sewage works situated upstream of the
estuary as well as agricultural runoff may be responsible for the slightly
elevated phosphate levels reported in the Mdloti estuary.
High bacterial levels have been recorded in the Mdloti estuary (Coliform
counts of between 5 300 to 21 00 per 100ml; E. coli ranging between 540
and 640 per 100ml and Salmonella reported).
The estuarine water quality index gave an overall rating of ‘fair’ for the
Mdloti River estuary.
Recommendations
The recommendations from the water quality report are as follows:
• The report made specific recommendations with regards
the required flow regime. For the purposes of the EIA, this
aspect is regarded as part of the ecological reserve
process. The ecological reserve for the Mdloti River will be
determined and implemented by the DWAF Minister as
deemed appropriate. It is not expected that this process will
have an impact upon the Hazelemere Dam Raising EIA.
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 40 of 53
6. EIA METHODOLOGY
6.1. Consultation with Authorities
A meeting was held on the 16th February 2007 between DEAT, KZN DAEA, and
DWAF to review the EIA process for phase two of the Mooi-Mgeni Transfer
Scheme (MMTS-2) and to address specific issues regarding the environmental
application. Within the context of this meeting, the raising of Hazelmere Dam was
also discussed and reference made to the discussions and recommendations for
the MMTS-2. These can be summarised as follows:
1. Due to the nature of the project, the RoD will remain valid for a longer
period of time.
2. Although the application is still valid under the old EIA Regulations, it will
be necessary to adhere to a particular process. This should be as follows:
2.1. Request that KZN DAEA compile a letter referring the project to
national DEAT in terms of section 4(3)(c) of the EIA Regulations
R1183, on the basis that the applicant is a national government
department.
2.2. Apply to DEAT for an exemption from complying with the EIA
Regulations R1183 in terms of Section 28 of the ECA for the
submission of a scoping report.
2.3. An independent environmental consultant will need to review and
update the various technical reports and conduct another PPP on
behalf of DWAF. These will then be used to compile an environmental
impact report (EIR) with the various reports attached as appendices.
2.4. Apply to DEAT for the amendment of the existing application to ensure
that all relevant listed activities are included in the ROD.
2.5. Submit to DEAT a letter that the independent environmental
consultant accepts the contents of the reports compiled by other
consultants and the findings therein.
2.6. Submit to DEAT a Plan of Study for EIA.
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 41 of 53
2.7. During the EIA process, submit to DEAT a letter from the DME
confirming that DWAF has been exempted from complying with
section 106 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act
(Act 28 of 2002).
6.2. Update Specialist Studies
It is important that a site visit be conducted during which all aspects of the
proposed development can be critically assessed and weighed against the
various technical reports. Nemai Consulting will then continue to review the work
conducted to date, update technical reports where necessary and formally accept
the specialist studies where appropriate. In order to accept the specialist studies
the following will need to be conducted:
1. Review and analyse available specialist and supporting reports
2. Identify possible constraints and impacts that may have been overlooked
3. Outline the steps to be followed to obtain and assemble the required
information for the EIA process
4. Identify possible changes to the mitigation measures.
6.3. Public Participation Process (PPP)
The objectives of the public participation process are to:
1. Inform the public of the environmental impacts associated with the proposed
raising of Hazelmere Dam.
2. Confirm previously identified and identify new interested and affected parties
(I&APs) and key stakeholders.
3. Disseminate information to all I&APs.
4. Solicit and register I&APs inputs on issues/concerns, alternatives and
mitigation measures. These inputs will be assessed and investigated further
in the EIA phase.
5. Provide feedback to the I&APs regarding the incorporation of their views in
decision making.
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 42 of 53
The first phase of the PPP will be to re-identify the I&APs and stakeholders and
to inform them of the proposed project and progress at such time. As a PPP has
previously been conducted an outdated database comprising a number of I&APs
and stakeholders exists. The contact details will therefore need to be verified and
updated. Registration of additional I&APs will involve a clear description and
definition of the scope of the project and identify any consultation mechanisms
and procedures.
The following methods will be employed to notify I&APs of the proposed project
and of how they can participate:
1. Advertisements will be placed in two regional English newspapers, one
regional Zulu newspaper, and two local English newspapers.
2. Posters will be displayed at prominent public venues around the site of the
proposed project (e.g. libraries, community centres, etc.).
3. Notices will be sent to all I&APS on the database and to owners and
occupiers of land adjacent to the site of the proposed project, to the local
municipality and ward councillors, to community organisations and the
relevant government authorities.
4. A background information document (BID) will be compiled and contain
information regarding the EIA process and a registration form as an
I&APs. This will be made available to the I&APs on the database and at
various public venues.
Where necessary, notices and information documents will be translated into an
appropriate language to facilitate the incorporation of all I&APs to the PPP on an
informed basis.
6.3.1. Public Meeting
A suitable venue for the public meeting is to be located within the project area
and selected for its accessibility to all I&APs. Minutes of all proceedings will be
kept for the public meetings. These will be distributed to all registered I&APs.
I&APs will be afforded a minimum 14 day period in which to comment on whether
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 43 of 53
the draft minutes is a true reflection of the meeting, after which the minutes will
be finalised.
A focus group session will be held prior to the public meeting to identify issues
and concerns. One public meeting is to be held which will discuss the project and
obtain public concerns and suggested mitigations. The way forward will be
discussed at the public meeting.
Notice will be given to allow for I&APs to respond and be identified. It is
envisaged that other meetings may be necessary to meet with the various
stakeholders.
6.3.2. Authorities Meeting
An individual meeting will be held with important stakeholders. Consultation with
the relevant authorities at national, provincial and local level will take place by
means of an authorities meeting. It is proposed that this be held early on in the
process to obtain concerns. A follow up may be held after the public meeting.
6.3.3. Feedback Period for I&APs and Reporting
A fixed period for feedback from I&APs will be set after which issues or concerns
raised will not enter into the EIA process. This will be clearly communicated to
the registered I&APs by letter. The I&APs will be able to employ the following
mechanisms to capture issues and concerns:
1. Comment sheets. The background information document will have as an
attachment a loose comment sheet which I&APs can use to raise issues
of concern, provide comment and feedback on the process and comment
on the proposed public meetings.
2. Public meeting. I&APs will be given an opportunity to raise issues of
concern at the public meeting. These are to be incorporated into an issues
and responses report which will be included in the EIR.
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 44 of 53
3. Written feedback. I&APs may also indicate issues and concerns on
comment sheets, by telephone, e-mails, in writing, etc. All of these
comments will be captured into the relevant documentation.
Once the draft EIR has been completed a 30-day comment period will be
allocated to allow I&APs an opportunity to comment. This will be done prior to the
submission of the EIR to DEAT.
6.4. EIR
An environmental impact report (EIR) will be compiled once the following has
been completed:
1. An authorities and site meeting conducted
2. The PoS for EIA has been approved
3. A full PPP, including the public meeting, interviews with I&APs and critical
stakeholders
4. All the specialist and supporting studies have been reviewed and updated
The EIR will then be compiled and include all the updated reports as indicated in
Section 1.1 above.
6.4.1. Method of Assessing Impacts
Methods for assessing the potential environmental impacts have been
summarised in four Tables below and been adapted from Swart and
Agenbach (1998). For each impact the extent, magnitude and duration will
be summarised (Table 6.1). The impacts will encompass both the
construction and operational phase of the proposed development. These
criteria will then serve to determine the significance of the impact both with
and without mitigation (Table 6.2). Additionally, a probability of the impact
will be assigned (Table 6.3) and a confidence given as to the information
available in understanding the impact (Table 6.4). It is important to include
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 45 of 53
both an understanding of the significance and the likelihood to better
quantify the impact and prioritise mitigation measures.
Table 6.1 Assessment criteria for the evaluation of impacts
CRITERIA CATEGORY DESCRIPTION Regional Beyond 10km of the site boundary
Local Within 10km of the site boundary Extent of impact Site Specific
On site or within 10m of linear infrastructure corridors
High Natural and/or social functions and/or
processes are severely altered
Medium Natural and/or social functions and/or
processes are notably altered
Low Natural and/or social functions and/or
processes are slightly altered
Very Low Natural and/or social functions and/or
processes are negligibly altered
Magnitude of impact
Zero Natural and/or social functions and/or
processes remain unaltered Construction period Up to 5 years
Medium Term 0-10 years after construction Duration of impact Long Term More than 10 years after construction
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 46 of 53
Table 6.2 Definition of significance ratings
SIGNIFICANCE RATINGS LEVEL OF CRITERIA REQUIRED
High magnitude with a regional extent and long term duration. High High magnitude with either a regional extent and medium term
duration or a local extent and long term duration
Medium magnitude with a regional extent and long term duration High magnitude with a local extent and medium term duration
Medium High magnitude with a regional extent and construction period or a
site specific extent and long term duration
High magnitude with either a local extent and construction period duration or a site specific extent and medium term duration
Medium magnitude with any combination of extent and duration except site specific and construction period or regional and long term
Low magnitude with a regional extent and long term duration High magnitude with a site specific extent and construction period
duration Medium magnitude with a site specific extent and construction period
duration
Low
Low magnitude with any combination of extent and duration except site specific and construction period or regional and long term
Very low magnitude with a regional extent and long term duration Low magnitude with a site specific extent and construction period
duration Very low Very low magnitude with any combination of extent and duration
except regional and long term
Zero Zero magnitude with any combination of extent and duration
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 47 of 53
Table 6.3 Definition of probability ratings
PROBABILITY RATINGS CRITERIA
Definite Estimated greater than 99 % chance of the impact
occurring.
Highly probable Estimated 80 to 99 % chance of the impact
occurring.
Probable Estimated 20 to 80 % chance of the impact
occurring.
Possible Estimated 1 to 20 % chance of the impact
occurring.
Unlikely Estimated less than 1 % chance of the impact
occurring.
Table 6.4 Definition of confidence ratings
CONFIDENCE RATINGS CRITERIA
Certain Wealth of information on and sound
understanding of the environmental factors potentially influencing the impact.
Sure
Reasonable amount of useful information on and relatively sound understanding of the
environmental factors potentially influencing the impact.
Unsure Limited useful information on and
understanding of the environmental factors potentially influencing this impact.
6.4.2. Method of Identifying Significance of Impacts
From the procedure outlined in Section 6.4.1 above, it is possible to
determine the significance of the various impacts and classify them
according to their prescribed severity as follows: Zero, Very Low, Low,
Medium, or High. The report will therefore discuss the ratings assigned to
the various impacts identified.
6.4.3. Method for Assigning Mitigation
Measures to reduce, avoid, or eliminate negative impacts potentially
associated with the proposed project are to be addressed in the report. This
will include an appraisal of when and how mitigation measures are to be
carried out and will address issues pertaining to compensation, relocation,
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 48 of 53
and rehabilitation. Additionally, the effect of mitigation on the significance
rating will be summarised in a tabular format. It is important to note that
although a number of mitigation measures may have been investigated
within the EIR, this does not necessarily imply that they are to be
implemented. At the draft EIR stage the applicant will be asked which
mitigation measures are feasible to implement.
6.4.4. Activities and Associated Impacts during Phasing
The report would identify and summarise the activities for the environmental
management plan (EMP) to be complied for the various phases of
construction and is therefore meant to form an introductory overview to
impacts during phasing.
Preconstruction phase
Prior to construction a number of activities are likely to be identified and
these will be addressed. Activities are likely to include site set-up and
establishment as well as the required planning to the activities.
Construction phase
Although the raising of Hazelmere Dam has been previously planned for
and therefore constitutes a simple addition to the existing structure, a
number of important impacts on the environment and surrounding areas
need to be identified and mitigation measures possibly employed.
Operational phase
Due to the magnitude, location, and potential impacts on the environment
both up and down downstream care will be taken to incorporate a holistic
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 49 of 53
view to ensure the raising of Hazelmere Dam continues sustainably for the
benefit of future generations.
6.4.5. Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
An EMP will be incorporated into the EIR and will serve to cover the impacts
associated with phasing identified in Section 6.4.4 above. The EMP will also
serve to ensure mitigation measures are in place and that monitoring and
reporting programmes are implemented and complied with.
6.4.6. Time Frames
Due to the urgency of the project, to be completed before 2008, a time
frame has been agreed upon and will need to be closely adhered to.
Nemai Consulting
The following tasks and their expected time frames have been agreed upon
by Nemai Consulting after consultation with DEAT and DWAF. These have
been summarised in Table 6.5.
Table 6.5 Expected Time Frames for the EIA process for the Raising of
Hazelmere Dam
TASK NAME DURATION START FINISH PROGRESS
Project Establishment 66 Days Mon 12/02/2007 Mon 14/05/2007
Project Inception Meetings 10 Days Mon 12/02/2007 Fri 23/02/2007 Complete
Consultations with DAEA 10 Days Mon 26/02/2007 Fri 09/03/2007 Complete
Takeover from DEAT 15 Days Mon 12/03/2007 Fri 30/03/2007 Complete
Consultations with DEAT 5 Days Mon 02/04/2007 Fri 06/04/2007 Complete
Applications to DEAT 5 Days Mon 09/04/2007 Fri 13/04/2007 Complete
Submit PoS for EIA 10 Days Mon 02/04/2007 Fri 30/04/2007
Site Visit 1 Day Mon 16/04/2007 Mon 16/04/2007
Review Specialist Studies 20 Days Tue 17/04/2007 Mon 14/05/2007
Approval of PoS for EIA 14 Days Mon 30/04/2007 Thu 16/05/2007
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 50 of 53
Public Participation 55 Days Tue 13/03/2007 Mon 28/05/2007
List I&APs 10 Days Tue 13/03/2007 Mon 26/03/2007
Advertise Public Meeting 1 Day Fri 04/05/2007 Fri 04/05/2007
Public Meeting 1 Day Fri 25/05/2007 Fri 25/05/2007
Authorities Meeting 1 Day Mon 28/05/2007 Mon 28/05/2007
EIR 40 Days Fri 04/05/2007 Thu 28/06/2007
Update Specialist Studies 10 Days Fri 04/05/2007 Thu 17/05/2007
Update SIA 10 Days Fri 04/05/2007 Thu 17/05/2007
Compile EIR 10 Days Fri 18/05/2007 Thu 31/05/2007
Public Review of EIR 20 Days Fri 01/06/2007 Thu 28/06/2007
DEAT Review 114 Days Fri 29/06/2007 Wed 05/12/2007
Submission to DEAT for Review 1 Day Fri 29/06/2007 Fri 29/06/2007
ROD Received 90 Days Mon 02/07/2007 Fri 02/11/2007
Advertise ROD 23 Days Mon 05/11/2007 Wed 05/12/2007
Authorities
DEAT has agreed that 14 days is sufficient time to review and accept the PoS for
EIA, and 90 days for the review of the EIR and issuing of a RoD. DEAT also
agreed that 14 days notification for the public meetings is sufficient.
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 51 of 53
7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1. Need for Additional Information
Nemai Consulting has yet to critically review the work conducted to date and
identify components of the various reports that may need updating. As such a
summary of the recommendations from the various specialist studies is
presented Table 7.1 instead.
Table 7.1 Summary of Section 5.4: additional information required
REPORT STATUS RECOMMENDATIONS
EIA Report Update Update specialist reports where required
Conduct PPP
Flora Report Complete Review
Biophysical Report Complete Review
SIA Update Conduct PPP
Archaeological Survey Update Heritage Study
Flood Frequency Analysis Complete
Hydrology Report Complete
Engineering Report Complete
7.2. Way Forward
In conclusion, from this Plan of Study and from a meeting between KZN DAEA,
DEAT, and DWAF the following can be summarised and still necessary to
complete to be compliant with the old EIA Regulations:
• Application for exemption to DEAT to compile with the EIA Regulations
R1183 in terms of section 28 of the ECA for the submission of a scoping report
• Conduct a site visit to assess appropriateness of the various specialist
reports
• Re-conduct a full PPP
• Update specialist reports and compile an EIR
o Includes an operational and construction EMP
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 52 of 53
REFERENCES
Abrahamson, C.J. (2003) Engineering Report. Supporting specialist report for the
Hazelmere Dam raising feasibility study. DAWF Report No. PB U300-00-0401.
Abrhamson, C.J. and Hansford, J.R. (2002) Main Report. Supporting specialist
report for the Hazelmere Dam raising feasibility study. Draft 1. DWAF Report No.
PB U300-00-0901.
Alletson, J. (2001) Assessment of certain biophysical impacts associated with the
proposed raising of the Hazelmere Dam water level. Supporting specialist report
for the Hazelmere Dam raising feasibility study.
Anderson, G. (2002) Archaeological Survey. Supporting specialist report for the
Hazelmere Dam raising feasibility study. DWAF Report No. PBU300-0901.
Anon (2003) Flood Frequency Analysis Report. Supporting specialist report for
the Hazelmere Dam raising feasibility study. DAWF Report No. U300-R001-
9912.
Anon (2003) Water Quality Report. Supporting specialist report for the
Hazelmere Dam raising feasibility study. DAWF Report No. PB U300-00-0501.
DWAF (1999) Resources directed measures for protection of water resources,
river ecosystems. Version 1.0 DWAF Report number N/29/99
Edwards, T. (2001) Vegetation Study of the Areas to be Inundated around
Hazelmere Dam. Supporting specialist report for the Hazelmere Dam raising
feasibility study.
Hansford, J.R. (2003) Hydrology Report. Supporting specialist report for the
Hazelmere Dam raising feasibility study. DWAF Report No. PB U300-00-0301.
DWAF Nemai Consulting
Hazelmere Dam Raising - PoS for EIA Page 53 of 53
Huggins, S. and Mkhize, G. (2001) Social Impact Assessment. Supporting
specialist report for the Hazelmere Dam raising feasibility study.