CEFANI MOUTH HOLIDAY RESORT EXPANSION CHINTSA BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT DEDEAT Ref: EC/12/A/LN1/M/13 03 INTRODUCTION

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1 CEFANI MOUTH HOLIDAY RESORT EXPANSION CHINTSA BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT DEDEAT Ref: EC/12/A/LN1/M/13 03 INTRODUCTION Indwe Environmental Consulting has been appointed as an independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner to undertake an application for environmental authorisation via a Basic Environmental Assessment for the proposed upgrade and expansion of the Cefani Mouth Holiday Resort, located on Farm RE/458, East London, Cefani River Mouth in the Great Kei Municipality. The Basic Assessment will conform to the 2010 EIA Regulations, as published in Government Notice No. R , as promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998), as amended. This document is intended to provide background information to stakeholders, authorities and other interested and affected parties and forms a key component of the public participation process being undertaken as part of the Basic Assessment process. PROJECT LOCATION The proposed development area is owned by the Cefani Trust and is located on Farm RE/458 East London at the Cefani River Mouth. The site is bordered by Chintsa East village extension to the South West, Farms 2/458, 1203, 456 and 457 East London to the West, the Cefani River to the North with Viskop Estate and the Indian Ocean to the East. Figure 1: Locality of the Proposed Upgrade and Expansion of the Cefani Mouth Holiday Resort 1 P age

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The owners of the property are proposing to expand the resort facilities, by upgrading services and providing a number of residential stands which will widen the spectrum of resort units. Income generated from this development will be invested in the further upgrade of the current resort and associated infrastructure. The intention is to propose development which will be unobtrusive and environmentally sustainable. Upgrade of the Existing Resort The Cefani Resort presently consists of 12 chalets, 11 cottage rondavels and 27 camping sites. Recreation facilities include a recreation hall, tennis court, volley ball court, trampoline and jungle gym area for children. The buildings are in varying state of repairs and some require demolition and rebuilding. The Cefani Resort was constructed by Italian prisoners of war and as a result it has rights as a resort since the 1940 s in terms of the relevant zoning scheme. The positioning of some of the buildings within the floodplain of the Cefani River means that they are frequently inundated during times of flooding and high sea levels. Service provision is fairly rudimentary with limited water supply, sewage treatment via septic tanks and soakaway systems. The capacity of services is often compromised during times of high occupancy such as peak holiday season. It is therefore the intention of the Cefani Trust to upgrade some of the existing resort service infrastructure in a phased approach. Addition of New Erven 34 new erven have been planned for and earmarked for development on the higher ridge area above the existing resort away from the Cefani River. These new erven will be accessed by a 12m wide roadway which will lead from the existing resort. A detailed architectural guideline has been prepared to ensure that the new houses will blend in with the surrounding landscape as much as possible. This includes height and pitch restrictions, paint colours, architectural style, plot clearing and fencing limitations, etc. In planning the layout of the erven, much effort has been undertaken to ensure that there will be minimal disturbance to the indigenous thicket clumps and the many milkwood trees which occur on the property. The siting of the erven is such that the skyline i.e. highest ridge contour is not developed and that buildings follow the natural lie of the land and should not protrude above the skyline. Creation of a Nature Reserve The farm is currently designated for agricultural land use. Recent environmental policy such as the Environmental Management Framework from Great Kei River to Cannon Rocks (DEA, 2010) identify the coastal belt in the Cefani area as being environmentally sensitive and of high biodiversity value. With this is mind the Cefani Trust are willing to rezone a 27ha portion of land along the coastal area to Private Open Space III (Conservation use) to create and manage as a private nature reserve. This will serve as a biodiversity offset for the land loss from the additional erven and associated biodiversity impacts. The creation of the nature reserve will also aim to strengthen and extend the protected area network. At present the East London Coastal Nature Reserve which provides statutory protection of the majority of the coastal dune cordon in the greater East London area and this proposal represents a logical extension to such a network. Provision of Bulk Engineering Services Project engineers have been appointed to define engineering proposals for the electrical, water and sanitation bulk infrastructure. At this early planning phase the following is proposed: Potable water: Treated water is available from the bulk treated water supply reservoir situated on the extreme western boundary of the property adjacent to Chinsta East. There is an existing connection which will need to be upgraded for the proposed additional demand and a storage reservoir will need to be constructed. In addition, a 10Kl rain water storage tank will be installed at each dwelling to maximise rain water harvesting. The average annual demand for the development has been calculated to 41 kl per day. Sanitation: Wastewater will be directed via an internal underground gravity sewer reticulation network to a new sewer treatment plant. The anticipated averaged daily flows generated are 25.5kl and the plant will be sized accordingly. The annual volume of the plant is well below the threshold which requires a Waste License in terms of the National 2 P age

3 Environmental Management: Waste Act. Treated effluent will be used for irrigation purposes elsewhere on the farm and fully dried sludge from the drying beds will be used for pasture fertilization on the remainder of the farm. Solid Waste: The proposed Home Owner s Association will enter into a contract with the existing Cefani Resort to make use of local labour to collect refuse weekly. Once the waste has been sorted, it will be disposed of at the recycling collection depots at Chintsa East and organic solid waste will be deposited at the existing waste disposal site in Chintsa East. Access: The existing access road to Cefani Resort will be upgraded and an existing farm road upgraded to provide access to the proposed new units. Stormwater: Overland stormwater flow will be promoted to avoid concentrating flows and to allow the existing natural flow patterns to prevail. In areas where overland flow is interrupted at road boundaries, stormwater will be channelled via open lined channels and discharged to surrounding areas on erosion proof gabion mattresses. Electricity: A new ESKOM substation has recently been built at Chintsa East and sufficient bulk electricity supply is available within 1km of the development. An ESKOM pole transformer provides electricity supply to the Cefani Resort, and this will need to be upgraded to supply the proposed new development. Furthermore the existing 11kV overhead powerline which supplies the Cefani Resort will be relocated and buried. PLANNING PROCESSES AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN Setplan has been appointed as town planners for the project and have prepared a township layout together with a rezoning and sub division motivation report in terms of the Land Use Planning Ordinance (Act 85 of 1985) for submission to the Great Kei Municipality. The planning detail can be summarized as follows: Total farm area: 334ha Area of existing resort: 7.2ha (2.2% of gross area) Area of intended development footprint expansion: 3.3ha (1% of gross area) Area of planned nature reserve: 27ha (8% of gross area) Remainder of agricultural land: 295ha (88% of gross area) The rezoning application seeks to zone the subject property as Agriculture Zone I (remainder of the farm), Resort Zone II (existing resort), Resort Zone II (new erven) and Open Space III (nature reserve component). In addition an application has been made apply for subdivision of agricultural land in terms of the Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, Act 70 of A Draft Site Development Plan has been included below (see Figure 2). 3 P age

4 Figure 2: Draft Site Development Plan (No 1399 A/1) Illustrating Resort Expansion. Desirability in Terms of Planning Policy Great Kei Municipality Spatial Development Framework: NEEDS AND DESIRABILITY In terms of the Great Kei Spatial Development Framework (SDF), a large portion of the property has been earmarked as a Transitional Zone adjacent to the Chintsa East Urban Edge. Limited Development Areas (LDSA s) have been identified in the SDF, and where these are located adjacent to the Urban Edge, they are defined as a Transitional Zone. The SDF has proposed a Transitional Zone immediately adjacent to the Chintsa East Urban Edge, which extends to the east of the Schafli Road (DR02730). The application is essentially to extend an existing resort development and upgrade the services to the development and this is not considered to be contrary to the proposals of the Great Kei SDF. The low density nature of the proposed development will blend in with the current Cefani Resort rather than form part of a conventional residential extension to Chintsa East. Permissible guidelines for Transitional areas include low density development (i.e. less than 2 units per ha). The project proposal is therefore in line with the planning framework for the Municipality 4 P age

5 Coastal Environmental Management Framework from Cannon Rocks to Great Kei River Mouth The Draft Coastal Environmental Management Framework from Cannon Rocks to Great Kei River Mouth (DEA, 2011) for the area designates that the desired state of the environment ( ) to be as follows: Great Kei Municipality Implications in terms of the Cefani Resort Expansion Project The following key natural resource features were identified for safe guarding: The primary and secondary vegetated dunes along All vegetated dunes on the property have been excluded from the the entire coastline; development footprint and will be conserved within the proposed nature reserve. The dune systems along the entire Great Kei As above. coastline, The Grassland transition zone to the interior of vegetated dunes, which is typically dominated by Grassland communities; Estuaries, rivers and their banks; Southern Coastal Forest at Chintsa East and Kei Mouth; Moderate and moderately high potential agricultural land, where these were not in conflict with land use requirements for housing and biodiversity conservation, which comprised much of the rural areas of the Municipality, particularly between Yellowsands and Bosbokstrand. The greenfields site for the additional units represents a mosaic of thicket and grassland. Densification into woody species is very apparent. A significant portion of the remaining thicket/ grassland interface is included in the private open space 3 component. This will be left outside the development footprint and conserved accordingly. No new development is envisaged along the estuary banks or within the floodplain areas of the Cefani River. By upgrading the current rudimentary sewage infrastructure to a conventional treatment works it is envisaged that any potential risk of contamination as a result of malfunctioning existing soakaways may be eliminated. Upgrading of current infrastructure will be financed with proceeds derived from the proposed additional erven. No coastal forest will be impacted by the proposed development footprint. The coastal forest section is included in the proposed nature reserve section to ensure long term conservation. The greenfields site for the additional units has never been subjected to cultivation due to the quality of soil and the impact of salt bearing winds. The following potential land proposals were identified, which are not appropriate: Further proposed eastward expansion of urban or The proposed development focuses on the expansion of an existing peri urban development at Chintsa East should not resort node on the western banks of the Cefani River Mouth. A large be permitted; portion of land on the property will be excluded from the development expansion and will act as a buffer such that the eastward expansion of Chintsa East is avoided. The eastward expansion of Chintsa East is further controlled by an urban edge and Transitional Zone. This development proposal does not motivate for an extension to this urban edge, but is in accordance with proposals for the Transitional Zone adjacent to the Urban Edge. 5 P age

6 Cefani Resort Figure 3: Desired State of Environment for Great Kei Municipality. Note: The existing resort at Cefani is not captured as a resort, neither is the Visor Estate on the Eastern bank of the Cefani River. Figure 3 shows the desired state of the environment around Cefani to be that which is Conservation and Agriculture. Guidelines in terms of the EMF for Low Density Rural Residential Developments The recommended land use guidelines and associated zoning for Low Density Rural Residential is as follows (extracted from Pg 154, EMF): Low Density Rural Residential (includes: Development for lifestyle or investment type recreational ownership such as share block schemes, multi ownership reserves, but only for extensive land portions with limited development (NB: excludes golf estates). The recommended Resort 1 with Nature Reserve. The following conditions are stipulated: Condition Maintenance of a large measure of natural land cover and ecological best practise management implemented Densities of the development should be as per relevant rural management or urban edge policies Individual footprints per unit as per any relevant municipal Rural Management or Urban Edge policies (e.g. 1,500m 2 ) Implications in terms of the Cefani Resort Expansion Project The majority of the site (96%) will be retained as natural land cover and managed for ecological integrity. The proposed density complies with that of the Great Kei SDF 2 units per 1ha of developable land in the Transitional Zone. The footprint surface area per unit is restricted to 300m² in terms of the Great Kei Municipality SDF. 6 P age

7 Condition No additional units to be granted if these will facilitate development outside of the parameters specified above Clustered layout sensitively placed to limit the development impact. Development within already transformed or disturbed areas or use of existing buildings or construction on timber piers (this will facilitate corridor linkages throughout the property) Sustainable water supply is guaranteed with the local allocated reserve of the water resource Use of off grid services (solar power, rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, urine diversion, environ loos unless services readily available nearby. Architecture sympathetic to surrounding environment Limited landscaping/ gardening and only with locally indigenous plants Rezone areas to OS3, and possibly declare as a Nature Reserve or Protected Environment that are not developed where appropriate Management agreement with DEAET/EC Parks or Municipality for conservation areas. Implications in terms of the Cefani Resort Expansion Project The site development plan and buildings plans will not be approved if they do not comply with the provisions in the SDF The proposed development is clustered. Much effort has gone into sitting the new erven such that thicket clumps are retained and as few large trees are disturbed. The development area has an existing farm road as well as an ESKOM line cutting across it, and the land is regularly cleared for these services. Engineers are undertaking investigations in order to determine the sustainability of water supply options. Treated water is available from the bulk treated water supply reservoir situated on the extreme western boundary of the property adjacent to Chinstrap East. There is an existing connection which will need to be upgraded for the proposed additional demand and a storage reservoir will need to be constructed. Solar geysers, rain water harvesting, energy efficient design, etc. are being investigated by the project architects. Architectural code to be developed and implemented with environmentally friendly considerations. A search and rescue operation will be undertaking by an experienced botanist. Plants will be temporarily stored in a nursery and then used in any landscaping and rehabilitation. The entire section outside the development footprint along the coastline will be rezoned to Open Space 3 (27ha). The remaining land outside that of the Open Space 3, the existing resort and new proposed erven will be retained as agricultural grazing land. The relevant authorities as mentioned will be consulted in terms of the management plan for the Open Space 3 component. EIA REQUIREMENTS NEMA Section 24(5) stipulates that listed activities require environmental authorization via a Basic Assessment process The following listed activities are triggered in Listing Notice No. 1 and will be applied for under one application Listing Notice Activity Development Activity Number No. 544, 18 June (x) The development may entail the construction of infrastructure exceeding 50 square metres in size such as pump stations within 32 metres of the Cefani River 544, 18 June Road construction outside of urban areas, where the proposed road has servitude of 10m. 544, 18 June The project will likely involve the transformation of an undeveloped area exceeding 1 hectare, outside an urban edge to resort land use. 546, 18 June (ii) Resort facilities that sleep more than 15 people will be constructed within 100 m of a water course (Cefani River). 546, 18 June (gag) Resort facilities that sleep more than 15 people will be constructed within 5km of a protected area (East London Coastal Nature Reserve). 546, 18 June It is possible that more than 300 square metres of indigenous vegetation will be cleared within 100 metres of the Cefani estuary. 7 P age

8 BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS The Basic Assessment process will be followed and will involve the following project phases: 1. Application Phase: An application for authorisation has been submitted to the relevant authority, the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), Amathole Office. This application has subsequently been accepted Reference No: EC/12/A/LN1/M/ Basic Assessment: After DEDEAT has accepted the application, a Basic Assessment process is followed. This includes the undertaking of a public participation process including consultation with key stakeholders, detailed site investigations, planning and reporting. The project will culminate in the production of a Basic Assessment Report which will be submitted to the competent authority (DEDEAT) for their decision on the project. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS The details of the public participation process are outlined in Regulation 54 of the EIA Regulations, as published in Government Notice No. R 543. Crucial to the EIA process is input from Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs). Hence the public are encouraged to register as I&APs for this project and to submit their comments in writing to the environmental practitioners. Registered I&APs will be kept informed of project progress throughout the EIA process. A public meeting will be held should there be significant interest in the project. Please visit our project website documents/cefani holiday resort expansion basic assessment/ (public documents Cefani Holiday Resort) for more information on the project. The public will also be given the opportunity to review and comment on the Draft Basic Assessment Report. All comments raised by I&APs will be incorporated into the final reports and submitted to the environmental authority (DEDEAT) to enable them to make an informed decision with regard to the development proposal. Once an Environmental Authorisation is received, it will be distributed to registered I&APs who may appeal to the Minister or MEC of Environmental Affairs in opposition to the decision. KEY ISSUES AND TYPICAL IMPACTS Key issues and typical environmental impacts associated with the project identified to date include and will be assessed in the Basic Assessment process: Biodiversity impacts clearing of indigenous vegetation and potential rare and endangered species for construction of buildings and infrastructure Biodiversity impacts alien vegetation management along the coastal zone Biodiversity impacts creation of a private nature reserve with conservation objectives Coastal Zone impacts Visual impacts new buildings and infrastructure Agricultural impacts loss of a portion of agricultural land for establishment of a nature reserve and additional erven Increased pressure on municipal services increased water demand, increased solid waste generation Erosion clearing of vegetation, increased stormwater generation associated with surface hardening Ground water impacts potential pollution from sewage effluent, abandonment of original septic tanks Compliance with key planning and environmental policy 8 P age DETAILS OF THE EAP CONDUCTING THE BASIC ASSESSMENT Indwe Environmental Consulting CC is a registered environmental consultancy that specialises in all facets of environmental management. Our focus is on project based environmental studies. Broadly the services offered are Basic Assessments, Full Environmental Impact Assessments; Strategic Environmental studies (State of the Environment Reporting, Strategic Environmental Assessments, Environmental Management Frameworks) and integrated waste management planning.

9 Brendon Steytler is the principal member of Indwe Environmental Consulting. Brendon is a professionally registered Environmental Scientist (Pr.Sci. Nat. No /06) and holds a Masters Degree in Environment and Development. Brendon has been involved in many diverse EIA s and other environmental studies within the Eastern Cape for the last ten years. YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO GET INVOLVED Should you wish to express your views regarding this proposed development, please take the opportunity to register as an I&AP by sending us your written comments. Please submit your name, contact information and written comments to the contact person below. A written comments form is supplied at the back end of this document for your convenience. Contact Victoria Kruger Indwe Environmental Consulting 12 Preston Avenue Vincent East London, 5247 Tel: (043) Fax: (086) E mail: victoria@indwecon.co.za 9 P age

10 CEFANI MOUTH HOLIDAY RESORT EXPANSION OPTIONAL COMMENTS SHEET Please send to: Victoria Kruger YOUR details (please print clearly): Indwe Environmental Consulting CC 12 Preston Avenue Vincent East London, 5247 Tel: Fax: Name: Organisation: Telephone Number: Physical Address: Postal Address: Fax Number: Address: Comments: