GOURITSMOND ABALONE FARM DRAFT BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT (FOR COMMENT)

Transcription

1 GOURITSMOND ABALONE FARM DRAFT BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT (FOR COMMENT) PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ABALONE FARM TO BE LOCATED ON THE FARM LANGE FONTEYN 6/453, RIVERSDALE, WESTERN CAPE APPLICANT: AQUNION (PTY) LTD JANUARY

2 CONTENT DRAFT BAR (FOR COMMENT) APPENDICES APPENDIX A: LOCALITY MAP APPENDIX B: SDP APPENDIX C: PHOTO REPORT APPENDIX D: BGIS APPENDIX E: CONFIRMATIONS, PERMITS ETC APPENDIX F: PPP APPENDIX G: SPECIALIST REPORTS APPENDIX H: EMPR 2

3 BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT (AUGUST 2010) Basic Assessment Report in terms of the NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 Kindly note that: AUGUST This Basic Assessment Report is the standard report required by DEA&DP in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and must be completed for all Basic Assessment applications. 2. This report must be used in all instances for Basic Assessment applications for an environmental authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), as amended, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, and/or a waste management licence in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) (NEM: WA), and/or an atmospheric emission licence in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004) (NEM: AQA). 3. This report is current as of 2 August It is the responsibility of the Applicant / EAP to ascertain whether subsequent versions of the report have been published or produced by the competent authority. 4. The required information must be typed within the spaces provided in the report. The sizes of the spaces provided are not necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. It is in the form of a table that will expand as each space is filled with typing. 5. Incomplete reports will be rejected. A rejected report may be amended and resubmitted. 6. The use of not applicable in the report must be done with circumspection. Where it is used in respect of material information that is required by the Department for assessing the application, this may result in the rejection of the report as provided for in the regulations. 7. While the different sections of the report only provide space for provision of information related to one alternative, if more than one feasible and reasonable alternative is considered, the relevant section must be copied and completed for each alternative. 8. Unless protected by law all information contained in, and attached to this report, will become public information on receipt by the competent authority. If information is not submitted with this report due to such information being protected by law, the applicant and/or EAP must declare such non-disclosure and provide the reasons for the belief that the information is protected. 9. This report must be submitted to the Department at the postal address given below or by delivery thereof to the Registry Office of the Department. No faxed or ed reports will be accepted. Please note that for waste management licence applications, this report must be submitted for the attention of the Department s Waste Management Directorate (tel: and fax: ) at the same postal address as the Cape Town Office Region A. 10. Unless indicated otherwise, two electronic copies (CD/DVD) and three hard copies of this report must be submitted to the Department. DEPARTMENTAL DETAILS CAPE TOWN OFFICE REGION A (Cape Winelands, City of Cape Town: Tygerberg and Oostenberg Administrations) Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Attention: Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region A2) Private Bag X 9086 Cape Town, 8000 Registry Office 1 st Floor Utilitas Building 1 Dorp Street, Cape Town Queries should be directed to the Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region A2) at: Tel: (021) Fax: (021) CAPE TOWN OFFICE REGION B (West Coast, Overberg, City of Cape Town: Helderberg, South Peninsula, Cape Town and Blaauwberg Administrations Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Attention: Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region B) Private Bag X 9086 Cape Town, 8000 Registry Office 1 st Floor Utilitas Building 1 Dorp Street, Cape Town Queries should be directed to the Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region B) at: Tel: (021) Fax: (021) GEORGE OFFICE (Eden and Central Karoo) Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Attention: Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region A1) Private Bag X 6509 George, 6530 Registry Office 4 th Floor, York Park Building 93 York Street George Queries should be directed to the Directorate: Integrated Environmental Management (Region A1) at: Tel: (044) Fax: (044) View the Department s website at for the latest version of this document. 3

4 DEPARTMENTAL REFERENCE NUMBER(S) File reference number (EIA): 16/3/3/6/7/1/D5/4/0165/16 File reference number (Waste): N/A File reference number (Other): N/A PROJECT TITLE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ABALONE FARM, RIVERSDALE DETAILS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER (EAP) Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP): NADINE DUNCAN & PAUL SLABBERT (REVIEW) Contact person: NADINE DUNCAN Postal address: PO BOX 1752 HERMANUS Postal code: 7200 Telephone: Cell: Fax: EAP Qualifications BSc (Hons) Geography EAP Registrations/Associations - Details of the EAP s expertise to carry out Basic Assessment procedures Nadine Duncan BSc Landscape Architecture BSc (Hons) Geography Paul Slabbert B Art Et Scien (EAPASA, IAIA, APHP) NOTE: THIS BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT HAS BEEN COMPLETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPENDIX 1 OF GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NO 38282, 4 DECEMBER 2014 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE CONTENT OF THE BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT: The proponent of the proposed development, Aqunion (Pty) Ltd, aims to establish a new approximate 440 ton abalone farm including associated infrastructure as well as a Solar Array of approximately 6.14 ha. It is envisaged that the proposed farm will be constructed and operationalised in 2 phases of equal scale. The area proposed for development is located on a coastal farm situated approximately 10 km west from Gouritsmond. It borders the Gourikwa Private Nature Reserve to the west, and the Gouritsmond coastline to the south. The site is currently vacant; however there is evidence of previous agricultural activities on site. The property on which the abalone farm is proposed is separated from the coast by a public dirt road. The coastal strip south of the access road as well as the northern section of the farm, where the solar array will be located, is classified as Critical Biodiversity Areas. Surrounding the farm, land use includes agriculture, nature conservation and tourism. The northern part of the farm, and the area proposed for the solar array facility, is north facing on a slope behind the upper hill slopes of the property about 1.2 km inland from the coast, it is covered in natural veld (Restio, grassland, groundcover, Proteas & Fynbos) with a soft sandy substrate. No springs or streams exist in this area, nor any rocky outcrops or other significant landscape features. Existing infrastructure comprises two holiday cottages, some old farming infrastructure (concrete drinking trough), a barely visible demolished building, fencing and informal roads/tracks. A small dam/old excavation pit occurs in the north east, on the lower slopes of the proposed development site. The majority of the site is covered in very dense vegetation on a substrate of dark brown cover sands. Some informal internal tracks exist, with access jeep track along the western fence firebreak, where the Eskom power line will be placed above ground. Protected Milkwood trees cover the upper slopes of the property. The site is underlain by deep coastal sands which stretch from the seashore northwards to beyond the study site. The study site can be described as a gentle slope, rising from the seashore northwards to the top of the coastal escarpment. The lower portion, at roughly sea level and along the road is relatively flat after which the landscape increases in steepness fairly quickly. There is evidence of grazing in the past. 4

5 Currently the zoning is Agricultural 1 (AGR1) for the total area. The building and abalone production areas will be rezoned to Agricultural Zone 2 (AGR2). The remainder of the farm will stay Agricultural 1 zoning. The proposed abalone farm will consists of 2 sections; a hatchery which supplies all the seed stock and grow-out areas where abalone are grown to market sizes over a period of 3 4 years. Baby abalone are carefully tended in the hatchery for 6 7 months until they reach a size of approximately 10 mm. These spat are then placed into tanks in the grow-out areas of the farm where they are supplied with a steady stream of fresh flowing seawater. Abalone will be fed a combination of macro-algae grown on site and a formulated diet specially developed for H. midae. Aqunion strives to rear abalone in near stress free conditions with a very specific focus on adherence to strict biosecurity measures which results in optimal growth and health, ultimately guaranteeing a superior end product. Day-to-day farming activities are governed by a set of comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOP s) in order to ensure a predictable growing environment. Abalone health is routinely verified by a specialist 3 rd party. The proposed development will comprise an approximate 440 ton abalone farm, to be developed in two phases and will include the following: (note that the sizes and volumes described below are approximate): 7.1 ha production area, split into two phases - o Phase one 3.7 ha, 220 ton production o Phase two 3.4 ha, 220 ton production Hatchery (3400 m 2 ); Pump house and sump 500 m 2, with a total pumping capacity of m 3 /h; Filtration reservoir 530 m 2 includes drum filters for the filtering of incoming seawater; Basket cleaning area 1000 m 2 for the cleaning and repairing of the abalone baskets; Split and grading rooms 95 m 2 x 8 rooms, for the splitting and size grading of the abalone stock; Blower and feed stores 35 m 2 x 16 rooms, used to securely house feed stock from vermin / pests. Blower rooms sound proof for air supply; Diesel store 173 m 2 on site diesel storage of l; Refuse area and package plant 600 m 2 ; Power transmission room 800 m 2 for backup generators and main distribution systems; Canteen 1025 m 2 containing canteen, ablutions and lockers for employees; Workshop 450 m 2 for maintenance and repairs; Parking area 3930 m 2 comprising of entrance access and parking ; Admin / office building 600 m 2 for admin staff; Transfer and pre-processing building m 2 to transfer animals from one farm to the next and to prep animals for transport for processing; Effluent pipeline transfers effluent sea water, possible surf zone discharge or beyond surf zone, dependent on the conditions of the CWDP (Approx 40 m in length); Main Water supply pipes 8 x 500 mm GRP pipes (Approx. 120m in length) (the supply lines from pump house approx. 430m in length); Solar array of approximately 6.14 ha with an output capacity of 2.5 MVA / 2.2. MW; Inverter room 225 m 2, used to house invertors to convert solar to usable power and step up into Eskom line at 11KV; Eskom overhead line; Jeep track to solar farm / PV 1.7 km two track informal road for servicing the site; Borehole and Fresh water reservoir. TOTAL DEVELOPMENT AREA = APPROXIMATELY 16 HA ALTERNATIVES: ALTERNATIVE ONE: An approximate 750 ton abalone farm, in one phase comprising of the following: - 12 ha production area - Hatchery - Pump house - Sump located at -2m sea level, gravity fed with 4 x 1.2 m pipelines - Generator room - Canteen 1 to cater for 180 employees - Canteen 2 to cater for 180 employees - Workshop 5

6 - Parking area - Admin and processing - Effluent / intake pipelines - 4 MVA solar array of approximately 6 ha, directly adjacent to the farm - Solar control and grid tie in room - Borehole - Total area = Approximately 18 ha Note that this alternative was the applicant s first concept and had limited specialist input. NO GO ALTERNATIVE No development will take place and site will remain vacant. NEED AND DESIRABILITY: There is a market demand for farmed abalone for export. Aquaculture also plays an important economic role in South Africa and is therefore driven by programs such as Operation Phakisa, which aims to facilitate the operation and development of aquaculture in South Africa. The site has been selected due to its proximity to favourable sea conditions, water temperatures, currents etc. Bio-security is essential for the future of abalone farms and the current abalone nodes in the Overstrand and along the West Coast is well developed, unpolluted areas away from other abalone farms and industries and urban areas (all posing pollution of intake water) is needed. The aspect of the site also provides a favourable environment for a solar / PV component to supplement the energy requirements of the farm. The specialist team assessed the site and proposal with no major impacts being identified. The EMP will guide both the construction and operational phases. The coastal waters discharge permit from DEA will ensure water quality of effluent water is acceptable at all times ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT: Although the establishment of the abalone farm will occur on largely recently undisturbed land (some areas were previously cultivated), all impacts identified for the preferred alternative during the construction and operation phases have been assessed and is deemed as being low after mitigation. There will be no negative/irreversible impacts on the terrestrial and marine environs, physical environment, cultural /historic or socioeconomic aspects. POSITIVE IMPACTS: Job creation, skills development and sustainable development among the other benefits. NEGATIVE IMPACTS: Construction phase excavations of the preferred alternative would create a minor disturbance. All impacts could be successfully mitigated. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS: To some extent a cumulative impact is a regional impact, rather than the local site scale impact, i.e. if something has a regional impact it also has a cumulative impact. The vegetation and faunal habitat in this region is under significant pressure from agriculture and urban and industrial expansion (pers. Obs.), and these impacts are ongoing. All new developments in the region have a cumulative impact. COASTAL WATER DISCHARGE PERMIT: An application for a CWDP is currently underway for the establishment of a new abalone farm. SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (a) Is the project a new development? YES X NO (b) Provide a detailed description of the development project and associated infrastructure. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT The proponent of the proposed development, Aqunion (Pty) Ltd, aims to establish a new approximate 440 ton abalone farm including associated infrastructure as well as a Solar Array of approximately 6.14 ha. It is envisaged that the proposed farm will be constructed and operationalised in 2 phases of equal scale. The area proposed for development is located on a coastal farm situated approximately 10 km from Gouritsmond. It borders the Gourikwa Private Nature Reserve to the west, and the Gouritsmond coastline to the south. The site is currently vacant; however there is evidence of previous agricultural activities on site. The property on which the 6

7 abalone farm is proposed is separated from the coast by a public dirt road. The coastal strip south of the access road as well as the northern section of the farm, where the solar array will be located, is classified as Critical Biodiversity Areas. Surrounding the farm, land use includes agriculture, nature conservation and tourism. The northern part of the farm, and the area proposed for the solar array facility, is north facing on a slope behind the upper hill slopes of the property about 1.2 km inland from the coast, it is covered in natural veld (Restio, grassland, groundcover, Proteas & Fynbos) with a soft sandy substrate. No springs or streams exist in this area, nor any rocky outcrops or other significant landscape features. Existing infrastructure comprises two holiday cottages, some old farming infrastructure (concrete drinking trough), a barely visible demolished building, fencing and informal roads/tracks. A small dam/old excavation pit occurs in the north east, on the lower slopes of the proposed development site. The majority of the site is covered in very dense vegetation on a substrate of dark brown cover sands. Some informal internal tracks exist, with access jeep track along the western fence firebreak, where the Eskom power line will be placed above ground. Protected Milkwood trees cover the upper slopes of the property. The site is underlain by deep coastal sands which stretch from the seashore northwards to beyond the study site. The study site can be described as a gentle slope, rising from the seashore northwards to the top of the coastal escarpment. The lower portion, at roughly sea level and along the road is relatively flat after which the landscape increases in steepness fairly quickly. There is evidence of grazing in the past. The proposed abalone farm will consists of 2 sections; a hatchery which supplies all the seed stock and grow-out areas where abalone are grown to market sizes over a period of 3 4 years. Baby abalone are carefully tended in the hatchery for 6 7 months until they reach a size of approximately 10 mm. These spat are then placed into tanks in the grow-out areas of the farm where they are supplied with a steady stream of fresh flowing seawater. Abalone will be fed a combination of macro-algae grown on site and a formulated diet specially developed for H. midae. Aqunion strives to rear abalone in near stress free conditions with a very specific focus on adherence to strict biosecurity measures which results in optimal growth and health, ultimately guaranteeing a superior end product. Day-to-day farming activities are governed by a set of comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOP s) in order to ensure a predictable growing environment. Abalone health is routinely verified by a specialist 3 rd party(refer to Figure 2). The proposed development will comprise an approximate 440 ton abalone farm, to be developed in two phases and will include the following (Refer to Figure 1): (note that the sizes and volumes described below are approximate): 7.1 ha production area, split into two phases - o Phase one 3.7 ha, 220 ton production o Phase two 3.4 ha, 220 ton production Hatchery (3400 m 2 ); Pump house and sump 500 m 2, with a total pumping capacity of m 3 /h; Filtration reservoir 530 m 2 includes drum filters for the filtering of incoming seawater; Basket cleaning area 1000 m 2 for the cleaning and repairing of the abalone baskets; Split and grading rooms 95 m 2 x 8 rooms, for the splitting and size grading of the abalone stock; Blower and feed stores 35 m 2 x 16 rooms, used to securely house feed stock from vermin / pests. Blower rooms sound proof for air supply; Diesel store 173 m 2 on site diesel storage of l; Refuse area and package plant 600 m 2 ; Power transmission room 800 m 2 for backup generators and main distribution systems; Canteen 1025 m 2 containing canteen, ablutions and lockers for employees; Workshop 450 m 2 for maintenance and repairs; Parking area 3930 m 2 comprising of entrance access and parking ; Admin / office building 600 m 2 for admin staff; Transfer and pre-processing building m 2 to transfer animals from one farm to the next and to prep animals for transport for processing; Effluent pipeline transfers effluent sea water, possible surf zone discharge or beyond surf zone, dependent on the conditions of the CWDP (Approx 40 m in length); Main Water supply pipes 8 x 500 mm GRP pipes (Approx. 120m in length) (the supply lines from pump house approx. 430m in length); Solar array of approximately 6.14 ha with an output capacity of 2.5 MVA / 2.2. MW; Inverter room 225 m 2, used to house invertors to convert solar to usable power and step up into Eskom line at 11KV; Eskom overhead line; Jeep track to solar farm / PV 1.7 km two track informal road for servicing the site; and 7

8 Borehole and Fresh water reservoir. TOTAL DEVELOPMENT AREA = APPROXIMATELY 16 HA N Figure 1: Proposed Layout of Abalone Farm and Solar Array Sea Sump and pump station Primary seawater filtration On site Colour key: Flow of seawater Flow of air Air fans / blowers Flow of abalone Hatchery Grow-out Harvesting Dispatch for transport Final processing in Hermanus Sea Effluent pipe Preprocessing Figure 2: Proposed Layout of Abalone Farm and Solar Array (c) List all the activities assessed during the Basic Assessment process: GN No. Describe the relevant Basic Assessment Activity(ies) in R. 983 writing as per Listing Notice 1 Activity (GN No. R. 983) No(s): 6 The development and related operation of facilities, infrastructure or structures for; aquaculture of- (ii) molluscs and echinoderms, where such facility, infrastructure or structures will have a production output exceeding kg per annum (wet weight); excluding where the development of such facilities, infrastructure or structures is for purposes of seabased cage culture in which case activity 7 in this Notice applies. 8 The development and related operation of hatcheries or agriindustrial facilities outside industrial complexes where the Describe the portion of the development as per the project description that relates to the applicable listed activity. Establishment of an abalone farm and associated infrastructure. Establishment of an abalone farm which include a hatchery footprint of m 2 8

9 development footprint covers an area of square metres or more. 9 The development of infrastructure exceeding 1000 metres in length for the bulk transportation of water or storm water (i) with an internal diameter of 0.36 metres or more; or (ii) with a peak throughout of 120 litres per second or more. 10 The development and related operation of infrastructure exceeding 1000 metres in length for the bulk transportation of sewage, effluent, process water, waste water, return water, industrial discharge or slimes (i) with an internal diameter of 0.36 metres or more; or (ii) with a peak throughout of 120 litres per second or more. 11 The development of facilities or infrastructure for the transmission and distribution of electricity- (i) outside urban areas or industrial complexes with a capacity of more than 33 but less than 275 kilovolts; or (ii) inside urban areas or industrial complexes with a capacity of 275 kilovolts or more. 14 The development of facilities or infrastructure, for the storage, or for the storage and handling, of a dangerous good, where such storage occurs in containers with a combined capacity of 80 cubic metres or more but not exceeding 500 cubic metres. 15 The development of structures in the coastal public properties where the development footprint is bigger than 50 square metre. 17 Development (v) if no development setback exists, within a distance of 100 metres inland of the high water mark of the sea or estuary, whichever is greatest in respect of (e) buildings of 50 square metres or more or (f) infrastructure with a development footprint of 50 square metres or more. 19 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, rock of more than 5 cubic metres from (iii) the littoral active zone, an estuary or a distance of 100 metres inland of the high waters mark of the sea or an estuary, whichever distance is the greater. 27 The clearance of an area of 1 hectares or more, but less than 20 hectares of indigenous vegetation, except where such clearance of indigenous vegetation is required for-(i) the undertaking of a linear activity; or(ii) maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a maintenance management plan. GN No. R. 985 Activity No(s): Describe the relevant Basic Assessment Activity(ies) in writing as per Listing Notice 3 (GN No. R. 985) 2 The development of reservoirs for bulk water supply with a capacity of more than 250 cubic metres. (f) In Western Cape: i. A protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA, excluding conservancies; ii. In areas containing indigenous vegetation; or iii. In urban areas: (aa) Areas zoned for use as public open space; or (bb) Areas designated for conservation use in Spatial Development Frameworks adopted by the competent authority, or zoned for a conservation purpose. 4 The development of a road wider than 4 metres with a reserve less than 13,5 metres. (f) In Western Cape: i. Areas outside urban areas; (aa) Areas containing indigenous vegetation; (bb) Areas on the estuary side of the development setback line or in an estuarine functional zone where no such setback line has been determined; or ii. In urban areas: (cc) Areas zoned for conservation use; or (dd) Areas designated for conservation use in Spatial Development Frameworks adopted by the competent authority. 12 The clearance of an area of 300 square metres or more of indigenous vegetation (a) in the Western Cape (iii) within the The installation of sea water intake and effluent pipelines. The installation of sea water effluent pipelines. Development of solar array with an output capacity of 2.5 MVA / 2.2. MW outside an urban area/industrial complex. On-site diesel storage of 80 m 3. Installation of intake/discharge infrastructure within coastal public property exceeding 50m 2. Establishment of abalone farm infrastructure within 100 m of high water mark of sea. Construction to take place within 100 m of the high water mark. Clearance of coastal thicket exceeding 1 ha. Describe the portion of the development as per the project description that relates to the applicable listed activity. Bulk storage of seawater and freshwater may be required To be confirmed. Vegetation clearance required for establishment of abalone farm. 9

10 littoral active zone or 100 metres inland from the high water mark of the sea or an estuarine functional zone whichever distance is greater, excluding where such removal will occur behind the development setback line on erven in urban areas If the application is also for activities as per Listing Notice 2 and permission was granted to subject the application to Basic Assessment, also indicate the applicable Listing Notice 2 activities: GN No. R. 984 Activity No(s): If permission was granted in terms of Regulation 20, describe the relevant Scoping and EIA Activity(ies) in writing as per Listing Notice 2 (GN No. R. 984) NOT APPLICABLE Describe the portion of the development as per the project description that relates to the applicable listed activity. Waste management activities in terms of the NEM: WA (Government Gazette No ): GN No Category A Describe the relevant Category A waste management activity in writing. Activity No(s): NOT APPLICABLE Please note: If any waste management activities are applicable, the Listed Waste Management Activities Additional Information Annexure must be completed and attached to this Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I. If the application is also for waste management activities as per Category B and permission was granted to subject the application to Basic Assessment, also indicate the applicable Category B activities: GN No. 718 Category B Describe the relevant Category B waste management activity in writing. Activity No(s): NOT APPLICABLE Atmospheric emission activities in terms of the NEM: AQA (Government Gazette No ): GN No. 248 Describe the relevant atmospheric emission activity in writing. Activity No(s): NOT APPLICABLE (d) Please provide details of all components of the proposed project and attach diagrams (e.g. architectural drawings or perspectives, engineering drawings, process flow charts etc.). Buildings YES X NO Provide brief description: The following buildings will be required: Hatchery (3 400 m 2 ); Pump house and sump 500 m 2, with a total pumping capacity of m 3 /h; Split and grading rooms 95 m 2 x 8 rooms, for the splitting and size grading of the abalone stock; Power transmission room 800 m 2 for backup generators and main distribution systems; Canteen m 2 containing canteen, ablutions and lockers for employees; Workshop 450 m 2 for maintenance and repairs; Admin / office building 600 m 2 for admin staff; Transfer and pre-processing building m 2 to transfer animals from one farm to the next and to prep animals for transport for processing; Inverter room 225 m 2, used to house invertors to convert solar to usable power and step up into Eskom line at 11KV; and Blower and feed stores 35 m 2 x 16 rooms, used to securely house feed stock from vermin / pests. Infrastructure (e.g. roads, power and water supply/ storage) YES x NO Provide brief description: The following infrastructure will be required: Filtration reservoir 530 m 2 includes drum filters for the filtering of incoming seawater; Basket cleaning area m 2 for the cleaning and repairing of the abalone baskets; Diesel store 173 m 2 on site diesel storage of l; Refuse area and package plant 600 m 2 ; Parking area m 2 comprising of entrance access and parking ; Effluent pipeline transfers effluent sea water, possible surf zone discharge or beyond surf zone, dependent on the conditions of the CWDP (Approx 40 m in length); Main Water supply pipes 8 x 500 mm GRP pipes (Approx. 120m in length) (the supply lines from pump house 10

11 approx. 430m in length); Solar array of approximately 6.14 ha with an output capacity of 2.5 MVA / 2.2. MW; Jeep track to solar farm / PV 1.7 km two track informal road for servicing the site and Freshwater Reservoir Processing activities (e.g. manufacturing, storage, distribution) YES X NO Provide brief description: All abalone produced at the proposed farm will be transported to Hermanus for final processing. If a reliable procedure for managing the resulting abalone waste can be established, abalone will be pre-processed prior to transport to Hermanus. This process will entail shucking, gutting and salting abalone. Pre-processing will result in approximately 145 tons of abalone shells per year, and approximately 145 tons of abalone viscera per year. In the absence of a reliable and safe abalone waste management mechanism, abalone will be transported live to Hermanus and any form of processing will therefore not be required. Storage facilities for raw materials and products (e.g. volume and substances to be stored) Provide brief description YES NO x N/A Storage and treatment facilities for solid waste and effluent generated by the project Yes NO x Provide brief description N/A Other activities (e.g. water abstraction activities, crop planting activities) YES X No Provide brief description Sea water is abstracted at the pumphouse / intake area on the coast and piped to the farm, it is circulated through the tanks and then discharged again through the effluent line at the discharge point. A coastal waters discharge permit (CWDP) will be applied for. The Department of Environmental Affairs is the competent authority for the CWDP whilst the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) prescribe the monitoring of the effluent waters. The title deeds between farms Buffelshoek 15/455 and Lange Fonteyn 6/453 make provision that Lange Fonteyn can get drinking water from Buffelshoek. 2. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY (a) Indicate the size of the property (cadastral unit) on which the activity is to be undertaken. Size of the property: ha Size of the facility: (b) Indicate the size of the facility (development area) on which the activity is to be undertaken. 16 ha Size of the activity: (c) Indicate the physical size (footprint) of the activity together with its associated infrastructure: 16 ha (d) Indicate the physical size (footprint) of the activity: 16 ha (e) Indicate the physical size (footprint) of the associated infrastructure: Refer to Section 1 (d) above and, for linear activities: (f) Indicate the length of the activity: Length of the activity: Effluent pipeline +/- 40m Main Water supply pipes 8 x 500 mm GRP pipes - +/- 120m (the supply line from pump house is +/- 430m in length) 3. SITE ACCESS (a) Is there an existing access road? YES X NO (b) If no, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built? N/A (c) Describe the type of access road planned: 11

12 Access from the N2 National Road to Gouritsmond is via the R 325. From Gouritsmond the existing dirt district road could be followed in a Western direction to the farm Lange Fonteyn 6/453. Access to and from the development will be via the existing road infrastructure from the N2 National road R 325 Provincial road and from Gouritsmond via the dirt district road. New internal roads and parking areas will be done with camel colour interlocking paving bricks. If the abalone farming activities is in full production two busses will transport employees to and from the premises daily. For the first phase one bus will be sufficient. The transport of the harvested abalone will be transported with a 14ton truck 3 times per week to the processing facility in Hermanus. Due to the geometry of the existing roads and surrounding areas the stopsight- distances at the intersections to the existing district road will comply to the standard norms and regulations of such an intersection. Please Note: indicate the position of the proposed access road on the site plan. 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY ON WHICH THE ACTIVITY IS TO BE UNDERTAKEN AND THE LOCATION OF THE ACTIVITY ON THE PROPERTY (a) Provide a description of the property on which the activity is to be undertaken and the location of the activity on the property. The property is a coastal farm located approximately 10 km west of Gouritsmond. The study site is underlain by deep coastal sands which stretch from the seashore northwards to beyond the study site. The study site can be described as a gentle slope, rising from the seashore northwards to the top of the coastal escarpment. The lower portion, at roughly sea level and along the road is relatively flat after which the landscape increases in steepness fairly quickly. There is evidence of grazing in the past. Due to the nature of abalone farming, the entire coastal frontage of the farm is proposed for the abalone farm. The solar array will be located in the northern section of the property. Various specialist assessments have been conducted and this has resulted in the creation of no development zone. The preferred alternative has been shaped around these specialist recommendations. (b) Please provide a location map (see below) as Appendix A to this report which shows the location of the property and the location of the activity on the property; as well as a site map (see below) as Appendix B to this report; and if applicable all alternative properties and locations. Locality map: The scale of the locality map must be at least 1: For linear activities of more than 25 kilometres, a smaller scale e.g. 1: can be used. The scale must be indicated on the map. The map must indicate the following: an accurate indication of the project site position as well as the positions of the alternative sites, if any; road names or numbers of all the major roads as well as the roads that provide access to the site(s) a north arrow; a legend; the prevailing wind direction (during November to April and during May to October); and GPS co-ordinates (Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees and decimal minutes. The minutes should have at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection). Site Plan: Detailed site plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. The site plan must contain or conform to the following: The detailed site plan must be at a scale preferably at a scale of 1:500 or at an appropriate scale. The scale must be indicated on the plan. The property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50m of the site must be indicated on the site plan. The current land use (not zoning) as well as the land use zoning of each of the adjoining properties must be indicated on the site plan. The position of each element of the application as well as any other structures on the site must be indicated on the site plan. Services, including electricity supply cables (indicate above or underground), water supply pipelines, boreholes, sewage pipelines, storm water infrastructure and access roads that will form part of the development must be indicated on the site plan. Servitudes indicating the purpose of the servitude must be indicated on the site plan. Sensitive environmental elements within 100m of the site must be included on the site plan, including (but not limited to): o Rivers. o Flood lines (i.e. 1:10, 1:50, year and 32 meter set back line from the banks of a river/stream). o Ridges. o Cultural and historical features. o Areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species). 12

13 Whenever the slope of the site exceeds 1:10, then a contour map of the site must be submitted. (c) For a linear activity, please also provide a description of the route. An intake line and discharge pipelines will be located on the farm. Possible surf discharge or beyond surf zone discharge will occur depending on the conditions of the discharge permit. Main water supply will consist of underground supply pipes to reservoir. Refer to Appendix A. Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site. The co-ordinates must be in degrees, minutes and seconds. The minutes should be given to at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection: Latitude (S) 34 o Longitude (E) 21 o (d) or: N/A For linear activities: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Starting point of the activity o o Middle point of the activity o o End point of the activity o o Please Note: For linear activities that are longer than 500m, please provide and addendum with co-ordinates taken every 100 meters along the route. 5. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Colour photographs of the site and its surroundings (taken of the site and from the site) with a description of each photograph. The vantage points from which the photographs were taken must be indicated on the site plan, or locality plan as applicable. If available, please also provide a recent aerial photograph. Photographs must be attached as Appendix C to this report. It should be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site. Date of photographs must be included. Please note that the above requirements must be duplicated for all alternative sites. SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT Site/Area Description For linear activities (pipelines, etc.) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete copies of this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section B and indicate the area which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan. 1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the sites (highlight the appropriate box). Flat X Flatter than 1:10 1:10 1:4 Steeper than 1:4 *The study site can be described as a gentle slope, rising from the seashore northwards to the top of the coastal escarpment. The lower portion, at roughly sea level and along the road is relatively flat after which the landscape increases in steepness fairly quickly. 2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE (a) Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site (highlight the appropriate box(es). Ridgeline Plateau Side slope of hill/mountain Closed valley Open valley Plain Undulating plain/low hills Dune Sea-front X (b) Please provide a description of the location in the landscape. Due to the nature of abalone farming and its reliance on a constant supply of seawater, the farm and associated infrastructure will be located on the coastal portion of the farm. A 6.14 ha solar portion will be located slightly inland of the abalone farming activities. 13

14 3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE (a) Is the site(s) located on or near any of the following (highlight the appropriate boxes)? Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep) YES NO x UNSURE Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO x UNSURE Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil YES NO x UNSURE Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) YES NO x UNSURE Soils with high clay content YES NO x UNSURE Any other unstable soil or geological feature YES NO x UNSURE An area sensitive to erosion YES NO x UNSURE An area adjacent to or above an aquifer. YES NO x UNSURE An area within 100m of the source of surface water YES x coastal NO UNSURE (b) If any of the answers to the above are YES or unsure, specialist input may be requested by the Department. (Information in respect of the above will often be available at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1: scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by Geological Survey may also be used). (c) Please indicate the type of geological formation underlying the site. Granite Shale Sandstone Quartzite Dolomite Dolorite Other (describe) x Please provide a description. The study site is underlain by deep coastal sands which stretch from the seashore northwards to beyond the study site. Soil: Grey regic sands and other soils Geology: Coastal sand with shell material, quaternary limestone as well as calcareous sandstone of the Bredasdorp group Class: Soils with limited pedological development Description: Greyish, sandy excessively drained soils Depth: >= 750 mm Clay: < 15% 4. SURFACE WATER (a) Indicate the surface water present on and or adjacent to the site and alternative sites (highlight the appropriate boxes)? Perennial River YES NO X UNSURE Non-Perennial River YES NO X UNSURE Permanent Wetland YES NO X UNSURE Seasonal Wetland YES NO X UNSURE Artificial Wetland YES NO X UNSURE Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO X UNSURE (b) Please provide a description. There is no surface water evident on site. 14

15 Figure 3: Surface Water Map 5. BIODIVERSITY Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the biodiversity occurring on the site and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. To assist with the identification of the biodiversity occurring on site and the ecosystem status consult or Information is also available on compact disc (cd) from the Biodiversity-GIS Unit, Ph (021) This information may be updated from time to time and it is the applicant/ EAP s responsibility to ensure that the latest version is used. A map of the relevant biodiversity information (including an indication of the habitat conditions as per (b) below) and must be provided as an overlay map to the property/site plan as Appendix D to this report. (a) Highlight the applicable biodiversity planning categories of all areas on site and indicate the reason(s) provided in the biodiversity plan for the selection of the specific area as part of the specific category). If CBA or ESA, indicate the reason(s) for its selection in Systematic Biodiversity Planning Category biodiversity plan Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) x Ecological Support Area (ESA) Other Natural Area (ONA) No Natural Area Remaining (NNR) The coastal strip south of the access road is classified as a CBA. This area will be largely undeveloped except for the pump house, sump and intake and effluent pipelines. The area within which the solar array is located has been classed as a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) due largely to the threat of alien plant invasion and frequent fires fuelled by the alien plants, agricultural transformation for cultivation and thatch harvesting practices in this vegetation type. 15

16 Figure 4a: Conservation Map CBA Figure 4b: Conservation Map Threatened Ecosystems 16

17 Figure 4c: Conservation Map Informal Protected Areas (b) Highlight and describe the habitat condition on site. Percentage of Description and additional Comments and Observations habitat condition Habitat Condition (including additional insight into condition, e.g. poor land management class (adding up practises, presence of quarries, grazing/harvesting regimes etc). to 100%) 10 % There is a small area of thicket in the centre of the study site and another patch Natural along the Blombos Road. These are remnants of a much wider distribution of thicket vegetation. Near Natural (includes areas with low to moderate level of alien invasive plants) Degraded (includes areas heavily invaded by alien plants) Transformed (includes cultivation, dams, urban, plantation, roads, etc) 10 % The sand fynbos vegetation of the solar array site is in a relatively untransformed condition although it is invaded by Acacia cyclops to some extent. The site has also been harvested for thatch in the past. Low numbers of reseeding proteas show that too-frequent fires may have had a negative effect on the composition of the 30 % vegetation as it is dominated by resprouting plants and restios. The high density of restioid plants indicates that the vegetation may have been purposely modified to provide a more productive resource for the thatching industry on the site. 50 % These are low-lying areas that may have been transformed in the past to create grazing pastures. They are now either open areas with pioneer plant cover and grasses, or they are severely invaded by alien Acacia cylops. Refer to Figure 4 (Yellow encircles the remaining coastal thicket and purple encircles the transformed areas. The area north of the transformed area is Grassy Strandveld which was also transformed in the past. The area south of the road along the bottom of the map is all seashore). 17

18 Figure 5: Vegetation- Hatchery area (c) Complete the table to indicate: (i) the type of vegetation, including its ecosystem status, present on the site; and (ii) whether an aquatic ecosystem is present on site. Terrestrial Ecosystems Ecosystem threat status as per the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) Critical Endangered Vulnerable Least Threatened x Wetland (including rivers, depressions, channelled and unchanneled wetlands, flats, seeps pans, and artificial wetlands) Aquatic Ecosystems Estuary Coastline YES NO X UNSURE YES NO X YES X NO (d) Please provide a description of the vegetation type and/or aquatic ecosystem present on site, including any important biodiversity features/information identified on site (e.g. threatened species and special habitats) DESCRIPTION OF VEGETATION THAT OCCURS ON STUDY AREA Hatchery site - According to Mucina & Rutherford, the vegetation of the study site is known as Blombos Strandveld. This habitat type occurs as a relatively dense shrubland or even thicket-like vegetation. The thicket is well-developed, but fairly low in the dune slack areas. It is typically dense and impenetrable with a number of scrambling plant species growing in tight association. On the study area, the Blombos Strandveld can be described in four clearly discernible units as follows: - Remnant thicket patches - Grassy Strandveld - Blombos Strandveld - Transformed areas - Seashore Coastal thicket There is a small area of thicket in the centre of the study site (Refer to Figure 3) and another patch along the Blombos Road. These are remnants of a much wider distribution of thicket vegetation in the past. Grassy Strandveld This is the dominant vegetation type on the study area and it ranges from open grassland to dense shrubveld. The 18

19 grassiness of this vegetation is probably a consequence of too-frequent firs and possibly overgrazing in the past with domestic cattle. Transformed areas These are low-lying areas that may have been transformed in the past to create grazing pastures (Refer to Figure 3). They are now either open areas with pioneer plant cover and grasses, or they are severely invaded by alien species Acacia cylops. Seashore The seashore vegetation cover differs little from the previous unit, except that it includes a number of plant species typical of stony marine shore edges and highly saline coastal habitats. These are very limited on the study area and restricted to the area south of the road along the southern boundary. Solar Array site - According to Mucina & Rutherford (2006), the area a little inland from the coast is either Canca Limestone Fynbos or Albertinia Sand Fynbos, depending on the substrates. In the case of the solar array site, the vegetation of the area is on the deep, neutral sands associated with Albertinia Sand Fynbos. The vegetation found on the site is also as described for Albertinia Sand Fynbos. On the proposed solar array site, the Sand Fynbos varies from relatively intact (other than invasive Acacia cyclops) to more open and disturbed, to the south where an area was cleared in the past, presumably to create grazing pasture or cropland. There are no thicket patches in the solar array site, only a few typical thicket plant species and one or two small bush-clumps. Although there are no transformed areas within the solar array site, there is a transformed area immediately to the south of it. This transformed area is moderately invaded by Acacia cyclops. VERTEBRATE FAUNA AND FAUNA SENSITIVITY The most significant habitat features, in terms of vertebrate fauna on the study area are the thicket areas, shrublands and the deep, loose sands. The thicket areas provide cover, nesting sites and food for a range of birds and small mammals, while the sandy substrates provide cover and food for a variety of insectivorous moles and rodent moles (dune rats). The fauna of the study site is considered to be much reduced due to earlier transformation, alien tree (Acacia cyclops) invasion and agricultural development on both sides of both study areas. The area to the north of the hatchery study area is largely transformed for agricultural purposes. Amphibians The study site is not a hotspot for threatened or near threatened anuran species and the area has a low richness of endemic frog species (4-6) and has no range restricted species (Minter et al, 2004). The sandy substrate of the study areas provides few habitat opportunities for water-dependent anurans, as there are no permanent waterbodies. There is one seasonal marshy area which was completely dry at the time of the ecological survey. Of the frogs and toads estimated to occur on the site, one - the bronze caco has not been recorded for quarter degree square, but is considered to be a likely occurrence nevertheless. Eight species are considered likely to occur and two species are possibilities. None of the frogs listed are Red Listed species (Minter et al, 2004). Reptiles Although 21 reptile species are estimated to occur on the study area, the area is generally not very rich in reptilian fauna. Of the 21 species, two are considered possibilities and only one was confirmed. The lizard confirmed (common ground agama) was not recorded for the area by Bates et al (2014). One likely species, the molesnake, was also not recorded by Bates et al (2014) for the quarter degree square, but is considered likely to occur. None of the reptiles listed are classified as Red List species, as all have a fairly widespread distribution (Bates et al, 2014). Mammals The mammals that occur on the study area will largely consist of smaller species that are known to frequent the 19

20 seashore and coastal wetlands in the Southern Cape and the predatory caracal is surprisingly still common in the area. Of the 29 species, 2 are classed as near threatened - they are the fynbos golden mole and the honey badger. It is unlikely that the honey badgers that occur in the area will be affected by the proposed development, as only a small area will be affected. Honey badgers are fairly large mammals and normally can range over a fairly large (138 km²) area (Skinner & Chimimba, 2005). The study area would thus constitute only a very small part of their home range. The fynbos golden mole, also near threatened, prefers forest (thicket) fringes and associated fynbos (Skinner & Chimimba, 2005). It is thus unlikely that fynbos golden moles will find suitable habitat in most of the study area, and if so, probably only in the direct vicinity of the thicket patches which would be retained. Birds The birds of the study area are the typical thicket and Shrubveld birds as well as the birds typical of the open pastures and croplands that surround the study site. Although the study site does contain some remnant Thicket patches, it can by no means be described as pristine Thicket. The Thicket habitat is also a very small area and it is thus unlikely that the study site is able to sustainably support populations of the bird species typical of other much larger Thicket sites in the area. None of the listed or observed birds are Red Listed and the Red Listed species that do occur in the general area (black harrier, African marsh harrier, blue crane, Stanley s bustard) are not likely to make much use of the limited open habitat of the study area (Barnes, 2000) and are even less likely to make use of thicket or fynbos shrubland. The only Red Listed bird species that is likely to occur in the study area is the African black oyster-catcher (Haematopus moquini) which frequents the rocky intertidal marine environment. These birds forage on the rocks but breed on the open upper beach. The black oystercatcher was classed as near threatened by Barnes (2000). The marine habitat of the study area is classified as a Critical Biodiversity Area and will thus be excluded from any kind of impact if at all possible. The position of pipelines for seawater leading to and from the abalone farm will be very carefully considered in terms of possible black oystercatcher impact and the possible disturbance of nesting black oystercatchers during the operation of the abalone farm will be completely avoided. 6. LAND USE OF THE SITE Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the land use character of the area and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. Low density Untransformed area x Retail Power station Open cast mine residential X Commercial & warehousing Office/consulting room Underground mine Medium density residential High density residential Informal residential Light industrial Medium industrial Heavy industrial Military or police base/station/compound Spoil heap or slimes dam Casino/entertainment complex Quarry, sand or borrow pit Tourism & Hospitality facility Dam or reservoir Hospital/medical center School Tertiary education facility Church Old age home Sewage treatment plant Train station or shunting yard Railway line Major road (4 lanes or more) Airport Harbour Sport facilities Golf course Polo fields Filling station Landfill or waste treatment site Plantation Agriculture X River, stream or wetland Nature conservation area Mountain, koppie or ridge Museum Historical building Graveyard Archeological site Other land uses (describe): (a) Please provide a description. The land is currently vacant. Some evidence of previous agricultural activities exists on site with remnants of residential structures. Electrical infrastructure is present on site. 20

21 7. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA (a) Highlight the current land uses and/or prominent features that occur within +/- 500m radius of the site and neighbouring properties if these are located beyond 500m of the site. Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the land use character of the area and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. Low density Untransformed area x Retail Power station Open cast mine residential X Commercial & warehousing Office/consulting room Underground mine Medium density residential High density residential Informal residential Light industrial Medium industrial Heavy industrial Military or police base/station/compound Spoil heap or slimes dam Casino/entertainment complex Quarry, sand or borrow pit Tourism & Hospitality facility X Dam or reservoir x Hospital/medical center School Tertiary education facility Church Old age home Sewage treatment plant Train station or shunting yard Railway line Major road (4 lanes or more) Airport Harbour Sport facilities Golf course Polo fields Filling station Landfill or waste treatment site Plantation Agriculture X River, stream or wetland Mountain, koppie or ridge Museum Historical building Graveyard Nature conservation area X (Gouriqua Nature Reserve) Archaeological site Other land uses (describe): (b) Please provide a description, including the distance and direction to the nearest residential area and industrial area. The Gouriqua Private Nature Reserve is located immediately west of the subject property. This property also contains tourism overnight facilities. The property to the east is a single residential house with some agricultural activities and farm dam. 8. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS Describe the existing social and economic characteristics of the community in order to provide baseline information. Administratively, the study area is part of the Hessequa Local Municipal Area which is situated in the Southern Cape on the Garden Route; about 320 km's from Cape Town on the N2 and is situated in the Eden District Municipality between Swellendam and Mossel Bay. The total land area of Hessequa is approximately square kilometres. The Eden District Municipality consists of 7 local municipalities, covers approximately km2 and consists of three distinct geophysical zones: the coastal platform, varying in width from 5 km to 40 km, stretching approximately 336 km; the upper plateaus forming the Klein Karoo; and the Outeniqua, Kouga, Kammanassie and Swartberg mountains. The economy is diversified, but rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, trade and business sectors. The closest town is Gourits, which is a small coastal community. The study site is surrounded by active agriculture, conservation and tourism activities. Employees will mainly be sourced from Gourits, then Albertina. The Hessequa municipal district, according to 2011 census data, has a low growth and high unemployment rate with a large section of productive population leaving the area for better career prospects and skill growth. 9. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS 21

22 (a) Please be advised that if section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999), is applicable to your proposed development, then you are requested to furnish this Department with written comment from Heritage Western Cape as part of your public participation process. Section 38 of the Act states as follows: 38. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (7), (8) and (9), any person who intends to undertake a development categorised as- (a) the construction of a road, wall, power line, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or barrier exceeding 300m in length; (b) the construction of a bridge or similar structure exceeding 50m in length; I any development or other activity which will change the character of a site- (i) exceeding m2 in extent; or (ii) involving three or more existing erven or subdivisions thereof; or (iii) involving three or more erven or divisions thereof which have been consolidated within the past five years; or (iv) the costs of which will exceed a sum set in terms of regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority; (d) the re-zoning of a site exceeding m2 in extent; or (e) any other category of development provided for in regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority, must at the very earliest stages of initiating such a development, notify the responsible heritage resources authority and furnish it with details regarding the location, nature and extent of the proposed development. (b) The impact on any national estate referred to in section 3(2), excluding the national estate contemplated in section 3(2)(i)(vi) and (vii), of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999), must also be investigated, assessed and evaluated. Section 3(2) states as follows: 3(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the national estate may include (a) places, buildings, structures and equipment of cultural significance; (b) places to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage; I historical settlements and townscapes; (d) landscapes and natural features of cultural significance; (e) geological sites of scientific or cultural importance; (f) archaeological and palaeontological sites; (g) graves and burial grounds, including (i) ancestral graves; (ii) royal graves and graves of traditional leaders; (iii) graves of victims of conflict; (iv) graves of individuals designated by the Minister by notice in the Gazette; (v) historical graves and cemeteries; and (vi) other human remains which are not covered in terms of the Human Tissue Act, 1983 (Act No. 65 of 1983); (h) sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa; (i) movable objects, including (i) objects recovered from the soil or waters of South Africa, including archaeological and palaeontological objects and material, meteorites and rare geological specimens; (ii) objects to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage; (iii) ethnographic art and objects; (iv) military objects; (v) objects of decorative or fine art; (vi) objects of scientific or technological interest; and (vii) books, records, documents, photographic positives and negatives, graphic, film or video material or sound recordings, excluding those that are public records as defined in section 1(xiv) of the National Archives of South Africa Act, 1996 (Act No. 43 of 1996). Is section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, applicable to the development? If YES, explain: The proposed development will change the character of a site which will exceed m 2 YES x NO Will the development impact on any national estate referred to in section 3(2) of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999? YES NO x If YES, explain: N/A Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? YES x NO UNCERTAIN If YES, explain: A historic stone wall (SAHRIS Site ID: 99004) is located alongside the gravel road (inside the footprint area). The stone wall will be protected and incorporated into the final development proposal. Please Note: If uncertain, the Department may request that specialist input be provided. 10. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES (a) Please list all legislation, policies and/or guidelines that have been considered in the preparation of this Basic Assessment Report. TYPE ADMINISTERING Permit/ license/ DATE LEGISLATION AUTHORITY authorisation/comment / relevant (if already obtained): consideration (e.g. rezoning or 22

23 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT 107 OF 1998, AS AMENDED (NEMA) consent use, building plan approval) DEA Environmental authorization In progress NATIONAL WATER ACT 36 OF 1998 DWS Water use license NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES ACT 25 OF 1999 (NHRA) NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT 10 OF 2004 (NEM:BA) SECTION 69 OF THE INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT (ICM) ACT 24 OF EFFECTIVE FROM 01 JANUARY 2014 MARINE LIVING RESOURCES ACT,(ACT 18 OF 1998) (MLRA) NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: CONTROL OF USE OF VEHICLES IN THE COASTAL ZONE GN R496 OF 27 JUNE 2014 Not applicable (To be confirmed) HWC Comment Initial received DEA Permit Uncertain DEA Coastal Water Discharge permit In process DAFF Permit In process DEA Permit N/A GUIDELINES EIA REGULATIONS 2014, PROMULGATED IN TERMS OF NEMA DEA&DP GUIDELINES ON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DEA&DP GUIDELINES ON ALTERNATIVES GUIDELINES FOR EMP S PSDF BGIS / CBA FINE SCALE MAPS DEA DEA&DP DEA&DP DEA&DP DEA&DP SANBI ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY (b) Please describe how the legislation, policies and/or guidelines were taken into account in the preparation of this Basic Assessment Report. DESCRIBE HOW THE LEGISLATION / POLICY / GUIDELINE WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT LEGISLATION (e.g. describe the extent to which it was adhered to, or deviated from, etc). NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT 107 OF 1998, AS AMENDED (NEMA) NATIONAL WATER ACT 36 OF 1998 NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES ACT 25 OF 1999 (NHRA) NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT 10 OF 2004 (NEM:BA) SECTION 69 OF THE INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT (ICM) ACT, (ACT NO. 24 OF 2008) EFFECTIVE FROM 01 JANUARY 2014 MARINE LIVING RESOURCES ACT, (ACT 18 OF 1998) (MLRA) NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: CONTROL OF USE OF VEHICLES IN THE COASTAL ZONE GN R496 OF 27 JUNE 2014 The applicant has a responsibility to ensure that the proposed activities and the BAR process conform to the principles of NEMA. The applicant is obliged to take actions to prevent pollution or degradation of the environment in terms of Section 28 of NEMA, and to ensure that the environmental impacts associated with the project are considered, and mitigated where possible. The proponent is adhering to all NEMA requirements for obtaining Environmental Authorisation (EA) and is in the process of conducting a Basic Assessment. The project will not trigger any water use activities in terms of Section 21 of the NWA. A Water Use Licence (WUL) will therefore not be required for the project. A NID was submitted to HWC and HIA was subsequently submitted. The applicant is in possession of applying for A threatened or protected species permit from the DEA as the South African abalone (Haliotis midae) is listed as protected in terms of Section 57(1) of NEM:BA. The project will include the establishment of infrastructure in the coastal zone as well as coastal protection zone and the discharge of effluent from the abalone farm into coastal water. The application for a coastal use permit from the DEA:O&C is thus required. A permit is required (following EA) for any person wishing to engage in mariculture. The application for a permit from Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) will be managed by the abalone farm operators directly and does not form part of the BA process. The construction or maintenance of infrastructure in the coastal zone, which requires the use of vehicles in the coastal zone, would require a permit for the use of vehicles in this zone (or exemption from the requirements of these regulations). No vehicles will be used for construction/maintenance purposes within the coastal zone. 23

24 EIA REGULATIONS 2014, PROMULGATED IN TERMS OF NEMA DEA&DP GUIDELINES ON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DEA&DP GUIDELINES ON ALTERNATIVES PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK NATIONAL AQUACULTURE POLICY FRAMEWORK (2013) OPERATION PHAKISA The applicant is obliged to apply for EA for the activities listed on page 9 to 10 of this report and to undertake a BA process in support of the application, in accordance with the procedure stipulated in GN 982 under NEMA. Guides the public participation process in accordance with the NEMA EIA Regulations Ensures feasible and reasonable alternatives are investigated. The national aquaculture policy framework for South Africa (2013) acknowledges the importance of the aquaculture industry and the potential opportunities presented for food security, job and wealth creation, reduction of imports and transformation. The policy outlines DAFF s commitment to provide support for aquaculture sector development and to facilitate and support the optimal growth of the aquaculture sector, the promotion of on-site research and the provision of support services. Operation Phakisa is a results-driven approach by national government, involving setting clear plans and targets to address national key priority areas such as poverty, crime and unemployment. One of the main target areas of operation Phakisa is the ocean economy and unlocking the potential of the aquaculture sector in South Africa. The goal is to grow aquaculture so that it can play a major role in the supply of fish products and an enhanced role in job creation and contribution to national income ( The application for Phakisa registration is currently underway. WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (PSDF) (2014) EDEN DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (2009) The Western Cape provincial SDF is a spatial planning document that guides district and local spatial initiatives such as IDPs and SDFs. The Western Cape provincial SDF sets out to put in place a coherent framework for the Province s urban and rural areas. The PSDF serves to guide the location and form of public investment in the Western Cape s urban and rural areas. Whilst the PSDF has limited influence on private sector investment patterns, it has an important contribution to make in reducing business risk (by providing clarity and certainty on where public infrastructure investment will be targeted) thereby opening-up new economic opportunities in these areas. The PSDF recognizes that the recent global financial crisis gave rise to widespread unemployment, especially amongst the youth, and recessionary conditions prevail; that there is a mismatch between the skill requirements of the economy and levels of training of work seekers; that agriculture is shedding jobs as it transitions to a higher skilled and higher paid industry and as a result there are high levels of rural poverty and unemployment. The proposed development will create job opportunities and economic development. The basic purpose of the SDF is to indicate the spatial implications of an IDP, and to lay down strategies, proposals and guidelines for the future spatial development of the area to which it relates. This includes, without being limited to, development objectives, proposals for land reform, urban renewal, reconstruction, integration, environmental planning, transport planning, infrastructure planning, and urban design so that the general wellbeing of the particular community and order in the area are promoted in the most effective manner. The SDP identifies the agricultural sector as an area where more jobs can be created, particularly in the east of the district in the George, Hassequa, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland Municipalities. The proposed development will create job opportunities and economic development 24

25 EDEN DSTRICT MUNICIPALITY INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP) 2012/ /17 EDEN DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (2011) HESSEQUA INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN EDEN DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME WORKING FOR THE COAST PROGRAMME The IDP is strategic document of Council and guides all planning and development in the District Municipality. One of the IDP s strategic goals is to grow the district economy. The proposed development will contribute to the district economy. The aim of the Eden REDS is to develop a district-wide strategy that harnesses the resources and skills of all stakeholders in a uniform and coherent manner in order to achieve agreed aims and objectives. The LED strategy forms part of the IDP process and is one of the stepping-stones toward achieving local economic development within the EDM area. An important development principle underlying economic development is the broadening of the local economic base. This includes the introduction of new activities in the area, exploiting latent resources and the establishment of SMMEs. The proposed development will contribute to the district economy. Hessequa s Strategic IDP Objectives include the following: - Ensure good governance through institutional transformation, intergovernmental co-operation and public consultation to ensure accountability, - Ensure sound financial management, maximised resource mobilisation through effective and efficient utilisation of scarce resources, - Develop economic, human and social capital of our people, with special reference to the vulnerable groups, - Sustain the Hessequa environment through resource conservation, good landuse practices and people-centred planning, - Strategic investment in high-quality basic services and efficient connectivity infrastructure, - Create an enabling social environment that ensures safe, healthy and vibrant communities. The proposed development is in line with the IDP objectives. The Eden District Municipality: Coastal Management Programme (CMP) was developed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 6 (Section 48, 49 and 50) of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (Act 24 of 2008; ICM Act), which was promulgated to establish the statutory requirements for integrated coastal and estuarine management in South Africa. Hessequa Municipality co-funded the program as it can be applied to our coast. The Coastal Management Program is a tool that the ICM Act uses to achieve its aims and are viewed as policy directives that will enable a coordinated strategic approach to coastal management within a 5-year timeframe. According to the DEA guideline document, the main objective of a CMP is to collect and combine environmental, economic and political factors that influence the sustainable utilization of coastal resources into plans of action that provide for a coordinated approach for coastal managers and practitioners. Hessequa Municipality is currently in the process of compiling its own CMP, date of completion is The Department of Environmental Affairs provides national leadership for promoting sustainable coastal development. This is primarily achieved through CoastCare, a partnership involving the private and public sectors. Working for the Coast aims for: - Coastal economic development that makes the best use of available resources; - Coastal development that promotes social equity through improved livelihoods of poor coastal communities; and - A healthy coastal environment for the benefit of current and future generations. Working for the Coast provides financial and technical assistance for: - Coastal development projects; - Institutional capacity building of coastal management organisations; - Legal development to support policy; - Awareness education and training initiatives; 25

26 - Coastal resource planning; - Applied research; and - Coastal information management projects. HESSEQUA CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION PLAN HESSEQUA BIODIVERSITY SECTOR PLAN The Hessequa Municipality also forms part of the Working for the Care Programme. This Plan is in line with the draft climate Change Adaption Plan of the Eden District Municipality and was developed in partnership with the Climate Change Sub Directorate of the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning as part of the Climate Change Municipal Support Programme. This plan is a first step that aims to create an enabling environment which will support a district-wide and a coordinated response to climate change in the Eden District. Hessequa Municipality assisted in the collation of the draft climate Change Adaption Plan of the Eden District Municipality and features as a Section within. The proposed development will be in line with the objectives of this Plan. The Biodiversity Sector Plan provides planners and land-use managers with a synthesis of biodiversity related information that should be integrated into landuse planning and decision-making. By identifying those sites that are critical for conserving biodiversity, this Biodiversity Sector Plan supports mainstreaming or the proactive consideration of biodiversity in planning and decision-making. Mainstreaming is crucial to overcoming the misconception that we need to choose either conservation or development, and for ensuring sustainable development. HESSEQUA POLICY ENVIRONMENTAL No areas of biodiversity significance will be negatively affected by the proposed development. This policy aims to serve as an over-riding consideration with regard to municipal strategic goals as far as environmental management issues are concerned. The purpose of this policy is to interject key environmental principles into the activities of Hessequa Municipality. The principles are: - The minimize its impact on the biophysical environment and strives to reduce its ecological footprint on the environment; - To have a positive impact on the quality of life of all citizens; - Ensures the sustainability of all developments within the municipal area; - Strives for a greater equity in the distribution of and access to resources; and - For a sustainable use and protection of natural resources where mandated to do so and cooperate with other state organs where co-operation is required The policy was accepted by Council towards the end of The proposed development will be in line with the principles of the Hessequa Environmental Policy. Please note: Copies of any permit(s) or licences received from any other organ of state must be attached this report as Appendix E. SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The public participation process must fulfil the requirements outlined in NEMA, the EIA Regulations, and if applicable the NEM: WA and/or the NEM: AQA. This Department s Guideline on Public Participation (August 2010) and Guideline on Exemption Applications (August 2010), both of which are available on the Department s website ( must also be taken into account. Please highlight the appropriate box to indicate whether the specific requirement was undertaken or whether there was a deviation that was agreed to by the Department. 1. Were all potential interested and affected parties notified of the application by (a) fixing a notice board 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 to be undertaken; and YES X DEVIATED 26

27 (ii) any alternative site mentioned in the application; YES X DEVIATED (b) 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; YES X N/A (ii) the occupiers of the site where the activity is to be undertaken and to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken; YES X DEVIATED (iii) owners and occupiers of land adjacent to the site where the activity is to be undertaken and to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken; YES X DEVIATED (iv) the municipal councillor of the ward in which the site and alternative site is situated and any organisation of ratepayers that represent the community in the area; YES X DEVIATED (v) the municipality which has jurisdiction in the area; YES X DEVIATED (vi) any organ of state having jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the activity; and YES X DEVIATED (vii) any other party as required by the competent authority; YES X DEVIATED I placing an advertisement in - (i) one* local newspaper; and YES X DEVIATED (ii) any official Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing public N/A YE S DEVIATED notice of applications or other submissions made in terms of these Regulations; X (d) 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 local municipality in which it is or will be undertaken. YE S DEVIATED * Please note: In terms of the NEM: WA and NEM: AQA a notice must be placed in at least two newspapers circulating in the area in which the activity applied for is to be carried out. 2. Provide a list of all the state departments that were consulted: N/A X DEADP DAFF DEA OCEANS AND COASTS DEADP COASTAL IMPACT MANAGEMENT UNIT DOA APPLICABLE ROADS AUTHORITY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND PUBLIC WORKS HESEQUA MUNICIPALITY EDEN DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY CAPE NATURE HERITAGE WESTERN CAPE WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING: POLLUTION MANAGEMENT 3. Please provide an overall summary of the Public Participation Process that was followed. (The detailed outcomes of this process must be included in a comments and response report to be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report (see note below) as Appendix F). The Draft BAR will be made available for a 30 day period for I&APs to register and comment. Notice boards were placed on site on 26 January An advertisement was placed in the local newspaper (Suid-Kaap Forum) on 26 January All landowners adjacent to the site were notified via registered mail. Organs of state were notified and provided with copies of the Draft Report. Please note: Should any of the responses be No and no deviation or exemption from that requirement was requested and agreed to /granted by the Department, the Basic Assessment Report will be rejected. A list of all the potential interested and affected parties, including the organs of State, notified and a list of all the register of interested and affected parties, must be submitted with the final Basic Assessment Report. The list of registered interested and affected parties must be opened, maintained and made available to any person requesting access to the register in writing. The draft Basic Assessment Report must be submitted to the Department before it is made available to interested and affected parties, including the relevant organs of State and State departments which have jurisdiction with regard to any aspect of the 27

28 activity, for a 40-day commenting period. With regard to State departments, the 40-day period commences the day after the date on which the Department as the competent/licensing authority requests such State department in writing to submit comment. The applicant/eap is therefore required to inform this Department in writing when the draft Basic Assessment Report will be made available to the relevant State departments for comment. Upon receipt of the Draft Basic Assessment Report and this confirmation, this Department will in accordance with Section 24O(2) and (3) of the NEMA request the relevant State departments to comment on the draft report within 40 days. All comments of interested and affected parties on the draft Basic Assessment Report must be recorded, responded to and included in the Comments and Responses Report included as Appendix F to the final Basic Assessment Report. If necessary, any amendments in response to comments received must be effected in the Basic Assessment Report itself. The Comments and Responses Report must also include a description of the public participation process followed. The final Basic Assessment Report must be made available to registered interested and affected parties for comment before submitting it to the Department for consideration. Unless otherwise indicated by the Department, a final Basic Assessment Report must be made available to the registered interested and affected parties for comment for a minimum of 21-days. Comments on the final Basic Assessment Report does not have to be responded to, but the comments must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report. The minutes of any meetings held by the EAP with interested and affected parties and other role players which record the views of the participants must also be submitted as part of the public participation information to be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix F. Proof of all the notices given as indicated, as well as of notice to the interested and affected parties of the availability of the draft Basic Assessment Report and final Basic Assessment Report must be submitted as part of the public participation information to be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix F. SECTION D: NEED AND DESIRABILITY Please Note: Before completing this section, first consult this Department s Guideline on Need and Desirability (August 2010) available on the Department s website ( 1. Is the activity permitted in terms of the property s existing land use rights? YES NO X Please explain The property is currently zoned for agriculture 1 and will be re zoned to agriculture 2 to accommodate the proposed abalone farm. 2. Will the activity be in line with the following? (a) Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES X NO Please explain Development which is sustainable, encourage tourism perhaps abalone farm tours can be initiated. (b) Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area YES NO X Please explain The property is located outside the urban edge. (c) Integrated Development Plan and Spatial Development Framework of the Local Municipality (e.g. would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing approved and credible municipal IDP and SDF?). YES X NO Please explain Sustainable economic development aquaculture development is being driven by Government. The vision of Hessequa Municipality for the period 2012 to 2017 is a caring municipality where everyone reaps the fruit of cost effective and innovative service delivery, stimulated economic growth and sustainable use of natural resources. (d) Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality YES NO Please explain N/A (e) An Environmental Management Framework (EMF) adopted by the Department (e.g. Would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing environmental management priorities for the area and if so, can it be justified in YES NO Please explain terms of sustainability considerations?) N/A (f) Any other Plans (e.g. Guide Plan) YES NO Please explain N/A 28

29 3. Is the land use (associated with the activity being applied for) considered within the timeframe intended by the existing approved Spatial Development Framework (SDF) agreed to by the relevant environmental authority (i.e. is the proposed development in line with the projects and programmes identified as priorities within the credible IDP)? YES X NO Please explain Development which is sustainable, stimulating local economic growth. 4. Should development, or if applicable, expansion of the town/area concerned in terms of this land use (associated with the activity being applied for) occur here at this point in time? The proposed development of the abalone farm is in line with local initiatives and structure planning. 5. Does the community/area need the activity and the associated land use concerned (is it a societal priority)? (This refers to the strategic as well as local level (e.g. development is a national priority, but within a specific local context it could be inappropriate.) The proposed development will provide job creation and skills transfer for nearby towns. YES X NO Please explain YES X NO Please explain 6. Are the necessary services with adequate capacity currently available (at the time of application), or must additional capacity be created to cater for the development? (Confirmation by the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix E.) YES NO X Please explain Due to the property s remote location municipal services are not available. Sea water is readily available and the coastline provides a suitable location for seawater extraction. A package plant is proposed for sewerage treatment. Eskom electricity, which is available on site currently, will be supplemented by solar. Freshwater is available through agreement with the neighbour and may be supplemented with on site boreholes. A small recycle / splitting plant will be included in the application, after which the general waste will be transferred to the municipal transfer station. 7. Is this development provided for in the infrastructure planning of the municipality, and if not what will the implication be on the infrastructure planning of the municipality (priority and placement of services and YES NO Please explain opportunity costs)? (Comment by the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix E.) Unknown 8. Is this project part of a national programme to address an issue of national concern or importance? YES NO X Please explain Aquaculture is placed highly for development of the economy and financial benefits. 9. Do location factors favour this land use (associated with the activity applied for) at this place? (This relates to the contextualisation of the proposed land use on this site within its broader context.) YES X NO Please explain The site has been selected due to its proximity to favourable sea conditions, water temperatures, currents etc. It is also far from any other abalone farming activities which minimises the potential risk of disease spread from other farms. The site also provides a favourable environment for a solar / PV component to supplement the energy requirements of the farm. 10. How will the activity or the land use associated with the activity applied for, impact on sensitive natural and cultural areas (built and rural/natural environment)? YES NO Please explain The property is located outside the urban edge. A suite of specialists have been appointed to assess the alternatives and determine the preferred alternative in terms of various specialist disciplines. This has resulted in the creation of no development areas on site as well as the identification of areas suitable for development. The archaeologist and palaeontologist were amongst the specialists to identify areas of significance on the property and mark these as no go. 11. How will the development impact on people s health and wellbeing (e.g. in YES NO Please explain terms of noise, odours, visual character and sense of place, etc)? NOISE: Generator rooms, increased people and traffic in the area and daily operation will create additional noise for the area. These are mitigated through the use of sealed generator rooms and pump houses, work hours etc ODOURS: Some additional odours may be generated through feed stores, however this is minimal and manageable. Preprocessing may take place on site, but no air emissions or heating processes will be used, therefore no odour impact anticipated. VISUAL: The preferred alternative has been planned in such as way as to screen the farm from the adjoining neighbours and public. Pipelines will be landscaped or buried. A visual assessment is included under Appendix G. SENSE OF PLACE: The applicant aims to create a abalone farm which is greener than the traditional farm, will have some 29

30 open ecological corridors and no development areas, and be nestled within the contours of the site to reduce the visual impact as far as possible. Due to the nature of the activity, some impact on sense of place is expected, but can be mitigated. 12. Will the proposed activity or the land use associated with the activity applied for, result in unacceptable opportunity costs? YES NO X Please explain Opportunity costs should be managed and mitigated. 13. What will the cumulative impacts (positive and negative) of the proposed YES NO Please explain land use associated with the activity applied for, be? POSITIVE: Job creation, skills transfer, development that is sustainable, use of renewable energy and green principles, design shaped by specialists NEGATIVE: Potential for noise, visual, sense of place impacts 14. Is the development the best practicable environmental option for this land/site? YES X NO Please explain The land consists of agriculture land and presents an excellent location for an abalone farm. 15. What will the benefits be to society in general and to the local communities? Please explain Job creation, skills transfer, investment in the area, environmental process allows for an opportunity to guide operation of the farm. 16. Any other need and desirability considerations related to the proposed activity? Please explain N/A (17) Please describe how the general objectives of Integrated Environmental Management as set out in section 23 of NEMA have been taken into account: All potential impacts of the proposed development will be investigated fully. Any impacts identified will be assessed and communicated. Any suitable alternative to reduce any identified impacts will be explored in order to mitigate or prevent any potential impacts. The public participation process will ensure that any shortfalls or gaps in knowledge are identified and reported. No shortfalls or gaps in knowledge are however known at this stage. (18) Please describe how the principles of environmental management as set out in section 2 of NEMA have been taken into account: The aim of these principles is to guide stakeholders in order to ensure a holistic evaluation is achieved, with the precautionary principle used as a focus in order to encourage development which is sustainable and which retains the sense of place as far as possible, whilst exploring feasible and reasonable alternatives to achieve such objectives. The proposed development here aims to allow development which will take place cautiously ensuring no impacts on the coastline or dune area. Furthermore, a cautious approach will be used at all stages of the development with the best possible environmental option being explored. Specific attention will be given to sensitive and vulnerable ecosystem s which may exist in the vicinity and the Environmental Management Programme (EMP) for operation will guide an eco-centred approach as far as possible. SECTION E: ALTERNATIVES Please Note: Before completing this section, first consult this Department s Guideline on Alternatives (August 2010) available on the Department s website ( Alternatives, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purposes 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; I 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. The NEMA prescribes that the procedures for the investigation, assessment and communication of the potential consequences or impacts of activities on the environment must, inter alia, with respect to every application for environmental authorisation 30

31 ensure that the general objectives of integrated environmental management laid down in NEMA and the National Environmental Management Principles set out in NEMA are taken into account; and include an investigation of the potential consequences or impacts of the alternatives to the activity on the environment and assessment of the significance of those potential consequences or impacts, including the option of not implementing the activity. The general objective of integrated environmental management is, inter alia, to identify, predict and evaluate the actual and potential impact on the environment, socio-economic conditions and cultural heritage, the risks and consequences and alternatives and options for mitigation of activities, with a view to minimising negative impacts, maximising benefits, and promoting compliance with the principles of environmental management set out in NEMA. 1. In the sections below, please provide a description of any indentified and considered alternatives and alternatives that were found to be feasible and reasonable. Please note: Detailed written proof the investigation of alternatives must be provided and motivation if no reasonable or feasible alternatives exist. (a) Property and location/site alternatives to avoid negative impacts, mitigate unavoidable negative impacts and maximise positive impacts, or detailed motivation if no reasonable or feasible alternatives exist: No property or site alternatives have been explored. The applicant owns the land in question and has been chosen due to its suitability for an abalone farm. (b) Activity alternatives to avoid negative impacts, mitigate unavoidable negative impacts and maximise positive impacts, or detailed motivation if no reasonable or feasible alternatives exist: No activity alternative will be explored, the only activity proposed is a abalone farm with associated infrastructure. (c) Design or layout alternatives to avoid negative impacts, mitigate unavoidable negative impacts and maximise positive impacts, or detailed motivation if no reasonable or feasible alternatives exist: THE FOLLOWING LAYOUT/DESIGN ALTERNATIVES WERE ASSESSED: ALTERNATIVE ONE: An approximate 750 ton abalone farm, in one phase comprising of the following (Refer to Figure 4): - 12 ha production area - Hatchery - Pump house - Sump located at -2m sea level, gravity fed with 4 x 1.2 m pipelines - Generator room - Canteen 1 to cater for 180 employees - Canteen 2 to cater for 180 employees - Workshop - Parking area - Admin and processing - Effluent / intake pipelines - 4 MVA solar array of approximately 6 ha - directly adjacent to the farm - Solar control and grid tie in room - Borehole - Total area = Approximately 18 ha Note that this alternative was the applicant s first concept and had limited specialist input. See enlarged site plan attached under Appendix B. 31

32 Figure 6: Alternative Layout NO GO ALTERNATIVE No development will take place and site will remain vacant. Constraints analysis The various specialist reports were combined as a constraints analysis to inform a preferred alternative. From a visual perspective the initial layout informants related to the following: - Avoid a monolithic block footprint - Consider Local Cape Vernacular informants for the new buildings - Approach the layout of the tanks area to reflect an agricultural feel, instead of an industrial feel - Don t built inside the 30 meter building line - Hide infrastructure by excavating into the landscape and rehabilitate accordingly - Set-back from the coast - Maintain a meter buffer between the development and the two existing houses 32

33 Figure 7: Combined Constraints (d) Technology alternatives (e.g. to reduce resource demand and resource use efficiency) to avoid negative impacts, mitigate unavoidable negative impacts and maximise positive impacts, or detailed motivation if no reasonable or feasible alternatives exist: Technology alternatives are not proposed, however technological options will be included to allow the farm to be as advanced as possible and this includes the use of solar energy to supplement the Eskom electricity available. Other farming technology alternatives will also be implemented to allow the farm to be as efficient as possible. (e) Operational alternatives to avoid negative impacts, mitigate unavoidable negative impacts and maximise positive impacts, or detailed motivation if no reasonable or feasible alternatives exist: No operational alternatives are proposed. (f) the option of not implementing the activity (the No-Go Option): The no go option is included as an alternative, where the proposed abalone farm is not pursued. (g) Other alternatives to avoid negative impacts, mitigate unavoidable negative impacts and maximise positive impacts, or detailed motivation if no reasonable or feasible alternatives exist: N/A (h) Please provide a summary of the alternatives investigated and the outcomes of such investigation: Please note: If no feasible and reasonable alternatives exist, the description and proof of the investigation of alternatives, together with motivation of why no feasible or reasonable alternatives exist, must be provided. Preferred Alternative: The proposed development will comprise an approximate 440 ton abalone farm, to be developed in two phases and will include the following: (note that the sizes and volumes described below are approximate): 7.1 ha production area, split into two phases - o Phase one 3.7 ha, 220 ton production o Phase two 3.4 ha, 220 ton production Hatchery (3400 m 2 ); Pump house and sump 500 m 2, with a total pumping capacity of m 3 /h; Filtration reservoir 530 m 2 includes drum filters for the filtering of incoming seawater; Basket cleaning area 1000 m 2 for the cleaning and repairing of the abalone baskets; Split and grading rooms 95 m 2 x 8 rooms, for the splitting and size grading of the abalone stock; 33

34 Blower and feed stores 35 m 2 x 16 rooms, used to securely house feed stock from vermin / pests. Blower rooms sound proof for air supply; Diesel store 173 m 2 on site diesel storage of l; Refuse area and package plant 600 m 2 ; Power transmission room 800 m 2 for backup generators and main distribution systems; Canteen m 2 containing canteen, ablutions and lockers for employees; Workshop 450 m 2 for maintenance and repairs; Parking area m 2 comprising of entrance access and parking ; Admin / office building 600 m 2 for admin staff; Transfer and pre-processing building m 2 to transfer animals from one farm to the next and to prep animals for transport for processing; Effluent pipeline transfers effluent sea water, possible surf zone discharge or beyond surf zone, dependent on the conditions of the CWDP (Approx 40 m in length); Main Water supply pipes 8 x 500 mm GRP pipes (Approx. 120m in length) (the supply lines from pump house approx. 430m in length); Solar array of approximately 6.14 ha with an output capacity of 2.5 MVA / 2.2. MW; Inverter room 225 m 2, used to house invertors to convert solar to usable power and step up into Eskom line at 11KV; Eskom overhead line; Jeep track to solar farm / PV 1.7 km two track informal road for servicing the site; and Borehole and Fresh water reservoir. Total development area = Approximately 16 ha Alternative 1 (Rejected): An approximate 750 ton abalone farm, in one phase comprising of the following: - 12 ha production area - Hatchery - Pump house - Sump located at -2m sea level, gravity fed with 4 x 1.2 m pipelines - Generator room - Canteen 1 to cater for 180 employees - Canteen 2 to cater for 180 employees - Workshop - Parking area - Admin and processing - Effluent/Intake pipeline - 4 MVA solar array of approximately 6 ha - directly adjacent to the farm - Solar control and grid tie in room - Borehole - Total development area = Approximately 18 ha Note that this alternative was the applicant s first concept and had limited specialist input. No-go Alternative The site remains vacant. SECTION F: IMPACT ASSESSMENT, MANAGEMENT, MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES Please note: The information in this section must be duplicated for all the feasible and reasonable alternatives (where relevant). 1. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE DEVELOPMENT WILL IMPACT ON THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS: (a) Geographical and physical aspects: IMPACT ON GEOGRAPHICAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS The following impacts on geographic and physical aspects have been identified: Noise and vibration potential increased noise levels due to construction activities; Groundwater potential impact on groundwater resources; 34

35 Air quality potential changes in air quality due to construction related emissions; Traffic potential increase in traffic and deterioration of roads; and Visual quality and sense of place - potential impact on visual quality and sense of place during construction. 1. NOISE AND VIBRATION Noise pollution results from unwanted or excessive noise with effects that range from nuisance to more harmful effects such as sleep disturbance, high stress levels and impaired hearing. Vibration can cause damage to structures. Existing noise levels in the area are typical of a remote location and both daytime and night time average noise levels are expected to be low, with noise mostly generated by the occasional movement of vehicles through the area. Wave action also contributes significantly to the ambient noise level of the area. Traffic and building activities during the construction phase are anticipated sources of noise and/or vibration. During the operational phase, generators and other equipment may generate (occupational) noise; however, the noise from the expanded abalone farm is not likely to be higher than ambient noise levels in the area. MITIGATION MEASURES Essential noise and vibration mitigation measures during construction and operations are as follows: Restrict the use of radios, television sets and other such equipment near receptors so as to not disturb neighbouring residents/tenants; Enclose diesel generators used for power supply to reduce unnecessary noise; Respond rapidly to complaints and take appropriate corrective action; Limit noisy construction activities to daylight hours from Monday to Saturday or in accordance with relevant municipal bylaws, if applicable; Comply with the applicable municipal and / or industry noise regulations; Notify adjacent residents before particularly noisy construction activities will take place; and Maintain all generators, vehicles, vessels and other equipment in good working order to minimise excess noise. 2. CONTAMINATION OF GROUNDWATER Bulk earthworks and general construction activities, including spills from vehicles and machinery may infiltrate and contaminate groundwater. Since the abalone farm will be located adjacent to the coast and there are no groundwater users seawards of the abalone farm, the development will not impact on groundwater resources (To be confirmed during Geotechnical investigation). MITIGATION MEASURES Essential groundwater mitigation measures during construction and operations are as follows: Do not release any pollutants, including sediment, sewage, cement, fuel, oil, chemicals, hazardous substances, waste water, etc., into the environment; Compile a procedure for the storage, handling and transport of different hazardous materials and ensure that it is strictly adhered to; Ensure vehicles and equipment are in good working order and drivers and operators are trained with respect to actions to be taken in the case of a spill or leak; Refuel and service vehicles on an impermeable surface; Make use of a drip tray / sand tray under the fuel nozzle when refuelling vehicles or equipment on site; Place drip trays / sand trays under engines of vehicles or mechanical equipment when parked or stored overnight or longer; and Immediately clean oil and fuel spills and dispose of contaminated material (soil, etc.) At licensed waste disposal sites. 3. AIR QUALITY Particulate emissions (e.g. dust) entrained from exposed soils and generated by the movement of construction vehicles contribute to elevated dust levels. There are no significant sources of air pollution in the area. It is therefore expected that air quality in the project area is fairly good. Air emissions during the construction phase will include dust generated by construction activities (i.e. bulk earthworks) and emissions generated by vehicles and other equipment. Dust will be generated by earth-moving activities. Additional vehicles, particularly heavy vehicles, using the gravel roads are also likely to increase the volume of dust generated. Dust generating activities would temporarily affect air quality in the area immediately adjacent to the sites and 35

36 could cause a nuisance to receptors in the area. Emissions from vehicles are likely to be very low. The number of vehicles servicing the abalone farm during the operational phase will be limited to those required for the daily transport of staff and monthly deliveries. Very limited emissions will be generated by the abalone farm. Air quality impacts during the operational phase will be localised and of low intensity. Air quality impacts can be readily mitigated by standard housekeeping measures. MITIGATION MEASURES Essential air quality mitigation measures during construction and operations are as follows: Limit and phase vegetation clearance and the construction footprint to what is absolutely essential; Avoid excavation and handling and transport of materials which may generate dust under high wind conditions or when a visible dust plume is present; Limit construction vehicle speeds to 40 km/hr on gravel roads; Respond rapidly to complaints and take appropriate corrective action. Reduce airborne dust e.g.: o o Damping dust-generating areas/roads with freshwater; and Covering dumps or stockpiles of loose material with plastic sheeting or netting, especially during windy conditions; Maintain all generators, vehicles, vessels and other equipment in good working order to minimise exhaust fumes; Avoid clearing of vegetation until absolutely necessary (i.e. just before earthworks); and Rehabilitate disturbed areas incrementally and as soon as possible, not necessarily waiting until completion of the construction phase. 4. TRAFFIC The project area is remote and there is limited commercial traffic in the area. An increase in heavy traffic can damage roads and compromise road surface integrity. Heavy rainfall events may cause further deterioration, exacerbating damage caused by heavy vehicles. An increase in traffic may cause nuisance to nearby residents. In addition, road safety may be of concern as a result of increased traffic volumes, and may pose a risk to communities. Increased traffic is expected during the construction phase, mainly comprising construction equipment as well as smaller passenger vehicles. During the operational phase increased traffic is expected with the daily movement of staff to the abalone farm from other communities, infrastructure maintenance and monthly deliveries. Over the short- to medium-term, traffic to the abalone farm is not expected to increase substantially. MITIGATION MEASURES Essential traffic mitigation measures during construction and operations are as follows: Implement the necessary measures to maintain roads and road surface integrity; Limit construction vehicle speeds to 30 km/h; Install traffic calming measures on roads used for construction; Limit construction traffic to daylight hours from Monday to Saturday; Ensure that large construction vehicles are suitably marked to be visible to other road users and pedestrians; Ensure that all safety measures are observed and that drivers of construction vehicles comply with the rules of the road; Ensure that vehicle axle loads do not exceed the technical design capacity of roads; Investigate and respond to complaints about traffic; Manage construction sites and activities so as to minimise impacts on road traffic as far as possible, e.g. minimise the unnecessary movement of construction vehicles; and Use appropriate road signage, in accordance with the South African traffic safety manual, providing flagmen, barriers etc. At the various access points where necessary to inform other road users of construction activities; maintain and repair roads damaged by construction vehicles. 5. VISUAL QUALITY AND SENSE OF PLACE Visual impacts will be generated by construction activities such as vegetation stripping, bulk Earthworks (which can cause scarring), and from construction infrastructure, plant and materials on site (e.g. 36

37 site camp and stockpiles). Such impacts are typically limited to the immediate area surrounding the construction site and the construction period. Loss of sense of place is expected since construction and the change in the state of the sites (scarring, construction equipment and dust generation) are incongruent with the current nature of the surrounding area. Due to the level nature of the coastal plain infrastructure on the plain is visible from a distance, but most of the historic infrastructure was developed on approximately 10 m above sea level and due to micro-topographical features like rocky outcrops, and drainage lines visibility is lost within a 1km but more recent houses developed much higher against the slopes for optimal views can see much further. In this case the site is visible by both neighbours on the east and west but with varying degrees. Receptors further to the east does not enjoy clear views of the site. Road users cannot see the development areas clearly due to secondary view sheds. MITIGATION MEASURES Essential mitigation measures during construction and operations are as follows Construction: Designate access roads to the construction sites in consultation with the local community. Utilise existing access roads as far as possible; Maintain all generators, vehicles and other equipment in good working order; During construction, minimise the use of night-lighting. No high mast or spot-light security lighting or uplighting allowed; Set targets for the use of local labour to give locals a sense of ownership and pride in the project; Limit and phase vegetation clearance and the footprint of construction activities to what is absolutely essential; Avoid excavation, handling and transport of materials which may generate dust under high wind conditions; Keep construction sites tidy and all activities, material and machinery contained within an area that is as small as possible. Screen the yard with materials that blend into the surrounding area; Control litter and keep construction sites as clean and neat as possible; Rehabilitate disturbed areas incrementally and as soon as possible, not necessarily waiting until completion of the construction phase; and Limit construction activities to Mondays to Saturdays between the hours of 07h00 and 18h00, or in accordance with relevant municipal bylaws, if applicable. Operation: - Avoid a monolithic block footprint This was achieved y breaking the farm up in two cells, slightly staggered and separated by a werf and green area. The Solar Array was removed from the farm 1. 7 km inland and out of sight. - Consider Local Cape Vernacular informants for the new buildings All buildings will be single storey reflecting the local building style along the coast - Approach the layout of the tanks area to reflect an agricultural feel, instead of an industrial feel The vision is to develop a wine/olive farm theme, with a central werf, two agricultural blocks with landscaped fringes and landscaped surrounds depicting the local elements of stone and coastal vegetation in between - Don t built inside the 30 meter building line This was achieved - Hide infrastructure by excavating into the landscape and rehabilitate accordingly- By lowering the two production cells, the area will not sit on top of the ground but rather in the landscape. The cut areas will be landscaped and the area will be covered by charcoal coloured shade nets - Set-back from the coast The coastal set-back was determined on the 7 m contour with an additional 10 meter buffer. This was adopted in the design. The Solar Array was removed from the farm 1. 7 km inland and out of sight. - Maintain a meter buffer between the development and the two existing houses - This was achieved, development was set-back from both houses by more than 20 m each. - Layout - The new development should only disturb the actual footprint and rehabilitation of areas not used should take place to optimise green zones. - An approx. 70 meter long vegetated berm to be created on the western boundary between the existing house and the base of the rising coastal slope - The western farm cell will be cut into the slope from the northern end of the berm point to be completely hidden from the west. - The freshwater reservoir 30 m from the western fence on the 20 m contour need to be sunk into the site and screened with vegetation. Service liens to follow disturbed development footprint only. 37

38 - Central werf to be developed as per design guideline below. - Werf to connect via a path with the middle ticket, as a scenic walk for visitors. - Werf and buildings reflect wine/olive farm theme, with a visitor s educational facility area. - Maintain the buffer area around the two current houses through landscaping of indigenous vegetation no encroachment of 100% hard surfaces. - The eastern farm cell will be cut into the slope to be completely hidden from the east as far as possible. - Cover both eastern and western farm cell with charcoal shade nets. - All bulk service infrastructure to be located underground including the sea water intake sump. This will ensure that all new infrastructure that above ground is located behind the natural stone mound and thickets that run parallel to the road. - Design - Local Cape Vernacular Architectural style to be implemented. Design elements draw from the coastal surrounds relate to simple structures. - External Wall Colours and Finishes - Only roughcast painted plaster or bagged walls with a matt finish. - Wall colours shall be limited to white tones only specified to pick up greys, browns and greens should be primary. - No face brick shall be permitted. - Real stone accents on the frontage is strongly encouraged. - No timber buildings will be permitted; only timber components, as finishes will be accepted. - The colours of windows, fascias, doors, shutters etc should be consistent and compliment the wall colours and the architecture of the buildings - All security features should be located on the inside - No face brick or hard landscaped paving surfaces are allowed - Roofs - Roof materials are to be charcoal coloured roof sheeting which meets 30 year warranty requirements. All roof hardware (vents, stacks, flashing etc) must be painted to match the colour of the roofing materials, or encased in structures. - With reference to the examples above, it is clear that roof pitches vary between flat roofs with gable ends or pitched roofs between 30º and 45º angles. For the purpose of this guideline the following roof types will be allowed: - Acceptable Roof type: Pitched roofs between 30º and 45º angles, maximum height 7m. Lean-to sections on both sides of the master structure could have limited slope flat roofs with parapet. No flat roofs on primary structures are allowed. All gables need to have simple lines. - No flat, mono-pitched or arched roofs are allowed - Pitched roofs with 30º to 45º slopes, typical to Cape Vernacular architecture is compulsory - Doors & Windows - All doors and windows need to be charcoal colour or plain silver aluminium with glass. Large doors need to be sliding with reference to the Barn Style or Industrial roller doors for large entrance areas on the sides of buildings. No tip-up garage doors will be allowed. - Roller doors for large entrances at the side of buildings and typical barn sliding doors for smaller entrances are allowed - Signs & Lights - Lighting is also required for the security and safety. However, all lighting shall be directed solely towards the buildings or storage areas. No high mast lighting will be allowed and no lighting shall be directed off the site. Energy saving lights is required and no naked spotlights will be allowed. - Company identification and signs is welcome that should meet the Local Authority By-law for Control on Outdoor Advertising or in the absence of local controls the South African Manual for Outdoor Advertising Council (SAMOAC) regulations for signs should be applicable. - No neon-signs or illuminated signage are allowed. All signs need to be framed in a rectangle shape fixed on buildings only, not exceeding 3.5 meters in length and 1.5 meters in height. No freestanding signage is allowed. - No signage on walls or fences; no freestanding spot or spray lights - Fencing - It is recognised that fencing is critical for the security of the business. A fence will be erected on the landward side of the access road meter clearview fencing or similar is preferred due to visual permeable qualities. - Entrance feathers should resemble the Farm Werf wall. No long solid walls are allowed to avoid the feeling of an suburban area. 38

39 - No barb wire on walls or structure and novibracrete or electric fencing is allowed - White plastered pillars with a low wall and connecting palisade fencing is acceptable. Note the landscaping associated with the fence - Pillar and palisade example - Treated gum pole fence with landscaping and the visual permeability - Landscaping (b) Biological aspects: Will the development have an impact on critical biodiversity areas (CBAs) or ecological support areas (CSAs)? YES X NO If yes, please describe: The coastal strip south of the public road is classified as a CBA. However very limited construction and operation will take place in this zone. The main infrastructure required here includes the effluent and intake lines and the pump house. Will the development have on terrestrial vegetation, or aquatic ecosystems ( wetlands, estuaries or the coastline)? If yes, please describe: IMPACT ON BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS: The following impacts on biological aspects have been identified: A. TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY - Loss of vegetation and associated floral biodiversity during construction; - Loss of faunal habitat and associated faunal biodiversity during construction; - Loss of vegetation and faunal habitat during operations; and - Loss of terrestrial fauna during operations. 1. LOSS OF VEGETATION AND ASSOCIATED FLORAL BIODIVERSITY DURING CONSTRUCTION Construction related activities will require the physical disturbance and removal of vegetation and soils, thereby removing/altering floral habitat and floral communities. Disturbance associated with construction activities may also cause the proliferation of alien and invasive species in the area. There are few terrestrial ecological constraints in terms of the proposed development, with about 70% of the study area being of low or low medium ecological sensitivity. Proposed abalone farm, and its associated solar power generation infrastructure, is expected to have a low impact on the natural biodiversity of the site. There is very little risk in terms of biodiversity impact. If the recommended mitigatory measures are effectively implemented, all of the issues of plants and vertebrate animal sensitivity will be adequately mitigated. In terms of landscape connectivity, the study area and surround has already been transformed and little of the original natural vegetation remains intact. Despite this, recommendations are made to create stepping stone connectivity with the few remaining thicket patches on the study site. Biodiversity sensitivity was measured against the status of individual species, the conservation status rating of the local habitats and the overall status of the vegetation type. The overall impact was considered to be low for the hatchery site and medium for the solar array site. The small size of the solar array site mitigates to some extent and the infrastructure for solar power generation can be considered to have a light footprint. Removal of vegetation will be required. The preferred alternative ensures that intact vegetation which has not been previously disturbed does not get impacted and is classified as no go. The development of the abalone farm will take place on the coast however has been setback from the coastline, except for some crucial infrastructure such as effluent and intake lines and pump house. There are no wetlands located on site. YES X NO 39

40 MITIGATION MEASURES Essential mitigation measures during construction are as follows: The two areas of remnant thicket shown to be retained completely intact; A buffer zone of 5m be retained around the two patches of thicket; All invasive alien plants must be completely removed from the entire study site and an appropriate fire regime must be applied; No more than the necessary clearing of plant cover from the sand surfaces be removed and that cleared areas should not be cleared long before the development of infrastructure on the site; Areas that are cleared and not covered by abalone farming infrastructure or solar array should be rehabilitated timeously to develop a protective plant cover; All sites stripped of plant cover, temporarily or permanently, can be protected by a layer of woodchip mulch. Wood chip mulch or gravel can also be used in areas that will be shaded out by the solar panels; Where the effluent pipeline to the sea needs to be constructed through the remnant thicket patch, the maximum construction disturbance width should be no more than 1m. The bushes should be carefully pruned to ensure that they can resprout again after installation. 2. LOSS OF FAUNAL HABITAT AND ASSOCIATED FAUNAL BIODIVERSITY DURING CONSTRUCTION The disturbance and removal of vegetation and soils during construction will adversely affect (or alter) faunal habitat and faunal species. Construction related activities will require the physical disturbance and removal of vegetation and soils, thereby removing/altering faunal habitat. Disturbance associated with construction activities may also cause the proliferation of alien and invasive species in the area. There are few terrestrial ecological constraints in terms of the proposed development, with about 70% of the study area being of low or low medium ecological sensitivity. MITIGATION MEASURES Essential mitigation measures during construction are as follows: That geotextile be used to stabilise any loose sand after construction; Vegetation disturbance must be minimised at all times; Limit the footprint area of the construction activity to what is absolutely essential Clearly define the boundary of the construction footprint area and ensure that all activities remain within the defined footprint area; The two areas of remnant thicket shown to be retained completely intact; A buffer zone of 5m be retained around the two patches of thicket; All invasive alien plants must be completely removed from the entire study site and an appropriate fire regime must be applied; No more than the necessary clearing of plant cover from the sand surfaces be removed and that cleared areas should not be cleared long before the development of infrastructure on the site; Areas that are cleared and not covered by abalone farming infrastructure or solar array should be rehabilitated timeously to develop a protective plant cover; All sites stripped of plant cover, temporarily or permanently, can be protected by a layer of woodchip mulch. Wood chip mulch or gravel can also be used in areas that will be shaded out by the solar panels; Infrastructure such as pipelines and water outflow points that cross the seashore area should be very carefully positioned in terms of the potential impact on black oystercatcher breeding on sandy beaches on the high-water mark. Where the effluent pipeline to the sea needs to be constructed through the remnant thicket patch, the maximum construction disturbance width should be no more than 1m. The bushes should be carefully pruned to ensure that they can resprout again after installation. 3. LOSS OF VEGETATION AND FAUNAL HABITAT DURING OPERATIONS The movement of personnel and operational vehicles and maintenance activities may impact the 40

41 surrounding vegetation and faunal habitat. Disturbance associated with operational and maintenance activities may also cause the proliferation of alien and invasive species in the area. MITIGATION MEASURES Essential mitigation measures during operations are as follows: Ensure that maintenance activities do not encroach into surrounding natural areas and define these areas as no-go areas to vehicles and personnel; Continue alien vegetation control throughout the operational phase; and Ensure that natural areas surrounding the abalone farm remain free of litter and waste. B. MARINE AND COASTAL ECOLOGY RISKS TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT: Construction phase: - Impaired water quality caused by pipeline construction - Impaired water quality and injury to fauna caused by construction waste - Impacts of underwater noise from blasting on marine life - Impacts of drilling and cementing of intake and effluent pipeline on marine life Operational phase: - Impact of effluent discharge on local water quality and marine fauna and flora - Impaired water quality caused by maintenance activities - Impact of escapement of abalone and pathogenic organisms on wild abalone populations - Impact of the use of fish for feed on the sustainability of the small pelagic fishery 1. IMPAIRED WATER QUALITY CAUSED BY PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION Construction activities are likely to generate sediment plumes when sand is blown into pipes when it is in the process of being installed, which will increase the turbidity of the water and settle on the surrounding seafloor. The higher the turbidity, the less light can penetrate through the water column, which is likely to impact autotrophic microphytobenthos and phytoplankton. Given that the area surrounding the construction site is particularly exposed, it is anticipated that sand particles suspended by construction activities will be readily dispersed by wave action. No mitigation is recommended as impact is insignificant. 2. IMPAIRED WATER QUALITY AND INJURY TO FAUNA CAUSED BY CONSTRUCTION WASTE Hydrocarbons are toxic to aquatic organisms if hydrocarbon spills enter the marine environment. If allowed to enter the ocean, solid waste may be transported by currents for long distances out to sea or along the coast. Thus, unlike fuel or sewage contamination, damage caused by solid waste (especially plastics) can extend over a large area. The impact of floating or submerged solid materials on marine life (especially seabirds, turtles and fish) can be lethal and can affect rare and endangered species, but can readily be mitigated. MITIGATION MEASURES Essential mitigation measures during construction are as follows: Inform all staff about sensitive marine species and the suitable disposal of construction waste. Prepare contingency plans in the event of accidental spills; Store fuel and oil with adequate spill protection; Do not permit leaking vehicles on site; Ensure contaminated stormwater from the construction site does not enter the sea as runoff; Clearly explain suitable waste handling and disposal protocols to all staff. Provide suitable signage on site; and Implement a reduce-reuse-recycle waste management policy. 3. IMPACTS OF UNDERWATER NOISE FROM BLASTING ON MARINE LIFE Blasting is necessary to widen the proposed intake and possibly the effluent gullies and thus allow the laying of the associated pipelines in a secure and practical manner. The resultant explosions and increase in underwater noise, in the form of pressure waves, could damage the gas filled cavities in 41

42 and/or alter the behaviour of marine fauna, especially fish and cetaceans, in the region at the time. Whales and dolphins frequent the area in highest numbers during June to November, and as a result blasting activities carried out at the proposed site should only occur outside of these periods. MITIGATION MEASURES Only blast during seasons where the majority of cetaceans have vacated the area (December- June). During blasting activities, ensure an observer is positioned on a high point to scan the nearshore zone for the presence of marine mammals or large shoals of fish. Only carry out blasting activities if there are no such animals present. Limit blasting to the smallest possible area and the shortest time period possible. Utilise blasting techniques that are the least intrusive on the marine environment, ie creating less intense pressure waves over shorter time periods (e.g. blast in series of stemmed shot holes at millisecond intervals so most of the energy will be absorbed by the seabed rock). 4. IMPACTS OF DRILLING AND CEMENTING OF INTAKE AND EFFLUENT PIPELINE ON MARINE LIFE Drilling and probably cementing are necessary in the construction phase of the project to secure the effluent pipelines and probably a gate at the entrance to the intake channel, in order to protect them against the action of the sea. These processes will result in the destruction of fauna and flora in the direct footprint of the pipeline/s. It is currently unclear exactly what methods will be used to establish the effluent and intake facilities. Assuming the most intrusive design however, after blasting, a pipeline will be secured with cement along the entire length of the effluent gully. This will result in the localised destruction of habitat (and associated fauna and flora). MITIGATION MEASURES Restrict the amount of cementing required (through pipeline design) and utilise a cement or a cementing technique that results in limited exposure of the marine environment to toxic chemicals. Use material for cementing/securing the pipeline, which is favourable to re-colonisation after the pipelines have been installed. This could include material that mimics naturally occurring rocky substrata in the region. Contain activities to within strictly demarcated areas and destroy/remove as little substrate as possible. 5. IMPACT OF EFFLUENT DISCHARGE ON LOCAL WATER QUALITY AND MARINE FAUNA AND FLORA After the abstracted sea water has flowed through the raceways/tanks of the farm, it is discharged back to the marine environment. Any nutrients, particles or chemicals added to the tanks may be dissolved or collected by the flow-through water and thus form part of the effluent. Abalone farm effluent typically contains abalone waste products (nitrogen from excretion) and particulate food waste. MITIGATION MEASURES These constituents can reduce local water quality through a potential increase in local eutrophication events (over-enrichment of the water column by nutrients), reduced availability of oxygen in the water column, elevated local temperatures outside of local species tolerance ranges and elevated TSS levels clogging gills of filter feeders and smothering sedentary organisms. Effluent quality could also be affected by the decay of deceased abalone. In a well-managed farm however, tanks/raceways are routinely inspected at short intervals and any dead animals are removed and disposed of at a waste treatment facility. The farm considered in this report has committed to removing sludge from effluent prior to its discharge to the sea. This will reduce the TSS levels in discharged effluent significantly, but may not reduce the levels of dissolved constituents (the most important being ammonium, NH4). 42

43 MITIGATION MEASURES Monitor effluent to ensure predicted levels are realised. 6. IMPACT OF ESCAPEMENT OF ABALONE AND PATHOGENIC ORGANISMS ON WILD ABALONE POPULATIONS Abalone grow out facilities stock individuals at a density much greater than that in the wild, the farms try to maximise abalone size and growth rates and thus select for faster growing, larger individuals. This, combined with the fact that all individuals growing on the farm are offspring of a few prized broodstock, leads to genetic modification of the farmed population compared to the original broodstock s wild population over time. The unnatural stocking density in tanks/raceways allows potential diseases and parasites to spread faster than in wild populations and farmed abalone are at constant risk of infection by pathogenic organisms. Farmed abalone can escape from their tanks on the farm or from the adjacent nursery/hatchery area and enter the open sea through the effluent system. These individuals could be vectors of genetic modification, parasites and/or diseases and should they establish viable populations in the wild, may transfer these traits to wild populations. This issue of genetic modification is compounded when the broodstock have been translocated from a farm in a different area, as these individuals are likely to have been exposed to genetic selection in the past and are genetically dissimilar to local wild populations. The escapement of farmed abalone could eventually lead to genetic alteration of the local wild stocks. Diseases or parasites that are carried by escapees are able to affect other mollusc species, such as mussels, in the region too and could pose a threat to local populations. Also, pathogenic organisms (bacteria and/or viruses)from infected individuals may be discharged in the effluent, and do not necessarily require escapement of individuals. Wild stocks of Abalone in South Africa are known to be declining, with low growth rates making them vulnerable to the impacts of overharvesting and any risks to wild populations should be considered seriously and avoided as far as possible (UNEP-WCMC, 2010; Attwood 2000). MITIGATION MEASURES Onsite management of escapement, including visual inspections and removal of escapees in outlet pipes, channels and drains and the installation of mesh coverings on these outlets (Abalone Aquaculture Dialogue Standards, 2010),will form part of the farms management protocols reducing the number of escapees entering the open sea. Ensure all translocated broodstock are properly quarantined for 8 weeks (including effluent treatment with an environmentally friendly biocide) to ensure reduction in the risk of the spread of disease (ASC 2012). Develop onsite protocols to monitor disease and parasite infection and ensure remedial action is effective and appropriate. This should include: surveillance at at least 10 day intervals, and 6 monthly testing of 66 individuals in compliance with appendix 1 ASC 2012;response to disease or parasites by disinfecting clothing and equipment and feed (macroalgae) if necessary before use on the farm, and minimising interaction between abalone and disease vectors (birds, etc.). 7. IMPAIRED WATER QUALITY CAUSED BY MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES Regular maintenance work on the seawater intake and outfall infrastructure will be required including: Removing fouling within pipelines; and Clearing of seawater intake points. Although cleaning is primarily mechanical in nature, impaired water quality may result. The potential use of antifouling chemicals to clean pipes may have a negative effect on marine life at the outfall, whilst the cleaning and flushing of seawater intake points may result in eutrophication. Any chemicals used during maintenance will be environmentally friendly. These maintenance activities are likely to be performed infrequently and impacts are likely to be similar in severity. MITIGATION MEASURES Essential mitigation measures during operations are as follows: 43

44 Analyse water quality samples frequently as per the CWDP specifications; and Utilise mechanical means to clean the pipelines. Avoid chemical means such as chemical flushing. Cleaning interval must be such that cleaning does not result in an unacceptable impact on surrounding environment. 8. IMPACT OF THE USE OF FISH FOR FEED ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SMALL PELAGIC FISHERY As the proposed farm will be providing their abalone with a predominately-artificial diet the reliance on unsustainable fish resources for the protein component of this feed needs to be considered. According to the ASC (2012) regulations, fishmeal used in artificially produced feed should only be used if the related fishery is certified by an ISEAL accredited organisation (sustainability certification). Currently there are no such fisheries in South Africa. The South African small pelagic fishery is however heavily regulated and considered to be well managed,therefore, it is not considered an unsustainable source of protein. Alternative protein sources can be investigated by the farmers and one option is to use a soy-based product as a portion of the protein source. The same problem ensues however, as finding suitable certified soy producer is also difficult. MITIGATION MEASURES Encourage the South African small pelagic fishery to get ISEAL certified, and/or the proponent is to produce more macroalgae on site to supplement artificial feed. Will the development have an impact on any populations of threatened plant or animal species, and/or on any habitat that may contain a unique signature of plant or animal species? If yes, please describe: Please describe the manner in which any other biological aspects will be impacted: Impacts may be both direct and indirect, with the former occurring mostly at the construction stage and the latter mostly at the operational stage. The construction phase impacts will consist of permanent and temporary loss and degradation of low, low - medium and medium conservation value natural vegetation and faunal habitat within the development footprints. No plant or animal species of conservation concern are likely to be impacted by the proposed infrastructure. The operational phase impacts of the proposed project are likely to be potentially important, and include minor loss of ecological connectivity due to the pipeline placement across faunal movement routes. The impacts are at the site (local) scale, and impacts are greater at the site scale than the regional scale. Loss or degradation of areas mapped as being of low conservation value equates to an insignificant loss of irreplaceable botanical and/or faunal resources, and irreplaceability is thus low. (c) Socio-Economic aspects: What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? R 350,000, What is the expected yearly income or contribution to the economy that will be generated by or as a R 150,000, result of the activity? Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES x How many new employment opportunities will be created in the construction phase of the activity? Approx. 50 What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the construction phase? R5m R8m What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? 70 % How will this be ensured and monitored (please explain): Contractors will be used for construction that will employ labourers from the surrounding areas. Workers will be appointed on fixed term contracts for the construction phase. This will be monitored according to HR policies, it is more cost effective to use local labour than to import labour from different areas. 200 (100 in Phase How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of 1 and 100 in the activity? Phase 2) What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 years? R 150,000, YES NO X 44

45 What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? 66% How will this be ensured and monitored (please explain): Abalone farming is a highly labour intensive activity. The farm needs labour to operate. This is unlikely to change dramatically in the next 10 years. Any other information related to the manner in which the socio-economic aspects will be impacted: The proposed development is to be located in the Hessequa Municipal district which, according to 2011 census data, has a low growth, high unemployment rate and low level of formal education with a large section of productive population leaving the area for better career prospects and skill growth. The proposed development provides a number of distinct benefits, many already evident across the abalone industry in South Africa. Coastal resources that may be utilised by the poor are limited, leaving few alternatives for their livelihoods. The abalone industry not only includes direct employment at the farm level, it also indirectly supports interlinked businesses such as processing industries and maintenance service providers. The establishment of the proposed abalone farm will have a positive impact on the socio-economic environment of the region due to increased employment (direct and indirect) and skills development. The proposed development will improve material wealth and standard of living of employees (to be locally sourced); it will enhance potential to invest and improve access to social services such as education and health services and it will enhance skills transferred to previously unskilled workers- facilitating employment prospects of such workers; and contribute to a sense of independence, freedom and pride, which may promote a good work ethic. The secondary spinoffs relate to the contribution to conservation initiatives, agri-tourism, eco-tourism development in the area and conservation monitoring along the coastline. With the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, the project can generate significant benefits to the local and regional communities and economy. Impacts from an anticipated influx of workers, leading to pressures on the communal fabric in small settlements(gouritsmond and Albertinia), local resources and infrastructure are negative, but can be mitigated to a large degree though pro-active projects by the applicant and the local authority. Overall, the project represents a potential socio-economic benefit if the recommended mitigation measures are implemented. IMPACT ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS: The following impacts on socio-economic aspects have been identified: - Increased employment, income and skills development during construction and operations. 1. INCREASED EMPLOYMENT, INCOME AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Employment provides many socio-economic benefits to employees and their dependents, including: - Improved material wealth and standard of living; - Enhanced potential to invest and improved access to social services such as education and health services; - Enhanced skills transferred to previously unskilled workers, facilitating employment prospects of such workers; and - Contribution to a sense of independence, freedom and pride, which may promote a good work ethic. The establishment of an abalone farm will create various types of employment during construction: - Direct employment - the project will create or sustain employment at the companies contracted to construct the abalone farm and supply equipment. It is estimated that the proposed abalone farm and associated infrastructure could create up to 50 direct temporary jobs during the construction phase. The expansion of the abalone farm will result in additional 45

46 job opportunities during operations; - Indirect employment - the project is expected to generate indirect employment for downstream suppliers of materials and other services. It is not possible to quantify indirect employment and income that will be created by the project at this stage, but it is likely to be significant because of the availability of local products and services. The expansion of the abalone farm will be done to increase production thus increasing indirect employment. ENHANCEMENT MEASURES Enhancement measures are as follows Maximise use of local skills and resources through preferential employment of locals where practicable. Implement a fair and transparent labour and recruitment policy; Ensure gender equality in recruitment, as far as possible; Provide suitable training; Provide ancillary training to workers on maximising the use of income and training to further future economic prospects, potentially through projects initiated as part of a social upliftment programme. (d) Cultural and historic aspects: IMPACT ON CULTURAL AND HISTORIC ASPECTS: The following impacts on cultural and historic aspects have been identified: - Potential impact on archaeological resources during construction 1. POTENTIAL IMPACT ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES DURING CONSTRUCTION Archaeological resources (i. e. shell midden deposits) are concentrated on the narrow dune cordon in the south western portion of the proposed development site, and are unevenly distributed over the remainder of the property. Shellfish frequencies, while relatively low, are dominated by T. Sarmaticus, with modest amounts of limpet, abalone, whelk and periwinkle. Stone tool frequencies are very low, limited to a few crude quartzite flakes, chunks and broken/smashed cobbles. No pottery, bone or ostrich eggshell was found, suggesting the sites are older than 2000 years. Construction activities, including bulk earthworks (for example foundation excavations for buildings, terrace cuttings etc), and excavations for services (water pipelines & installation of cables for the solar array), will likely impact on fragile heritage resources. Unmarked (Khoisan) human remains may also be uncovered. There are, however, no fatal flaws, and as long as the recommendation made in the report, are adhered too, there are no objections to the authorization of the proposed development proceeding. There remains a medium to high risk of valuable fossils being lost in spite of management actions to mitigate such loss. Machinery involved in excavation may damage or destroy fossils, or they may be hidden in spoil of excavated material. The fossil bones that have been found in the coastal aeolianites are of profound scientific value, raising international interest in the region. The aeolianites have been a prime source of information on Quaternary faunas and archaeology of southern Africa. MITIGATION MEASURES Essential mitigation measures during construction are as follows: Shovel testing must be undertaken to determine the significance of sub surface archaeological deposits. The focus of test excavations will be on the narrow dune cordon in the south western portion of the proposed development site; 46

47 The historic stone wall alongside the gravel road (inside the footprint area) must be protected and incorporated into the final development proposal. A 10m protective buffer is recommended; The possible grave/burial (SAHRIS Site ID: 99002) in the Eskom servitude must be avoided. The `grave must be demarcated (possibly enclosed inside a small fence), or simply left alone. Bulk earthworks (i. e. excavations for building foundations, terracing cut backs, & services) must be monitored by a professional archaeological. The site must be inspected once a week by the archaeologist during the construction phase of the project. It is not necessary for the archaeologist to monitor vegetation clearing operations, but the Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be briefed on site, prior to the commencement of site clearing. The site must also be inspected once vegetation clearing has been completed. If any unmarked human remains are exposed or uncovered during excavations and earthworks, these must immediately be reported to Heritage Western Cape (Att: Mr Guy Thomas), or the archaeologist (Jonathan Kaplan ). The above recommendations must be incorporated into the Environmental Management Programme (EMP) for the proposed development. A practical monitoring and mitigation programme must be implemented during the Construction Phases of the proposed abalone farm. Buried archaeological material beneath cover sands is common in coastal settings. Recommendations for palaeontological mitigation are affected by those for archaeological mitigation. In most cases, when monitoring and inspection of excavations is recommended in the Archaeological Impact Assessment, Separate monitoring for fossil occurrences is not necessary. 2. WASTE AND EMISSIONS (a) Waste (including effluent) management Will the activity produce waste (including rubble) during the construction phase? YES x NO If yes, indicate the types of waste (actual type of waste, e.g. oil, and whether hazardous or not) and estimated quantity per type? Typical construction phase waste / rubble to be transferred by the applicant to the municipal dump site. UNDETERMINED M 3 Will the activity produce waste during its operational phase? YES X NO If yes, indicate the types of waste (actual type of waste, e.g. oil, and whether hazardous or not) and estimated quantity per type? The refuse generated will not consist of any chemical nature at all. Three types of refuse will be generated Normal household refuse - 30 tons per annum. Abalone shells Abalone guts It could take 5 6 years from the date construction started to the day the first abalone is ready to harvest. Calculated refuse generation could be summarized as follows learned from the other two existing abalone farms in the Western Cape: +/- 330 tons The following options will be further investigated to discard the three types of refuge. 47