Basic Assessment Report. (For official use only)

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2 KZN Agriculture, Development umnyango: ezolimo ezemvelo nokuthuthukiswa kwemiphakathi yasemakhaya ISIFUNDAZWE SAKWAZULU-NATALI File Reference Number: NEAS Reference Number: Date Received: (For official use only) DC/ KZN/EIA/ 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) Kindly note that: 1. This basic assessment report meets the requirements of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and is meant to streamline applications. This report is the format prescribed by the KZN Environmental Affairs and Rural Development. Please make sure that this is the latest version. 2. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not 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 text. 3. Where required, place a cross in the box you select. 4. An incomplete report will be returned to the applicant for revision. 5. 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 will result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations. 6. No faxed or ed reports will be accepted. 7. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner ( EAP ). 8. 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. 9. The KZN Environmental Affairs and Rural Development may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this report need to be completed. 10. The EAP must submit this basic assessment report for comment to all relevant State departments that administer a law relating to a matter affecting the environment. This provision is in accordance with Section 24 O (2) of the National Environmental Management Act 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) and such comments must be submitted within 40 days of such a request. 11. Please note that this report must be handed in or posted to the District Office of the KZN Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development to which the application has been allocated (please refer to the details provided in the letter of acknowledgement for this application). Page 1 of 47

3 SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER AND SPECIALISTS 1. NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER (EAP) Name and contact details of the EAP who prepared this report: Business name EnviroPro of EAP: Physical address: 106 Kirtlington Ridge, 33 Surprise Ridge Road Hillcrest Postal address: PO Box 1391 Kloof Postal code: 3610 Cell: Telephone: Fax: and 2. NAMES AND EPERTISE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EAP Names and details of the expertise of each representative of the EAP involved in the preparation of this report: Name of representative of the EAP Iain Jourdan Education qualifications BSc (Hons) in Geographical Science Professional affiliations Member of IAIASA 4 Josette Oberholzer BSc (Hons) MSc Member of IAIASA 8 Chevy Smith BSc (Hons) - 3 Experience at environmental assessments (yrs) 3. NAMES AND EPERTISE OF SPECIALISTS Names and details of the expertise of each specialist that has contributed to this report: Name of specialist K. Ribbink Drennan, Maud and Partners Education qualifications BSc (Hons) Pr.Sci.Nat Field of expertise Section/ s contributed to in this basic assessment report Title of specialist report/ s as attached in Appendix D Geology Section C No. 3 Report to Naidu Consulting on the Geotechnical Investigation for the KwaPata Pedestrian Bridges Page 2 of 47

4 SECTION B: ACTIVITY INFORMATION 1. PROJECT TITLE Describe the project title as provided on the application form for environmental authorization: KwaPata Pedestrian Bridge 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Provide a detailed description of the project: The Department of Transport (Pietermaritzburg Cost Centre) propose to construct a new pedestrian bridge within the Msunduzi Local Municipality. The pedestrian bridge will comprise a deck suspended across concrete pier bases crossing the stream below. Attached to this bridge will be a low level pedestrian walkway that traverses a wet area. Pedestrians currently use an informal track to traverse the wet area that is prone to flooding and requires regular maintenance. A third structure to be built south east of the pedestrian bridge is a formal railway pedestrian bridge. Local residents currently cross the railway line on foot which is a significant safety hazard especially for young children and the elderly. These structures would therefore be a public amenity and facilitate safer and more efficient pedestrian movement within the area. Please see Appendix A for location details. Structure Details: Pedestrian River Bridge: The proposed structure is a raised concrete bridge structure. The bridge deck is approximately 20m in length and 1.2m in width with a 22m sloped approach ramp on the eastern side of the structure (Refer to General Arrangement River Bridge in Appendix C). The formal engineering description is as follows The bridge comprises of in-situ concrete T- beam deck supported on reinforced concrete pier and abutment founded on spread footings. There are no support piers to be placed within the river itself as the deck is supported by the abutments on either side of the river bank. The abutment foundations will be doweled into the bedrock below the structure. The western bank is higher than the eastern back and falls away sharply. It is proposed to construct reno mattresses (wire mesh rock basket) to provide scour protection around this abutment on the western bank and essentially stabilizing this area. There is no approach ramp on the western edge of the structure as the bridge connects directly to the raised pedestrian walkway. Raised Pedestrian Walkway (low-level bridge): This proposed structure connects to the pedestrian river bridge on the western edge of that structure. The proposed structure has a deck approximately 78m in length and 1m in width with a 5.2m sloped approach ramp at the end of structure. The deck will be approximately 2m above the natural ground level (this varies as the ground level is not completely flat) and will be supported by 12 piers approximately 6m apart (Refer to General Arrangement Low- Level Bridge in Appendix C). The formal engineering description is as follows The bridge comprises a precast beam and block system with an in-situ concrete walkway slab, supported on reinforced concrete and an abutment found on CFA* piles. This structure will serve to formalize an existing pedestrian pathway through a wetland area. The proposed structure has been chosen in order to allow for the natural hydraulic movements of water within the wetland to continue as well as prevent further degradation of the area due to local residents informal initiatives to maintain the path (dumping of building ruble along the path way). The structure will enable pedestrians to traverse the large wet area safely and efficiently with minimal inconvenience. Railway Bridge: On the eastern edge of the site pedestrians currently cross the railway tracks at an informal crossing point attached to the edge of the bridge with dilapidated hand rails and base to walk on. It is proposed that a formal railway bridge for pedestrian use be constructed (see appendix A for the location of the proposed bridge). The bridge deck will be approximately 22m in length and 1.5m in width with tiered stairs on either side of the structure. The bridge Page 3 of 47

5 height will be approximately 3m and is designed to accommodate locomotives and carriages that travel along the railway track (Refer to General Arrangement Railway Bridge in Appendix C). The formal engineering description is as follows The bridge comprises framed structural steel trusses supporting a concrete walkway on permanent steel shuttering supported on reinforced concrete piers and abutments founded on 300mm CFA* Piles. The railway bridge serves to formalize the existing crossing point and give local pedestrians the opportunity to cross the railway in a safe and efficient manner, crossing the railway at the moment is a significant hazard for both the elderly and the hundreds of young children walking to the schools on the other side of the river and railway line. All structures will have appropriate side railings to ensure that pedestrians can use these facilities without significant risk of injury. The KwaPata Pedestrian Bridge is one project with three separate structures; however the combined goal of these structures is to facilitate safe and efficient pedestrian movement in this area. As such there are a number of potential social, economic and environmental impacts and for the purposes of this report these impacts will be assessed as if referring to the project in its entirety (all three structures). Where an individual structure has a unique impact, this will be explicitly referenced. If no reference is made to an individual structure the impact refers to the cumulative impact of the entire project. *CFA stands for continuous flight auger this is a type of pile commonly used in South Africa. An auger is used to create a cavity and then concrete and reinforcing are placed in this cavity. 3. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION Describe each listed activity in Listing Notice 1 (GNR 544, 18 June2010) or Listing Notice 3 (GNR 546, 18June 2010) which is being applied for as per the project description: The proposed location of the bridge structure is across a stream, therefore the following regulations will apply: 11. The construction of: (iii) bridges Where such construction occurs within a water course or within 32 meters of a watercourse, measures from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind the development setback line. 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 4. 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) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; (b) the type of activity to be undertaken; (c) the design or layout of the activity; (d) the technology to be used in the activity; (e) the operational aspects of the activity; and (f) the option of not implementing the activity. Describe alternatives that are considered in this report. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity 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 Page 4 of 47

6 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. Site Alternatives The project entails the construction of a bridge across a stream, a low-level walkway to traverse a wet area and a railway bridge along a well-established pedestrian route. The proposed location of the structures is the preferred site as pupils and residents currently traverse the stream near to this point to access the adjacent schools and homes, therefore there is only one preferred site alternative. Use of the current route has a number of risks and hazards that pedestrians must negotiate. The site has been chosen on the basis that the current route is deemed to be a significant health and safety risk for local residents and therefore needs to be upgraded. Over the past years there have been several deaths due to the current state of the crossing point. Technology Alternatives Alternative 1 (Preferred Alternative) The preferred alternative is to construct three structures as described in the project description. A pedestrian bridge where the deck is approximately 20m in length and 1.2m in width with a 22m sloped approach ramp on the eastern side of the structure. A raised pedestrian walkway** that has a deck approximately 78m in length and 1m in width with a 5.2m sloped approach ramp at the end of structure. The deck will be approximately 2m above the natural ground level (this varies as the ground level is not perfectly flat) and will be supported by 12 piers approximately 6m apart. The third structure is a Railway Bridge with a deck that will be approximately 22m in length and 1.5m in width with tiered stairs on either side of the structure. The railway bridge height will be approximately 3m and is designed to accommodate locomotives and carriages that travel along the railway track. Alternative 2 The second alternative is to construct three structures with the following description. A pedestrian bridge where the deck is approximately 20m in length and 1.2m in width with a 22m sloped approach ramp on the eastern side of the structure and a 5.2m sloped ramp on the western edge of the structure. A concrete pedestrian pathway** approximately 2m wide, 30cm in height and 70m in length (not raised). The third structure is a Railway Bridge with a deck that will be approximately 22m in length and 1.5m in width with tiered stairs on either side of the structure. The railway bridge height will be approximately 3m and is designed to accommodate locomotives and carriages that travel along the railway track. No Go The proposed structures will not be constructed. Community members will continue to make use of the old railway bridge to cross the stream, this bridge is old and unsafe. The narrow deck and awkward handrails make the use of the bridge treacherous for both young students and the elderly alike. A number of individuals have already lost their lives while using the bridge either from the fall itself or drowning in the steady flow of the stream below. No construction means that a safer alternative will not be provided and pedestrians will continue to negotiate the hazards of this route on their daily commute. The wetland area will also continue to degraded. **bold denotes the difference in project description. Sections B 5 15 below should be completed for each alternative. 5. ACTIVITY POSITION 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, minutes and seconds. List alternative sites were applicable. Page 5 of 47

7 KwaPata Pedestrian Bridge Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Alternative S1 1 (preferred site alternative) 29 39'9.45"S 30 19'59.09"E For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates taken every 500m along the route for each alternative alignment. 6. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative activities/technologies (footprints): The following is based on the area under assessment being 116m (approximate total length of the three structures) multiplied by the average width of the structures being 2m= 232m 2 (footprint includes the bridge structures within the river and wetland area). Alternative: Size of the layout: Alternative L1 2 (preferred layout alternative) 232 m 2 7. SITE ACCESS Does ready access to the site exist? If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built NAm Describe the type of access road planned: NA 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. 8. SITE OR 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 report. The site or route plans must indicate the following: 8.1. the scale of the plan which must be at least a scale of 1:500; 8.2. the property boundaries and numbers/ erf/ farm numbers of all adjoining properties of the site; 8.3. the current land use as well as the land use zoning of each of the properties adjoining the site or sites; 8.4. the exact position of each element of the application as well as any other structures on the site; 8.5. the position of services, including electricity supply cables (indicate above or underground), water supply pipelines, boreholes, street lights, sewage pipelines, storm water infrastructure and telecommunication infrastructure; 8.6. walls and fencing including details of the height and construction material; 8.7. servitudes indicating the purpose of the servitude; 8.8. sensitive environmental elements within 100 metres of the site or sites including (but not limited thereto): rivers, streams, water courses or wetlands; the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWA); ridges; cultural and historical features; areas with indigenous vegetation including protected plant species (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species); YES NO 1 Alternative S.. refer to site alternatives. 2 Alternative A.. refer to activity, process, technology or other alternatives. Page 6 of 47

8 8.9. for gentle slopes the 1 metre contour intervals must be indicated on the plan and whenever the slope of the site exceeds 1:10, the 500mm contours must be indicated on the plan; and the positions from where photographs of the site were taken. Photographs taken at the co-ordinates provided. Please see photographs in Appendix B with descriptions of locations where each photograph was taken. 9. 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. 10. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION A detailed illustration of the facility must be provided at a scale of 1:200 and attached to this report as Appendix C. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity/ies. 11. ACTIVITY MOTIVATION Socio-economic value of the activity What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? R 4.5 Million What is the expected yearly income that will be generated by or as a result of the activity? NA Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES NO Is the activity a public amenity? YES NO How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development phase of the 20 (estimated) activity? What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the development phase? R What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? 100% How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of the activity? NA (Zibambele) What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 years? NA (Zibambele) What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? 100% Need and desirability of the activity Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity): The proposed bridge construction was identified by local residents, working through their ward councilor, as a key project in the area. Community members currently make use of the old railway bridge to cross the stream, this bridge is however old and unsafe and pedestrians require a safer alternative. The narrow deck and awkward handrails make the use of the bridge treacherous for both young students and the elderly alike. A number of individuals have already lost their lives while using the bridge either from the fall itself or drowning in the steady flow of the stream below. Unfortunately this is their only option to access the adjacent schools and health facilities and thus a constant flow of pedestrians were observed using this crossing point during the site visit. The construction the bridge structures are needed to ensure pedestrians can traverse the river, wet area and railway track safely. Indicate any benefits that the activity will have for society in general: The creation of the formal bridge structures will enable community members to traverse this route safely and efficiently, reducing the risk associated with using the old railway bridge. Ensuing economic benefits would include a reduction in the call outs of emergency services Page 7 of 47

9 attending to accidents or incidents associated with the use of the unsafe infrastructure and additional time available especially for parents who will no longer need to escort their children to and from school. Community members will no longer have to take it upon themselves to maintain the access through the wet area and will have additional time for other productive activities. The reduced activity within the wetland area will decrease the amount of disturbance within this area and over time lead to improved functionality within the wetland. Indicate any benefits that the activity will have for the local communities where the activity will be located: Construction of the new structures would have significant social benefit for the surrounding community and would have high public amenity value. Young pupils and the elderly would be able to access both the adjacent schools and health care facilities safely. They will be able to traverse the stream and railway line without the significant risk of injury. Additionally, the lowlevel walkway across the wet area will ensure that community members traverse this area without any inconvenience or further impact on water movement within the wetland. Currently, community members traverse the wet area by walking on rubble that has been placed along the path, the raised pedestrian walkway structure will prevent additional rubble being placed in this area and having further negative on the wetland area. There will also be temporary employment of local community members during the construction phase of the project 12. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are relevant to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations, if applicable: Title of legislation, policy or guideline: Administering authority: Date: 1. National Environmental Management Act All government bodies National Water Act DWAF National Waste Management Act DEAT Environmental Conservation Act DEAT WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT Solid waste management Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase? YES NO If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? +-6m 3 How will the construction solid waste be disposed of? (describe) Construction rubble/ solid waste will be collected in a skip and disposed of at a registered landfill site by the certified waste contractor appointed by the main construction contractor. Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of? (provide details of landfill site) Should any material require disposal, this will be disposed of at either the Pietermaritzburg Land fill site which is the nearest registered landfill or incorporated into the Msunduzi Municipal Waste Stream. Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? YES NO x If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? m 3 How will the solid waste be disposed of? (provide details of landfill site) NA Where will the solid waste be disposed if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)? NA 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 the further requirements of the application. Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the relevant legislation? YES NO Page 8 of 47

10 If yes, contact the KZN Environmental Affairs and Rural Development to obtain clarity regarding the process requirements for your application. Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility? YES NO If yes, contact the KZN Environmental Affairs and Rural Development to obtain clarity regarding the process requirements for your application Liquid effluent Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system? YES NO If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? NA m 3 Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site? Yes NO If yes, contact the KZN Environmental Affairs and Rural Development to obtain clarity regarding the process requirements for your application. 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: NA Contact person: Postal address: Postal code: Telephone: Cell: Fax: Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any: NA Emissions into the atmosphere Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere? YES NO If yes, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO If yes, contact the KZN Environmental Affairs and Rural Development to obtain clarity regarding the process requirements for your application. If no, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration: NA Generation of noise Will the activity generate noise? YES NO If yes, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO 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. If no, describe the noise in terms of type and level: The noise generated will be from the construction vehicles used during construction and will thus be a temporary impact. 14. WATER USE Please indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity by ticking the appropriate box(es): YES NO Municipal water board groundwater river, stream, dam or lake other the activity will not use water Page 9 of 47

11 This will only be during the construction phase. If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural litres feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month: Does the activity require a water use permit from the Department of Water Affairs? YES NO If YES, please submit the necessary application to the Department of Water Affairs and attach proof thereof to this report. 15. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient: NA Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any: NA SECTION C: SITE/ AREA/ PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Important notes: 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 C and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan. Section C Copy No. (e.g. A): Subsections 1-6 below must be completed for each alternative. 1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the site. Indicate the general gradient of the sites (Please cross the appropriate box). Alternative S1 (preferred site): Flat 1:50 1:20 x 1:20 1:15 x 1:15 1:10 x 1:10 1:7,5 x 1:7,5 1:5 x Steep area denotes the river banks on the western edge of the KwaPata River. 2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE Steeper than 1:5 Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site (Please cross the appropriate box). Alternative S1: Ridgeline Plateau Side slope of hill/mountain Closed valley Open valley Plain Undulating plain/low hills 3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE Has a specialist been consulted for the completion of this section? If YES, please complete the following: Name of the specialist: K. Ribbink Qualification(s) of the specialist: Pr.Sci.Nat Postal address: 68 Ridge Road, Tollgate, Durban Postal code: 4001 Telephone: Cell: - karl@dmpconsulting.co.za Fax: - Dune YES Sea-front NO Page 10 of 47

12 Is the site(s) located on any of the following (cross the appropriate boxes)? Alternative S1 (preferred site): Shallow water table (less than 1.5m YES NO deep) Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas YES NO Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO 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 YES YES YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO The shallow water table refers to areas immediately adjacent to the river and within the wetland area. Seasonally wet soils are located within the wetland area to be traversed by the low-level pedestrian walkway. The area sensitive to erosion refers to the steeply incised river banks of the KwaPata River which are approximately 3m in height. It is proposed to construct reno mattresses around the bridge abutment on the steep river banks to stabilise this area and prevent scour in this area. As per the findings of the geotechnical report the regional geology of the area is to comprise of Pietermaritzburg Formation Shale intruded by numerous dolerite dykes/sills overlain by recent alluvium deposits. Figure one within the geotechnical report in appendix C illustrates the inferred geology of the area based on the results of the geotechnical investigation. 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: scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by the Council for Geo Science may also be consulted). 4. GROUNDCOVER Has a specialist been consulted? YES NO If YES, please complete the following: NA Name of the specialist: Qualification(s) of the specialist: Postal address: Postal code: Telephone: Cell: Fax: Are there any rare or endangered flora or fauna species (including red data species) present on any of the alternative sites? If YES, specify NA and explain: Are there any special or sensitive habitats or other natural features present on any of the alternative sites? If YES, specify and explain: Yes, the proposed structures are within the KwaPata River and traverse through a wetland and thus riverine/ wetland vegetation albeit degraded is within the vicinity of the proposed bridge location. See below for the full vegetation description. Are any further specialist studies recommended by the specialist? YES NO If YES, specify: NA If YES, is such a report(s) attached? NA YES NO YES YES NO NO Page 11 of 47

13 Signature of specialist: Date: The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s). Alternative S1: Natural veld - good condition E Sport field Natural veld with scattered aliens E Cultivated land Natural veld with heavy alien infestation E Paved surface Veld dominated by alien species E Building or other structure Gardens Bare soil 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. The vegetation surrounding the site is predominantly disturbed grassland with scattered alien plant species. These plants include Peanut Cassia, Lantana and Bugweed and are most prolific immediately adjacent to the KwaPata River and the Railway Track. They have essentially colonized areas that have been previously disturbed by human activity. This disturbance could be attributed to the high number of pedestrians frequenting the site or previous construction activity. Adjacent to the existing footpath through the wet area are common reed species. It should however be highlighted that the vegetation on the edge of this informal path has been disturbed as a result of frequent pedestrian traffic, the dumping of rubble material in this area as well as the steady input of litter into the area. The buildings and other structures refer to the railway track itself as well as the underground services and pipes that are in the area. The Geotechnical Report highlighted the fact that numerous services are expected to be encountered in the area as they service the schools etc. in the surrounding area. There is an informal sports field on the western edge of the KwaPata River that appears to be used by local residents. The bare soil on site refers to the existing path itself where the vegetation no longer grows due to frequent pedestrian traffic. Other exposed areas include portions of the river bank where vegetation has been removed by the flowing water or areas where residents have cleared to provide easier access through the wet area. 5. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA Cross the land uses and/or prominent features that currently occur within a 500m radius of the site and give a description of how this influences the application or may be impacted upon by the application: Land use character Description Natural area YES NO The proposed structures will be located within the KwaPata River (Natural area) as well a degraded wetland area. The potential impacts during construction and operation will be restricted to the construction footprint and immediate vicinity of the structures. Thus there will be little change to the natural area and surrounds. The low level pedestrian walk way has potential to remove the frequent disturbance created as a result of daily pedestrian traffic. There will be an initial impact of construction however over time the Page 12 of 47

14 wetland vegetation will be able to colonise the area immediately adjacent to and underneath the structure itself. Low density residential YES NO Residents will have safer and more efficient pedestrian access as a result of the proposed project. Medium density residential YES NO High density residential YES NO Informal residential YES NO As above Retail commercial & warehousing YES NO Light industrial YES NO Medium industrial YES NO Heavy industrial YES NO Power station YES NO Office/consulting room YES NO Military or police base/station/compound YES NO Spoil heap or slimes dam YES NO Quarry, sand or borrow pit YES NO Dam or reservoir YES NO Hospital/medical centre YES NO Edendale Hospital is located approximately 500m north west of the site. Construction of the bridges will facilitate safer and easier access for residents on the eastern banks of the river. This will significantly reduce the risk and hazards for residents to access health care facilities, which is especially important during emergencies or the treatment of acute medical conditions. School/ crèche YES NO There is a school located to the west of the site. The low-level pedestrian walkway is the structure nearest to this facility. Care must be taken during construction to ensure safety of school children. Once complete the bridge will be of significant benefit to local scholars who will be able to traverse the wet area, river and railway line in a safe and efficient manner. The existing pedestrian pathway has a number of hazardous obstacles especially for young children. Tertiary education facility YES NO Church YES NO Old age home YES NO Sewage treatment plant YES NO Train station or shunting yard YES NO Railway line YES NO The railway bridge will be built over the existing the railway line providing pedestrians with a safer option to make use of when crossing the track. The construction process will need to be carefully managed to ensure that there is no disruption to rail traffic during the construction phase of the project. Major road (4 lanes or more) YES NO Page 13 of 47

15 Airport YES NO Harbour YES NO Sport facilities YES NO There appears to be an informal school sports field adjacent to western end of the proposed structure. Care must be taken during construction to ensure the safety of school children. Any negative impact upon this area must be resolved prior to the contractor leaving site. Golf course YES NO Polo fields YES NO Filling station YES NO Landfill or waste treatment site YES NO Plantation YES NO Agriculture YES NO Small scale subsistence farming occurs within the plots of the local homesteads. No expected impact on these activities. River, stream or wetland YES NO The proposed bridge structures will be located within the KwaPata River and the adjacent degraded wetland area. Construction of the bridges will be carefully managed through provisions within the Environmental Management Program (EMPr) and monitored by an independent Environmental Control Officer (ECO). The river bridge is to be placed in a location and the design is such that no piers will be constructed within the riverbed itself. The bridge will be supported by abutments on either side of the river. The structure will therefore have very limited impact on the aquifauna within river as well as limited impact on the hydrodynamics of the river. Depending on the quantity of water flowing within the main river channel there may be the requirement for temporary diversions to establish the abutment spread footings. A dry surface is required for the drilling of the steel dowels into the bedrock and for the concrete foundations to set. Even if a diversion is required it is not anticipated that there would be any obstruction of water flow during the construction process. Construction of the low-level pedestrian walkway will require limited clearing of vegetation within the footprint of the proposed structure. Construction activity would create a significant impact in this section of the wetland for a short period of time but would then essentially remove potential future disturbance when residents attempt to re-establish their informal path. This Page 14 of 47

16 Nature conservation area YES NO Mountain, hill or ridge YES NO Museum YES NO Historical building YES NO Protected Area YES NO Graveyard YES NO Archaeological site YES NO Other land uses (describe) YES NO informal maintenance activity impacts on the hydraulics of the wetland as residents dump rubble material along the path and the frequent pedestrian traffic does not allow the wetland vegetation to re-establish itself. Thus, the potential impacts during both construction and operation will essentially be restricted to the construction footprint and immediate vicinity of the structure. 6. 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 palaeontological sites, on or within 20m of the site? If YES, contact a specialist recommended by AMAFA to conduct a heritage impact assessment. The heritage impact assessment must be attached as an appendix to this report. Briefly explain the recommendations of the specialist: NA YES Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? YES NO Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)? The river bridge (20m) and railway bridge (22m) do not require a heritage impact assessment as they are below 50m threshold. The proposed low-level pedestrian walkway is essentially the formalization of an existing path; the area has therefore been previously disturbed by pedestrian traffic as well as limited maintenance activity in the form of the placement of rubble along the path alignment. It should also be noted that there has been the previous construction activity in terms of the installation of services to accommodate the surrounding buildings which would have involved both excavation and trenching activity. Therefore no heritage permit is required. YES NO If YES, please submit the necessary application to AMAFA and attach proof thereof to this report. NA SECTION D: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The project is located on the periphery of the urban edge, therefore the public participation method used had to ensure that existing channels of communication were used in order to notify surrounding stakeholders so as to avoid creating any offense. Surrounding NO Page 15 of 47

17 stakeholders rely on direct means of communication through an elected official which in this case was the Ward Councilor and his ward committee. It is important to note that any communication that takes place with community members without working through these elected officials is seen as disrespectful and to a point irrelevant as ward councilor has been elected to facilitate such communications. Meetings were held with these respective community leaders who relayed information to the community. As the structures selected for construction was identified and requested by the community, the primary purpose behind the notification was to ensure that the community was made aware of the commencement of the environmental assessment. The following steps were followed during the public participation process. A meeting was held with the ward councilor where the project details for the bridge under discussion were presented. The Ward Councillor indicated a willingness to engage with the community, agreeing that this was the best procedure for notification. Signboards detailing the upgrade were erected. The Ward Councillor was provided with pamphlets for distribution. The Ward Councillor and ward committee will be given an opportunity to review complete copies of the Basic Assessment report and relay information back to the community. With regards to authority communications, all relevant authorities have been notified of the application and have been provided with copies of this BAR. 1. ADVERTISEMENT The person conducting a public participation process must take into account any guidelines applicable to public participation as contemplated in section 24J of the Act and must give notice to all potential interested and affected parties of the application which is subjected to public participation by (a) (b) (c) fixing a notice board (of a size at least 60cm by 42cm; and must display the required information in lettering and in a format as may be determined by the competent authority) at a place conspicuous to the public at the boundary or on the fence of (i) the site where the activity to which the application relates is or is to be undertaken; and (ii) any alternative site mentioned in the application; giving written notice to (i) the owner or person in control of that land if the applicant is not the owner or person in control of the land; (ii) the occupiers of the site where the activity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken; (iii) owners and occupiers of land adjacent to the site where the activity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken; (iv) the municipal councillor of the ward in which the site or alternative site is situated and any organisation of ratepayers that represent the community in the area; (v) (vi) the local and district municipality which has jurisdiction in the area; any organ of state having jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the activity (as identified in the application form for the environmental authorization of this project); and (vii) placing an advertisement in (i) one local newspaper; or any other party as required by the competent authority; Page 16 of 47

18 (d) (e) (ii) any official Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing public notice of applications or other submissions made in terms of these Regulations; placing an advertisement in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper, if the activity has or may have an impact that extends beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan or district municipality in which it is or will be undertaken: Provided that this paragraph need not be complied with if an advertisement has been placed in an official Gazette referred to in subregulation 54(c)(ii); and using reasonable alternative methods, as agreed to by the competent authority, in those instances where a person is desiring of but unable to participate in the process due to (i) illiteracy; (ii) disability; or (iii) any other disadvantage. 2. CONTENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES A notice board, advertisement or notices must: (a) indicate the details of the application which is subjected to public participation; and (b) state (i) that an application for environmental authorization has been submitted to the KZN Environmental Affairs and Rural Development in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2010;(ii) (iii) a brief project description that includes the nature and location of the activity to which the application relates; (iv) (iv) where further information on the application can be obtained; and the manner in which and the person to whom representations in respect of the application may be made. 3. PLACEMENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES Where the proposed activity may have impacts that extend beyond the municipal area where it is located, a notice must be placed in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper, indicating that an application will be submitted to the competent authority in terms of these regulations, the nature and location of the activity, where further information on the proposed activity can be obtained and the manner in which representations in respect of the application can be made, unless a notice has been placed in any Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing notice to the public of applications made in terms of the EIA regulations. Advertisements and notices must make provision for all alternatives. 4. DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE PROCESS The EAP must ensure that the public participation process is according to that prescribed in regulation 54 of the EIA Regulations, 2010, but may deviate from the requirements of subregulation 54(2) in the manner agreed by the KZN Environmental Affairs and Rural Development as appropriate for this application. Special attention should be given to the involvement of local community structures such as Ward Committees, ratepayers associations and traditional authorities where appropriate. Page 17 of 47

19 Please note that public concerns that emerge at a later stage that should have been addressed may cause the competent authority to withdraw any authorisation it may have issued if it becomes apparent that the public participation process was inadequate. 5. COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT The practitioner must record all comments and respond to each comment of the public before this application is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a comments and response report as prescribed in the EIA regulations (regulation 57 in the EIA Regulations, 2010) and be attached as Appendix E to this report. 6. PARTICIPATION BY DISTRICT, LOCAL AND TRADITIONAL AUTHORITIES District, local and traditional authorities (where applicable) are all key interested and affected parties in each application and no decision on any application will be made before the relevant local authority is provided with the opportunity to give input. The planning and the environmental sections of the local authority must be informed of this application and provided with an opportunity to comment. Has any comment been received from the district municipality? YES NO If YES, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach any correspondence to and from this authority with regard to this application): The report has been provided to the umgungundlovu Municipality for comment. All comments and responses received will be included in the comments and response table in Appendix E. Has any comment been received from the local municipality? YES NO If YES, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach any correspondence to and from this authority with regard to this application): The report has been provided to the umsunduzi Municipality. All comments and responses received will be included in the comments and response table in Appendix E. Has any comment been received from a traditional authority? YES NO If YES, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach any correspondence to and from this authority with regard to this application): The report has been provided to the ward councilor for dissemination to the community. All comments and responses received to date will be included in the comments and response table in Appendix E. 7. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS Any stakeholder that has a direct interest in the site or property, such as servitude holders and service providers, should be informed of the application and be provided with the opportunity to comment. Has any comment been received from stakeholders? YES NO If YES, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach copies of any correspondence to and from the stakeholders to this application): Please see the comments and response table in Appendix E. Page 18 of 47