Cape Environmental Assessment Practitioners (Pty) Ltd

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1 Cape Environmental Assessment Practitioners (Pty) Ltd Reg. No. 2008/004627/07 Telephone: (044) st Floor Eagles View Building Facsimile: (044) Progress Street, George Web: PO Box 2070, George 6530 FINAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT for FORMALISATION OF ETHEMBENI SETTLEMENT on A portion of Remainder Erf 214, Knysna In terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998, as amended) & 2010 Environmental Impact Regulations Prepared for Applicant: Knysna Municipality By: Report Reference: KNY207/10 Department Reference: 14/12/16/3/3/1/836 NEAS Reference: DEA/EIA/ /2013 Case Officer: Mr. Phathutsedzo Radzilani 12 December 2013 Comment Period: 13 December 2013 to 22 January 2014 D.J. Jeffery Directors L. van Zyl

2 APPOINTED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER: Environmental Assessment Practitioners PO Box 2070 George 6530 Tel: Fax: Report written & compiled by: Siân Holder (MEd Environmental Education, Btech & NDip. Nature Conservation), who has 5 years experience as an environmental practitioner. Report reviewed by: Louise-Mari van Zyl (MA Geography & Environmental Science [US]; Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner with the Interim Certification Board for Environmental Assessment Practitioners of South Africa, EAPSA); Committee Member of the Southern Cape International Association for Impact Assessments (IAIA). Ms van Zyl has over ten years experience as an environmental practitioner. PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT: Departmental Review APPLICANT: Knysna Municipality CAPE EAPRAC REFERENCE NO: KNY207/10 DEPARTMENT REFERENCE: 14/12/16/3/3/1/836 SUBMISSION DATE 12 December 2013

3 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 FINAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended & Environmental Impact Regulations 2010 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement Portion of Rem. Erf 214, Knysna Submitted for: Departmental Review This report is the property of the Author/Company, who may publish it, in whole, provided that: Written approval is obtained from the Author and that is acknowledged in the publication; is indemnified against any claim for damages that may result from any publication of specifications, recommendations or statements that is not administered or controlled by ; The contents of this report, including specialist/consultant reports, may not be used for purposes of sale or publicity or advertisement without the prior written approval of Cape EAPrac; accepts no responsibility by the Applicant/Client for failure to follow or comply with the recommended programme, specifications or recommendations contained in this report; accepts no responsibility for deviation or non-compliance of any specifications or recommendations made by specialists or consultants whose input/reports are used to inform this report; and All figures, plates and diagrams are copyrighted and may not be reproduced by any means, in any form, in part or whole without prior written approved from. Report Issued by: Cape Environmental Assessment Practitioners Tel: PO Box 2070 Fax: Progress Street Web: George 6530 Final Basic Assessment Report

4 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 ORDER OF REPORT Summary Basic Assessment Form Appendix A : Contextual Plans / Maps - Site Location Plan - Topographical Map - Aerial Photo (Diagram 1, VPM Planning) - Vegetation Type & Ecological Status Map - CBA / ESA Maps - BGIS Transformation Map Appendix B : Site Photographs Appendix C Annexure C1 : Site Development Plans - Site Survey Plan (Diagram 2, VPM Planning) - Slope Analysis Plan (Diagram 3, VPM Planning) - Site Development Plan (Diagram 4, Rev 3 (20 July 2011), VPM Planning) Annexure C2 : - Revised Site Development Plan (Diag.4, Rev 4 (1 Sept.2013), VPM Planning) - 1:100 Year Floodline Plan (No: 140-P-14) & Engineer Letter (3 Aug. 2013) - Infrastructure in relation to 1:100 year floodline (No: 140-P-16, Nov. 2013) Appendix D Annexure D1 Annexure D2 Annexure D3 Annexure D4 Appendix E Annexure E1 : : : : : Specialist Reports Ethembeni Settlement Planning Report (VPM Planning, Aug.2012) Ethembeni Civil Engineering Report (Sintec Engineers, Aug.2012) Ethembeni Electrical Engineering Report (CMB Engineers, Aug.2012) Ethembeni Heritage Background Information Document for NID (Perception Heritage Planning, 31 May 2013) : Public Participation Process - I&AP & Stakeholder List - Comments & Response Table Annexure E2 : Final Basic Assessment Notifications to I&APs, Stakeholders & Councillor Annexure E3 : - Copies of Comments Received on Draft BAR - Draft BAR Notifications Annexure E4 : Initial Registration, Notifications, Site Notices, Advert & Ward Committee Meeting Attendance Registers Appendix F : Environmental Management Programme Appendix G : Correspondence with Authorities: - Acceptance of Application Form for DEA - Acknowledgement of Receipt of Draft Basic Assessment Report - DEA / Stakeholder Site Visit Attendance Register - Confirmation of Service Capacity from Knysna Municipality Final Basic Assessment Report

5 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY... I 1 INTRODUCTION... I 2 BACKGROUND... I 3 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK... I 3.1 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA... I 3.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT (NEMA) (NO 107 OF 1998)... I 3.3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT (NEM:BA) (ACT 10 OF 2004)... IV National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES) for S.A (2010)... iv The National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NBA)(2011)... v Garden Route Biodiversity Sector Plan (GRBSP)... v 3.4 REGULATIONS FOR THE PROPER ADMINISTRATION OF THE KNYSNA PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT (R1175 OF NEM: PAA)... VI 3.5 NATIONAL FORESTS ACT (NFA) (NO. 84 OF 1998):... VII 3.6 CONSERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES ACT (CARA) (ACT 43 OF 1983):VII 3.7 NATIONAL VELD & FOREST FIRE ACT (NVFFA) (ACT 101 OF 1998)... VIII 3.8 NATURE & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION ORDINANCE (19 OF 1974)... VIII 3.9 OUTENIQUA SENSITIVE COASTAL AREA (OSCA) (1998)... VIII 3.10 NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES ACT (NHRA) (NO 25 OF 1999)... VIII 3.11 NATIONAL WATER ACT (NWA) (NO 36 OF 1998)... IX 3.12 THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK: STATUTORY REPORT (PSDF) (2009)... IX 3.13 KNYSNA SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (SDF)(2008)... X 3.14 KNYSNA INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP) ( )... X 3.15 LESS FORMAL TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT AREA ACT (NO. 113 OF 1991)... XII 3.16 LAND USE PLANNING ORDINANCE (LUPO) (ORDINANCE 15 OF 1985):... XII 3.17 THE NATIONAL ROADS ACT (ACT NO.7 OF 1998)... XII 3.18 SUSTAINABILITY IMPERATIVE... XII 4 SITE DESCRIPTION AND ATTRIBUTES... XIII 4.1 LOCATION & CONTEXT... XIII 4.2 EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE... XIV 4.3 TOPOGRAPHY & SOILS... XV 4.4 VEGETATION... XV 4.5 HYDROLOGICAL FEATURES... XVIII 5 ACTIVITY... XIX 5.1 FORMALISATION OF ERVEN... XIX Development / Layout Alternative A (Discarded)... xix Revised Development / Layout Alternative B (Preferred)... xix No-Go Alternative... xx 5.2 SERVICES... XX Water... xx Sewerage... xxi Electricity... xxii Solid Waste... xxiii Roads & Stormwater... xxiii Site Stability... xxiv 5.3 ACTIVITY ALTERNATIVES... XXIV 6 HERITAGE STATEMENT... XXVI Final Basic Assessment Report

6 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/ HISTORICAL BACKGROUND... XXVI 6.2 HERITAGE RESOURCES & ISSUES... XXVI 6.3 HERITAGE RECOMMENDATIONS... XXVII 7 NEED & DESIRABILITY...XXVII 7.1 NEED (TIME)... XXVII 7.2 DESIRABILITY (PLACE)... XXVIII 8 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT... XXX 8.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS... XXX Disturbance of the On-site Seepage Line and nearby Drainage Line... xxx Erosion on Steep Slopes... xxxi Health & Safety Risk Associated with Adjacent Dumpsite... xxxi Improvement in Seepage Line / River Health... xxxi 9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME... XXXI 10 PROCESS TO DATE... XXXI 11 CONCLUSION...XXXIII SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION... 2 FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES... 4 PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY... 7 SITE ACCESS... 7 LOCALITY MAP... 8 LAYOUT/ROUTE PLAN... 8 SENSITIVITY MAP... 9 SITE PHOTOGRAPHS... 9 FACILITY ILLUSTRATION... 9 ACTIVITY MOTIVATION... 9 APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT WATER USE ENERGY EFFICIENCY SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION GRADIENT OF THE SITE LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE GROUNDCOVER SURFACE WATER LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTER BIODIVERSITY SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE MEASURES ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT Final Basic Assessment Report

7 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/ IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SECTION E: RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER SECTION F: APPENDIXES REFERENCES FIGURES Figure 1: Summary of Basic Assessment Process Figure 2: Landscape view of the Western Portion of Ethembeni Informal Settlement. Note dump and SawMill platform to the west and the hill to east (Church behind trees). Figure 3: View east across the Eastern Portion. Figure 4: View west across the Eastern Portion. Note historic Church and rondaval on hill crest. Figure 5: View west across Western Portion onto old Sawmill site and dump. Figure 6: Historic Church & rondaval on hilltop. Figure 7: West-facing slope of Western Portion. Figure 8: View east across Eastern Portion. Figure 9: View north across Western Portion of Ethembeni settlement. Note vehicle track leading to dwelling on bank of seepage line into forest Figure 10: Pampas grass on slope below SawMill & dump. Figure 11: Wetland reed/grasses in low-lying seepage area. Figure 12: Informal dwellings between dumpsite and seepage line. Note large indigenous tree within line. Figure13: Vegetation within seepage line. Note Bugweed, Rhus, Plectranthus & Keurboom. Figure 14: View south from seepage line edge. Note track on left of photo Figure 15: View north from edge of seepage line. Note garage at end of track and vegetable garden on drainage line bank. Figure 16: Lone Red Currant tree within settlement. Figure 17: Main access into Western Portion. Note Red Currant tree on left & forest in distance. Figure 18 & 19: Eastern Portion of Ethembeni informal settlement. Note forest on slope below. Figure 20: Seepage line into forest. Note long-drop toilet on bank Figure 21: Seepage line below shelters and peg pen. Note small bridge constructed to provide access. Figure 22 & 23: Site Notices place at Ethembeni informal settlement TABLES Table 1: Table 2: Table 3: NEMA 2010 listed activities for the Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement Activity Alternatives Considered Summary of Public Participation Process to date Final Basic Assessment Report

8 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 1 INTRODUCTION SUMMARY has been appointed by the Knysna Municipality, hereafter referred to as the Applicant, as independent environmental practitioner, to facilitate the Basic Assessment (BA) process required in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act 107 of 1998) for the proposed Ethembeni Subsidy Housing Project near Knysna, Western Cape. The Knysna Municipality intends to formalise the existing informal settlement of Ethembeni into formal plots / erven (formal tenure) with basic services (water, electricity, sewage & roads). The purpose of this Final Basic Assessment Report is to describe the environment to be affected, the proposed project, the process followed to date (focussing on the outcome of the public participation process), to present recommendations to avoid or minimise impacts, and provide a description of how the development concept has been adjusted to consider the above. 2 BACKGROUND The delay in the provision of housing and basic services to the communities to the north of Knysna has long been an area of concern for the Knysna Municipality. The frustration of the communities concerned has been showcased on several occasions, with protect action on the N2 highway at the entrance to these northern areas and the Knysna Municipal offices. The formalisation of the existing informal settlements, such as Ethembeni, forms a part of the Municipality s long-term plan to address the abovementioned concerns. The process of surveying the existing informal dwellings and designing the layout of the formal erven and installation of basic services within the disturbed footprints was completed during 2012 and the budget for the environmental process/es released in LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK The legislation that is relevant to this study is briefly outlined below. These environmental requirements are not intended to be definitive or exhaustive, but serve to highlight key environmental legislation and responsibilities only. 3.1 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) states that everyone has a right to a non-threatening environment and that reasonable measure are applied to protect the environment. This includes preventing pollution and promoting conservation and environmentally sustainable development, while promoting justifiable social and economic development. 3.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT (NEMA) (NO 107 OF 1998) The current assessment is being undertaken in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act 107 of 1998) 1. This Act makes provision for the identification 1 On 18 June 2010 the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs promulgated new regulations in terms of Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act 107 of 1998), viz, the i Final Basic Assessment Report

9 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 and assessment of activities that are potentially detrimental to the environment and which require authorisation from the competent authority (in this case, the national Department of Environmental Affairs, DEA) based on the findings of an Environmental Assessment. The proposed scheme entails a number of listed activities, which require a basic environmental impact assessment, which must be conducted by an independent environmental assessment practitioner (EAP). Figure 1 depicts a summary of the Basic Assessment process. Figure 1: Summary of Basic Assessment Process The listed activities associated with the proposed development, as stipulation under 2010 Regulations 544 & 546 are as follows: Table 1: NEMA 2010 listed activities for the Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement R544 Listed Activity Activity Description 11 The construction of (vi) stormwater outlet The informal Ethembeni settlement structures or (x) buildings exceeding 50m², or infrastructure or structures covering 50m² or more, where such construction occurs within a watercourse or potentially extends into 32m from the seepage lines which drain into the Sout Rivier drainage line to the north. within 32m of a watercourse, measured from the The formalisation of erven & edge of a watercourse, excluding where such installation of services will be confined construction will occur behind the development setback line. to the existing disturbed footprint, outside the N2 Bypass Proclamation 18 The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 5 cubic metres into, or the dredging, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells and shell grit, pebbles or rock or more than 5 cubic metres from (i) a watercourse but excluding where such infilling, depositing, dredging, excavation, removal or moving is (a) for maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a management plan agreed to by the relevant environmental authority or (b) occurs behind the development setback line. Area. The infill activities associated with the levelling of the erven platforms or installation of services within the existing disturbed footprint of the Ethembeni informal settlement, beyond the edge of the seepage lines draining to the north. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations These regulations came into effect on 02 August 2010 and replace the EIA regulations promulgated in ii Final Basic Assessment Report

10 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 40 The expansion of (iii) buildings by more than 50 square metres, or (iv) infrastructure by more than 50 square metres within a watercourse or within 32m of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such expansion will occur behind a development setback line. The informal Ethembeni settlement potentially extends into 32m from the seepage lines which drain into the Sout Rivier drainage line to the north. The formalisation of erven & installation of services will be confined to the existing disturbed footprint, outside the N2 Bypass Proclamation Area. R546 Listed Activity Activity Description 4 The construction of a road wider than 4m with a reserve less than 13.5m. In urban areas: areas designated for conservation use in Spatial Development Frameworks adopted by the competent authority. 16 The construction of (iii) buildings with a footprint exceeding 10 square metres in size or (iv) infrastructure covering 10 square metres or more, where such construction occurs within a watercourse or within 32m of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind a development setback line. 24 The expansion of buildings where the buildings will be expanded by 10 square metres or more in size or (iv) infrastructure where the infrastructure will be expanded by 10 square metres or more, where such construction occurs within a watercourse or within 32m of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind a development setback line. The proposed primary internal roads will be approximately 4.5m wide, within the Critical Biodiversity Area designated over the entire site. The informal Ethembeni settlement potentially extends into 32m from the seepage lines which drain into the Sout Rivier drainage line to the north. The formalisation of erven & installation of services will be confined to the existing disturbed footprint, outside the N2 Bypass Proclamation Area. The informal Ethembeni settlement potentially extends into 32m of seepage lines which drain into the Sout Rivier to the north, within a Critical Biodiversity Area. The formalisation of erven & installation of services will be confined to the existing disturbed footprint. According to the Vegetation Map of South Africa (2006) the entire extent of the existing informal settlement (and proposed erven layout) falls within the Southern Afrotemperate Forest vegetation type, which has a National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) and NEM:BA Ecosystem Status of Least Threatened. The entire extent of the proposed development footprint however, has been transformed by the existing informal settlement and alien plant infestation, leaving little to no indigenous vegetation on the property. What vegetation remains is predominantly alien invader plants, garden ornamentals, fruit trees and vegetables planted by the current land occupiers. See Site Photographs in Appendix B and the Vegetation Map in Appendix A. It is thus argued that with consideration of the property s context - within the urban edge of Knysna, surrounded by developed & developing land, it is unlikely that the property will become vacant and as such, it is highly unlikely to recover and rehabilitate to a natural state / condition. Considering the above, this office is of the opinion that the GN R546 listed activities: 12, 13 & 14 are not applicable to this application, with due to consideration of the property state and context. Before any of the above mentioned listed activities can be undertaken, authorisation must be obtained from the relevant authority, in this case the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). Should the Department approve the proposed activity, the Environmental Authorisation does not exclude the need for obtaining relevant approvals from other Authorities who have a legal mandate (for e.g. Heritage Western Cape etc.). Principles contained in Section 2 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended (NEMA), which, amongst other things, indicates that environmental management should: In order of priority aim to: avoid, minimise or remedy disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity; Avoid degradation of the environment and avoid jeopardising ecosystem integrity; iii Final Basic Assessment Report

11 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 Pursue the best practicable environmental option by means of integrated environmental management; Protect the environment as the people s common heritage; Control and minimise environmental damage; and Pay specific attention to management and planning procedures pertaining to sensitive, vulnerable, highly dynamic or stressed ecosystems. It is incumbent upon the proponent to show how the proposed activities would comply with these principles and thereby contribute towards the achievement of sustainable development as defined by the NEMA. 3.3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT (NEM:BA) (ACT 10 OF 2004) This Act controls the management and conservation of South African biodiversity within the framework of NEMA. Amongst others, it deals with the protection of species and ecosystems that warrant national protection, as well as the sustainable use of indigenous biological resources. Sections 52 & 53 of this Act specifically make provision for the protection of critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and protected ecosystems that have undergone, or have a risk of undergoing significant degradation of ecological structure, function or composition as a result of human intervention through threatening processes. The entire extent of the existing informal settlement (and proposed erven layout) falls within the Southern Afrotemperate Forest vegetation type, which has a National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) and NEM:BA Ecosystem Status of Least Threatened, and protection level of moderately protected. The entire extent of the proposed development footprint has been transformed by the existing informal settlement and alien plant infestation, leaving little to no indigenous vegetation at this site. What vegetation remains is predominantly alien invader plants, garden ornamentals, fruit trees and vegetables planted by the current land occupiers. See Site Photographs in Appendix B and the Vegetation Map in Appendix A. A disturbed seepage line starts within the Western Portion of the Ethembeni informal settlement, fed by two informal stormwater lines draining from the DR1783 above the settlement (one below the old Concordia Sawmill site and the other from the south-east of the site). In addition a small seepage line drains stormwater from the steep embankment of the DR1783 above within the Eastern Portion of the informal settlement. Both these small seepage line drain into the Sout Rivier valley to the north, which ultimately feeds into the Knysna Estuary. A Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) has been designated over the entire Sout River catchment to the north, and extends over both the western and eastern portions of the Ethembeni informal settlement. It is postulated that as these areas were originally earmarked for open space, due to the steep slopes and need for a buffer between the formal settlement and the river valley, the adjacent CBA area was delineated as such (see Appendix A for CBA map). A detailed aerial and topographical survey of the development site was undertaken, to inform the siting of the proposed plots/erven and services within the existing disturbed settlement footprint National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES) for S.A (2010) Considering that South Africa s protected area network currently falls far short of sustaining biodiversity and ecological processes, the NPEAS aims to achieve cost-effective protected area expansion for ecological sustainability and increased resilience to Climate Change. Protected areas, recognised by the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of iv Final Basic Assessment Report

12 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/ ), are considered formal protected areas in the NPAES. The NPAES sets targets for expansion of these protected areas, provides maps of the most important protected area expansion, and makes recommendations on mechanisms for protected area expansion. The Ethembeni Informal Settlement site is located in proximity to one such formally protected area, namely the Knysna Lakes Area of the Garden Route National Park, located approximately 1.4km to the south-west (over the Knysna Lagoon). However, no protected area expansion is proposed in proximity of the Ethembeni site. (see Location Plan in Appendix A). The NPAES identifies 42 focus areas for land-based protected area expansion in South Africa. These are large intact and unfragmented areas suitable for the creation or expansion of large protected areas. The NPAES does not deal with the site-scale planning on exactly which sites should be included in the protected area network, nor with detailed implementation planning for expanding protected areas. This responsibility lies with protected area agencies, such as provincial conservation authorities (e.g. Cape Nature), South African National Parks (SANParks) and World Heritage Site Authorities (Heritage Western Cape - HWC). The Knysna Section of the Garden Route National Park, Cape Nature and HWC are registered as key stakeholders for this environmental process and have provided comment on this housing development is relation to the Knysna area. See Comments & Response Table in Annexure E1 attached) The National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NBA)(2011) The NBA 2011 assesses the state of South Africa s biodiversity, across terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and marine environments, emphasising spatial (mapped) information for both ecosystems and species. The NBA is central to fulfilling the South African National Biodiversity Institute s (SANBI) mandate in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) to monitor and report regularly on the state of biodiversity, and includes two headline indicators that are assessed across all environments: ecosystem threat status and ecosystem protection level. Information from the NBA can thus be used to streamline environmental decision-making, strengthen land-use planning, strengthen strategic planning about optimal development futures for South Africa, and identify priorities for management and restoration of ecosystems with related opportunities for ecosystem-based job creation. In terms of this development proposal, the ecosystem status and condition of the vegetation types in proximity to the site, as well as the nearest priority ecosystems: the Sout Rivier and the Knysna Estuary have been considered. In addition, the location of the development site in relation to the nearest Critical Biodiversity Area, Ecosystem Support Areas, NPAES and National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) have been considered in this assessment Garden Route Biodiversity Sector Plan (GRBSP) A Biodiversity Sector Plan (BSP) provides a way forward in reconciling the conflict between development and the maintenance of natural systems. It provides biodiversity information needed for land-use planning and decision-making and other multi-sectoral planning processes (between Cape Nature / SANParks, DEA&DP and Department of Water Affairs, district and local municipalities etc.). Central to the Garden Route BSP is the Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) Map, which together with its associated guidelines and GIS maps, have been consulted in the assessment of this development proposal. As mentioned above, the entire existing Ethembeni informal settlement (and proposed erven layout) falls within a CBA associated with the Sout Rivier catchment to the north of the site. The management guidelines for CBAs were consulted, and the following can be confirmed: v Final Basic Assessment Report

13 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 As the proposed development will be confined to the already disturbed footprint of the existing informal settlement, no further natural habitat loss or fragmentation will take place; The existing natural linkage / corridor and hydrological processes / quality of the stormwater / seepage line and the Sout Rivier drainage line to the north will be maintained, and potentially improved, should the recommendations for stormwater dissipation, erosion avoidance and rehabilitation (alien plant removal), be implemented; Recommendations have been made in the EMP that regular monitoring and reporting of biodiversity and/or change in land use by the Department of Forestry (DAFF), the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) and the Knysna Municipality be undertaken to prevent the possible edge-effect / expansion of this settlement beyond its existing footprint, into the natural area to the north (Sout Rivier valley / forest). In addition, recommendations have been made pertaining to the consideration of high-density housing for the future subsidy housing phase, to accommodate more people. Recommendations have been made in the EMP to prioritise the Ethembeni settlement and the adjacent river valley area for alien clearing and rehabilitation (input for SANParks, Cape Nature, DAFF and DWA in this regard in terms of existing active Working for Water and Working on Fire programmes in the area); The management conditions / controls for settlement/urban and infrastructure land-use will be adhered to in that the development will be contained within the already disturbed footprint (see site photos from site assessment in Appendix B), within the urban edge of Knysna (to avoid urban sprawl). The loss of the abovementioned portions of the CBA by the existing informal settlement (and planned erven layout) within the urban edge of Knysna, have been shown on the CBA map (Appendix A) and GIS shapefiles (and DWG file) of the proposed layout provided to CapeNature, SANParks, Department of Agriculture, Department of Water Affairs and Department of Forestry. It is noted that the proposed formalisation of the Ethembeni Settlement is not compatible with the Desired Management Objectives of the CBA, however the settlement is existing, within the urban edge and the proposed formalisation will not result in the loss of any further natural habitat. Unfortunately no biodiversity offset areas remain in the Knysna area for consideration. 3.4 REGULATIONS FOR THE PROPER ADMINISTRATION OF THE KNYSNA PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT (R1175 OF NEM: PAA) South African National Parks (SANParks) is the competent authority for the implementation and authorisation of activities in terms of Regulation 1175 for the Proper Adminstration of the Knysna Protected Environment, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEM:PAA). The following applies within the Knysna area: Biodiversity Control Areas : the water area and state land : State Land : Any protected environment which vests in national, provincial or local government, placed under management or control of SANParks. The SANParks Protected Environment, in this case is the Knysna National Lake Area: all proclaimed land and water areas, as well as all further land and water areas formally proclaimed by the Minister to form part of the Knysna Protected Environment. Water Area : water & bed of the Knysna Lagoon, the Knysna, Salt, Bongani and Bigai rivers, any wetland associated with the above, vi Final Basic Assessment Report

14 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 the sea and seashore, including up to the highwater mark or the highest water level in the abovementioned systems (as a result of tides or ordinary storms, occurring during the most stormy period of the year i.e. the 1:100 year floodline). Development Control Areas : the biodiversity control area, and land situated within 50m inland of the (i) water area and (ii) the highwater mark or 1:100 year floodline. As the Ethembeni settlement is located adjacent to the Salt River (a Biodiversity Control Area) and the on-site seepage lines (and associated 1:100 year floodline) are considered to be Development Control Areas, in terms of the above Regulation, authorisation is required from the SANParks, as a competent authoiry, in this case. As this authorisation is considered to be a prerequisite for an Environmental Authorisation in terms of NEMA, SANParks has been requested to review contents of this FBAR to inform their decision, to be submitted to DEA. 3.5 NATIONAL FORESTS ACT (NFA) (NO. 84 OF 1998): The National Forests Act provides for the protection of forests as well as specific tree species, quoting directly from the Act: no person may cut, disturb, damage or destroy any protected tree or possess, collect, remove, transport, export, purchase, sell, donate or in any other manner acquire or dispose of any protected tree or any forest product derived from a protected tree, except under a licence or exemption granted by the Minister to an applicant and subject to such period and conditions as may be stipulated. Although several indigenous plants are present, no protected tree species were observed at or in proximity to the Ethembeni informal settlement. An area of disturbed Afrotemperate Forest is restricted to the Sout Rivier drainage line to the north of the site, which may contain protected trees. Recommendations in terms of site demarcation and no-go areas have been included in the attached Environmental Management Programme (EMP), and the Department of Forestry has confirmed that they have no comment in this regard, as no protected trees, as per Section 15, or indigenous forest, as per Section 7 of the NFA, are to be affected by the proposed development. 3.6 CONSERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES ACT (CARA) (ACT 43 OF 1983): CARA provides for the regulation of control over the utilisation of the natural agricultural resources in order to promote the conservation of soil, water and vegetation and provides for combating weeds and invader plant species. The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act defines different categories of alien plants: Category 1 - prohibited and must be controlled; Category 2 must be grown within a demarcated area under permit; and Category 3 - ornamental plants that may no longer be planted, but existing plants may remain provided that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent the spreading thereof, except within the floodlines of water courses and wetlands. There is an abundance of alien plant species within and surrounding the Ethembeni settlement site, which will require control and/or removal. In addition, evidence of erosion was noted at the site, particularly within the seepage and drainage line areas. Recommendations in terms of alien plant removal / control, and erosion control (and rehabilitation) have been included in the attached Environmental Management Programme (EMP). vii Final Basic Assessment Report

15 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/ NATIONAL VELD & FOREST FIRE ACT (NVFFA) (ACT 101 OF 1998) The purpose of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act is to prevent and combat veld, forest and mountain fires throughout the Republic of South Africa and to provide institutions, methods and practices for achieving this purpose. Institutions include the formation bodies such as Fire Protection Associations (FPA s) and Working on Fire. The Act provides the guidelines and constitution for the implementation of these institutions, as well as their functions and requirements. Every owner on whose land a veldfire may start or burn or from whose land it may spread must prepare and maintain a firebreak on his or her side of the boundary between his or her land and any adjoining land. The procedure in this regard and the role of adjoining owners and the fire protection association are dealt with within this Act. The Ethembeni informal settlement is located near a disturbed Afrotemperate Forest restricted to the Sout Rivier drainage line to the north of the site. Considering the abundance of alien vegetation, the occurrence of fire in the area is considered high and a significant risk to the site and the surrounding area. Therefore, recommendations is terms of management of alien plant biomass within and surrounding the site, fire breaks and fire control have been included in the attached Environmental Management Programme (EMP). The Department of Forestry has confirmed that the provisions of the NVFFA do not apply to the proposed development. 3.8 NATURE & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION ORDINANCE (19 OF 1974) This legislation was developed to protect both animal and plant species within the various provinces of the country which warrant protection. These may be species which are under threat or which are already considered to be endangered. The provincial environmental authorities are responsible for implementing the provisions of this legislation, which includes the issuing of permits etc. In the Western Cape, Cape Nature fulfils this mandate. Very little natural vegetation or habitat remains at the existing Ethembeni Informal Settlement and no endangered plant species were observed. Recommendations regarding the protection and rehabilitation of the remaining indigenous plants have been included in this Report and the EMP. 3.9 OUTENIQUA SENSITIVE COASTAL AREA (OSCA) (1998) The Ethembeni informal settlement falls within the Outeniqua Sensitive Coastal Area within the Knysna region. The relevant OSCA Permit Application will be compiled and submitted to the Knysna Municipality should the Environmental Authorisation be received for this development proposal NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES ACT (NHRA) (NO 25 OF 1999) The protection and management of South Africa s heritage resources are controlled by the National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999). Heritage Western Cape (HWC) is the enforcing authority in the Western Cape, and is registered as a Stakeholder for this environmental process. In terms of Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act, HWC will comment on the proposal, as the following activities are relevant: the construction of a road, wall, power line, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or barrier exceeding 300m in length; viii Final Basic Assessment Report

16 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 any development or other activity which will change the character of a site exceeding m² in extent; Furthermore, in terms of Section 34(1), no person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a structure, which is older than 60 years without a permit issued by the HWC, or the responsible resources authority. No buildings older than 60 years and heritage significance were identified within the informal Ethembeni settlement. Nor may anyone destroy, damage, alter, exhume or remove from its original position, or otherwise disturb, any grave or burial ground older than 60 years, which is situated outside a formal cemetery administered by a local authority, without a permit issued by the SAHRA, or a provincial heritage authority, in terms of Section 36 (3). No grave sites were found within the informal Ethembeni settlement. In terms of Section 35 (4), no person may destroy, damage, excavate, alter or remove from its original position, or collect, any archaeological material or object, without a permit issued by the SAHRA, or the responsible resources authority. Recommendations in this regard are detailed in the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) compiled to guide the construction activities NATIONAL WATER ACT (NWA) (NO 36 OF 1998) Section 21c & i of the National Water Act (NWA) requires that authorisation be applied for from the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) for any activity in, or in proximity to any watercourse. The northern extent of both Portions of the informal Ethembeni settlement contain disturbed seepage lines, which drain into the Sout Rivier to the north (the northern boundary of the site). Although the portions of the existing informal settlement (and proposed erven layout) may well extend within 32m of these seeps, the proposed formalisation of erven and installation of services are to remain within / be limited by the existing disturbed footprint and recommendations related to management of stormwater and avoidance of erosion have been made in this document and the attached EMP. In their comment on the Draft BAR, the Department of Water Affairs requested that the Municipality provide confirmation that bulk service capacity exists, and that the 1:100 year floodline for the on-site seepage line be determined. Confirmation of bulk service capacity has been provided by the Municipality (attached in Appendix G). The 1:100 year floodline on seepage lines have been determined and it can be confirmed that the proposed erven fall outside of this floodline area. Short sections of the water and sewer infrastructure do however fall within the small seepage line / 1:100 year floodline area within the Eastern Portion settlement. This will however result in minimal impacts to this seepage line, should the recommendations pertaining to erosion and silt control be implemented. A map indicating the location of the bulk associated infrastructure (sewer pipelines & pumpstations, roads, water pipelines, stormwater collection & disposal) in relation to the 1:100 year floodline, as requested by DWA, is provided in Appenidix C, Annexure C THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK: STATUTORY REPORT (PSDF) (2009) The purpose of the PSDF is to: be the spatial expression of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS); guide (metropolitan, district and local) municipal integrated development plans (IDPs) and spatial development frameworks (SDFs) and provincial and municipal framework plans (i.e. sub-sdf spatial plans); help prioritise and align investment and infrastructure plans of other provincial departments, as well as national departments' and parastatals' plans and programmes in the Province; ix Final Basic Assessment Report

17 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 provide clear signals to the private sector about desired development directions; increase predictability in the development environment, for example by establishing no-go, conditional and go areas for development; and, redress the spatial legacy of apartheid. The Western Cape PSDF takes as its starting point the goal of sustainable development. Development is only acceptable and in the public interest if it is ecologically justifiable, socially equitable and economically viable, i.e. environmentally sustainable. The PSDF was formulated at a time when a number of natural and built environment and socio-economic trends in the Province were reaching critical proportions. These include (but not limited to): continuing problems resulting from demands for services and housing as a result of on-going migration, along with funding and capacity constraints. The slow progress in meaningful alteration of the socio-economic and physical patterns of the Province's urban settlements thereby continuing the patterns of apartheid development. In line with the Western Cape government s will to address the socio-economic marginalisation of apartheid, human development programs (education, health, sport and recreation, criminal and addiction rehabilitation, skills training and entrepreneurial development) and basic needs (minimum services water, sanitation, electricity) shall be delivered wherever they are required. Settlements with high levels of human need, which include settlements with high as well as low economic growth potential, should be prioritised from state funds for the delivery of human resource development and minimum basic services programs. In other settlements, the reuse and renovation of existing facilities should be prioritised. Knysna is considered in the PSDF to be an area for high priority fixed investment urban settlement, with the formalisation of erven and provision of basic services to existing settlements, a priority. The Ethembeni settlement is one such area of focus KNYSNA SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (SDF)(2008) According to the Knysna SDF, informal settlements tend to be characterised by infrastructure that is inadequate, spatial environments that are of poor quality, population densities that are uncontrolled and may become uncontrollably high, dwellings that are inadequate, poor access to health and education facilities and employment opportunities, as well as a lack of effective government management. In review of the existing informal settlements in the Knysna area, the Northern Areas of the Knysna Basin, in which the existing Ethembeni settlement occurs, are considered target areas for upgrading. The SDF proposals & policy guidelines for the upgrading of this northern area include: the upgrading of the informal settlements, while the SDF planning and design projects include initiating a public space development programme and focussing on route quality (streets). The entire Ethembeni site was originally planned as a public open spaces area, prior to occupation by the informal residents. It is proposed that the seepage line areas will designated as an open space area, cleared of alien plants and rehabilitated. The proposed development will also include primary access roads, accessed off the existing DR1783. Indeed, the Concordia area has been highlighted as part of the 5-year SDF targets, as far as the continued upgrading of services infrastructure to permit residential densification KNYSNA INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP) ( ) During November 2011, the Department of Human Settlements, in collaboration with the Municipality, compiled an Informal Settlement Database. A survey was conducted to identify informal settlements where the minimum requirements of 5 households per sanitation facility and 25 families per water tap were not met, and budget to remedy this situation was allocated accordingly. The Municipality s greatest challenge regarding sanitation is to expand the x Final Basic Assessment Report

18 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 infrastructure to meet future development requirements. There are currently seven waste water works in the Greater Knysna Management Area. The functioning of the Knysna works is of critical concern given its proximity to the estuary and the aged infrastructure. A major upgrade and refurbishment of the Knysna Waste Water Treatment works is underway and will result in additional capacity to the currently overloaded works. The outflow from the plant is monitored by the Eden District Municipality, and this monitoring includes monitoring several sites in the Knysna estuary. Informal settlement areas having limited or no access to adequate toilet and waste water disposal systems. Despite efforts to maintain the cleanliness of the town, particularly in close proximity to the estuary, forests, seashore and other conservation areas, it must be emphasized that any pollution arising within the urban edge will ultimately impact upon the estuary as it is ultimately carried along streams and stormwater channels that terminate in the estuary. Similarly, the natural watercourses, stormwater channels and groundwater may be polluted from a number of human-induced factors. The small seepage lines draining into the Sout Rivier to the north of the Ethembeni settlement are watercourses which currently receive effluent and general household waste arising from the informal settlement. The proposed installation of sewerage reticulation, proper stormwater management structures and waste removal services associated with the formalisation of the settlement will decrease this pollution. There are approximately formal and informal households in Greater Knysna. The majority of the informal households currently receive water via communal standpipes. The formalisation of Ethembeni will allow for piped water to be provided to each formal plot / erf. According to the Knysna IDP, Ethembeni falls within Ward 8, located at the edge of the highly populated Northern Area of Knysna. The development needs identified for Ward 8, include housing development (priority 1). The mushrooming of informal settlements in areas such as Hlalani, Oupad, Edameni, Ethembeni, Gaatjie, Sizamile and Nekkies, as well as Ethembeni in Concordia, creates the continuous need for additional electrification capacity. The municipality has planned the following to address these needs: The municipality submitted formal applications to increase the intake at the Knysna Eastford and at the Sedgefield substations. Council also budgeted for counter funding for the electrification of a number of informal areas which are incorporated into designated township layouts. The bulk of this funding for this reticulation is from the Department of Energy. The Department has also committed to providing funds for the upgrading of the bulk infra-structure in the Northern Areas which is currently at capacity. Eskom is currently upgrading the line between Blanco, George and Bitou and this will free up considerable electricity capacity. Many roads in the informal settlements of Dam se Bos, Edameni, Hlalani, Sizamile, and Ethembeni are poor and relatively inaccessible, especially for medical and rescue services. The Municipality has made provision for resealing, graveling and rehabilitation of roads in some of the more seriously affected areas. The provision of a safe access point / entrance, primary and secondary roads to Ethembeni forms part of this proposal. With the abovementioned establishment of an access road network into Ethembeni the Municipality will be able to remove garbage on a weekly basis, for transfer to a landfill site outside of Knysna at Petro SA, near Mossel Bay, which complies with the national dumping site requirements. xi Final Basic Assessment Report

19 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/ LESS FORMAL TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT AREA ACT (NO. 113 OF 1991) Although the area has been designated as a Less formal Settlement Area in terms of Act 113, there is no apparent benefit in applying for the development rights under this legislation. The provincial Government confirmed that the local authority could approve the township in terms of the Land Use Planning Ordinance (Ordinance 15 of 1985) LAND USE PLANNING ORDINANCE (LUPO) (ORDINANCE 15 OF 1985): The properties in question are zoned Undetermined and will have to be rezoned to Subdivisional Area to allow the establishment of a formal township. The approval of the detailed subdivision plan will follow the approval of the rezoning, which will include a public participation process, as determined by the municipality THE NATIONAL ROADS ACT (ACT NO.7 OF 1998) The Ethembeni settlement site borders onto the future N2 Bypass / National Raod Proclamation Zone. The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has provided a comment of no objection to the proposed development, subjected to the instatement of a 5m building restriction, measured from the southern proclaimed boundary of the N2 road reserve. Although this building line extends over several erven, the future housing will be extended from this area SUSTAINABILITY IMPERATIVE The norm implicit to our environmental law is the notion of sustainable development ( SD ). SD and sustainable use and exploitation of natural resources are at the core of the protection of the environment. SD is generally accepted to mean development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The evolving elements of the concept of SD inter alia include the right to develop; the pursuit of equity in the use and allocation of natural resources (the principle of intra-generational equity) and the need to preserve natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. Economic development, social development and the protection of the environment are considered the pillars of SD (the triple bottom line). Man-land relationships require a holistic perspective, an ability to appreciate the many aspects that make up the real problems. Sustainable planning has to confront the physical, social, environmental and economic challenges and conflicting aspirations of local communities. The imperative of sustainable planning translates into notions of striking a balance between the many competing interests in the ecological, economic and social fields in a planned manner. The triple bottom line objectives of sustainable planning and development should be understood in terms of economic efficiency (employment and economic growth), social equity (human needs) and ecological integrity (ecological capital). As was pointed out by the Constitutional Court, SD does not require the cessation of socioeconomic development but seeks to regulate the manner in which it takes place. The idea that developmental and environmental protection must be reconciled is central to the concept of SD - it implies the accommodation, reconciliation and (in some instances) integration between economic development, social development and environmental protection. It is regarded as providing a conceptual bridge between the right to social and economic development, and the need to protect the environment. Our Constitutional Court has pointed out that the requirement that environmental authorities must place people and their needs at the forefront of their concern so that environmental xii Final Basic Assessment Report

20 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 management can serve their developmental, cultural and social interests, can be achieved if a development is sustainable. The very idea of sustainability implies continuity. It reflects the concern for social and developmental equity between generations, a concern that must logically be extended to equity within each generation. This concern is reflected in the principles of intergenerational and intra-generational equity which are embodied in both section 24 of the Constitution and the principles of environmental management contained in NEMA. [Emphasis added.] In terms of NEMA sustainable development requires the integration of the relevant factors, the purpose of which is to ensure that development serves present and future generations. 2 It is believed that the proposed formalisation of the Ethembeni Settlement supports the notion of sustainable development by presenting a reasonable and feasible alternative to the existing informal settlement land use, which has resulted in several associated environmental and health impacts (erosion, poor sanitation, illegal dumping etc.). Furthermore the proposed formalisation (providing formal, managed erven and services) is in line with the national goal of provision of basic needs, thereby providing long-term benefits to future generations in a sustainable manner. 4 SITE DESCRIPTION AND ATTRIBUTES The following sections provide a description of the environmental and built context of the target site / portion of Rem. Erf 214 Knysna, with particular focus of the Ethembeni informal settlement / development site. 4.1 LOCATION & CONTEXT The proposed development site / existing Ethembeni Informal Settlement (±3.7ha in extent) forms part of Remainder Erf 214 (approximately ±880ha in extent) and is situated ±2,6km northeast of the Knysna historic town centre, directly east of the former Concordia sawmill and north of the Masifunde Municipal Operational Node. The formal Ethembeni township was one of the phases of the Robololo/Concordia West township development, which was designated as a Less Formal Settlement area in terms of the Less Formal Township Establishment Act (Act 113 of 1991) in Although adjacent to the formal Ethembeni Township, the current Ethembeni Informal Settlement site falls outside the General Plan of the formalised township. Originally intended as public open space, a buffer between the formal settlement and the Sout Rivier valley, the informal Ethembeni settlement site currently accommodates more than 185 informal dwellings. The site is effectively divided into two portions, one of either side of a small hill occupied by a historic Church precinct, located on a fenced, square plot (on Erf 2068). The Western Portion of the site is situated directly east of the former Concordia sawmill site and an active refuse dump, while the Eastern Portion occupies the sloped area to the south and south-east of the abovementioned Church property. Remainder Erf 214 is owned by the Knysna Municipality and according to the Knysna Zoning Scheme, the property is currently zoned as Undetermined. There are no known title deed restrictions on this property, and the current land use is informal settlement. 2 See definition of sustainable development in section 1 of NEMA. xiii Final Basic Assessment Report

21 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 Fig. 2: Landscape view of the Western Portion of Ethembeni Informal Settlement. Note dump and SawMill platform to the west and the hill to east (Church behind trees). Fig. 3: View east across the Eastern Portion. Fig. 4: View west across the Eastern Portion. Note historic Church and rondaval on hill crest. 4.2 EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE In August 2012, a survey of the existing informal dwellings was undertaken, which reported approximately 125 informal dwellings to be located within the developable area, with a further 60+ shelters situated within the proclaimed future N2 Bypass Highway Road Reserve to the north of both portions of the settlement. It was however noted during the site visits in April and July 2013 that the number of informal dwellings has increased substantially. Vehicular access is restricted to an informal track into the Western Portion, with access to individual dwellings primarily via a network of pedestrian footpaths. The main road above / south of the Ethembeni site is the Divisional Road No The current level of basic services is limited to several water stand-pipes, portable and long-drop toilets, and partial connection to waterborne sewage reticulation and electrical reticulation, which have in the meantime been provided to portions of the site by the Knysna Municipality. An existing 150mm sewer gravity line crosses the Western Portion of the site, south-west to north-east. Existing land use in the proximity of the site includes the historic Church precinct, a strip of formal houses directly to the west of the Church and two blocks of formal houses between the Western Portion of the site and the recently-developed Masifunde Municipal Operational Node 1 (fire station, community centre, day-care centre, taxi rank, library, etc.) directly to the south, across the DR1783. As mentioned above, the Western Portion of the informal Ethembeni site borders of the old Sawmill site, as well as an active refuse dump site. xiv Final Basic Assessment Report

22 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 Fig 5: View west across Western Portion onto old Sawmill site and dump. Fig 6: Historic Church & rondaval on hilltop. 4.3 TOPOGRAPHY & SOILS As mentioned above, the development area is split into two distinct areas / portions, one on either site of the Church erf. In the Western Portion the majority of the community has settled on the steep west-facing slope of a north-south valley. The low lying area of the valley is very wet. The valley floor of the Western Portion is relatively flat and wide, narrowing to form a seepage line to the north, into the forest of the Sout Rivier Valley. The Eastern Portion is less steep, with the community settled around a narrow north-facing slope above the Sout Rivier Valley, below and to the east of the Church erf. (see Survey as VPM Diagram 2 and Slope Analysis as VPM Diagram 3 in Appendix C). Large sectors of the both Portions of the site are characterized with gradients of approximately 30% or steeper. Fig 7: West-facing slope of Western Portion Fig 8: View east across Eastern Portion. According to SANBI BGIS, the soils in the area are classified as undifferentiated structureless soils, which are described as having a sand texture, leached with subsurface accumulation of organic matter and aluminium, with or without iron oxides, either deep or on hard / weathered rock. These soils could have one or more that the following attributes: low base status, restricted soil depth, excessive or imperfect drainage and high erodibility. 4.4 VEGETATION The Western Portion of the Ethembeni settlement surrounds a small seepage line which drains to the north into the Sout Rivier valley. The indigenous forest associated with this small seepage line has largely been removed to make space for the informal dwellings and associated access paths / tracks, long-drop toilets, pig pens and vegetable gardens. This xv Final Basic Assessment Report

23 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 disturbance has allowed the emergence of several species of alien plants, however several individual indigenous trees and shrubs still remain. In general, vegetation within the Ethembeni settlement consists of Kukuyi grass, alien plants, garden ornamental and vegetable / fruit tree species planted by the residents. The vegetation along the western slope of the Western Portion (below the old Saw Mill and dump) consists of Kukuyi and Pampas grass, Black Wattle, Blackwood, Port Jackson and Keurboom trees. The low-lying area below this slope, at the head of the seepage line, consists of wetland grasses and reeds. Vegetation within the seepage line includes the following indigenous plants: Virgillia (Keurboom), Rhus lucida, Psoralea and Arum Lily, and alien plants: Kukuyi grass, Bracken Fern, Plectranthus, Ink-bessie, Bugweed, Port Jackson, Blackwood and Black Wattle. A single large tree, which appears to be a Hard Pear (Olinia ventosa), remains on the edge of the forest vegetation. No protected trees or plant species were observed. An informal vehicle track leads right up to a dwelling on the eastern bank of the small seepage line to the north of the Western Portion of the Ethembeni settlement. The low-lying area crossed by this track appears to be very wet and associated with surface drainage from the surrounding slopes. Figure 9: View north across Western Portion of Ethembeni settlement. Note vehicle track leading to dwelling on bank of seepage line into forest. Fig 10: Pampas grass on slope below SawMill & dump. Fig 11: Wetland reed/grasses in low-lying seepage area. Fig 12: Informal dwellings between dumpsite and seepage line. Note large indigenous tree within line. Fig 13: Vegetation within seepage line. Note Bugweed, Rhus, Plectranthus & Keurboom. xvi Final Basic Assessment Report

24 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 Fig 14: View south from seepage line edge. Note track on left of photo. Fig 15: View north from edge of seepage line. Note garage at end of track and vegetable garden on drainage line bank. A solitary Rhus chirindensis (Red Currant) tree is located amongst the informal dwellings within the Western Portion of the Ethembeni settlement. It is recommended that this lone tree be left in situ. Fig 16: Lone Red Currant tree within settlement Fig 17: Main access into Western Portion. Note Red Currant tree on left & forest in distance. The Eastern Portion of the Ethembeni settlement is situated on the edge of the disturbed forest of the Sout Rivier valley. The majority of the forest edge vegetation has been removed to make way for the informal dwellings. Plant species found within and in the immediate surroundings of the informal settlement include: Kykuyi grass, Pine, Black Wattle, Blackwood, Rhus lucida and Keurboom. No protected trees or plants were observed. Fig 18 & 19: Eastern Portion of Ethembeni informal settlement. Note forest on slope below. According to the Vegetation Map of South Africa (2006) the entire extent of the existing informal settlement (and proposed erven layout) falls within the Southern Afrotemperate Forest xvii Final Basic Assessment Report

25 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 vegetation type, which has a National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) and NEM:BA Ecosystem Status of Least Threatened. The entire extent of the proposed development footprint however, has been transformed by the existing informal settlement (and associated subsistence land-use) and alien plant infestation. What vegetation remains is predominantly alien invader plants, garden ornamentals, fruit trees (Avocado, Guava, Banana etc.) and vegetables planted by the current land occupiers. A small number of indigenous reeds/grass, tree and shrub species remain within the northern extent of the seepage line area in proximity to the Sout Rivier forested valley. See Vegetation Map in Appendix A. 4.5 HYDROLOGICAL FEATURES Both the Western and Eastern Portions of the informal settlement fall on land originally earmarked for open space designated as a buffer between the formal settlement and the Sout Rivier valley (later expropriated for the future N2 Bypass Highway). As such, the entire extent of the informal settlement falls within the Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) associated with the drainage line to the north. A small, disturbed seepage line drains below the Western Portion of the Ethembeni settlement towards the Sout Rivier valley to the north. This seepage line is in a poor condition, due to the infestation of alien plants, as well as pollution from refuse and effluent (contaminated stormwater and groundwater from long-drop toilets, informal tracks and live-stock pens) arising from the informal settlement. It must be noted that the Sout Rivier drains into the Knysna Estuary and thus pollution arising from this informal settlement has an indirect influence on the ecological health of this sensitive system. Individual indigenous plants and trees do remain within and beyond the seepage line area and it is recommended that these be left in situ and the area rehabilitated (alien plants removed and area cleaned up). Fig 20: Seepage line into forest Note long-drop toilet on bank. Fig 21: Seepage line below shelters and peg pen. Note small bridge constructed to provide access. A stormwater channel / minor seepage line arises below the steep road embankment above the Eastern Portion of the settlement, and drains towards the Sout Rivier valley to the north. The majority of the vegetation associated with this head of this seepage line has been removed to make way for the informal dwellings. Although not clearly discernible on-site, the alignment of this seepage line can be seen by the contours (see VPM Diagram 2 Survey, in Appendix C). As recommended in the Draft BAR, as well as key Stakeholders (DWA, SANParks & DEA&DP) the 1:100 year floodlines of the two seepage line mentioned above were determined. It can be confirmed that the proposed erven fall outside of these floodline areas. Short sections of the xviii Final Basic Assessment Report

26 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 water and sewer infrastructure do however fall within the small seepage line / 1:100 year floodline area within the Eastern Portion settlement. This will however result in minimal impacts to this seepage line, should the recommendations pertaining to erosion and silt control be implemented. A map indicating the location of the bulk associated infrastructure (sewer pipelines & pumpstations, roads, water pipelines, stormwater collection & disposal) in relation to the 1:100 year floodline, as requested by DWA, is provided in Appenidix C, Annexure C2. 5 ACTIVITY Ethembeni is an existing informal community with limited services. Despite the recent installation of electricity to this community by the Knysna Municipality, the living conditions are unacceptable and create a health risk to the residents and the surrounding areas, in addition to the allowing continued degradation of the environment due to poor management of waste, effluent and stormwater. The Knysna Municipality needs to intervene as a matter of urgency, to relieve the squatter situation and to prevent potential community unrest. The development proposal is thus not to create a new township, but rather to upgrade / formalise the in situ / existing informal settlement area. 5.1 FORMALISATION OF ERVEN It is increasingly acknowledged that incremental in situ upgrading is more likely to improve living conditions and reduce poverty as communities are able to maintain important social networks and livelihood strategies while improvements are made in their physical living environments. The design principle applicable to this project is to upgrade the area by creating a layout that will allow a functional infrastructure network with minimum disturbance to existing community. The aim is to retain as many of the existing dwellings as possible and to accommodate all the existing residents on the site. The topography, as well as all existing informal dwellings and structures were surveyed in 2012 (see Diagram 2: Survey and Diagram 3: Slope Analysis in Appendix C), which informed the design of the preferred layout alternatives Development / Layout Alternative A (Discarded) The Knysna Municipality proposes the formalisation of approximately 180 single residential erven, with basic services, over exact footprint of the existing informal settlement (excluding the N2 Bypass Road Reserve). Proposed erf sizes will vary between 60m² and 120m² and are based on the existing land use and ownership patterns. These erven have been designed to accommodate the residents (as recorded on Aug.2012) on the land current disturbed by the existing informal settlement, as well as the occupants of the currently residing within the N2 Bypass Road Reserve. The detailed layout plan is attached as VPM Diagram 4 Rev 3 (20 July 2011), in Annexure C1. Due to concerns regarding the stability of the dumpsite above the western slope of the Western Portion of the settlement, this erven layout alternative has since been revised and discarded from the environmental process. Infrastructure layouts associated with water, sewer, road and stormwater infrastructure will however remain almost the same Revised Development / Layout Alternative B (Preferred) In response to concerns raised during the stakeholder site visit (by the community and State Departments), the integrity / stability of the dumpsite above the western slope of the Western Portion of the settlement was assessed. It was found that the dumpsite and associated western valley slope are unstable, placing the proposed erven numbers 175 to 184 at risk. xix Final Basic Assessment Report

27 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 The initial erven layout, as presented on the DBAR, has thus been revised to exclude erven Thus the revised and preferred layout proposes the formalisation of approximately 170 residential erven, with basic services, over exact footprint of the existing informal settlement (excluding the western slope of the Western Portion of the settlement and the N2 Bypass Road Reserve). Proposed erf sizes will vary between 60m² and 120m² and are based on the existing land use and ownership patterns. These erven have been designed to accommodate the residents (as recorded on Aug.2012) on the land current disturbed by the existing informal settlement, as well as the occupants of the currently residing within the N2 Bypass Road Reserve and on the western slope below the dumpsite. The detailed layout plan is attached as VPM Diagram 4, Rev 4 (1 September 2013), in Annexure C2. This Layout plan has been accepted by the community and by the Knysna Municipality (during several community / ward committee meetings). It is submitted that the proposal for single-storey, single residential units, on the formalised erven within the future subsidy housing phase, may be amended to consider higher density housing options (double storey & semi-detached etc.), as the Municipality s need to accommodate more people is realised. These high density housing options will however remain within the settlement footprint, as assessed and recommended through this environmental process No-Go Alternative The existing Ethembeni informal settlement remains as it is currently. The current status-quo involves the continuation of the informal land occupation situation, with limited electrical supply, poor sanitation (long-drop toilets), communal water pipe stands, poor access (pedestrian pathways and vehicle tracks only) a polluted and dysfunctional stormwater / seepage drainage system and proximity to an unstable dumpsite. This alternative is not considered to be desirable from both social and environmental perspectives (erosion, pollution and health & safety risks) and not recommended. 5.2 SERVICES Being situated within an existing urban area, the site could easily be connected to the surrounding infrastructure networks. The Municipality has indicated that in general, it has limited capacity to provide additional bulk infrastructure services, particularly sewerage treatment capacity, to service new developments in the Greater Knysna Management Area (i.e. not this specific site in isolation). However, the installation of addition service capacity is currently being undertaken to resolve this issue Water The existing informal Ethembeni settlement currently receives potable water via communal water-pipe stands. Water will be provided via 75mm & 110mm upvc water pipelines to each proposed erf. Water supply will be initially extracted from the existing 90mm Ø main line. There is however a newly proposed 200mm Ø connection point situated at the Masifunde node that would serve as the permanent connection to serve this area. In a letter from the Municipal Manager (see Appendix G) it is confirmed that the Knysna Bulk Water Supply Scheme and the Knysna Water Treatment Works (WTW) has capacity to supply 21.25Ml/d, which is sufficient to supply water to the proposed development. The Ethembeni settlement is to be served by the 1.5Ml Concordia Reservior via the 3Ml Knysna North Resevoir, with certain upgraded lengths of the existing 200mm diameter and 160mm diameter gravity mains, which will provide the required storage and flow. xx Final Basic Assessment Report

28 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 Please see the Civil Engineering Report in Appendix D, Annexure D2 for details of the proposed water reticulation system. Calculations are based on the guidelines for Human Settlements Planning & Design for the estimation of water and sewerage services. Water demand to be generated by the proposed development: l/day/erf = 108 m³/day (1.25 l/s), Peak Demand (PF = 5) = 6.25 l/sec Storage requirements Domestic: 48 hrs = m³ Fire flow (moderate risk) = 57.6 m³ Total storage required = m³ Water saving mechanisms recommended to reduce water consumption (water-saving) include the following: Dual Flush Toilets Low flow faucets (in future subsidy housing phase) - Low flow faucets use aerators to reduce the flow of the water. These should be built into the faucet rather than be added as an aftermarket product. The faucets in bathrooms should have a peak flow of less than 10 litres per minute. Geyser and pipe insulation (in future subsidy housing phase) - Apart from the savings in terms of energy as detailed below, insulating geysers and pipes save water, as shorter periods of running the tap to get hot water are required Sewerage The Knysna Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) has recently been upgraded to improve the quality of effluent discharged to the Knysna Estuary and to cater for increased flows up to a nominal flow of 8.2Ml/d. Further extensions are being planned to cater for future flows. The present capacity of the WWTW is sufficient to accept the sewage flow from Ethembeni. See Municipal letter confirm such capacity in Appendix G attached. The Ethembeni development is to have a waterbourne sanitation system, which will be served by the existing pump stations in Concordia West and Jood-se-Kamp. These small sewage pumps stations will be fitted with new and larger pumps, which will ultimately discharge into the Old Place outfall sewer. This outfall sewer is currenly being upgraded and will thus have adequate capacity to convey all sewage flows emanating from the development. Calculations are based on the guidelines for Human Settlements Planning & Design for the estimation of water and sewerage services. A portion of the Western Portion of the existing informal Ethembeni settlement has been connected to limited waterborne sewage reticulation (an existing 150mm ø gravity sewerline), which discharges sewage into a pumpstation located on the western boundary of the site, which in turn pumps into another pumpstation located next to the Masifunde Library. This system of pipes collects effluent water, which may contain solids in suspension from the individual sites. The proposed sewerage reticulation system will consist of 160 mm and 110mm ø upvc Solid Wall pipes, which will connect to two (2) new proposed sewer pump stations, one for each Portion / District of the informal settlement. These pumpstations will discharge into the existing 150mm pipe network via two proposed 75mm ø rising main pipes. Please refer to Civil Engineering Report and Drawing 140 P 02 in Appendix D, Annexure D2; as well as Drawing 140-P-16 in Annexure C2, for details of the proposed sewage pipe system. The Western pumpstation is to be positioned at the low-point on the eastern bank of the seepage line, approximately 10m from the middle of the channel. The Eastern pumpstation will xxi Final Basic Assessment Report

29 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 be positioned at the low-point beside the stormwater channel / seep. These pumpstations need to be positioned at low points, and where possible these positions will be located outside of the 1:100 year floodlines. The new pumpstations will be equipped with two submersible pumps and a sump ( wet well system ). The size and depth of the sump will be sized to accommodate six hours of emergency back-up / storage based on the average dry weather flow (ADWF) which reaches the pumpstation. In the hydraulic design both minor and major losses will be taken into account. Deposition of solids must be prevented by maintaining a velocity of at least 0.7 m/s. Very high velocities should be avoided in order to limit friction losses. For this reason a maximum of 2.5m/s is prescribed. The pumpstation will be made up of the following: Two (2) Flyghts or similar approved submersible pumps. These pumps will be capable of pumping solids of up to 85 mm ø and will be equipped to be able to self-cleanse the bottom of the well. These small pumps are less likely to block as they will be fitted with low efficiency vortex impellers; Starting and stopping of the pumps will automatically occur by predetermined water levels in the sump. This will be done using float controls or electrodes. The controls will be placed as to restrict pump starts to between 4 to 8 per hour for the submersible pumps; and Provision will be made for controlling pumps manually during emergencies and also for maintenance purposes. Although the Engineering Report specifies that no allowance has made for an emergency power failure, it has been recommended in this Report that the abovementioned emergency six hour back-up / storage must be designed to allow for power failure events. The following calculations are based on the guidelines for Human Settlements Planning & Design for the estimation of water and sewerage services: Effluent Using the Harmon Formula to determine the peak factor (calculated at 3.8) and an average of 50% infiltration we summarize as follows: Average Dry Weather Flow (ADWF): 90 m³ / day (1.04 l/s), Potential Wet Weather Flow (PWWF): 684 m³ / day (7.92 l/s) Electricity The Supply Authority for the Ethembeni settlement is the Knysna Municipality, who have confirmed that electrical services have been provided to Ethembeni and are operational (see municipal letter in Appendix G). The following was drawn from an Electrical Services Report compiled by CMB Electrical Engineers in Aug (see Annexure D3). Demand & Capacity The peak kva demand of this development is estimated at 270kVA. Energy saving measures to be investigated, in order to reduce the consumption of electricity by occupants in accordance with the Department of Energy and Eskom s initiatives, include the installation / use of: Solar water heaters Insulation on hot water pipes Low flow taps and faucet aerators Energy efficient lighting i.e. No incandescent lights should be used - only Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and Sodium Vapour (SV) lamps should be utilised (no Mercury Vapour (MV) lights should be considered). xxii Final Basic Assessment Report

30 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 Bulk Electrical Supply Knysna Municipality s Electrical Department will be providing electrical services to the existing informal houses in this area during the 2012/13 government financial year. The bulk supply will be taken at 22kV from various points on the existing overhead lines along the boundaries of the development. Internal Electrical Supply The overhead service connections installed during late 2012 / early 2013 will be relocated to new erven / units. New overhead service connections consisting of UV stable XLPE insulated airdac cables and split-prepayment meters will be provided to new units where the erven were unoccupied. High mast floodlighting will be provided by the Municipality s Electrical Department under a separate project Solid Waste Once the new access and internal road network has been established, the Knysna Municipality will be able to remove household refuse on a weekly basis for disposal at the registered PetroSA dump site in Mossel Bay. The average solid waste to be generated per household is expected to be approximately 0.12m³ / week, with the total solid waste generated by the Ethembeni settlement estimated at 21.6 m³ / week Roads & Stormwater Access Road The proposed road access points to the site will be off the bus route (DR1783). One access point will be via the existing road opposite the new Day Care Centre, while the other will be on a relatively flat area, just east of the Church erf (as indicated in VPM Diagram 4 and the Engineer Drawing P - 03). The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works confirmed that that they have no objection to the proposed informal settlement, provided that the Knysna Municipality proclaims the affected portion of the Divisional Road 1783 as a municipal street, from the existing beginning thereof (at +/- km3.50) up to where it reaches the National Road Proclamation, and subsequently requests this Branch to close (deproclaim) its Provincial Road status. The Municipality has been made aware of this condition. Roadways (refer to Drg no. 140 P - 03) Central to the planning and design of the site s movement network is the need to ensure that there is adequate access to all erven. Due to steep topography and low levels of car ownership adequate is interpreted as being a relatively short public pedestrian pathway leading from a public road. All the properties will be within 25m of the planned road system which is well within the reach of fire truck equipment. Some sections of the proposed internal road network requires considerable cut depths of up to two meters and associated retaining structures. Vehicle access will be limited to erven with direct access to internal roads only. Pedestrian walkways have been introduced to allow access to sites not bordering along the main internal road network. The proposed width of the link road system will be 4.5m. Roads will consist of two structural layers and concrete paving blocks. Certain sections of the roadways are very steep and in such instances formalised pathways have been allowed for. It may be necessary to import rockfill on the lower sections of the roads due to geotechnical characteristics. The layer works will be xxiii Final Basic Assessment Report

31 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 designed for the anticipated traffic loads. Details relating to the proposed road material / construction are included in the Civil Engineering Report in Appendix D, Annexure D2. Stormwater Drainage Provision for effective stormwater drainage shall be made by means of a combination of underground pipes and concrete lined V-drains running parallel to the roadways and discharging into Reno mattress type energy dissipaters beside the two seepage lines to the north of each Portion of the Ethembeni site. The seepage line areas within each Portion of the Ethembeni site are to be retained and maintained as such. Energy dissipaters and anti-erosion structures will be placed strategically to minimize the velocity of runoff entering the seepage line areas on the site, as well as towards the Sout River to the north. The 1:100 year floodlines were determined for the stormwater seepage area draining through the Ethembeni Settlement (see Drawings 140-P-14 & 140-P-16 in Annexure C2, and associated letter from the Engineer). As the Ethembeni Settlement is divided into two areas, each seepage line was considered separately: It was confirmed, by the Engineer that the total catchment area for the development of the Western Portion amounts to 0.136km², which amounts to a cumulative stormwater runoff for a 1:100 flood of Q = 2.018m³/s. No erven of the proposed preferred layout are affected by this 1:100 floodline. The total catchment area for the development of the Eastern Portion amounts to 0.035km², which amounts to a cumulative stormwater runoff for a 1:100 flood of Q = 0.767m³/s. No erven of the proposed preferred layout are affected by this 1:100 floodline Site Stability The site is relatively steep in sections, typical of most areas in the northern areas of Knysna, therefore costly to service, but nevertheless justifiable considering the land availability constraints in Knysna within close proximity to municipal bulk services, schools and public transport (the site borders the main bus route). Due to the steep topography of the terrain, a considerable number of platforms and retaining walls options are being considered. Please see Civil Engineering Report in Appendix D, Annexure D2 for examples of these retaining wall options (Types A D). 5.3 ACTIVITY ALTERNATIVES The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process requires the consideration of Alternatives when assessing activities. According to the Guide on Alternatives (DEA&DP, 2010) alternatives are identified as: different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to: (a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; (b) the type of activity to be undertaken; (c) the design or layout of the activity; (d) the technology to be used in the activity or process alternatives; (e) the operational aspects of the activity; and (f) the option of not implementing the activity. Possible Alternatives that may have been considered for the proposed activity are: Table 2: Activity Alternatives Considered TYPE OF ALTERNATIVE Location / Site FORMALISATION OF ETHEMBENI SETTLEMENT There are more than 185 informal dwellings currently occupying the Ethembeni informal settlement site. The option of removing these informal residents to another site cannot be considered, as no xxiv Final Basic Assessment Report

32 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 Type of Activity Design or Layout alternative site exists. The purpose of this activity is to provide the residents of Ethembeni with secure tenure on the land on which they currently reside, by means of formalising these erven and providing basic services (to improve living and health conditions). This formalisation process is required to be inplace, should subsidy housing be developed in future on these erven for these residents. No alternative type of activity for this erf formalisation is thus under consideration, other than the no-go / status-quo. The proposed erven layout has been guided by the positioning of the existing informal dwellings and thus very few alternatives or options for erven layout exist. However, with confirmation of the instability of the dumpsite above the western slope of the Western Portion of the settlement, a total of ten (10) erven proposed for this area have been removed from the layout, due to the potential safety risks involved. Further design variation considerations include the following: Type and slope / angle of retaining wall structures for terraced erven platforms; Road and pedestrian pathway layout limited to the existing dwelling and pathway positioning in relation to accessibility to proposed erven, contour lines and existing roadways. Positioning of service connection points limited by the location of existing services infrastructure. Very few to no design / layout alternatives are available as these are guided by the existing settlement pattern / footprint. Technology Operational Aspects No-Go Option It has been confirmed that no erven will be affected by the 1:100 year floodlines of the on-site seepage lines. Energy and water saving technologies associated with the installation of services to erven (and future installations within subsidy houses). An alternative to these saving technologies would be the installation / implementation of conventional technologies of all water and electrical services i.e. no water / energy saving mechanisms, which is undesirable considering the limited resources available today. Given the increased number of residents, a high density housing option (double storey & semi-detached etc.) may be considered over the conventional single-storey housing for the future subsidy housing phase. These high density housing options will however be restricted / remain within the development footprint (erven) assessed and recommended in this assessment process. Installation of energy and water saving technologies in future subsidy houses, and possible mechanisms to promote the recycling of household waste. An alternative would be the installation / implementation of conventional technologies of all water and electrical services, and waste disposal i.e. no water / energy saving or waste recycling mechanisms, which is undesirable considering the limited resources and waste disposal space available today. This option must always be considered as a baseline against which the other alternatives are measured and refers to maintain the status-quo (informal settlement, with limited services) / not continuing with the activity. This alternative is not considered to be desirable from both social and environmental perspectives (erosion, pollution and health & safety risks). Taking the above into consideration, it can thus be concluded that limited viable / feasible activity and operational alternatives are available for assessment, other than the preferred option and the no-go. xxv Final Basic Assessment Report

33 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 6 HERITAGE STATEMENT Stefan de Kock, of PERCEPTION Heritage Planning, was appointed by the Knysna Municipality to compile and submit to Heritage Western Cape a Notice of Intent to Develop (NID) to in terms of Section 38(8) of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999) with relation to proposed development of the subject site. The following summary was drawn from the Background Information Document (attached as Annexure D4) compiled in support of the abovementioned NID: 6.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND From a colonial perspective the subject site forms part of the early farm named Melkhoutkraal, which was registered as a loan farm in 1770 in favour of Stefanus Terblanch. In 1798 an inventory was drawn up for the farm Melkhoutkraal after the death of Hester Marx, wife of Stefanus Terblanch, confirming that the couple were still occupying and using the farm for farming and indigenous wood harvesting activities at that time. Twelve slaves are recorded in the inventory as being owned by Stefanus Terblanch. In 1816 the farm Melkhoutkraal was granted by means of the Quitrent to George Rex, the extent of which was recorded as 2948 morgen (2525 hectares). George Rex made an application for occupation of Melkhoutkraal as early as 1809, therefore it is unclear when he actually took occupational rights. The area known as Joods se Kamp was alienated from Melkhoutkraal in 1845 after the death of George Rex in c The sub-division was registered in the name of his wife and three sons who inherited Melkhoutkraal, namely Carolina Margaretha Ungerer, Edward Rex, Jacob G Rex and George Rex Jnr. The reason for the subdivision has not been established. In 1873 a new diagram was framed in order to transfer the subdivision to Samuel Goldsbury, the then recently appointed Magistrate of Knysna, who held the land in Trust for residents of a newly established township named Newhaven. Presumably Samuel Goldsbury was Jewish. Perhaps this is the reason why the surrounds were colloquially named Jood se Kamp. At the time of implementation of the Group Area s Act in Knysna ( ), all people classified Coloured were removed from Joods se Kamp to the newly established Coloured Township of Hornlee. Joods se Kamp was not proclaimed a Black residential area but became an informal settlement to families belonging to that assigned Group. In 1934 the New Apostolic Church registered ownership of a piece of land (Erf 2068) adjoining the now Ethembeni Informal Settlement. The Newhaven township commonage bordered directly east of the registered church boundary. The church would only have registered or bought a piece of land if an existing community was in place in order to offer service. 6.2 HERITAGE RESOURCES & ISSUES From a Pre-Modern context, early aerial photography (1936) confirms that the eastern portion of the Ethembeni site had already been cleared presumably for agricultural purposes, a land use which dominated the landscape along the Concordia Road during this period. From the 1936 image much of the western portion of the site (lower valley floor) was still overgrown by indigenous forest. While Erf 2068 was framed in 1936, building work on the historic church had clearly not commenced. While Knysna town falls outside this image, a number of important roads traverse the landscape most of which have fallen into disuse. No structures older than 60 years, possible gravesites or any other heritage resource were noted on the proposed development site or its direct environs. The proposed development will have no impact on the historic church, its precinct or any other heritage resource. xxvi Final Basic Assessment Report

34 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/ HERITAGE RECOMMENDATIONS Having regard to the above assessment and based on previous research undertaken on the site and its direct proximity, Perception Heritage Planning are of the view that the proposal constitutes much-needed residential infill development; that no heritage resources would be impacted through future development of the site and that no further heritage-related studies would therefore be necessary. 7 NEED & DESIRABILITY In keeping with the requirements of an integrated Environmental Impact process, the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning (DEA&DP) Guidelines on Need and Desirability (2010 & 2011) were referenced to provide the following estimation of the activity in relation to the broader societal needs. The concept of need and desirability can be explained in terms of its two components, where need refers to time and desirability refers to place. Questions pertaining to these components are answered in Sections 7.1 and 7.2 below: 7.1 NEED (TIME) 1) Is the land use (associated with the activity being applied for) considered within the timeframe intended by the existing approved SDF agreed to by the relevant environmental authority? Yes. The approved SDF provides for forward spatial planning over a period agreed to by the local Municipality. The SDF for Knysna identifies the Northern Areas of the Knysna Basin, in which the existing Ethembeni settlement occurs, as target areas for upgrading of informal settlements. Indeed, the Concordia West area has been highlighted as part of the 5-year SDF targets, as far as the continued upgrading of service infrastructure to permit residential densification (see Section 3.13 above). 2) 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 borders existing and similar township developments within the greater Knysna, and as such, it is seen as infill development. However the informal settlement site is located adjacent to sensitive areas (seep lines & Sout Rivier), which have been transformed / disturbed by the informal settlement activities - removal of indigenous vegetation (and consequent invasion by alien plants), levelling of platforms and creation of tracks and pathways (and associated erosion), contamination of surface and groundwater by longdrop toilets and dumping of household waste etc. It is argued that the proposed formalisation of erven and installation of services and infrastructure will halt the on-going disturbance and pollution from the informal / squatter situation and be in furtherance of improving the health of the affected environment and community. 3) Does the community/area need the activity and the associated land use (is it a societal priority)? Yes. As discussed in Section 2 above, the community of Ethembeni have joined in several protests against the delay in the provision of housing and basic services in the northern parts of Knysna. Indeed, the formalisation of the existing informal settlements, such as Ethembeni, forms a part of the Municipality s long-term plan to address these frustrations, as reflected in the local SDF (see Section 3.13 above) and the IDP (see Section 2.14 above). 4) Are the necessary services with appropriate capacity currently available (at the time of the application), or must additional capacity be created to cater for the development? xxvii Final Basic Assessment Report

35 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 The Knysna Municipality has confirmed that the necessary bulk services are either available or currently under construction to create sufficient capacity to supply the demand associated with the development of Ethembeni, and other settlements like it. 5) Is this development provided for in the infrastructure planning for the municipality, and if not, what will the implication be on the infrastructure planning of the municipality? Yes. Bulk service and land use planning and implementation aligns with the Greater Knysna Area (IDP). 6) Is this project part of a national programme to address an issue of national concern of importance? Yes. This development aligns with the National government and Western Cape government s will to address the socio-economic marginalisation of apartheid via human development programs and basic needs (minimum services water, sanitation, and electricity). Knysna is considered in the PSDF to be an area for high priority fixed investment urban settlement, with the formalisation of erven and provision of basic services to existing settlements, a priority. The Ethembeni settlement is one such area of focus (see Section 3.12 above). 7.2 DESIRABILITY (PLACE) 1) Is the development the best practicable environmental option for this land/site? The agriculture and conservation potential of the site and property is limited due to the existing disturbance and occupation by the informal settlement. Continuation of the No-Go (un-serviced informal settlement) is not desirable, due to the on-going human and environmental health risks associated with the lack of sanitation, waste removal, stormwater management etc. and it s isolation within a fast developing residential / urban environment. The formalisation of erven and provision of basic services is accepted to be the best practicable environmental option subject to implementation of mitigation measures and the environmental management programme, which will result in the potential positive impacts outweighing the potential negative impacts thereof and compared to the No-Go. 2) Would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing approved municipal IDP and SDF as agreed to by the relevant authorities? No. The proposal is in line with the approved municipal IDP and SDF (see Sections 3.13 & 3.14 above). 3) Would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing environmental management priorities for the area (e.g. as defined in the EMF), and if so, can it be justified from in terms of sustainability considerations? The outcome of this EIA confirms that the proposed development will not significantly compromise the environment as care has been taken to avoid impacting on remaining and sensitive environments (remnant indigenous vegetation on-site and within the drainage line to the north of the property etc.). Even though an EMF has not yet been developed for Knysna, environmental priorities in terms of the Garden Route Biodiversity Sector Plan (Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas) have been considered and avoided where possible (see Section above). 4) Do location factors favour this land use at this place? Yes. The proposed development is to take place within the existing disturbed footprint of the Ethembeni informal settlement, thus little to no additional or new land will be used. This development falls within the urban edge and has been targeted for urban development by the local municipality. xxviii Final Basic Assessment Report

36 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 No. The topography / slope of the land and its proximity to seepage lines would under normal circumstances not be suitable for residential development. However, the informal occupants have created terraced, levelled platforms on these sloped areas, which are to be formalised, retained and stabilised as part of the formalisation development. Mitigation and restorative measures have been recommended to avoid and remedy erosion within this area, in an attempt to rehabilitate the associated seepage and drainage line environments. 5) How will the activity or the land use associated with the activity applied for, impact on sensitive natural and cultural areas? A disturbed seepage lines located in the low-lying areas of the site, drain to the north towards the Sout Rivier forested valley. The existing natural linkage / corridor and hydrological processes / quality of this small seepage line and that of the Sout Rivier drainage line to the north, will be maintained, and potentially improved, with the installation of proper sanitation and waste removal measures, and the implementation of the recommendations pertaining to stormwater management / dissipation, erosion avoidance and rehabilitation (alien plant removal) be implemented. I.e. This sensitive feature will be protected and appropriately rehabilitated / managed through implementation of the Environmental Management Programme (EMP). As the proposed development will be contained within / confined as far as possible to the already disturbed footprint of the existing informal settlement, outside of the 1:100 year floodline of the on-site seepage lines and no further habitat loss or fragmentation will take place. 6) How will the development impact on the people s health and wellbeing (e.g. ito noise, odours, visual character and sense-of-place? The installation of basic services (potable water, sewerage, stormwater management, roads and waste removal services) will have a positive impact on the health of the people living on the site, as well as the environmental health of the site and adjacent watercourse (removal and management of waste and effluent, erosion and stormwater). The visual character and sense-of-place will not be altered substantially as the proposed development is to formalise an already established settlement. The visual intrusion of the existing settlement may well be improved with the formalisation of roads, erven platforms, removal of refuse etc. 7) Will the proposed activity or the land use associated with the activity applied for, result in unacceptable opportunity costs? No. The development is to formalize an already established, albeit informal, settlement. 8) Will the proposed land use result in unacceptable cumulative impacts? The main area of concern, namely the sensitivity of the on-site (seepage lines) and adjacent (Sout Rivier) hydrological systems has been addressed and/or mitigated through the recommendations provided in this report and the EMP, and with their implementation, no unacceptable cumulative impacts will arise. It is argued that the formalisation of the Ethembeni settlement, and other informal settlements like it, will result in positive cumulative impacts as the health of the affected communities, and that of the receiving environment is to be improved by the management of waste, effluent, erosion etc. It is believed that the manner in which the proposed Ethembeni development is planned, answers to the challenges of need and desirability. xxix Final Basic Assessment Report

37 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 8 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The area is situated on steep slopes, in proximity to a seepage lines and an adjacent Salt River drainage line, where signs of erosion are evident. Under normal circumstances this would not be an ideal site to develop. The unfortunate situation however is that Ethembeni Informal Settlement is an already established community that have been residing here for several years. The families cannot be relocated, as there is not any other land available. The upgrade of the area will benefit the residents, but also the environment. Indeed, the current residents have created several terraced, levelled platforms on the steep slopes, which will be formalised, retained and stabilized as part of the proposed development. The informal sanitation and limited stormwater management solutions on-site create a health hazard not only to the residents, but also to the surrounding environment. The upgrade / formalisation of the settlement will benefit the larger community by reducing the current health and environmental risks associated with the lack of basic services. Being situated adjacent to an existing urban area, the site can easily be connected to the surrounding infrastructure networks. The adjacent dumpsite, located above the western slope of the Western Portion of the Ethembeni settlement has been found to be unstable. The proposed formal erven layout has been revised to remove the ten (10) erven proposed for this slope, due to the potential safety risks. The rehabilitation of this dumpsite is being handled via another process and consultant, and thus falls outside the scope of this project. 8.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Disturbance of the On-site Seepage Line and nearby Drainage Line As mentioned above, portions of the existing informal settlement, notably the northern sectors of the site, fall within 32m of small, disturbed seepage lines, which drain the low-lying areas of the site towards the Sout Rivier to the north. The proposed erven layout for the formalisation of the settlement is restricted to the existing disturbed footprint / platforms formed by this existing settlement, and thus additional / new disturbance in this area is likely to be low to negligible. The positive impact of formalising and managing the stormwater run-off through and from this settlement is likely to improve / remedy much of the existing erosion and flood-risk related issues experienced by the informal settlement. The 1:100 year floodlines of these seeps have been determined, and it has been confirmed that no formal erven will be affected by these floodlines. It is recommended that the proposed new sewer pumpstations be positioned as far as possible outside of these floodline areas, as shown the Drawing 140-P-16 in Annexure C2. As these seepage line areas provide a minor filter / buffer function between the existing settlement and the adjacent forest / river ecosystem, they should be retained, rehabilitated and managed for this purpose, so that the ecological / hydrological health of the adjacent and downstream systems (Sout Rivier and Knysna Estuary) can be improved. Recommendations is terms of alien plant removal, rehabilitation of remnant indigenous vegetation, removal of waste and obstructions, as well as erosion, silt and stormwater control, during and post construction, have been included in the Environmental Management Programme (EMP). Recommendations for erosion and stormwater control include the use of temporary and permanent retaining, dissipation and attenuation structures to mitigate and remedy erosion impacts. xxx Final Basic Assessment Report

38 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/ Erosion on Steep Slopes Due to the formation of informal tracks and pedestrian pathways, unstable cut-platforms for the existing informal shelters on steep slopes, and unmanaged stormwater / seepage lines, a degree of erosion is already evident. The proposed formalisation of the erven is likely to rehabilitate this situation (i.e. have a positive impact), with the installation of strategically placed retaining walls / gabion structures, roads and pathways along contours, in addition to the abovementioned anti-erosion / stormwater management structures. The 1:100 year floodline data should be used to inform the positioning of such infrastructure. The potential negative impact of erosion on the steep slopes during the earthworks of construction will be minimised and/ avoided by the installation of the temporary and permanent stormwater management / silt control measures as recommended in the EMP Health & Safety Risk Associated with Adjacent Dumpsite The stability of the active dumpsite directly west of the Western Portion of the Ethembeni informal settlement has been confirmed to be uncertain, and thus the ten formal erven proposed for the slope directly below this dumpsite have been removed from the development layout, due to the potential health and safety risks involved. As recommended by the Department of Health this dumpsite is to be rehabilitated (via a separate process outside the scope of this project) Improvement in Seepage Line / River Health It is speculated that the current poor refuse management, sanitation and stormwater management within the Ethembeni informal settlement is contributing to pollution of the on-site seepage lines and adjacent watercourse, and arguably the hydrological systems downstream (the Knysna Estuary). It is argued that with the installation of formal sanitation services, well designed / placed roads and pathways, and associated stormwater management structures and proper waste removal, this contamination of the drainage line (via surface and groundwater sources) is likely to be reduced and possibly halted. In addition, should the recommendations in terms of the long-term control of alien plants in and surrounding the Ethembeni settlement be implemented, it is believed that the overall health of the drainage line may well be improved. 9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME An Environmental Management Programme (EMP) is required in terms of the amended Act and has been compiled for this development. The standard EMP as published by the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning has been used; with amendments and additions specific to the environmental management aspects specific to this site and proposed activity (see Appendix F for the EMP). 10 PROCESS TO DATE This formalisation of an informal settlement project has been an on-going process which has involved continual engagement and dialogue with the community concerned for many years now. Indeed the active participation of the affected community and relevant stakeholders, will ensure the longevity and sustainability of the proposed upgrades, because the community is able to take ownership of their space. xxxi Final Basic Assessment Report

39 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 From the initiation of the environmental process for this upgrade development, meetings have been held with the Municipal Ward Committee and relevant Ward Councillors who have in turn assisted with communication with the Ethembeni community. As part of the public participation process the following steps were taken to ensure compliance with the legislation and to allow ample opportunity for members of the public and key stakeholders to be involved and participate in the environmental process. Please see Appendix E for evidence of this Public Participation process. The Public Participation Process has been undertaken according to the requirements of the 2010 NEMA EIA regulations. The following requirements i.t.o the basic assessment process have been undertaken and complied with in terms of Regulation 56: Table 3: Summary of Public Participation Process to date CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS DATE ACTIONS 7 March 13 Advert was placed in the Knysna-Plett Herald informing the public of the proposal and process. 4 April 13 Site Notices (Eng., Afr. & Xhosa) were placed at the main access points into the Ethembeni informal settlement. Fig.22 & 23: Site Notices place at Ethembeni informal settlement. 8 April 13 Initial Notification Letters (Eng. & Xhosa) were sent to Ward Councillors and hand delivered to the land occupiers and direct neighbours, explaining the proposal and the means by which they can register and process comment in the public participation process. April 13 Relevant Stakeholders, State Departments & Organs of State were automatically registered and included in the Stakeholder database. 9 July 13 Hard copies of the Draft Basic Assessment Report (DBAR) have been placed at the Knysna Municipality offices and Library, for a review & comment period of 40-days. The DBAR has also been made available on the website: under Active Project Ethembeni Settlement 9 July 13 Registered Stakeholders and Ward Councillors were sent notifications regarding the availability of the DBAR for a review and comment period of 40-days (extending from Tuesday 9 July 2013 to Saturday 17 August 2013). 12 Dec. 13 Hard copies of the Final Basic Assessment Report (FBAR) have been placed at the Knysna Municipality offices and Library, for a final review & comment period of 21-days. The FBAR has also been made available on the website: under Active Projects Happy Rest Settlement 12 Dec. 13 Registered Stakeholders and Ward Councillors have been sent notifications regarding the availability of the FBAR for a review and comment period of 21-days (extending from Friday 13 December 2013 to Wednesday 22 January 2014). No issues or concerns have been raised by Interested and Affected Parties thus far in the environmental process. Comments received in response to the Draft Basic Assessment Report will be included in the Final Basic Assessment Report, for submission to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for consideration. xxxii Final Basic Assessment Report

40 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 11 CONCLUSION is of the opinion that the information contained in this Final Basic Assessment Report and the documentation attached hereto is sufficient to allow the general public and key stakeholders to apply their minds to the potential negative and positive impacts associated with the development, in respect of the activities applied for. The Formalisation of the Ethembeni Settlement has been found to have medium to negligible negative impacts, as well as notable positive impacts, should the recommendations be implemented. Sufficient mitigation has been recommended to reduce potential negative impacts to low levels and enhance positive impacts. We believe that the proposed formalisation of the existing Ethembeni informal settlement will be sustainable in the long term, as service delivery and management of the residential area is improved and maintained into the future. This Final Basic Assessment Report is made available for stakeholder review and comment for a period of 21-days, extending from Friday 13 December 2013 to Wednesday 22 January As the FBAR is to be submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for consideration at the same time, any additional comments must be forwarded directly to the DEA case officer: Phathutshedo Radzilani, as well as. All stakeholders are requested to review this Final BAR and the associated appendices, and provide additional comment, directly to and DEA within the specified 21-day comment period. Please refer to the DEA Reference No: 14/12/16/3/3/1/836, in all submissions. Final comments must be submitted, in writing, to BOTH of the following addresses no later than Wednesday 22 January 2014 Cape Environmental Assessment Practitioners () Att: Mrs. Siân Holder P.O. Box 2070, George, 6530 Fax: or sian@cape-eaprac.co.za Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA): Directorate Integrated Environmental Authorisations (Protected Areas) Att: Mr. Phathutshedo Radzilani Private Bag X 447, Pretoria, 0001 Fax: or pradzilani@westerncape.gov.za xxxiii Final Basic Assessment Report

41 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement, Knysna KNY207/10 BGIS CARA CBA DBAR DEA DWA EAP EHS EIA EMP ESA FBAR GPS HWC I&APs IDP LUDS LUPO NEMA NEMBA NFA NHRA NPAES NSBA NVFFA NWA PSDF SANBI SANParks SANS SDF ABBREVIATIONS Biodiversity Geographic Information System Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act Critical Biodiversity Area Draft Basic Assessment Report Department of Environmental Affairs Department of Water Affairs Environmental Impact Practitioner Environmental, Health & Safety Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Management Programme Ecological Support Area Final Basic Assessment Report Global Positioning System Heritage Western Cape Interested and Affected Parties Integrated Development Plan Land Use Decision Support Land Use Planning Ordinance National Environmental Management Act National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act National Forest Act National Heritage Resources Act National Protected Area Expansion Strategy National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment National Veld & Forest Fire Act National Water Act Provincial Spatial Development Framework South Africa National Biodiversity Institute South African National Parks South Africa National Standards Spatial Development Framework xxxiv Final Basic Assessment Report

42 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 (For official use only) File Reference Number: 14/12/16/3/3/1/836 Application Number: Date Received: Basic assessment report in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended. Kindly note that: 1. This basic assessment report is a standard report that may be required by a competent authority in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and is meant to streamline applications. Please make sure that it is the report used by the particular competent authority for the activity that is being applied for. 2. This report format is current as of 1 September It is the responsibility of the applicant to ascertain whether subsequent versions of the form have been published or produced by the competent authority 3. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with typing. 4. Where applicable tick the boxes that are applicable in the report. 5. An incomplete report may be returned to the applicant for revision. 6. The use of not applicable in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of material information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it may result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations. 7. This report must be handed in at offices of the relevant competent authority as determined by each authority. 8. No faxed or ed reports will be accepted. 9. The signature of the EAP on the report must be an original signature. 10. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner. 11. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the competent authority. Any interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in this report on request, during any stage of the application process. 12. A competent authority may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this report need to be completed. 13. Should a specialist report or report on a specialised process be submitted at any stage for any part of this application, the terms of reference for such report must also be submitted. 14. Two (2) colour hard copies and one (1) electronic copy of the report must be submitted to the competent authority. 15. Shape files (.shp) for maps must be included on the electronic copy of the report submitted to the competent authority. 1 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

43 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? Mr Stefan de Kock, of Perception Planning, has been appointed as the Heritage specialist, responsible for the submission of the required Notice-of-Intent-to- Develop (NID) to the heritage authority, Heritage Western Cape (HWC). This NID and comments from HWC have been included in the Final BAR (see Annexure D4 and Appendix E). YES NO If YES, please complete the form entitled Details of specialist and declaration of interest for the specialist appointed and attach in Appendix I. 1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION a) Describe the project associated with the listed activities applied for Background: The Ethembeni Settlement is an existing informal settlement located with Concordia West, north of the Knysna Central Business District (CBD). This settlement consists of informal dwellings, tracks and pedestrian pathways, has limited services, and is in urgent need of formalisation and proper service provision. In its current state, there are more than 185 informal shelter / dwelling structures, accessed via a track and a number of pedestrian pathways off DR1783 to the south. The site has been provided with basic electricity, and potable water is currently provided via a number of communal water stand pipes. A portion of the site is connected to an existing sewer pipeline, while the remaining community share several long-drop toilets randomly placed within the site. Removal and management of household / domestic waste is also lacking, which coupled with the poor sanitation, free-roaming livestock and poor stormwater management, is causing a health hazard for the current land occupiers / residents, and degradation of the surrounding environment via erosion and pollution. Proposal: The formalisation of approximately 170 erven / plots, as well as the installation of basic services (water, sewerage, electricity, roads / pathways and stormwater) for the existing informal settlement covering an approximate area of 3.7ha. As part of the planning and assessment of the existing settlement site, every structure and dwelling on the site was surveyed in August 2012 (see Appendix C). The development layout presented in the DBAR has been revised to exclude the ten (10) erven below the unstable dumpsite to the west of the existing Ethembeni settlement. The revised / preferred development proposal makes provision for approximately 170 formal residential erven or plots within the existing footprint of the existing informal settlement (see Annexure C2, Diagram 4, Rev 4 (1 Sept.2013). Erven size will vary between 60m 2 and 120m 2. The layout of these erven will be restricted as far as possible to the existing disturbed footprint and land use of the informal settlement site. b) Provide a detailed description of the listed activities associated with the project as applied for Listed activity as described in GN R.544, 545 and 546 Description of project activity GN R544 (11): The construction of (vi) bulk stormwater outlet structures, (x) buildings exceeding 50 square metres and (xi) infrastructure or structures covering 50 square metres or more where such The informal Ethembeni settlement potentially extends into 32m from the seepage lines which drain into the Sout Rivier drainage line to the north. The formalisation of erven & installation of services will be 2 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

44 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 construction occurs within watercourse or within 32 metres of a watercourse, measures from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind the development setback line. GN R544 (18): The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 5 cubic metres into, or the dredging, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock or more than 5 cubic metres from (i) a watercourse but excluding where such infilling, depositing, dredging, excavation, removal or moving is for (a) maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a management plan agreed to by the relevant environmental authority or (b) occurs behind the development setback line. GN R544 (40): The expansion of (iii) buildings by more than 50 square metres and (iv) infrastructure by more than 50 square metres, within a watercourse or within 32 metres of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, but excluding where such expansion will occur behind the development setback line. GN R546 (4): The construction of a road wider than 4m with a reserve less than 13.5m. In urban areas: areas designated for conservation use in Spatial Development Frameworks adopted by the competent authority. GN R546 (16): The construction of (iii) buildings with a footprint exceeding 10 square metres in size or (iv) infrastructure covering 10 square metres or more, where such construction occurs within a watercourse or within 32m of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind a development setback line. GN R546 (24): The expansion of buildings where the buildings will be expanded by 10 square metres or more in size or (iv) infrastructure where the infrastructure will be expanded by 10 square metres or confined to the existing disturbed footprint, outside the N2 Bypass Proclamation Area. The infill activities associated with the levelling of the erven platforms or installation of services within the existing disturbed footprint of the Ethembeni informal settlement, beyond the edge of the seepage lines draining to the north. The informal Ethembeni settlement potentially extends into 32m from the seepage lines which drain into the Sout Rivier drainage line to the north. The formalisation of erven & installation of services will be confined to the existing disturbed footprint, outside the N2 Bypass Proclamation Area. The proposed primary internal roads will be approximately 4.5m wide, within the Critical Biodiversity Area designated over the entire site. The informal Ethembeni settlement potentially extends into 32m from the seepage lines which drain into the Sout Rivier drainage line to the north. The formalisation of erven & installation of services will be confined to the existing disturbed footprint, outside the N2 Bypass Proclamation Area. The informal Ethembeni settlement potentially extends into 32m of seepage lines which drain into the Sout Rivier to the north, within a Critical Biodiversity Area. The formalisation of erven & installation of 3 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

45 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 more, where such construction occurs within a watercourse or within 32m of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind a development setback line. services will be confined to the existing disturbed footprint. According to the Vegetation Map of South Africa (2006) the entire extent of the existing informal settlement (and proposed erven layout) falls within the Southern Afrotemperate Forest vegetation type, which has a National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) and NEM:BA Ecosystem Status of Least Threatened. The entire extent of the proposed development footprint however, has been transformed by the existing informal settlement and alien plant infestation, leaving little to no indigenous vegetation on the property. What vegetation remains is predominantly alien invader plants, garden ornamentals, fruit trees and vegetables planted by the current land occupiers. See Site Photographs in Appendix B and the Vegetation Map in Appendix A. It is thus argued that with consideration of the property s context - within the urban edge of Knysna, surrounded by developed & developing land, it is unlikely that the property will become vacant and as such, it is highly unlikely to recover and rehabilitate to a natural state / condition. Considering the above, this office is of the opinion that the GN R546 listed activities: 12, 13 & 14 are not applicable to this application, with due to consideration of the property state and context. 2 FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES alternatives, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; the type of activity to be undertaken; the design or layout of the activity; the technology to be used in the activity; the operational aspects of the activity; and the option of not implementing the activity. Describe alternatives that are considered in this application as required by Regulation 22(2)(h) of GN R.543. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity (NOT PROJECT) could be accomplished in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. The determination of whether site or activity (including different processes, etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. After receipt of this report the, competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent. The identification of alternatives should be in line with the Integrated Environmental Assessment Guideline Series 11, published by the DEA in Should the alternatives include different locations and lay-outs, the co-ordinates of the different alternatives must be provided. The co-ordinates should be in degrees, minutes and seconds. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection. a) Site alternatives Alternative 1 (Preferred Alternative) Description Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) 4 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

46 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 The location of the existing Ethembeni informal settlement on the north-western portion of Remainder of Erf 214 within the Concordia West area, directly north the DR1783 and Masifunde Municipal Operational Node 1, and south of the proclaimed future N2 bypass E S Alternative 2 No site alternatives are available for assessment. The development proposal is for the formalising of an existing informal township, and is therefore only one applicable to Site Alternative. In the case of linear activities: Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Alternative S1 (preferred) Starting point of the activity Middle/Additional point of the activity End point of the activity Alternative S2 (if any) Starting point of the activity Middle/Additional point of the activity End point of the activity Alternative S3 (if any) Starting point of the activity Middle/Additional point of the activity End point of the activity For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates taken every 250 meters along the route for each alternative alignment. In the case of an area being under application, please provide the co-ordinates of the corners of the site as indicated on the lay-out map provided in Appendix A. b) Lay-out alternatives Alternative A (discarded alternative) Description Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) The formalisation of approximately 180 erven within the existing footprint of the existing informal settlement to accommodate the people currently living within the Ethembeni informal settlement. See Diagram 4: Site Development Plan, Rev 3 (20 July 2011), attached in Annexure C E S Alternative B (Revised & Preferred) Description Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) The formalisation of approximately 170 erven within the existing footprint of the existing informal settlement to accommodate the people currently living within the Ethembeni informal settlement. The area directly below the unstable dumpsite (western slope of Western Portion of settlement) has been excluded from the development layout, due to safety concerns. See Diagram 4: Site Development Plan, Rev 4 (1 September 2013), attached in Annexure C E S It is submitted that the proposal for single-storey, single residential units, on the formalised erven 5 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

47 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 within the future subsidy housing phase, may be amended to consider higher density housing options (double storey & semi-detached etc.), as the Municipality s need to accommodate more people is realised. These high density housing options will however remain within abovementioned preferred development layout / settlement footprint, as assessed and recommended through this environmental process. c) Technology alternatives Alternative A (preferred alternative) The installation / implementation of water and energy-saving technologies of all water and electrical services for the erven, as well as during the future subsidy housing phase: Dual Flush Toilets Low flow taps and faucets aerators - Low flow faucets use aerators to reduce the flow of the water. These should be built into the faucet rather than be added as an aftermarket product. The faucets in bathrooms should have a peak flow of less than 10 litres per minute. Geyser and pipe insulation - Apart from the savings in terms of energy as detailed below, insulating geysers and pipes save water, as shorter periods of running the tap to get hot water are required. Solar water heaters Energy efficient lighting i.e. No incandescent lights should be used - only Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and Sodium Vapour (SV) lamps should be utilised (no Mercury Vapour (MV) lights should be considered). Alternative B It is submitted that the proposal for single-storey, single residential units, on the formalised erven within the future subsidy housing phase, may be amended to consider higher density housing options (double storey & semi-detached etc.), as the Municipality s need to accommodate more people is realised. These high density housing options will however remain within abovementioned preferred development layout / settlement footprint, as assessed and recommended through this environmental process. The installation / implementation alternatives to the conventional technologies of all water and electrical services, and waste disposal i.e. water / energy saving and waste recycling mechanisms, is considered desirable, considering the limited resources and waste disposal space available today. d) Other alternatives (e.g. scheduling, demand, input, scale and design alternatives) Alternative A (preferred alternative) The scale of this alternative will be exactly that of the existing Ethembeni informal settlement footprint. Alternative B Due to safety concerns associated with the dumpsite to the west of the settlement, formal erven on the western slope of the Western Portion (below the dumpsite) have been excluded from the development layout. This has reduced the number of protential erven to approximately 170. See Diagram 4: Site Development Plan, Rev 4 (1 September 2013), attached in Annexure C2. Very few to no design / layout alternatives are available as these are guided by the existing 6 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

48 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 settlement pattern. It is submitted that the proposal for single-storey, single residential units, on the formalised erven within the future subsidy housing phase, may be amended to consider higher density housing options (double storey & semi-detached etc.), as the Municipality s need to accommodate more people is realised. These high density housing options will however remain within abovementioned preferred development layout / settlement footprint, as assessed and recommended through this environmental process. e) No-go alternative The no-go alternative proposes the continuation of the status-quo: the informal settlement of Ethembeni remains as it is currently. Considering the community- and environmental-health risks associated with the current situation (poor sanitation, erosion, communal water provision, poor refuse management / removal, pollution etc.), as well as the discontent of the local community (destructive protect action etc.) associated with these poor living conditions, this alternative is not considered to be a desirable, feasible or viable option. Paragraphs 3 13 below should be completed for each alternative. 3 PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY a) Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative activities/technologies (footprints): Alternative: Size of the activity: Alternative A (discarded activity alternative) Approximately m 2 Alternative B (revised / preferred activity alternative) m² m² (10 erven below dump) = Approximately m 2 No-Go Approximately m 2 or, for linear activities: Alternative: Length of the activity: Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) Alternative A2 (if any) m m b) Indicate the size of the alternative sites or servitudes (within which the above footprints will occur): Alternative: Size of the site/servitude: Alternative A (discarded activity alternative) Existing Informal Settlement Footprint +/ m 2 Alternative B (revised / preferred activity Existing Informal Settlement Footprint +/ m 2 alternative) No-go Existing Informal Settlement Footprint +/ m 2 4 SITE ACCESS Does ready access to the site exist? YES NO: Residents of the informal Ethembeni Settlement are gaining access to the site via an informal vehicle track and several pedestrian pathways from the surrounding formal 7 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

49 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 Concordia West township area. Two new access points are proposed off the DR1783 (main transport route past the Masifunde Municipal Operational Node 1. If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built The Western Cape Department of Transport & Public Works requested that the Knysna Municipality proclaims the affected portion of the Divisional Road 1783 as a municipal street, from the existing beginning thereof (at +/- km3.50) up to where it reaches the National Road Proclamation, and subsequently requests this Branch to close (deproclaim) its Provincial Road status. Describe the type of access road planned: The proposed 4.5m wide access (primary) roads will gain access off the DR1783. Include the position of the access road on the site plan and required map, as well as an indication of the road in relation to the site. 5 LOCALITY MAP An A3 locality map must be attached to the back of this document, as Appendix A. The scale of the locality map must be relevant to the size of the development (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; indication of all the alternatives identified; closest town(s;) road access from all major roads in the area; road names or numbers of all major roads as well as the roads that provide access to the site(s); all roads within a 1km radius of the site or alternative sites; and a north arrow; a legend; and locality 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). 6 LAYOUT/ROUTE PLAN A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this document. The site or route plans must indicate the following: the property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50 metres of the site; the current land use as well as the land use zoning of the site; the current land use as well as the land use zoning each of the properties adjoining the site or sites; the exact position of each listed activity applied for (including alternatives); servitude(s) indicating the purpose of the servitude; a legend; and a north arrow. 8 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

50 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 7 SENSITIVITY MAP The layout/route plan as indicated above must be overlain with a sensitivity map that indicates all the sensitive areas associated with the site, including, but not limited to: watercourses; the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWA) See Annexure C2; ridges; cultural and historical features; areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species); and critical biodiversity areas. The sensitivity map must also cover areas within 100m of the site and must be attached in Appendix A. 8 SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this report. It must be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable. 9 FACILITY ILLUSTRATION A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of at least 1:200 as Appendix C for activities that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity. 10 ACTIVITY MOTIVATION Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity): 1. Is the activity permitted in terms of the property s existing land use rights? YES NO Please explain The properties in question fall within the urban edge and are zoned Undetermined and will have to be rezoned to Subdivisional Area to allow the formalisation of the existing settlement. The approval of the detailed subdivision plan will follow the approval of the rezoning. 2. Will the activity be in line with the following? (a) Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES NO Please explain Knysna is considered in the PSDF to be an area for high priority fixed investment urban settlement, with the formalisation of erven and provision of basic services to existing settlements, a priority. The Ethembeni settlement is one such area of focus (see section 3.12of the above Summary). (b) Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area YES NO Please explain The existing Ethembeni Settlement with approximate 185 informal housing structures, is located within the Knysna Urban Edge. Formalising of the settlement is thus in line with the urban edge for the area. 9 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

51 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 (c) Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Spatial Development Framework (SDF) 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 NO Please explain The Knysna SDF includes the Ethembeni Settlement within the urban edge. Infill development and densification is highly recommended in terms of the Knysna SDF. The Knysna Municipality is in a deficient services supply-demand situation and the need for settlement formalisation is on-going. The Knysna SDF provided for a multi-year strategic investment programme for infrastructure installation and upgrading. The Knysna IDP also highlights inadequate services and housing as a majority priority. (d) Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality YES NO Please explain No formally adopted Local Structure Plan is available for this area of Knysna. (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 terms of sustainability considerations?) YES NO Please explain No formally adopted EMF is available for Knysna. Environmental priorities in terms of the Garden Route Biodiversity Sector Plan (Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas) have been considered and avoided where possible (see Section of the Executive Summary above). (f) Any other Plans (e.g. Guide Plan) YES NO Please explain No other plans are applicable. 3. Is the land use (associated with the activity being applied for) considered within the timeframe intended by the existing approved 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 NO Please explain As noted above, this settlement formalisation project is considered a priority application in terms of both the SDF and IDP priorities and short- and long-term strategies, as well as the priorities of the Provincial and National government in terms of provision of housing and basic services. 4. 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.) YES NO Please explain This application for the formalising of an existing informal settlement and installing the necessary basic municipal services (water, sewage, electricity, waste removal) is a societal priority, on national, provincial and local levels. The living conditions are unacceptable and create a health and safety risk to the residents and the surrounding areas. The community of Ethembeni has been waiting for this development for several years now (showing their frustration via repeated protests from 2009 see Sections 2 and 7 of the above Summary). 10 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

52 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 5. 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 I.) See Appendix G. YES NO Please explain As described above in Section 5.2 of the Summary, the service provision to this developed is as follows: Electricity has already been installed in the community all that remains to be done is the individual connections / meters to the erven. Water Water is already available in the form of communal stand-pipes connection points at individual erven are proposed. The Municipality has made provision for water supply from the existing bulk 200mm Ø connection point, provided to the south eastern side of the development. Sewerage - It is proposed to connect to the existing sewerage pipelines located to the north and west of the site, which link to the municipal waterborne reticulation. Stormwater the necessary stormwater and anti-erosion control structures will be installed and link to the existing stormwater management system at the Concordia Road. Roads Two new access points are proposed off the DR1783 the exact position and approval for the access point must still be sought from the Provincial and Municipal Roads Engineers. Confirmation of the availability of service capacity has been provided by the Knysna Municipality see Appendix G attached. 6. 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 opportunity costs)? (Comment by the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I.) YES NO Please explain The provision of services to the Ethembeni area has long been in the infrastructure planning of the Knysna Municipality, as reflected in the SDF and IDP. 7. Is this project part of a national programme to address an issue of national concern or importance? YES NO Please explain Meeting the basis needs of local communities, through the provision of basic services and formal land tenure. 8. 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 NO Please explain The development site is already informally occupied by approximately 185 informal shelters. These families need to be accommodated at the site and will not be relocated. The close proximity of the site to central Knysna (jobs, transport) also favours this land use. 11 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

53 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 9. Is the development the best practicable environmental option for this land/site? YES NO Please explain Yes the development of an already transformed and disturbed site, which on the whole will improve / rehabilitate the current community- and environmental-health risks. No portions of the existing informal settlement site fall on steep slopes, which in general should not have been used for residential development. However, as the priority is to make use of, and improve, the already disturbed (and levelled) dwelling platforms, measures have been proposed to stabilise the landscape via various retaining structures etc. 10. Will the benefits of the proposed land use/development outweigh the negative impacts of it? YES NO Please explain It is argued that with the formalisation (and stabilisation) of erven and the installation of services, the community- and environmental-health risks associated with the existing informal settlement (poor sanitation, erosion, pollution etc.) will mitigated and remedied to an extent. 11. Will the proposed land use/development set a precedent for similar activities in the area (local municipality)? YES NO Please explain The formalisation / upgrade of the Ethembeni settlement is one of several projects proposed within the Greater Knysna Area. Environmental processes for the formalisation / upgrade of the Hlalani, Happy Valley and Edameni informal settlements are also currently underway. 12. Will any person s rights be negatively affected by the proposed activity/ies? YES NO Please explain The established families in the Ethembeni informal settlement site will be accommodated as part of the formalising of the settlement. No person s rights will be negatively affected, rather the opposite, as it is proposed that the current inhabitants with receive formal tenure on the erven and basic services, which are currently lacking. 13. Will the proposed activity/ies compromise the urban edge as defined by the local municipality? YES NO Please explain The existing settlement is within the urban edge; formalising the settlement means that housing can be provided on this site within the urban edge. 14. Will the proposed activity/ies contribute to any of the 17 Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPS)? YES NO Please explain SIP 6: Integrated Municipal Infrastructure Project the provision and maintenance of basic services and roads to least resources districts. SIP 7: Integrated Urban Space and Public Transport Programme - planning and implementation of public transport, human settlement, economic and social infrastructure and location decisions into sustainable urban settlements connected by densified transport corridors. SIP 8: Supporting Green Energy the proposal to install solar water geysers. 12 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

54 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/ What will the benefits be to society in general and to the local communities? Please explain Formal erven / tenure for the informal settlement. Basic services for the approximately 185 formal housing erven. Improved health and living conditions for the Ethembeni Settlement. Safe vehicle access road replacing the current pedestrian access, allowing access by emergency services. Safe and stable / level erven for dwellings on steep slopes. Clean-up and rehabilitation of seepage areas, promoting safer and healthy living conditions for the community. 16. Any other need and desirability considerations related to the proposed activity? Please explain This projects aims of provide legal tenure and basic services to a poor / under-resourced community. 17. How does the project fit into the National Development Plan for 2030? Please explain The goal is that by 2030, South Africans will have access to affordable services and quality environments. New developments will break away from old patterns and significant progress will be made in retrofitting existing settlements. In re-enforcement of the Breaking New Ground Policy (2004) the Department of Human Settlements, with the President s Delivery Agreement on Sustainable Human Settlements and Improved Quality of Household Life (Outcome 8), has committed the upgrading of informal settlements as one of their key priorities. 18. Please describe how the general objectives of Integrated Environmental Management as set out in section 23 of NEMA have been taken into account. The investigation, assessment and communication of potential impacts of the proposed formalisation of the Ethembeni Settlement on the receiving environment have considered alternatives (a revised erven layout and the no-go) and cumulative impacts, and recommended mitigation and monitoring measures to ensure that potential negative impacts are kept to a minimum and potential positive impacts are enhanced. Potential health and safety risks associated with the adjacent dumpsite to the west of the settlement has necessitated the exclusion of ten (10) erven from the development layout. The Revised / Preferred Development Layout thus considers the formalisation of approximately 170 erven, with basic services. The 1:100 year floodline has been determined for the two seepage line traversing the settlement. It has been confirmed that none of the proposed erven are to be affected by this floodine, and the proposed service infrastructure will be positioned as far as possible from these areas. See Drawing 140-P-16, attached in Annexure C2. In addition, the potential impacts on the socio-economic conditions and cultural heritage have been considered in this report, and provided to the relevant Organs of State and State Departments (CapeNature, SANParks, Heritage Western Cape, Department of Forestry, Department of Water Affairs etc.) for review. All of these parties, which are charged with providing input into the design, authorizing, permitting, or otherwise allowing the implementation of this proposed upgrade development, have provided comment of no objection, subject to the implementation of recommendations.. This report includes relevant contextual and proposal-related information and maps which detail the sensitivity, extent, interrelationship and significance of such attributes which must be taken into account by the abovementioned parties in their evaluation of the proposed formalisation of the Ethembeni Informal Settlement. 13 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

55 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/ Please describe how the principles of environmental management as set out in section 2 of NEMA have been taken into account. The social and economic rights of the existing Ethembeni community serve as the starting point of this assessment, with particular focus on access to basic services and a healthy environment. It is argued that the proposed formalisation of the Ethembeni Settlement will be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable, due to the following: Further disturbance to the local ecosystems / loss of biodiversity is likely to be negligible as the formalisation is to take place on the already transformed footprint of the existing settlement. In fact, the formalisation (installation of services and associated control / management infrastructure) may well improve the current condition of the surrounding environment into the future. Mitigation and monitoring measures have been recommended to minimise and avoid potential contamination / degradation of the environment, as well as rehabilitate the current disturbed context where possible. Special attention has been given to the potentially sensitive seepage lines and associated Sout Rivier drainage line aligned to the north of the settlement it terms restricting the formalisation activities to the already disturbed areas and providing recommendation for possible rehabilitation (through alien plant removal, anti-erosion measures etc.), as well as the determination of the 1:100 year floodline of these seepage lines to inform infrastructure positioning. The cultural / heritage significance of the site has been assessed by a specialist, with input from the heritage authority awaited. The waste generated by the existing informal settlement, will be managed and removed move efficiently once access to the settlement is improved. All waste will enter the registered Municipal waste sorting and disposal system. Recommendations related to water and energy conservation have been included in this report and the Environmental Management Programme (EMP) for implementation. Recommendations in terms of site demarcation and no-go areas, as well as service installation and maintenance (e.g. a variety of retaining and stormwater control structures etc.) have been made in line with a risk-averse and cautious approach. Cognisant of the limits of current knowledge about the consequences of decisions, recommendations pertaining to the possible future development / densification of the settlement in question have been made in an attempt to anticipate and minimise/prevent potential negative impacts associated with this (possible high density subsidy housing). The most viable, practical and environmentally-conservative options have been pursued where possible. The Ethembeni community has been notified of the formalisation proposal and their rights to provide input into its development through the Ward Councillor and Ward Committee. In addition, input has been sought from all relevant environmental authorities. 14 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

56 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 11 APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are applicable to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations, if applicable: Title of legislation, policy or guideline National Environmental Management Act. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. National Protected Area Expansion Strategy National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment Garden Route Biodiversity Sector Plan Regulation 1175 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEM:PAA) National Forest Act Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act National Veld and Forest Fire Act Nature & Environment Conservation Ordinance National Heritage Resources Act National Water Act Land Use Planning Ordinance. Outeniqua Sensitive Coastal Area National Roads Act Applicability to the project Administering authority Date Basic Assessment Endangered vegetation type. Garden Route National Park nearby. Ecological Support Area nearby Ecological Support Area nearby Management of the Knysna Area of the NEM:PAA. Department of Environmental Affairs Department of Environmental Affairs SANParks CapeNature SANParks CapeNature SANParks CapeNature SANParks CapeNature SANParks Act 107 of 1998 as amended Act 10 of South Cape Afrotemperate Forest nearby Department of Forestry Act 84 of 1998 Alien vegetation in seepage Department of Act 43 of line and watercourse Agriculture, Forestry & 1983 nearby. Fisheries Proximity of site to Forest, Department of Act 101 of Fynbos & Fynbos in relation Agriculture, Forestry & 1998 to fire risk. Fisheries Endangered vegetation CapeNature Ordinance type. 19 of 1974 Ecological Support Area nearby Linear activities greater Heritage Western Act 25 of than 300m long Cape 1999 Activities within 32m of Department of Water Act 36 of adjacent watercourse Affairs 1998 Rezoning from Knysna Municipality Ordinance Undetermined to 15 of 1985 Subdivisional OSCA Permit required Knysna Municipality 1998 Future N2 bypass national road adjacent to site SANRAL Act 7 of FINAL Basic Assessment Report

57 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 12 WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT a) Solid waste management Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase? YES NO If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? Limited to cutto-spoil soil How will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)? Any construction waste (concrete, broken retaining blocks etc.) will be disposed of via the municipal waste disposal system. Cut-to-spoil material / soil from cut platforms and excavations (volume to be confirmed) will be spoiled at a site to be allocated and approved by Knysna Municipality for use as a spoil site for this soil. Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)? Any construction waste (e.g. broken retaining blocks) will be disposed of at a registered waste disposal site registered for solid waste. Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? YES NO If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? +/- 0.12m³ / week = 0.48 m³ / month How will the solid waste be disposed of (describe)? Via the municipal waste removal, sorting and disposal system. If the solid waste will be disposed of into a municipal waste stream, indicate which registered landfill site will be used. Waste to be disposed at the registered PetroSA waste site near Mossel Bay. Where will the solid waste be disposed of if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)? --- If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the NEM:WA? YES NO If YES, inform the competent authority and request a change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application. Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility? YES NO If YES, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application. b) Liquid effluent Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system? YES NO If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? --m 3 Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on-site? YES NO If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. 16 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

58 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility? YES NO If YES, provide the particulars of the facility: Facility name: Contact person: Postal address: Knysna Waste Water Treatment Works Roy Parry of the Knysna Municipality Knysna Municipality P.O. Box 21 Knysna Postal code: 6570 Telephone: Cell: Fax: Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any: None. c) Emissions into the atmosphere Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere other that exhaust emissions and dust associated with construction phase activities? YES NO If YES, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO If YES, the applicant must consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. If NO, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration: ---- d) Waste permit Will any aspect of the activity produce waste that will require a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA? YES NO If YES, please submit evidence that an application for a waste permit has been submitted to the competent authority e) Generation of noise Will the activity generate noise? YES NO If YES, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. If NO, describe the noise in terms of type and level: General construction noise construction vehicles and machinery. 17 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

59 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 13 WATER USE Please indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity by ticking the appropriate box(es): Municipal Water board Groundwater River, stream, dam or lake Other The activity will not use water If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month: Does the activity require a water use authorisation (general authorisation or water use license) from the Department of Water Affairs? To be confirmed by Dept. of Water Affairs If YES, please provide proof that the application has been submitted to the Department of Water Affairs. YES ---litres NO 14 ENERGY EFFICIENCY Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient: Low flow taps and faucets aerators - Low flow faucets use aerators to reduce the flow of the water. These should be built into the faucet rather than be added as an aftermarket product. The faucets in bathrooms should have a peak flow of less than 10 litres per minute. Geyser and pipe insulation - Apart from the savings in terms of energy as detailed below, insulating geysers and pipes save water, as shorter periods of running the tap to get hot water are required. Solar water heaters Energy efficient lighting i.e. No incandescent lights should be used - only Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and Sodium Vapour (SV) lamps should be utilised (no Mercury Vapour (MV) lights should be considered). Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any: Solar water heaters / geysers are being considered for installation in the future subsidy housing phase. Important notes: SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 1. For linear activities (pipelines, etc.) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section B and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan. Section B Copy No. (e.g. A): 2. Paragraphs 1-6 below must be completed for each alternative. 3. Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES NO If YES, please complete the form entitled Details of specialist and declaration of interest for each specialist thus appointed and attach it in Appendix I. All specialist reports must be contained in Appendix D. 18 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

60 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 Property description/physical address: Province District Municipality Local Municipality Ward Number(s) Ward No 8 Western Cape Eden District Municipality Knysna Local Municipality Farm name and number Portion of Remainder Erf 214, Knysna Current zoning land-use Portion number SG Code C Where a large number of properties are involved (e.g. linear activities), please attach a full list to this application including the same information as indicated above. Undetermined In instances where there is more than one current land-use zoning, please attach a list of current land use zonings that also indicate which portions each use pertains to, to this application. Is a change of land-use or a consent use application required? YES NO 1 GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the site. Alternative S1: Flat 1:50 1:20 1:20 1:15 1:15 1:10 1:10 1:7,5 1:7,5 1:5 Steeper than 1:5 Alternative S2 (if any): Flat 1:50 1:20 1:20 1:15 1:15 1:10 1:10 1:7,5 1:7,5 1:5 Steeper than 1:5 2 LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site: 2.1 Ridgeline 2.4 Closed valley 2.7 Undulating plain / low hills 2.2 Plateau 2.5 Open valley 2.8 Dune 2.3 Side slope of hill/mountain 2.6 Plain 2.9 Seafront 3 GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE Is the site(s) located on any of the following? Alternative S1: Alternative S2 (if any): Alternative S3 (if any): Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep) YES NO YES NO YES NO Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas YES NO YES NO YES NO Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO YES NO YES NO Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil YES NO YES NO YES NO Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) YES NO YES NO YES NO Soils with high clay content (clay fraction more than 40%) YES NO YES NO YES NO 19 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

61 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 Any other unstable soil or geological feature YES NO YES NO YES NO An area sensitive to erosion YES NO YES NO YES NO If you are unsure about any of the above or if you are concerned that any of the above aspects may be an issue of concern in the application, an appropriate specialist should be appointed to assist in the completion of this section. Information in respect of the above will often be available as part of the project information or at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1: scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by the Council for Geo Science may also be consulted. 4 GROUNDCOVER Indicate the types of groundcover present on the site. The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s). Natural veld - good condition E Natural veld with scattered aliens E Natural veld with heavy alien infestation E Veld dominated by alien species E Gardens Sport field Cultivated land Paved surface Building or other structure Bare soil If any of the boxes marked with an E is ticked, please consult an appropriate specialist to assist in the completion of this section if the environmental assessment practitioner doesn t have the necessary expertise. 5 SURFACE WATER Indicate the surface water present on and or adjacent to the site and alternative sites? Perennial River YES NO UNSURE Non-Perennial River YES NO UNSURE Permanent Wetland YES NO UNSURE Seasonal Wetland YES NO UNSURE Artificial Wetland YES NO UNSURE Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO UNSURE If any of the boxes marked YES or UNSURE is ticked, please provide a description of the relevant watercourse. Small, disturbed stormwater / seepage lines are located in the low-lying areas of each of the Portions of the Ethembeni informal settlement site, which drain towards the Sout Rivier drainage line to the north. Although a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) has been designated over these seep line areas and drainage line to the north, the seeps are in a poor condition, due to the infestation of alien plants, as well as the refuse and effluent pollution (contaminated stormwater and groundwater from long-drop toilets, informal tracks and livestock pens) arising from the informal settlement. 6 LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA Indicate land uses and/or prominent features that currently occur within a 500m radius of the site and give description of how this influences the application or may be impacted upon by the application: Natural area Drainage to the north Dam or reservoir Polo fields Low density residential Hospital/medical centre Filling station H Medium density residential Concordia West suburb High density residential Concordia West suburb School Tertiary education facility Landfill or waste treatment site Refuse dump directly west of Western Portion of site. Plantation 20 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

62 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 Informal residential A - Existing Ethembeni Informal Settlement Retail commercial & warehousing Church One existing Church within Ethembeni settlement Old age home Agriculture River, stream or wetland On-site seepage lines and adjacent drainage line to the north. Light industrial Sewage treatment plant A Nature conservation area Medium industrial AN Train station or shunting yard N Mountain, koppie or ridge Heavy industrial AN Railway line N Museum Power station Office/consulting room Major road (4 lanes or more) N proposed N2 Bypass Road Reserve. Airport N Historical building Old Church and rondaval building on Erf Protected Area Concordia Forest within Sout Rivier Valley. Military or police base/station/compound Harbour Graveyard Spoil heap or slimes dam A Sport facilities Archaeological site Quarry, sand or borrow pit Golf course Other land uses Masifunde Municipal Operational Node 1 Library, Community / Daycare Centre, Taxi-rank & Fire Station. If any of the boxes marked with an N are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? Proposed N2 Bypass Road Reserve located off-site to the north of the Ethembeni settlement. SANRAL has confirmed that a 5m building line restriction must be instituted from the southern boundary of the National Road Proclamation area. This must be considered in the future subsidy housing phase. If any of the boxes marked with an " An " are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? Specify and explain: Existing Ethembeni Informal Settlement to be upgraded to formal erven and the installation of basic services. If any of the boxes marked with an " H " are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? Specify and explain: Does the proposed site (including any alternative sites) fall within any of the following: Critical Biodiversity Area (as per provincial conservation plan) YES NO Core area of a protected area? YES NO Buffer area of a protected area? Area between formal settlement and the Sout Rivier valley (Concordia State Forest). YES NO Planned expansion area of an existing protected area? YES NO Existing offset area associated with a previous Environmental Authorisation? YES NO Buffer area of the SKA? YES NO If the answer to any of these questions was YES, a map indicating the affected area must be included in Appendix A. 21 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

63 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 7 CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including Archaeological or paleontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the site? If YES, explain: YES Uncertain NO The historical Church and rondaval building on Erf 2068, between the two Portions of the Ethembeni informal settlement. Required Notice of Intent to Develop (NID) and associated Background Information Document (BID), compiled by Perception Heritage Planning, has been submitted to Heritage Western Cape for consideration. No further heritage related studies have been recommended. If uncertain, conduct a specialist investigation by a recognised specialist in the field (archaeology or palaeontology) to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site. Briefly explain the findings of the specialist: Heritage specialist has confirmed that other than the abovementioned Church precinct, no cultural or historical significant elements exist at the existing Ethembeni settlement (see Annexure D4 for Heritage Background Information Document) Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? YES NO Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)? Uncertain If YES, please provide proof that this permit application has been submitted to SAHRA or the relevant provincial authority. 8 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTER a) Local Municipality Please provide details on the socio-economic character of the local municipality in which the proposed site(s) are situated. Level of unemployment: High levels of unemployment - Key growth sectors have been unable to maintain current growth rates and address poverty and unemployment. Insufficient employment opportunities to meet the demand for jobs have been generated. Furthermore, there is a lack of diversity of economic drivers, and seasonal fluctuations in economic activity are characteristic. Poorer areas of Knysna have not benefited significantly from the tourism focus and traditional patterns of business ownership and management remain divided on racial lines. In order to reduce the current unemployment levels in Knysna by half over the next ten years, there is a need to create jobs per annum (Knysna SDF, 2008). Economic profile of local municipality: Knysna is characterised by a population with a minority of very wealthy and a majority of very poor, where some 46% of low-income households living in the municipal area are affected by poverty. The division between the wealthy and poor correlates strongly with racial groupings, with the black and coloured populations being among the poorest residents of Knysna. Issues of poverty and inequality have been compounded by substantial population growth, which has been highest among the poor. This has added to the expansion of informal settlements, such as Ethembeni. These poor communities are concentrated in specific areas of poverty, which include Hornlee and much of the Northern Areas (Flenters, Robololo, White Location, Jood se Kamp, Concordia, Endameni, Nekkies, Dam-se-Bos, Oupad) (Knysna SDF, 2008). The Ethembeni informal settlement is located in Concordia West, on the very edge of this fast growing urban area. 22 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

64 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 Level of education: The level of education of those living within the Ethembeni informal settlement is estimated to be relatively low. Informal settlements tend to be characterised by infrastructure that is inadequate, spatial environments that are of poor quality, population densities that are uncontrolled and may become uncontrollably high, dwellings that are inadequate, poor access to health and education facilities and employment opportunities, as well as a lack of effective government management. Consequently, they are areas of increasingly high risk. However, they also exhibit an immensely strong sense of community, strong social infrastructure and are clearly areas where a significant level of personal investment has occurred (Knysna SDF, 2008). Hence the priority to upgrade / formalise these settlements in-situ / on the same footprint, with access to / development of main transport routes to allow access to available educational facilities in the Knysna area. b) Socio-economic value of the activity What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? What is the expected yearly income that will be generated by or as a result of the activity? To be determined at tender stage To be determined at tender stage Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES NO Is the activity a public amenity? YES NO How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development and construction phase of the activity/ies? What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the development and construction phase? To be determined at tender stage To be determined at tender stage What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? +/- 95% How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of the activity? Few to none existing municipal What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 years? What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? Unknown. Unknown. 9 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 BGIShelp@sanbi.org. 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) Indicate 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) Systematic Biodiversity Planning Category If CBA or ESA, indicate the reason(s) for its selection in biodiversity plan 23 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

65 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) Ecological Support Area (ESA) Other Natural Area (ONA) No Natural Area Remaining (NNR) Portions of the Sout Rivier valley CBA are designated over Ethembeni settlement and the on-site seepage areas. The entire site has been transformed by the existing informal settlement little to no natural area remaining. b) Indicate and describe the habitat condition on site Habitat Condition Percentage of habitat condition class (adding up to 100%) Description and additional Comments and Observations (including additional insight into condition, e.g. poor land management practises, presence of quarries, grazing, harvesting regimes etc.). Natural 0% No natural habitat remaining within the Ethembeni informal settlement site. 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.) 4% 6% 90% Individual indigenous trees and shrubs remain within the settlement itself and on its northern edge, adjacent to the Sout Rivier valley. Stormwater / seepage areas on the low-lying portions of the site are heavily infested with a variety of alien plants, as well as contaminated with household refuse, stagnant water etc. Almost the entire informal settlement site, proposed for the formalisation of erven has been transformed. Plants present include garden ornamental, fruit trees and alien plants. c) Complete the table to indicate: (i) (ii) the type of vegetation, including its ecosystem status, present on the site; and whether an aquatic ecosystem is present on site. Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems Ecosystem threat status as per the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) Critical Endangered Vulnerable Least Threatened Wetland (including rivers, depressions, channelled and unchanneled wetlands, flats, seeps pans, and artificial wetlands) YES On-site seepage lines & adjacent river Estuary Coastline NO UNSURE YES NO YES NO 24 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

66 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 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) According to the Vegetation Map of South Africa (2006) the entire extent of the existing informal settlement (and proposed erven layout) falls within the Southern Afrotemperate Forest vegetation type, which has a National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) and NEM:BA Ecosystem Status of Least Threatened. The entire extent of the proposed development footprint however, has been transformed by the existing informal settlement and alien plant infestation. See Vegetation Map in Appendix A and Site Photographs in Appendix B. However, little to none of this indigenous vegetation remains within the highly disturbed footprint of the settlement and it immediate surroundings. In general, vegetation within the Ethembeni settlement consists of Kukuyi grass, alien plants, garden ornamental and vegetable / fruit tree species planted by the residents. The vegetation along the western slope of the Western Portion (below the old Saw Mill and dump) consists of Kukuyi and Pampas grass, Black Wattle, Blackwood, Port Jackson and Keurboom trees. The low-lying area below this slope, at the head of the seepage line, consists of wetland grasses and reeds. Vegetation within the seepage line includes the following indigenous plants: Virgillia (Keurboom), Rhus lucida, Psoralea and Arum Lily, and alien plants: Kukuyi grass, Bracken Fern, Plectranthus, Ink-bessie, Bugweed, Port Jackson, Blackwood and Black Wattle. A single large tree, which appears to be a Hard Pear (Olinia ventosa), remains on the edge of the forest vegetation. No protected trees or plant species were observed. A solitary Rhus chirindensis (Red Currant) tree is located amongst the informal dwellings within the Western Portion of the Ethembeni settlement. It is recommended that this lone tree be left in situ. The Eastern Portion of the Ethembeni settlement is situated on the edge of the disturbed forest of the Sout Rivier valley. The majority of the forest edge vegetation has been removed to make way for the informal dwellings. Plant species found within and in the immediate surroundings of the informal settlement include: Kykuyi grass, Pine, Black Wattle, Blackwood, Rhus lucida and Keurboom. No protected trees or plants were observed. 25 FINAL Basic Assessment Report

67 Formalisation of Ethembeni Settlement BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT KNY207/10 1 SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE Publication name Knysna-Plett Herald Date published 7 March 2013 Site notice position Latitude Longitude E S Date placed 4 April 2013 Include proof of the placement of the relevant advertisements and notices in Appendix E1. 2 DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE MEASURES Provide details of the measures taken to include all potential I&APs as required by Regulation 54(2)(e) and 54(7) of GN R.543. Key stakeholders (other than organs of state) identified in terms of Regulation 54(2)(b) of GN R.543: Title, Name and Surname Affiliation/ key stakeholder status Contact details (tel number or address) Ntombizanele Sopeki Ward 8 Councillor nsopeki@knysna.gov.za Vusi Booi Ngayza's Civil Construction vusibooi@gmail.com Include proof that the key stakeholder received written notification of the proposed activities as Appendix E2. This proof may include any of the following: delivery reports; registered mail receipts; courier waybills; signed acknowledgements of receipt; and/or any other proof as agreed upon by the competent authority. 3 ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Bulk Service availability / capacity must be confirmed by the Knysna Municipality. The Knysna Municipal waste water treatment works (WWTW) must be suitably upgraded to accommodate the additional load without any adverse effect; All sewage pumps to be installed must have standby back-up pumps available in case of power outages, failures or breakdown of the existing pumps; Summary of response from EAP Service capacity confirmed by the Municipality see Appendix G. Sewage will be connected to the existing municipal sewer network and disposed of at the licenced and recently upgraded Knysna WWTW. The new pumpstations will be equipped with two submersible pumps and a sump ( wet well system ). The size and depth of the sump will be sized to accommodate six hours of emergency back-up / storage based on the average dry weather flow 26 FINAL Basic Assessment Report