FRESHWATER ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF THE MBABANE BRIDGE NEAR SCRUM, KWAZULU NATAL

Transcription

1 FRESHWATER ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF THE MBABANE BRIDGE NEAR SCRUM, KWAZULU NATAL FINAL Prepared for: Afzelia Environmental Consultants Prepared by: Louise Zdanow SACNASP Reg. no Reviewed by: Natasha van de Haar SACNASP Reg. no /11 Date: September 2017

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3 EnviroSwift KZN Page 1 Executive Summary Enviroswift KZN has been appointed by Afzelia Environmental Consultants to undertake a freshwater assessment for the proposed development of the Mbabane Bridge (hereafter referred to as the proposed bridge ). The development entails the construction of a reinforced concrete vehicle and pedestrian bridge traversing a portion of the Mbabane River near the town / informal settlement Scrum in the KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Province (27 50'14.21"S, 30 13'27.46"E). The proposed bridge spans a total length of 30m with a deck width of 6.8m. The deck includes a single lane of 4.2m and a pedestrian walkway of 1.225m on the downstream side of the bridge. Other work will include the construction of new gravel access roads leading onto the bridge deck. The proposed bridge together with its general surroundings will be referred to as the study area in this report. Summary of Background Information According to the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area project (NFEPA, 2011): The sub-quaternary catchment in which the study area is located has been indicated as an Upstream Management Area 1. The Mbabane River is an ephemeral river indicated to be within a Class Z river condition (tributary condition modelled as not intact). The proposed bridge is located within a natural, floodplain wetland. The applicable wetland vegetation for the area is the Sub-Escarpment Grassland Group 4 which is listed as Endangered within the region. According to the Freshwater Systematic Conservation Plan for KZN (KZN FSCP, 2007), the general catchment area of the freshwater features associated with the study area is available. Areas indicated as available are untransformed biodiversity areas which have no specific conservation priority. According to the KZN Biodiversity Sector Plan, the study area is not located within a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA). According to the KZN Vegetation Type Map (2011), the proposed bridge will be constructed across the Alluvial Wetlands: Temperate Alluvial Vegetation Type which is listed as Vulnerable within the region. Summary of Freshwater Results Two freshwater features will be impacted as a result of the proposed bridge development. These include the Mbabane River and a floodplain wetland. Both features are already impacted as a result of historical agricultural activities and as a result of the development of informal access roads through the features. The river Index of Habitat Integrity Assessment (IHIA) was utilised to determine the Present Ecological State (PES) of the Mbabane River. The IHIA score calculated for the Mbabane River falls within Category D (Largely modified: A large loss of natural habitat, biota and basic ecosystem functions has occurred). The WET-Health tool 2 was utilised to assess the PES of the floodplain wetland. The overall wetland health score calculated for the wetland in its present state falls within Category C Moderately modified: A moderate change in ecosystem processes and loss of natural habitats has taken place but the natural habitat remains predominantly intact. 1 Upstream Management Areas are sub-quaternary catchments in which human activities need to be managed to prevent degradation of downstream river FEPAs and Fish Support Areas (FSAs). 2 Macfarlane et. al. 2010

4 EnviroSwift KZN Page 2 The WET-EcoServices 3 tool was utilised to assess wetland services and functions provided by the floodplain wetland. The wetland was determined to be of increased importance in terms of flood attenuation, sediment trapping, erosion control and phosphate and toxicant removal. The Mbabane River and the floodplain wetland were calculated to be of a moderate Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS). The proposed bridge and associated gravel access roads will be located within the floodplain wetland and will travers the Mbabane River. The application of a buffer area to freshwater features in which no development activities should take place is therefore not deemed practical. It is however recommended that a 10m buffer (as determined with the use of the Buffer Zone Guidelines for Rivers, Wetlands and Estuaries (Macfarlane and Bredin, 2016)) is applied to both freshwater features in which only essential activities should be permitted. No construction camps, mixing of cement, ablution facilities, washing of vehicles etc. should be permitted within this 10m buffer zone. Impact Assessment The following direct impacts are expected to occur should the proposed development prove feasible: Disturbance of habitat associated with the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. Loss of habitat from the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. Water quality impairment. Alteration of the hydrological regime. Table A: Impact table Impact Phase Before Mitigation After mitigation Disturbance of habitat associated Construction Phase Medium Very Low with the floodplain wetland and the Operational Phase Medium Very Low Mbabane River Loss of habitat from the floodplain Construction Phase Medium Low wetland and the Mbabane River Impairment of water quality Construction Phase Medium Very Low Operational Phase Medium Insignificant Alteration of hydrological regime Construction Phase Medium Insignificant Operational Phase Medium Low Conclusion The Mbabane River and the floodplain wetland have been degraded as a result of historical agricultural activities and as a result of the historical development of informal access roads through the features. These activities have resulted in the significant erosion and incision of the Mbabane River banks and channel and the disturbance of the natural vegetation community. Floral species diversity within the floodplain wetland was also found to be low and the feature is currently dominated by grass species indicative of moist, disturbed conditions. Although significantly degraded, both the Mbabane River and the floodplain wetland are considered to be of a moderate EIS. The Mbabane River has been indicated as an Upstream Management Area by the NFEPA project and the floodplain wetland is considered to be of increased importance in terms of the 3 Kotze et al., 2007

5 EnviroSwift KZN Page 3 provision of flood attenuation, sediment trapping and erosion control functions. It is therefore considered important that any unnecessary disturbance to these features is prevented. Impacts associated with the proposed bridge development include the loss and disturbance of habitat associated with the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River, water quality impairment, and the alteration of the hydrological regime of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. However, with the implementation of the mitigation measures as listed within this report, all of the impacts identified may be reduced to low, very low and insignificant levels. It is therefore the opinion of the freshwater specialist that the proposed development of the bridge be considered favourably, provided that all of the mitigation measures as listed within this report are strictly adhered to. It should also be noted that in addition to the application for an Environmental Authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (2014), the proposed bridge development will also require authorisation from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for two water uses listed within Section 21 of the National Water Act (NWA) namely: (c) impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; and (i) altering the bed, banks, course, or characteristics of a watercourse..

6 EnviroSwift KZN Page 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 1 LIST OF FIGURES... 5 LIST OF TABLES... 5 DISCLAIMER... 6 GLOSSARY... 7 ACRONYMS INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND SCOPE OF WORK LIMITATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS APPLICABLE LEGISLATION National Water Act (Act no.36 of 1998) General Notice 509 of the NWA (2016) National Environmental Management Act (Act no. 107 of 1998) National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA, Act No. 10 of 2004) METHOD OF ASSESSMENT DESKTOP ASSESSMENT WATERCOURSE DELINEATION WATERCOURSE CLASSIFICATION WETLAND ECOSERVICE AND FUNCTION ASSESSMENT WET-HEALTH RIVER INDEX OF HABITAT INTEGRITY ASSESSMENT (IHIA) ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE AND SENSITIVITY (EIS) OF WETLANDS AND RIPARIAN AREAS RECOMMENDED ECOLOGICAL CATEGORY (REC) BUFFER DETERMINATION IMPACT ASSESSMENT RESULTS OVERVIEW OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION WATERCOURSE DESCRIPTION The Mbabane River Floodplain Wetland WETLAND AND AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM CLASSIFICATION WATERCOURSE DELINEATION DETAILED ASSESSMENT MBABANE RIVER Present Ecological State (PES) Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) DETAILED ASSESSMENT WETLANDS Present Ecological State Ecosystem Services Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) RECOMMENDED ECOLOGICAL CATEGORY (REC) BUFFER REQUIREMENTS ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS... 38

7 EnviroSwift KZN Page IMPACT IDENTIFICATION Disturbance of habitat associated with the Floodplain Wetland and the Mbabane River Due to Edge Effects Loss of Habitat from the Floodplain Wetland and the Mbabane River Water Quality Impairment Alteration of Hydrological Regime MITIGATION MEASURES INDIRECT IMPACTS NO GO SCENARIO CUMULATIVE IMPACTS CONCLUSION REFERENCES APPENDIX 1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA APPENDIX 2 WETLANDS WITHIN 500M OF THE STUDY AREA List of Figures Figure 1: Proposed bridge and gravel access roads in relation to surrounding areas (Google Earth Pro, 2016) Figure 2: The proposed bridge and gravel access roads in relation to surrounding areas (Google Earth Pro, 2016) Figure 3: Proposed design layout of the Mbabane Bridge (Source: Anderson Vogt and Partners Consulting) Figure 4: Cross section through a wetland (after DWAF, 2005) Figure 5: A schematic diagram illustrating the edge of the riparian zone on one bank of a large river (DWA, 2008) Figure 6: Classification System for wetlands and other aquatic ecosystems in South Africa Figure 7: Freshwater features as indicated by the NFEPA project (2011). (red circles indicate the extent of the proposed bridge) Figure 8: Freshwater features associated with the proposed bridge Figure 9: The eroded Mbabane River channel (left) and an informal access road through the channel (right) Figure 10: Floodplain wetland habitat located to the east (top) and west (bottom) of the Mbabane River Figure 11: Hydromorphic soils found within the floodplain wetland with signs of mottling and gleying Figure 12: WET-EcoServices results Figure 13: Watercourses and the 10m buffer zone Figure 14: Desktop delineation of wetlands within 500m of the study area List of Tables Table 1: Vegetation characteristics used in the delineation of wetlands (after DWAF, 2005) Table 2: Main attributes of the region wherein the proposed bridge is located (Macfarlane and Bredin, 2016) Table 3: Level 4, 5 and 6 of the wetland and aquatic ecosystem classification Table 4: Descriptive classes for the assessment of modifications to habitat integrity (after IHIA, 1999) Table 5: IHIA results for the Mbabane River

8 EnviroSwift KZN Page 6 Table 6: Score sheet for determining the EIS (DWA, 1999) Table 7: EIS Categories Table 8: Evaluate changes to water input characteristics from the catchment Table 9: Evaluate changes to water distribution & retention patterns within the wetland Table 10: Determine the present geomorphic state of individual HGM units Table 11: Changes to vegetation composition Table 12: WET-Health results table Table 13: Classes for determining the likely extent to which a benefit is being supplied based on the overall score for that benefit (after Kotze et al., 2007) Table 14: WET-EcoServices results table Table 15: EIS results: Table 16: Ecological Importance and Sensitivity Categories Table 17: Summary of impacts with mitigation measures Disclaimer EnviroSwift KZN (Pty) Ltd has exercised all due care in the reviewing of all available information and the delineation of the watercourse boundaries. The accuracy of the results and conclusions from the assessment are entirely reliant on the accuracy and completeness of available desktop information, site conditions at the time of the assessment and professional judgment. EnviroSwift KZN (Pty) Ltd does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the assessment and therefore does not accept any consequential liability arising from commercial decisions made, which are based on the information contained in this report. Opinions presented in this report apply to conditions/site conditions applicable at time of review and those conditions which are reasonably foreseeable.

9 EnviroSwift KZN Page 7 Glossary 4 Alluvial soil: A deposit of sand, mud, etc. formed by flowing water, or the sedimentary matter deposited thus within recent times, especially in the valleys of large rivers. Biodiversity: The number and variety of living organisms on earth, the millions of plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genes they contain, the evolutionary history and potential they encompass and the ecosystems, ecological processes and landscape of which they are integral parts. Buffer: A strip of land surrounding a wetland or riparian area in which activities are controlled or restricted, in order to reduce the impact of adjacent land uses on the wetland or riparian area. Catchment: The area contributing to runoff at a particular point in a river system. Chroma: The relative purity of the spectral colour which decreases with increasing greyness. Critical Biodiversity Areas: Areas of the landscape that need to be maintained in a natural or nearnatural state in order to ensure the continued existence and functioning of species and ecosystems and the delivery of ecosystem services. Delineation (of a wetland): To determine the boundary of a wetland based on soil, vegetation, and/or hydrological indicators. Ecoregion: A recurring pattern of ecosystems associated with characteristic combinations of soil and landform that characterise that region. Ephemeral stream: A stream that has transitory or short-lived flow. Groundwater: Subsurface water in the saturated zone below the water table. Habitat: The natural home of species of plants or animals. Hue (of colour): The dominant spectral colour. Hydromorphic soil: A soil that, in its undrained condition, is saturated or flooded long enough to develop anaerobic conditions favouring the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation (vegetation adapted to living in anaerobic soils). Hydrology: The study of the occurrence, distribution and movement of water over, on and under the land surface. Hydrophytes: Also called obligate wetland plants - plants that are physiologically bound to water where at least part of the generative cycle takes place in the water or on the surface. Halophytes: Salt tolerant plants. Helophytes: Also called facultative wetland plants - essentially terrestrial plants of which the photosynthetically active parts tolerate long periods of submergence or floating on water. Indicator species: A species whose presence in an ecosystem is indicative of particular conditions (such as saline soils or acidic waters). Intermittent flow: Flows only for short periods. Macrophyte: A large plant - in wetland studies usually a large plant growing in shallow water or waterlogged soils. Perennial: Permanent - persisting from year to year. Riparian area delineation: The determination and marking of the boundary of the riparian area. Riparian habitat: Includes the physical structure and associated vegetation of the areas associated with a watercourse which are commonly characterized by alluvial 4 As provided by DWA (2005) and WRC Report No. TT 434/09.

10 EnviroSwift KZN Page 8 soils (deposited by the current river system) and which are inundated or flooded to an extent and with a frequency sufficient to support vegetation of species with a composition and physical structure distinct from those of adjacent areas. Shrub: A shrub is a small to medium-sized woody plant. Temporary zone: The zone that is alternately inundated and exposed. Terrain unit morphological classes: Areas of the land surface with homogenous form and slope. A watercourse is defined by the National Water Act: (a) A river or spring; (b) A natural channel in which water flows regularly or intermediately; (c) A wetland, lake or dam into which or from which water flows; and (d) Any collection of water which the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare to be a watercourse. Water table: The upper surface of groundwater or that level below which the soil is saturated with water. The water table feeds base flow to the river channel network when the river channel is in contact with the water table. Wetland: An area of marsh, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed ten metres. Acronyms CBA DWA DWS EIS FEPA HGM IHI IHIA KZN NEMA NFEPA NWA PES REC SANBI SCP Critical Biodiversity Area Department of Water Affairs Department of Water and Sanitation Environmental Importance and Sensitivity Freshwater Ecological Support Area Hydrogeomorphic Index of Habitat Integrity Intermediate Habitat Integrity Assessment KwaZulu Natal National Environmental Management Act National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas National Water Act Present Ecological State Recommended Ecological Category South African National Biodiversity Institute Systematic Conservation Plan Sub-WMA Sub - Water Management Area WMA WUL Water Management Area Water Use Licence

11 EnviroSwift KZN Page 9 1. Introduction 1.1. Background Enviroswift KZN has been appointed by Afzelia Environmental Consultants to undertake a freshwater assessment for the proposed development of the Mbabane Bridge (hereafter referred to as the proposed bridge ). The development entails the construction of a reinforced concrete vehicle and pedestrian bridge traversing a portion of the Mbabane River near the town / informal settlement Scrum in the KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Province (27 50'14.21"S, 30 13'27.46"E). The proposed bridge spans a total length of 30m with a deck width of 6.8m. The deck includes a single lane of 4.2m and a pedestrian walkway of 1.225m on the downstream side of the bridge. Other work will include the construction of new gravel access roads leading onto the bridge deck. The proposed bridge together with its general surroundings will be referred to as the study area in this report '14.21"S, 30 13'27.46"E Figure 1: Proposed bridge and gravel access roads in relation to surrounding areas (Google Earth Pro, 2016).

12 EnviroSwift KZN Page '14.21"S, 30 13'27.46"E Figure 2: The proposed bridge and gravel access roads in relation to surrounding areas (Google Earth Pro, 2016). Figure 3: Proposed design layout of the Mbabane Bridge (Source: Anderson Vogt and Partners Consulting).

13 EnviroSwift KZN Page Scope of Work The scope of work included the following: Gathering of background information as defined by provincial and national databases. Identification, delineation and assessment of the watercourses associated with the proposed bridge. Identification and assessment of freshwater impacts likely to occur during the construction and operational phase. Recommendation of mitigation measures to reduce any negative impacts. Comment on, and conduct a comparative analysis of the impacts associated with the no-go alternative Limitations and Assumptions This report describes the watercourses traversed by the proposed bridge and gravel access roads, and those features which are within 32m of the proposed bridge and access roads 5 and the impacts to these features only. Portions of watercourses traversed by the proposed bridge and gravel access roads were delineated in the field. All remaining wetlands located within 500m of the proposed bridge were desktop delineated with the use of digital satellite imagery (Google Earth Pro, 2016) (refer to Appendix 2). A transitional gradient occurs within wetlands from the saturated permanent zone to dry terrestrial areas. This gradient makes it difficult to determine the exact boundary of wetland features and some difference in opinion on wetland boundaries may therefore occur. The delineation as presented in this report is however considered to be a best estimate of the boundary of the wetland habitat identified as determined by a wetland specialist with extensive experience in the wetland delineation techniques advocated by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The infield delineation and assessment of watercourses was made difficult as a result of the historical disturbance of the river and floodplain. However, infield delineation was supplemented with the use of digital satellite imagery (Google Earth Pro, 2016). Therefore, the delineation as presented in this report is regarded as a best estimate of the freshwater feature boundaries based on the site conditions present at the time of assessment. The accuracy of the Global Positioning System (GPS) utilised will affect the accuracy of the wetland delineation. A Garmin GPSMap 64 was used which has an estimated accuracy rating of 3-5 metres. WET-Health and the River Index of Habitat Integrity Assessment (IHIA) are rapid assessment tools which rely on expert opinion and judgement and which rely on qualitative rather than quantitative information. That being said, WET-Health and the river IHIA are currently the most suitable techniques available to undertake the assessment of wetland and river Present Ecological State (PES) for this project, and it is the opinion of the specialist that the method of assessment used provides the most accurate reflection of the Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) as well as human benefit associated with the portions of the watercourses associated with the proposed bridge development. It should be noted that any single-site, ground-based method such as WET-Health or the IHIA will lack longitudinal continuity and may not reflect an accurate assessment of the habitat integrity of the entire 5 Activities within 32m of a watercourse will require authorisation in terms of NEMA regulations.

14 EnviroSwift KZN Page 12 system. However, these assessment tools are deemed sufficient to identify and inform the assessment of impacts that may arise from the proposed development activities. A single site assessment was undertaken in October 2016, following a very dry summer associated with a period of drought in KwaZulu Natal. Seasonal variation in floral species composition and freshwater feature characteristics was therefore not considered as part of this assessment. In addition, undertaking the site assessment prior to sufficient rainfall created a limitation to the identification of grasses which were dry and lacked inflorescences at the time of the assessment. There is therefore the possibility that some aspects may have been missed, however general findings and results were considered sufficient to inform the assessment of potential impacts that could occur as a result of the proposed development activities. The assessment was confined to the top 50 cm of soil, in line with the delineation guideline provided by Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF, updated 2008). Therefore, groundwater was not considered as part of this assessment Applicable Legislation National Water Act (Act no.36 of 1998) The purpose of the National Water Act (NWA) is to ensure that the nation's water resources are protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled in ways which take into account amongst other factors - (g) protecting aquatic and associated ecosystems and their biological diversity; and (h) reducing and preventing pollution and degradation of water resources. In order to understand and interpret the NWA correctly, the following definitions are applicable to this project: ``pollution'' means the direct or indirect alteration of the physical, chemical or biological properties of a water resource; ``protection'', in relation to a water resource, means - (a) maintenance of the quality of the water resource to the extent that the water resource may be used in an ecologically sustainable way; (b) prevention of the degradation of the water resource; and (c) the rehabilitation of the water resource; ``resource quality'' means the quality of all the aspects of a water resource including - (a) the quantity, pattern, timing, water level and assurance of instream flow; (b) the water quality, including the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the water; (c) the character and condition of the instream and riparian habitat; and (d) the characteristics, condition and distribution of the aquatic biota; watercourse'' means - (a) a river or spring; (b) a natural channel in which water flows regularly or intermittently; (c) a wetland, lake or dam into which, or from which, water flows; and (d) any collection of water which the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare to be a watercourse, and a reference to a watercourse includes, where relevant, its bed and banks; and ``water resource'' includes a watercourse, surface water, estuary, or aquifer. The NWA deals with pollution prevention, and in particular the situation where pollution of a water resource occurs or might occur as a result of activities on land. The person who owns, controls, occupies or uses the

15 EnviroSwift KZN Page 13 land in question is responsible for taking measures to prevent pollution of water resources. The measures may include measures to - (a) cease, modify or control any act or process causing the pollution; (b) comply with any prescribed waste standard or management practice; (c) contain or prevent the movement of pollutants; (d) eliminate any source of the pollution; (e) remedy the effects of the pollution; and (f) remedy the effects of any disturbance to the bed and banks of a watercourse. Water use is defined broadly, and includes taking and storing water, activities which reduce stream flow, waste discharges and disposals, controlled activities (activities which impact detrimentally on a water resource), altering a watercourse, removing water found underground for certain purposes, and recreation. In general, a water use must be licensed unless it is listed in Schedule I, is an existing lawful use, is permissible under a general authorisation, or if a responsible authority waives the need for a licence. In terms of the proposed project, water uses listed within Section 21 that will most likely require authorisation include - (c) impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; and (i) altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse. It is important to note that Altering the beds, banks, characteristics of a watercourse means any change affecting the resource quality within the riparian habitat or 1:100 year flood line, whichever is the greater distance General Notice 509 of the NWA (2016) According to GN509 of 2016 the extent of a watercourse means: a) a river, spring or natural channel in which water flows regularly or intermittently within the outer edge of the 1 in 100 year floodline or riparian habitat measured from the middle of the watercourse from both banks, and for b) wetlands and pans within a 500 m radius from the boundary (temporary zone) of any wetland or pan (when the temporary zone is not present then the seasonal zone is delineated as the wetland boundary), and for c) lakes and dams purchase line plus a buffer of 50 m. According to the GN509 a General Authorisation (GA) may be acquired for the use of water in terms of section 21 c and i within the extent of a watercourse where the Risk Class as determined by the new Risk Assessment Matrix is Low National Environmental Management Act (Act no. 107 of 1998) The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 107 of 1998) as amended and the associated Regulations (Listing No R. 983, No R. 984 and R. 985), states that prior to any development taking place which triggers any activity as listed within the abovementioned regulations, an environmental authorisation process needs to be followed. This could follow either the Basic Assessment process or the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process depending on the nature of the activity and scale of the impact. The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) states the following:

16 EnviroSwift KZN Page 14 Every person who causes, has caused, or may cause significant pollution or degradation of the environment must take reasonable measures to prevent such pollution or degradation from occurring, continuing or recurring, or, in so far as such harm to the environment is authorised by law or cannot reasonably be avoided or stopped, to minimise and rectify such pollution or degradation of the environment. The NEMA also makes special mention of the importance of the protection of wetlands: Sensitive, vulnerable, highly dynamic or stressed ecosystems, such as coastal shores, estuaries, wetlands and similar systems require specific attention in management and planning procedures, especially where they are subject to significant human resource usage and development pressure National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA, Act No. 10 of 2004) The objectives of this act are (within the framework of NEMA) to provide for: the management and conservation of biological diversity within the Republic of South Africa and of the components of such diversity; the use of indigenous biological resources in a sustainable manner; and the fair and equitable sharing among stakeholders of benefits arising from bio-prospecting involving indigenous biological resources. This act alludes to the fact that management of biodiversity must take place to ensure that the biodiversity of surrounding areas is not negatively impacted upon, by any activity being undertaken, in order to ensure the fair and equitable sharing among stakeholders of benefits arising from indigenous biological resources. According to the NEMBA Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (GN R598 of 2014) alien and invasive species must be eradicated and controlled. The various alien and invasive floral species categories may be summarised as follows: Category 1a Invasive species that require compulsory control; Category 1b Invasive species that require control by means of an invasive species management programme; Category 2 Commercially used plants that may be grown in demarcated areas, provided that there is a permit and that steps are taken to prevent their spread; and Category 3 Ornamentally used plants that may no longer be planted. Existing plants may remain, except within the flood line of watercourses and wetlands, as long as all reasonable steps are taken to prevent their spread 2. Method of Assessment 2.1. Desktop Assessment The scope of work included a desktop assessment using available national and provincial databases such as municipal Fine Scale Plans and the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas project (NFEPA, 2011).

17 EnviroSwift KZN Page Watercourse Delineation For the purpose of the identification of water resources, the definition as provided by the NWA (Act no. 36, 1998) was used to guide the site survey. The NWA defines a water resource as a watercourse, surface water, estuary or aquifer, of which the latter two are not applicable to this assessment due to an estuary being associated with the sea and, in line with best practice guidelines, wetland and riparian assessments only include the assessment of the first 50 cm from the soil surface, therefore aquifers are excluded. In addition, reference to a watercourse as provided above includes, where relevant, its bed and banks. In order to establish if the watercourses in question can be classified as wetland habitat or riparian habitat, the definitions as drafted by the NWA (Act no. 36, 1998) 6, the proposed national wetland classification system 7 for South Africa and the DWAF (2008) were taken into consideration. Wetland habitat and riparian habitat are defined in the NWA as the following: A wetland is land which is transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface, or the land is periodically covered with shallow water, and which land in normal circumstances supports or would support vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soil; and Riparian habitat includes the physical structure and associated vegetation of the areas associated with a watercourse which are commonly characterized by alluvial soils, and which are inundated or flooded to an extent and with a frequency sufficient to support vegetation of species with a composition and physical structure distinct from those of adjacent areas. Additional definitions provided by the proposed national wetland classification system 8 for South Africa and the DWAF (2008) are as follows: Wetland - An area of marsh, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed ten metres ; and River - Linear fluvial, eroded landforms which carry channelized flow on a permanent, seasonal or ephemeral/episodic basis. The river channel flows within a confined valley (gorge) or within an incised macro-channel. The river includes both the active channel (the portion which carries the water) as well as the riparian zone. Both rivers and wetlands are listed as types of watercourses and are afforded appropriate protection under the NWA. This is to be expected, since both rivers and wetlands are forms of drainage lines in the landscape. Whereas wetlands generally display more diffuse flow and are lower energy environments, riparian areas are commonly found along streams and rivers that reflect the high-energy conditions associated with the water flowing in a strongly defined channel (DWAF, 2008). Several indicators are prescribed in the watercourse delineation guideline (DWAF, updated 2008) to facilitate the delineation of either the temporary wetland zone or the rivers riparian zone. Indicators used to determine the boundary of the wetland temporary zone include: 1) The position in the landscape; 2) The type of soil form; 3) The presence of wetland vegetation species; and 4) The presence of redoxymorphic soil features, which are morphological signatures that appear in soils with prolonged periods of saturation. 6 The definitions as provided by the NWA (Act No. 36 of 1998) are the only legislated definitions of wetlands in South Africa. 7 SANBI SANBI 2009.

18 EnviroSwift KZN Page 16 Indicators used to determine the boundary of the riparian zone include: 1) Landscape position; 2) Alluvial soils and recently deposited material; 3) Topography associated with riparian areas; and 4) Vegetation associated with riparian areas. The boundaries of the watercourses were identified and delineated during the field survey with the use of these indicators (also refer to Figures below). Figure 4: Cross section through a wetland (after DWAF, 2005). Table 1: Vegetation characteristics used in the delineation of wetlands (after DWAF, 2005). Terrestrial / Non-wetland Temporary Seasonal Permanent / Semipermanent Dominated by plant species which occur extensively in non-wetland areas; hydrophytic 9 species may be present in very low abundance Predominantly grass species; mixture of species which occur extensively in non-wetland areas and hydrophytic plant species which are restricted largely to wetland areas Hydrophytic sedge and grass species which are restricted to wetland areas Dominated by emergent plants, including reeds, sedges and bulrushes or floating or submerged aquatic plants 9 Plants that are physiologically bound to water where at least part of the generative cycle takes place in the water or on the surface.

19 EnviroSwift KZN Page 17 Figure 5: A schematic diagram illustrating the edge of the riparian zone on one bank of a large river (DWA, 2008) Watercourse Classification Ecosystems included within the Classification System for Wetlands and other Aquatic Ecosystems in South Africa (hereafter referred to as the Classification System ) developed by Ollis et al., (2013) encompass those that the Ramsar Convention defines, rather broadly, as wetlands, namely areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres (cited by Ramsar Convention Secretariat, 2011). The inland component of the Classification System has a six-tiered structure presented in the figure below.

20 EnviroSwift KZN Page 18 LEVEL 1 Marine Estuarine Inland LEVEL 2 REGIONAL SETTING DWA Level 1 Ecoregion NFEPA WetVeg Groups Other spatial framework LEVEL 6 DESCRIPTORS LEVEL 3 LANDSCAPE UNIT Natural vs artificial Salinity Substratum type Vegetation cover type Geology Valley floor Slope Plain Bench (hilltop/saddle/shelf) LEVEL 5 HYDROLOGICAL REGIME Rivers = Perenniality Period and depth of inundation Period of saturation LEVEL 4 HYDROGEOMORPHIC (HGM) UNIT River Floodplain Channelled valley-bottom wetland Unchannelled valley-bottom wetland Depression Seep Wetland flat Figure 6: Classification System for wetlands and other aquatic ecosystems in South Africa Wetland Ecoservice and Function Assessment WET-EcoServices 10 was designed for inland palustrine wetlands 11 and has been developed to help assess 15 key goods and services that individual wetlands provide in order to allow for more informed planning and decision making. Central to WET-EcoServices is the characterisation of hydrogeomorphic (HGM) units (refer to section 2.3. above). The rationale behind characterising the HGM units of a wetland is that areas belonging to the same HGM type and falling within a similar geological and climatic setting are likely to have a similar structure and exhibit similar processes. 10 DWAF, marshes, floodplains, vleis and seeps.

21 EnviroSwift KZN Page 19 In addition, WET-EcoServices allows for the assessment of potential and actual ecosystem service outcomes of rehabilitation projects by applying the assessment to with rehabilitation and without rehabilitation situations and comparing the difference between the two Wet-Health WET-Health 12 is a tool designed to assess the health or integrity of a wetland. Wetland health is defined as a measure of the deviation of wetland structure and function from the wetland s natural reference condition. This technique attempts to assess hydrological, geomorphological and vegetation health in three separate modules. A Level 1 WET-Health assessment was undertaken as part of this assessment River Index of Habitat Integrity Assessment (IHIA) The river IHIA is utilised in order to determine the PES of rivers. The river IHIA is based on two components of the watercourse, the riparian zone and the instream channel. Assessments are made separately for both aspects, but data for the riparian zone is primarily interpreted in terms of the potential impact on the instream component Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) of Wetlands and Riparian Areas The EIS method applied for rivers is based on the approach adopted by the DWS as detailed in the document Resource Directed Measures for Protection of Water Resources (1999). In the method, a series of determinants are assessed on a scale of 0 to 4, where 0 indicates no importance and 4 indicates very high importance. The EIS method applied to wetlands is based on the assessment tool developed by Rountree et. al (2014) and was used in order to determine the ecological importance and sensitivity of wetlands, incorporating the traditionally examined criteria used in EIS assessments of other water resources by DWS and thus enabling consistent assessment approaches across water resource types. Hydro-functional importance and basic human needs have been assessed as part of the WET-EcoServices and were therefore excluded. It should be noted that the EIS assessment was done solely based on the attributes found at the project footprint and immediate surroundings. Furthermore, the precautionary principle was applied during the EIS assessment, due to only one field survey being undertaken and the consequent probability of overlooking faunal and floral species. However, the field survey results were supplemented by background information and therefore the conclusions are considered representative of the features that were assessed Recommended Ecological Category (REC) The REC is determined by the PES score as well as importance and/or sensitivity. Water resources which have a PES falling within an E or F ecological category are deemed unsustainable. In such cases the REC must automatically be increased to a D. Where the PES is determined to be within an A, B, C or D ecological category, the EIS components must be evaluated to determine if any of the aspects of importance and 12 Macfarlane et al., 2007

22 EnviroSwift KZN Page 20 sensitivity are high or very high. If this is the case, the feasibility of increasing the PES (particularly if the PES is in a low C or D category) should be evaluated and either set at the same ecological category or higher depending on feasibility. This is recommended to enable important and/or sensitive water resources to maintain their functionality and continue to provide the goods and services for the environment and society. 2.9 Buffer Determination The recently published Buffer Zone Guidelines for Rivers, Wetlands and Estuaries (Macfarlane and Bredin, 2016), allows the user to rate key elements such as threats posed by land use / activities on the water resource, climatic factors, the sensitivity of the water resource (i.e. river, wetland or estuary), and buffer zone attributes in order to determine the size a buffer would need to be in order to sufficiently protect a river, wetland or estuary Impact Assessment A method of assessment summary is provided below; the detailed method is provided in Appendix 1. The following criteria were taken into consideration when determining the impact of the proposed mining activities: The nature of the impact i.e. positive, negative, direct, indirect; The extent and location of the impact; The duration of the impact i.e. short term, long term, intermittent or continuous; The magnitude/intensity of the impact i.e. high, medium, low; and The likelihood or probability of the impact actually occurring. Mitigation measures were subsequently identified and recommended for all impacts to reduce the overall impact significance to an acceptable level, where and if possible. Mitigation measures were aimed to ensure that: More environmentally sound designs / layouts / technologies, etc., are investigated and implemented, if feasible; Environmental benefits of a proposed activity are enhanced; Negative impacts are avoided, minimised or remedied; and Residual negative impacts are within acceptable levels.

23 EnviroSwift KZN Page Results 3.1. Overview of Background Information The study area falls within the North Eastern Uplands Aquatic Ecoregion. The main attributes listed for the ecoregion are provided in the table below (Kleynhans, 2005). The study area falls within the Thukela Water Management Area (WMA) and within the Buffalo sub-water Management Area (sub-wma) (NFEPA, 2011). The quaternary catchment indicated for the study area is V32C. Table 2: Main attributes of the region wherein the proposed bridge is located (Macfarlane and Bredin, 2016). Main Attributes Rainfall seasonality Mean annual precipitation (mm) Summer 800 mm Mean annual temp. ( C) 18 C K-factor According to the NFEPA database (2011) (Figure 7): The sub-quaternary catchment in which the study area is located has been indicated as an Upstream Management Area 14. The Mbabane River is an ephemeral river indicated to be within a Class Z river condition (tributary condition modelled as not intact). The proposed bridge and associated gravel access roads will be located within a natural, floodplain wetland. The applicable wetland vegetation for the area is the Sub-Escarpment Grassland Group 4 which is listed as Endangered within the region. According to the Freshwater Systematic Conservation Plan for KZN (KZN FSCP, 2007), the general catchment area of the freshwater features associated with the study area is available. Areas indicated as available are untransformed biodiversity areas which have no specific conservation priority. According to the KZN Biodiversity Sector Plan, the study area is not located within a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) or any other area considered to be of conservational importance. According to the KZN Vegetation Type Map (2011), the proposed bridge is located within the Alluvial Wetlands: Temperate Alluvial Vegetation Type which is listed as Vulnerable within the region. 13 Inherent erosion potential of soils. 14 Upstream Management Areas are sub-quaternary catchments in which human activities need to be managed to prevent degradation of downstream river FEPAs and Fish Support Areas (FSAs).

24 EnviroSwift KZN Page 22 Mbabane River 27 50'14.21"S, 30 13'27.46"E Figure 7: Freshwater features as indicated by the NFEPA project (2011). (red circles indicate the extent of the proposed bridge) 3.2. Watercourse Description A site assessment was undertaken on the 31 st of October 2016 in order to delineate freshwater features within the study area utilising wetland and riparian indicators as defined by the delineation manual drafted by the DWAF (2005, updated 2008). Two freshwater features, the Mbabane River and a floodplain wetland were encountered at the time of the assessment. These features are discussed in detail below and their locations in relation to the proposed bridge and associated gravel access roads are indicated in Figure 8 below.

25 EnviroSwift KZN Page '14.57"S 30 13'24.64"E 27 50'14.21"S, 30 13'27.46"E 27 50'14.19"S 30 13'34.67"E Figure 8: Freshwater features associated with the proposed bridge The Mbabane River The Mbabane River is a lower foothill river characterised by a mixed-bed alluvial channel with sand and gravel dominating the bed. The river lacks a distinctive riparian zone with only a few scattered individuals of Acacia karroo noted on the river banks. The habitat associated with the river has been significantly transformed as a result of historical agricultural activities and as a result of the historical development of an informal gravel access road through the river channel. These activities have resulted in the significant erosion and incision of the river banks and channel and have resulted in the disturbance of the natural vegetation community.

26 EnviroSwift KZN Page 24 Figure 9: The eroded Mbabane River channel (left) and an informal access road through the channel (right) Floodplain Wetland A broad floodplain wetland is associated with the Mbabane River. The floodplain wetland is characterised by unconsolidated sediments deposited during flood events and by meander cutoffs 15 which indicate the historical extent of the meandering river system. The floodplain wetland has also been significantly impacted as a result of historical agricultural activities 16 and by the development of informal access roads and tracks through the wetland habitat. The wetland is characterised by the presence of grass species indicative of moist, disturbed conditions such as Sporobolus africanus (Rats-tail Dropseed), Sporobolus pyramidalis (Cats-tail Dropseed), Imperata cylindrica (Cottonwool Grass), Paspalum urvillei (Gian Paspalum), Andropogon cf appendiculatus (Vlei Blustem), Cynodon dactylon (Couch Grass), Microchloa caffra (Pincushion Grass), Urochloa mosambicensis (Bushveld Signal Grass), Digitaria eriantha (Common finger grass), Paspulum scrobiculatum (Veld Paspalum), Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass) and Eragrostis sp., with isolated patches of sedges such as Schoenoplectus cf. decipiens noted. Soil associated with the floodplain was very dry at the time of the assessment due to the prolonged period of drought in the area and it is assumed that species diversity would increase during the rainy season. 15 A meander cutoff occurs when a meander bend in a river is breached by a chute channel that connects the two closest parts of the bend. This causes the flow to abandon the meander and to continue straight downslope. 16 Extensive livestock grazing.

27 EnviroSwift KZN Page 25 Figure 10: Floodplain wetland habitat located to the east (top) and west (bottom) of the Mbabane River Wetland and Aquatic Ecosystem Classification The Mbabane River and the floodplain wetland are inland systems located within the Sub-Escarpment Grassland Group 4 wetland vegetation group (Endangered) (NFEPA, 2011) and within the North Eastern Uplands Ecoregion. Both features are located within a plain landscape which is an extensive area of low relief which is generally characterised by relatively level, gently undulating or uniformly sloping land with a very gentle gradient that is not located within a valley. The table below summarise the results from Level 4 through to Level 6 of the wetland and aquatic ecosystem classification user manual (Ollis et. al. 2013). Table 3: Level 4, 5 and 6 of the wetland and aquatic ecosystem classification Level 4 Level 5 Mbabane River River: a linear landform with clearly discernible bed and banks, which permanently or periodically carries a concentrated flow of water. A river is taken to include both the active channel and the riparian zone as a unit. Ephemeral: does not flow continuously throughout the year, although pools may persist. Floodplain Wetland Floodplain wetland: a wetland area on the mostly flat or gently-sloping land adjacent to and formed by an alluvial river channel and the zone as a unit. Seasonally inundated: with surface water present for extended periods during the wet season/s (generally between 3 to 9 months duration) but

28 EnviroSwift KZN Page 26 Seasonal: with water flowing for extended periods during the wet season/s (generally between 3 to 9 months duration) but not during the rest of the year. drying up annually, either to complete dryness or to saturation (seasonal zones only). Intermittently saturated: with all the spaces between the soil particles filled with water for irregular periods of less than one season (i.e. less than approximately 3 months) (temporary zones). Level 6 Natural: existing in, or produced by nature; not made or caused by humankind. Seasonally saturated: with all the spaces between the soil particles filled with water for extended periods (generally between 3 to 9 months duration), usually during the wet season/s, but dry for the rest of the year (seasonal zones). Natural: existing in, or produced by nature; not made or caused by humankind Watercourse Delineation Wetland and river indicators as described in Section 2.2 were identified and utilised in order to delineate the boundaries of the Mbabane river and the floodplain wetland. The presence of grass species known to thrive in disturbed, damp soil conditions was used as the primary indicators of the boundary of the floodplain wetland. Vegetation was therefore utilised in combination with terrain units in order to delineate the temporary boundary of the wetland. Hand augering was conducted within the floodplain wetland in order to determine the presence of indicators of hydromorphic soils 17 such as gleying, mottling, organic streaking and leaching (wetland indicators defined by DWAF, 2008) within the first 50cm of the soil surface 18. Compacted, hard, dry soils made augering difficult, however in areas where augering was possible, signs of soil mottling and gleying were encountered. Terrain units were used as the primary indicator for the delineation of the Mbabane River. Figure 11: Hydromorphic soils found within the floodplain wetland with signs of mottling and gleying. 17 A soil that, in its undrained condition, is saturated or flooded long enough to develop anaerobic conditions favouring the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation (vegetation adapted to living in anaerobic soils). 18 In line with the DWAF 2008 delineation guidelines.

29 EnviroSwift KZN Page Detailed Assessment Mbabane River Present Ecological State (PES) In order to determine the PES of the Mbabane River, the river IHIA was applied (refer to methodology in section 2.6). The IHIA is founded on the assessment of two separate modules of a watercourse namely riparian habitat and instream habitat. The Mbabane River lacked a distinctive riparian area and the riparian habitat module of the IHIA could therefore not be applied. Therefore, to obtain an estimated PES category for the river, only the IHIA instream module was applied. The following key existing impacts and aspects influenced the scoring: Water abstraction: o No evidence of abstraction from the Mbabane River was found. Flow modification: o A marginal increase of flow into the Mbabane River is likely as a result of development and agricultural activities within the catchment. Bed modification and channel modification: o The banks and channel of the river are significantly eroded and incised. Water quality modification: o No onsite water quality testing was undertaken as part of the assessment, however, erosion of the river banks, as well as runoff from disturbed and cultivated areas within the catchment of the river is likely to result in an increase in the sediment load and turbidity of water within the system. The instream score calculated for the Mbabane River falls within IHIA Category D: Largely modified. A large loss of natural habitat, biota and basic ecosystem functions has occurred. With the implementation of the mitigation measures as listed within this report, and the application of appropriate rehabilitation measures, the overall PES of the river is not likely to change significantly. The PES after the proposed bridge development was therefore not assessed. Table 4: Descriptive classes for the assessment of modifications to habitat integrity (after IHIA, 1999). IMPACT CATEGORY None Small Moderate Large Serious Critical DESCRIPTION No discernible impact, or the modification is located in such a way that it has no impact on habitat quality, diversity, size and variability. The modification is limited to very few localities and the impact on habitat quality, diversity, size and variability is also very small. The modifications are present at a small number of localities and the impact on habitat quality, diversity, size and variability is also limited. The modification is generally present with a clearly detrimental impact on habitat quality, diversity, size and variability. Large areas are, however, not influenced. The modification is frequently present and the habitat quality, diversity, size and variability in almost the whole of the defined area is affected. Only small areas are not influenced. The modification is present overall with a high intensity. The habitat quality, diversity, size and variability in almost the whole of the defined section is influenced detrimentally. SCORE

30 EnviroSwift KZN Page 28 Table 5: IHIA results for the Mbabane River. Instream criteria Impact score Weight IHI Score Impact Category Confidence Water abstraction None M Flow modification Small M Bed modification Large H Channel modification Large H Water quality Moderate L Inundation Small M Exotic macrophytes None H Exotic fauna None L Solid waste disposal Small H Provisional Instream Habitat Integrity Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS). The EIS method of assessment is based on the approach adopted by the DWA as detailed in the document Resource Directed Measures for Protection of Water Resources (1999). The portion of the Mbabane River which will be traversed by the proposed bridge was calculated to be of a moderate EIS. The key aspects considered during the EIS assessment are summarised below and in the table to follow: The Mbabane River has been significantly disturbed and is not likely to provide the habitat to support rare and endangered species or populations of unique species. Species and taxon richness associated with the river is low 19. There is a low diversity of habitat types and features in the vicinity of the proposed bridge crossing point. The river is likely to provide breeding and foraging sites for more common fauna in the region, particularly during the rainy season when it is in flow. The Mbabane River is not located within a protected area. The ecological integrity of the river has been reduced by the disturbance of vegetation and by the significant erosion and incision of the river banks. With the implementation of mitigation measures and the rehabilitation of the portion of the river which will be impacted, the EIS of the Mbabane River is not likely to change significantly after the proposed development activities. 19 Confirmed by Vegetation assessment undertaken by Afzelia Consulting (2017).

31 EnviroSwift KZN Page 29 Table 6: Score sheet for determining the EIS (DWA, 1999). Mbabane River Determinant Score (0-4) Conf (1-4) PRIMARY DETERMINANT Rare and endangered Species 0 2 Populations of unique Species 0 3 Species/taxon richness* 1 3 Diversity of habitat types or features* 1 4 Migration route/breeding and feeding site for wetland species: 3 4 Importance in terms of the link it provides for biological functioning. Sensitivity to changes in the natural hydrological regime*: 2 2 Determined by the size of the feature, available habitat types and frequency of flood events. Sensitivity to water quality changes*: 2 2 Determined by the size of the feature, available habitat types and frequency of flood events. Energy dissipation and particulate/element removal: 1 3 Roughness coefficient/storage capacity and size. MODIFYING DETERMINANTS Protected status: 0 4 Ramsar Site, National Park, Wilderness area and Nature Reserve. Ecological integrity: 1 4 Degree of change of the flood regime, water quality and habitat from reference conditions. TOTAL 11 MEDIAN 1.1 OVERALL EIS Moderate Score guideline Very high = 4; High = 3, Moderate = 2; Marginal/Low = 1; None = 0 Confidence rating Very high confidence = 4; High confidence = 3; Moderate confidence = 2; Marginal/low confidence = 1 * a rating of zero is not appropriate in this context. Table 7: EIS Categories. EIS Category Very high Watercourses that are considered ecologically important and sensitive on a national or even international level. The biodiversity of these watercourses is usually very sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. High Watercourses that are considered to be ecologically important and sensitive. The biodiversity of these watercourses may be sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. Moderate Watercourses that are considered to be ecologically important and sensitive on a provincial or local scale. The biodiversity of these watercourses is not usually sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. Range of Median >3 and <=4 >2 and <=3 >1 and <=2 Recommended Ecological Management Class A B C

32 EnviroSwift KZN Page 30 Low/marginal Watercourses that are not ecologically important and sensitive at any scale. The biodiversity of these watercourses is ubiquitous and not sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. >0 and <=1 D 3.6. Detailed Assessment Wetlands Present Ecological State The PES of the floodplain wetland was determined with the use of the WET-Health Tool (Macfarlane et. al. 2007). WET-Health is defined as a measure of the similarity of a wetland to a natural or reference condition. This technique 20 attempts to assess hydrological, geomorphological and vegetation health in three separate modules. The probable trajectory of change was also considered should development proceed (with mitigation and rehabilitation) as well as if the project does not prove feasible. The key findings for the WET-Health assessment are summarised below and in the tables to follow: Development and agricultural activities within the catchment of the wetland have resulted in an increase in hardened surfaces within the catchment which has presumably increased flood peaks into the wetland. The river channel running through the floodplain wetland has been significantly eroded and incised. This has increased the capacity of the channel and has likely reduced the volume of water that will overtop the banks of the channel during flooding. Floodplain wetlands are dependent on bank overtopping and this would therefore have an impact on the hydrology of the wetland. No erosion gullies were noted within the wetland. Areas of deposition were noted, however, these are natural features on floodplains. The development of informal access roads and tracks through the wetland has likely had an impact on the geomorphology of the wetland. However, this impact is likely to be minimal and the overall geomorphological health of the wetland therefore remains high. Vegetation associated with the wetland has been impacted as a result of historical agricultural activities and as result of more recent anthropogenic activities such as the development of informal access roads through the wetland, informal excavation activities and dumping of waste. The wetland is currently dominated by vegetation indicative of damp, disturbed areas. Table 8: Evaluate changes to water input characteristics from the catchment. Nature of Alteration Reduction in flows (water inputs) Increase in flows (water inputs) Alteration Class Score N/A N/A Combined impact Score 0 Land-use factors contributing to impacts, and any additional notes No direct abstraction for irrigation, no significant dams in the catchment, no crops or forestry noted in the catchment. No significant discharge from sewage and no inter-basin transfers of water Change in flood patterns (peaks) 2 Hardened surfaces in catchment and bare, compacted soils will result in an increased runoff and an increase in flood peaks Magnitude of impact Score A Level 1 WET-Health assessment was undertaken as part of the wetland PES assessment.

33 EnviroSwift KZN Page 31 Table 9: Evaluate changes to water distribution & retention patterns within the wetland. Impact type Extent (%) 21 Intensity (0-10) Magnitude Land-use factors contributing to impacts, and any additional notes Gullies and artificial drainage channels Modifications to existing channels N/A N/A 0.0 N/A Reduced roughness Impeding features (e.g. dams) upstream effects Impeding features downstream effects Increased on-site water use Deposition/infilling or excavation The river channel running through the wetland is eroded and incised. The carrying capacity is therefore increased and less water is likely to overtop the banks of the river into the floodplain Currently dominated by short grasses and some bare areas present N/A N/A 0.0 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 N/A Combined impact Score 4.1 Areas infilled for informal access roads do not significantly confine flows across the floodplain and have a limited impact on the overall hydrology of the floodplain Table 10: Determine the present geomorphic state of individual HGM units. Impact type Applicability to HGM type Extent (%) 22 Intensity (0-10) Magnitude Land-use factors contributing to impacts, and any additional notes (1) Upstream dams Floodplain N/A N/A 0.0 (2) Stream diversion/shortening (3) Infilling Floodplain, Channeled VB Floodplain, Channeled VB N/A N/A A dam occurs a significant distance upstream of the wetland within a small tributary of the Mbabane River. This dam is unlikely to have any significant impact on the geomorphology of the wetland. The river has not been diverted or shortened Limited infilling at informal roads is not likely to confine flow and geomorphic activity significantly. The only area which is likely to be 21 Extent refers to the extent of the HGM unit affected by the modification, expressed as a percentage of the total area of the HGM unit 22 Extent refers to the extent of the HGM unit affected by the modification, expressed as a percentage of the total area of the HGM unit

34 EnviroSwift KZN Page 32 (4) Increased runoff (5) Erosional features (6) Depositional features (6) Loss of organic matter Non-floodplain HGMs All nonfloodplain HGMs All nonfloodplain HGMs All nonfloodplain HGMs with peat Combined Impact Score based on a sum of all magnitude scores impacted is the direct footprint of the informal access road and immediately adjacent areas N/A N/A 0.0 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 N/A 0.1 Table 11: Changes to vegetation composition. Disturbance Extent (%) 23 Intensity (0-10) Magnitude Additional notes Infrastructure Informal access roads Deep flooding by dams N/A N/A Shallow flooding by dams N/A N/A Crop lands N/A N/A Commercial plantations N/A N/A Annual pastures N/A N/A Perennial pastures N/A N/A Dense Alien vegetation patches. N/A N/A Sports fields N/A N/A Gardens N/A N/A Areas of sediment deposition/ infilling & excavation N/A N/A 23 Extent refers to the extent of the HGM unit affected by the modification, expressed as a percentage of the total area of the HGM unit

35 EnviroSwift KZN Page 33 Eroded areas N/A N/A Old / abandoned lands (Recent) Old / abandoned lands (Old) N/A N/A Vegetation associated with the wetland has been impacted as a result of historical agricultural activities Seepage below dams N/A N/A Untransformed areas N/A N/A Overall impact score 5.5 The overall wetland health 24 score calculated for the floodplain wetland falls within Category C Moderately modified: A moderate change in ecosystem processes and loss of natural habitats has taken place but the natural habitat remains predominantly intact. With the implementation of mitigation measures and the rehabilitation of the portion of the floodplain which will be impacted, the PES of the wetland is not likely to change significantly after the proposed development activities. Table 12: WET-Health results table. Hydrology Geomorphology Vegetation Impact category D A 25 D Ecological state without development Ecological state with development 26 State is likely to remain stable over the next 5 years. State is likely to deteriorate slightly over the next 5 years. State is expected to deteriorate substantially over the next 5 years Ecosystem Services The WET-Ecoservices tool was applied to the floodplain wetland in order to determine the function and service provision of the wetland. Fifteen Ecosystem Services were assessed and the results are presented in Table 10 below with reference to Table 9 and Figure 12. Brief explanations of the most noteworthy results are provided below: 24 (hydrology score) x 3 + (geomorphology score) x 2 + (vegetation score) x 2 / 7 = overall wetland health 25 Three factors are taken into consideration when determining the geomorphological health of floodplain wetlands. These include; dams upstream of or within floodplains, stream shortening or straightening, and infilling. The only factor which was relevant to the floodplain was limited infilling and a score of A was therefore calculated. 26 Provided that mitigation measures are implemented and rehabilitation is undertaken.

36 EnviroSwift KZN Page 34 The floodplain wetland is considered of increased importance in terms of flood attenuation, sediment trapping, erosion control and phosphate and toxicant removal which all calculated moderately high scores. Flood waters overtopping the banks of the Mbabane River are spread out and slowed down in the floodplain wetland before reaching downstream areas and therefore decreasing the potential damage. The velocity of flood water which overtops the banks of the river is slowed down and sediment carried by the water is deposited within the wetland. This increases the importance of the wetland in terms of sediment trapping. The decreased velocity of flood waters also decreases the erosive potential of the water. Phosphate and toxicants are likely to reach the wetland in runoff from cultivated and developed areas within the catchment. Furthermore, phosphate is usually strongly bound to mineral sediments and is therefore likely to enter into the wetland with floodwaters and sediment from the river channel. This increases the opportunity for the wetland to assimilate these contaminants. The floodplain wetland is not considered to be of any importance in terms of the water supply or the provision of cultivated foods. Furthermore, no evidence was encountered that the wetland has any cultural significance or that it is utilised for tourism and recreation or educational purposes. However, the wetland is presumably utilised for small scale cattle grazing which increased its score in terms of the provision of harvestable natural resources. The development of the proposed bridge within the floodplain wetland is not likely to result in a significant reduction of the ecoservice provision of the wetland provided that mitigation measures are implemented and that rehabilitation is undertaken. Table 13: Classes for determining the likely extent to which a benefit is being supplied based on the overall score for that benefit (after Kotze et al., 2007). Score (range 0-4) Rating of the likely extent to which a benefit is being supplied < >2.8 Low Moderately Low Intermediate Moderately High High Table 14: WET-EcoServices results table. Floodplain wetland Indirect benefits: regulating and supporting Flood attenuation**** 2.1 Streamflow regulation** 1.7 Sediment trapping**** 2.8 Phosphate removal**** 2.4 Nitrate removal*** 1.9 Toxicant removal*** 2.2 Erosion control*** 3.1 Carbon storage*** 1.3 Direct benefits Maintenance of biodiversity** 1.6

37 EnviroSwift KZN Page 35 Water supply for human, agricultural and industrial use** 0.0 Harvestable natural resources** 1.8 Provision of cultivated foods*** 0.0 Cultural significance* 0.0 Tourism, recreation, scenic value** 0.1 Education and research* 0.0 Size is seldom important * Size is usually moderately important** Size is usually very important*** Size is always very important**** Education and research Flood attenuation 4.0 Streamflow regulation Tourism and recreation 3.0 Sediment trapping 2.0 Cultural significance Cultivated foods Phospahte trapping Nitrate removal Floodplain wetland Natural resources Toxicant removal Water supply for human use Maintenance of biodiversity Carbon storage Erosion control Figure 12: WET-EcoServices results Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) The EIS method applied to wetlands is based on the assessment tool developed by Rountree et. al (2014). To obtain an accurate indication of EIS, the wetland areas identified were assessed according to the perceived degree of transformation. The key aspects considered during this EIS assessment for the floodplain wetland are summarised below and in the table to follow: It is considered unlikely that the disturbed and degraded wetland habitat associated with the floodplain wetland will support rare and endangered species or populations of unique species. The

38 EnviroSwift KZN Page 36 wetland is however likely to provide suitable breeding habitat for faunal species considered to be more common within the region during the wet season. The wetland is not formally protected, however, the Sub-Escarpment Grassland Group 4 wetland vegetation group is considered Endangered within the region. The wetland calculated a moderate PES score and therefore scored a moderate score for ecological integrity. The floodplain wetland relies on water inputs from flood waters which overtop the banks of the river and from lateral inputs. The wetland is therefore considered to be highly sensitive to changes in floods. The floodplain wetland was determined to be of an overall moderate EIS. Table 15: EIS results: ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE AND Floodplain wetland SENSITIVITY Score (0-4) Biodiversity support Presence of Red Data species 0 Populations of unique species 0 Migration/breeding/feeding sites 1 Landscape scale Protection status of the wetland 0 Protection status of the vegetation type or wetveg unit 3 Regional context of the ecological integrity 2 Size and rarity of the wetland type/s present 1 Diversity of habitat types 1 Sensitivity of the wetland Sensitivity to changes in floods 4 Sensitivity to changes in low flows/dry season 3 Sensitivity to changes in water quality 1 EIS 1.5 Moderate Table 16: Ecological Importance and Sensitivity Categories. Ecological Importance and Sensitivity Categories Very high: Wetlands that are considered ecologically important and sensitive on a national or even international level. The biodiversity of these systems is usually very sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. They play a major role in moderating the quantity and quality of water of major rivers High: Wetlands that are considered to be ecologically important and sensitive. The biodiversity of these systems may be sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. They play a role in moderating the quantity and quality of water of major rivers. Moderate: Wetlands that are considered to be ecologically important and sensitive on a provincial or local scale. The biodiversity of these systems is not usually sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. They play a small role in moderating the quantity and quality of water of major rivers. Low/marginal: Wetlands that are not ecologically important and sensitive at any scale. The biodiversity of these systems is ubiquitous and not sensitive to flow and habitat modifications. They play an insignificant role in moderating the quantity and quality of water of major rivers. Range of EIS score >3 and <=4 >2 and <=3 >1 and <=2 >0 and <=1

39 EnviroSwift KZN Page Recommended Ecological Category (REC) For the REC it is recommended that the PES categories be maintained for both the Mbabane River and the floodplain wetland. With mitigation, the proposed bridge is likely to result in an impact to very limited areas of the freshwater features assessed. It is therefore not deemed practical to improve the PES of the systems as a whole Buffer Requirements Buffer zones act as a barrier between activities such as human developments and sensitive aquatic environments thereby protecting them from adverse negative impacts. The buffer zone tool for the determination of aquatic impact buffers and additional setback requirements for wetland ecosystems (Macfarlane et. al. 2014) was utilized in order to determine the appropriate buffer area required for the freshwater features associated with the proposed bridge and gravel access roads. Factors such as the proposed activity as well as the PES and EIS are considered during the calculation of the appropriate buffer areas. The final aquatic impact buffer calculated for the floodplain wetland was 10m. However, the proposed bridge and gravel access roads will be located within the floodplain wetland and will travers the Mbabane River. Avoidance of the wetland/river and buffer area will therefore not be possible. It is therefore recommended that only essential activities should be permitted within the wetland/river and buffer zone area. No construction camps, mixing of cement, ablution facilities, washing of vehicles etc. should be permitted within the wetland/river or the 10m buffer zone. The floodplain wetland as well as its associated buffer zone is indicated in Figures 13 below '14.21"S, 30 13'27.46"E Figure 13: Watercourses and the 10m buffer zone.

40 EnviroSwift KZN Page Assessment of Impacts 4.1. Impact Identification The following direct impacts are expected to occur should the proposed development prove feasible: Disturbance of habitat associated with the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River due to edge effects. Loss of habitat from the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. Water quality impairment. Alteration of the hydrological regime. Impacts were assessed for the construction and operational phases of the development Disturbance of habitat associated with the Floodplain Wetland and the Mbabane River Due to Edge Effects Construction Phase The edge effects of construction related activities are likely to result in the disturbance of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. The indiscriminate movement of construction vehicles and personnel through the wetland and river, as well as the inappropriate storage or dumping of building material, will result in the destruction of vegetation and the compaction/disturbance of soils. The impact will be local in extent and will be of a long-term duration 27. Although the study area is listed as an Upstream Management Area (NFEPA, 2011), the habitat associated with the floodplain wetland and the river has already been degraded as a result of historical agricultural activities and the development of informal access roads and tracks which decreases the intensity of the impact to medium. The overall impact significance is therefore considered to be medium (negative) prior to the implementation of mitigation measures. With the implementation of mitigation measures, including the demarcation of the construction footprint and the restriction of construction vehicles and development related activities to demarcated areas; the restriction of bridge and gravel access road development to the disturbed area in which the existing informal access road traverses the river channel and wetland; and the immediate rehabilitate of any accidental disturbance to portions of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River falling outside of the demarcated construction footprint area; the overall impact is considered to be of a very low (negative) significance. Operational Phase Disturbance as a result of construction related activities may result in the proliferation of alien and invasive species within the floodplain wetland and river channel during the operational phase. If not controlled the impact will be of a long term duration. However, the habitat associated with the wetland and river is already degraded which reduces the intensity of the impact to medium. The overall impact is therefore considered to be of a medium (negative) significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures. 27 Although the construction phase is of a short term duration, a lack of rehabilitation of cleared and compacted areas will result in the impact continuing into the operational phase and the impact will therefore be of a long term duration.

41 EnviroSwift KZN Page 39 With the implementation of alien vegetation control measures, the overall impact will be reduced to a very low (negative) significance. Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Status Confidence Disturbance of habitat associated with the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River Construction phase Without Local mitigation (1) With mitigation Local (1) Medium (2) Low (1) Longterm (3) Short term (1) Medium (6) Very Low (3) Definite Medium -ve High Probable Very Low -ve High Operational Phase Without Local mitigation (1) With mitigation Local (1) Medium (2) Low (1) Long term (3) Short term (1) Medium (6) Very Low (3) Probable Medium -ve High Probable Very Low -ve High Loss of Habitat from the Floodplain Wetland and the Mbabane River Construction Phase The development of gravel access road approaches to the proposed bridge will result in the loss of wetland habitat from the construction footprint within the floodplain wetland. Furthermore, disturbance as a result of construction related activities may result in the further erosion of the river banks and the additional loss of habitat from the river. The impact will be local in extent and will be of a medium intensity due to the currently degraded state of the wetland and river. However, the loss of habitat from the construction footprint within the wetland and river will be permanent and the overall impact is therefore considered to be of a medium (negative) significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures. It is recommended that the gravel access roads are developed in the footprint of the already existing informal access road which leads through the floodplain wetland to the river. This will reduce the additional loss of wetland habitat. Furthermore, the limitation of the construction footprint area and the implementation of erosion control measures will further reduce the intensity of the impact, and the overall impact after the implementation of mitigation measures is therefore considered to be of a low (negative) significance.

42 EnviroSwift KZN Page 40 Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Status Confidence Loss of habitat from the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River Construction phase Without Local mitigation (1) With mitigation Local (1) Medium (2) Low (1) Longterm (3) Longterm (3) Water Quality Impairment. Construction Phase Medium (6) Low (5) Definite Medium -ve High Definite Low -ve High Construction related activities and the disturbance of soils is likely to result in an increase in sediment laden stormwater runoff entering into the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. Furthermore, the movement of construction vehicles through the study area increases the possibility of the contamination of the wetland and river by hydrocarbons which may leak from the vehicles and enter into the freshwater features with runoff. In addition, there is a possibility that the wetland and river will be contaminated as a result of the runoff from cement and other construction related materials. The impact is likely to be local in extent, of a long term duration and will be of a medium intensity prior to the implementation of mitigation measures. The overall impact is therefore considered to be of a medium (negative) significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures. The implementation of mitigation measures such as sediment control measures and the maintenance and monitoring of heavy machinery for leaks will reduce the intensity and probability of the impact. The impact is therefore considered to be of a very low (negative) significance after the implementation of mitigation measures. Operational Phase Should the disturbed wetland and river not be sufficiently rehabilitated and should channel banks not be sufficiently stabilised post construction, erosion and sedimentation of the wetland and river banks will continue thereby affecting water quality for an extended duration. The impact will be local in extent, will continue throughout the operational phase and is considered to be of a medium intensity. The overall impact is therefore considered to be of a medium (negative) significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures. The post-construction rehabilitation of disturbed areas and the implementation of erosion and sediment control measures will reduce the duration, intensity and probability of the impact. The overall impact is therefore considered insignificant after the implementation of mitigation measures.

43 EnviroSwift KZN Page 41 Water quality impairment Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Status Confidence Construction phase Without Local mitigation (1) With mitigation Local (1) Medium (2) Low (1) Longterm (3) Short term (1) Medium (6) Very Low (3) Definite Medium -ve Medium Probable Very Low -ve Medium Operational Phase Without Local mitigation (1) With mitigation Local (1) Medium (2) Low (1) Long term (3) Short term (1) Medium (6) Very Low (3) Alteration of Hydrological Regime Probable Medium -ve High Possible Insignificant -ve High Construction Phase An increase in stormwater runoff from cleared, disturbed and compacted areas as well as from construction laydown areas will result in an increase in stormwater flows and flow velocities into the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River, which will result in the erosion, incision as well as sedimentation of the features. Furthermore, should the proposed bridge development take place during the rainy season, it will result in an impact on the flow patterns through the Mbabane River due to the diversion or obstruction of flow during construction activities. The impact is considered to be local in extent and of a medium intensity. Although the construction phase is of a short term duration, a lack of rehabilitation of cleared and compacted areas will result in the impact continuing into the operational phase and the impact will therefore be of a long term duration. The overall impact is therefore considered to be of a medium (negative) significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures. Should construction related activities be restricted to the dry winter months and should appropriate rehabilitation be implemented, the intensity, duration and probability of the impact will be reduced and the overall impact may be reduced to an insignificant level. Operational Phase An increase in stormwater runoff and velocities from the proposed hardened gravel access roads and bridge structure will result in the erosion and sedimentation of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. The development of gravel access roads through the floodplain wetland may also impede flow through the feature and may result in ponding upstream of the access roads. Furthermore, the development of the bridge over the Mbabane River and the associated abutments on the left and right banks of the river, as well as two piers within the river, will result in the modification of the natural flow characteristics of the river during high flows. The bridge abutments and piers will result in the alteration of the natural channel morphology which will result in the scouring of the riverbed and banks and in the sedimentation of downstream areas. The potential lowering of the river base level at the bridge crossing area may also result in the erosion of the river bed and banks and sedimentation. In addition, the accumulation of debris below

44 EnviroSwift KZN Page 42 the bridge during the operational phase will result in the restriction of flows through the system should the debris not be removed. The impact is considered to be local in extent and will be of a long term duration. Although alterations to the hydrological regimes of the wetland and river are likely to occur, the hydrological regimes of these features have already been impacted as a result of the informal development of an existing access road through the features and as a result of the existing erosion and incision of the river channel. This reduces the intensity of the impact to medium. The overall impact is therefore considered to be of a medium (negative) significance prior to the implementation of mitigation measures. The implementation of design related mitigation measures as well as mitigation measures such as erosion control at the piers and abutments of the bridge, and monitoring of the bridge for obstructions, will reduce the intensity and probability of the impact and the overall impact may therefore be reduced to a low (negative) significance. Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Status Confidence Alteration of hydrological regime Construction Phase Without Local mitigation (1) With mitigation Local (1) Medium (2) Low (1) Longterm (3) Short term (1) Medium (6) Very Low (3) Definite Medium -ve High Possible Insignificant -ve High Operational Phase Without Local mitigation (1) With mitigation Local (1) Medium (2) Low (1) Longterm (3) Long term (3) Medium (6) Low (5) Probable Medium -ve High Probable Low -ve High 4.2. Mitigation Measures Table 17: Summary of impacts with mitigation measures. Impact Key activity / cause Mitigation measures Design and Construction Phase Disturbance/loss of habitat associated with the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River Construction of bridge and gravel access roads. Limit the extent of the construction footprint area to avoid unnecessary disturbance to freshwater habitat. Restrict bridge development to the disturbed area in which the existing informal access road traverses the river channel. Restrict proposed gravel access roads to the existing informal access road in order to limit disturbance of more intact wetland habitat in surroundings. The bridge infrastructure must be stable and must be appropriately protected so as to withstand major flood events.

45 EnviroSwift KZN Page 43 Impact Key activity / cause Mitigation measures The bridge deck must span the entire width of the river channel. The development of bridge abutments must not result in the narrowing of the river channel. Minimise the extent of infilling within the river instream habitat as far as possible. The width of piers placed within the river channel should be minimised as far as possible. Prevent excessive disturbance of the river bed and banks during pier construction. Appropriate design measures must be put in place in order to dissipate flow velocity below the bridge and around pier structures. The proposed bridge and associated piers and abutments, should be designed in such a way as to prevent the alteration of the natural flow patterns through the river and the extent of floodlines for the river. Limit construction activities to the dry winter months. Indiscriminate movement of construction vehicles and personnel through the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. Development of the construction camp, storage areas, soil stockpile areas and laydown areas. Dumping of cleared vegetation and soils in the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. Limit access to the site to the existing informal access road leading to the Mbabane River. Demarcate the construction footprint including access roads and strictly prohibit any activities outside of the demarcated footprint area. Immediately rehabilitate any accidental disturbance to portions of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River falling outside of the demarcated construction footprint area. Construction camps, storage areas, soil stockpile areas and laydown areas must be located outside of the floodplain wetland and 10m buffer or the 1: 100 year floodline, whichever is greatest. Prohibit the dumping of excavated material within the floodplain wetland, within the river channel or within the buffer area. Spoil material must be appropriately disposed of at a registered waste disposal facility. Any topsoil and vegetation removed from the direct construction footprint must be stored at the designated stockpile area for use in rehabilitation activities. Cleared vegetation and soils which will not be utilised for rehabilitation purposes (and which have been confirmed weed free) must be evenly distributed across the site or in areas in close proximity to the site. Once construction has been completed all construction waste, rubble, and equipment must be removed from the study area.

46 EnviroSwift KZN Page 44 Impact Key activity / cause Mitigation measures Erosion and sedimentation of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River channel Limit construction activities to the dry winter months in order to reduce erosion and sedimentation as a result of stormwater runoff. Implement erosion control measures (e.g. covering steep river banks with geotextiles, utilising sand bags in order to support river banks and prevent bank slump, covering disturbed, bare areas with brush packing, mulch etc.) in order to prevent the erosion of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. Incorporate erosion control measures and protection such as reno mattresses, gabions, rock rip-rap or other support structures at areas where the abutments will intersect the channel bank of the Mbabane River and at areas where piers will intersect the channel bed of the Mbabane River 28. These measures will prevent the scouring of the river bed and bank erosion during the operational phase. If possible, use excavators instead of bulldozers during bridge construction to reduce sedimentation and consolidate the entry and exit points to reduce scouring. Install many small, shallow mitre type drains, cut off drains or berms at regular intervals along the proposed gravel access roads. These drains/berms will direct surface water off the gravel road and will prevent the concentration of flows and the erosion of the road surface, floodplain wetland and the river during both the construction phase and the operational phase. The contractor/eco must check the site for erosion damage and sedimentation after every heavy rainfall event. Should erosion or sedimentation be noted immediate corrective measures must be undertaken. Rehabilitation measures may include the filling of erosion gullies and rills and the stabilization of gullies with silt fences. Construct silt fences / traps in areas prone to erosion, to retain sediment-laden runoff. Place silt fences / traps strategically on the periphery of the construction footprint area including the construction camp, storage areas, soil stockpile areas and laydown areas. Should the development be undertaken during the rainy season, silt fences/traps must be installed downstream of the bridge crossing area during construction activities to trap any sediment produced during construction activities. The ECO must be consulted on the location of silt fences, and silt fences must not result in any unnecessary disturbance to the river channel. Remove sediment from silt fences/traps on a regular basis. Ensure silt fences / traps are adequately maintained. 28 Structure chosen will be dependent on engineer s design selection and sizing.

47 EnviroSwift KZN Page 45 Impact Key activity / cause Mitigation measures Divert stormwater runoff and sheet runoff away from areas susceptible to erosion. Topsoil and subsoil removed during construction must be stockpiled separately for future rehabilitation. Stockpiles must be located in a stockpile area outside of the wetland and 10m buffer or the 1: 100 year floodline, whichever is greatest. Stockpiles must be seeded with indigenous grasses or stabilised with geotextiles in order to prevent erosion. Water quality impairment Proliferation of alien and invasive species. Leaks of petrol, diesel, oil etc. from heavy machinery, and spillage of pollutants. The construction site and surroundings must be checked by the ECO for alien and invasive species on the completion of construction and alien species noted must be removed by hand. The use of herbicides should be avoided. However, if necessary, only herbicides which have been certified safe for use in wetlands/aquatic environments by an independent testing authority may be considered. The ECO must be consulted in this regard. Dispose of removed alien plant material at a registered waste disposal site or burn on a bunded surface where no stormwater runoff is expected. Remove vegetation before seed is set and released. Cover removed alien plant material properly when transported, to prevent it from being blown from vehicles. Limit construction activities to the dry winter months in order to prevent the runoff of contaminants into freshwater features with stormwater. Inspect heavy machinery and storage facilities daily for leaks. Servicing of vehicles and refuelling should preferably take place off site. However, if this is not possible, use bunded surfaces within designated areas outside of freshwater features and buffer areas for servicing and re-fuelling vehicles. Locate fuel and chemical storage facilities in designated areas outside of the freshwater features and buffer areas. Store fuel, chemicals and other hazardous substances in suitable secure weather-proof containers and within an area with impermeable and bunded floors. Avoid the use of infill material or construction material with pollution / leaching potential. Dispose of used oils, wash water from cement and other pollutants at an appropriate licensed landfill site. Construct temporary bunds around areas where cement is to be cast in-situ.

48 EnviroSwift KZN Page 46 Impact Key activity / cause Mitigation measures Dispose of concrete and cement-related mortars in an environmental sensitive manner (can be toxic to aquatic life). Washout should not be discharged into the freshwater features. A washout area should be designated, and wash water should be treated on-site Prohibit the washing of vehicles or machinery in freshwater features or their buffer areas. Prohibit the washing of tools or other equipment within the river. Clean up any spillages (e.g. concrete, oil, fuel), immediately. Remove contaminated soil and dispose of it appropriately. A construction method statement must be developed which indicates how the contractor will minimize the passage of contaminants such as fuel and cement into the freshwater features. Alteration of hydrological regime Sedimentation of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. Increased stormwater runoff and increased stormwater velocities. Refer to mitigation measures as listed above for erosion and sedimentation of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. Undertake construction related activities during the dry season when stormwater runoff is limited. Stormwater from the hardened bridge surface must be directed to the outer edges of the bridge and must be passed through filter strips/energy dissipaters (e.g. areas of rock riprap grassed with indigenous vegetation) before being released into the river. Control runoff generated from disturbed and compacted areas with the use of erosion and sediment control measures as listed above. Concentration of flows. The bridge design must allow for sufficient dispersion of water through the river channel to prevent the concentration of flow and the resultant scouring and incision of the river. Diversion or obstruction of flows through the Mbabane River. Obstruction of flows through the floodplain wetland. Post-construction / Operational Phase Disturbance of habitat Proliferation of alien and associated with the invasive species. floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River Undertake construction related activities during the dry season when the river is not in flow. The pioneer layer of the proposed gravel access roads should be constructed out of a porous material or from a material which is coarse enough to allow the movement of water below the gravel access roads to downstream areas. Alien and invasive species clearing must be undertaken by the applicant bi-annually for the first year after rehabilitation. Thereafter, the ECO should assess the need for further

49 EnviroSwift KZN Page 47 Impact Key activity / cause Mitigation measures monitoring and control and should provide recommendations for further action. The use of herbicides should be avoided. However, if necessary, only herbicides which have been certified safe for use in wetlands/aquatic environments by an independent testing authority may be considered. The ECO must be consulted in this regard. Dispose of removed alien plant material at a registered waste disposal site or burn on a bunded surface where no stormwater runoff is expected. Cover removed alien plant material properly when transported, to prevent it from being blown from vehicles. Water quality impairment Sedimentation of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. Rehabilitate disturbed and compacted areas as well as the banks and channel of the Mbabane River at the bridge crossing point in order to prevent erosion and sedimentation. Refer to rehabilitation measures as listed in the rehabilitation plan for the project (EnviroSwift KZN, 2016) Alteration of hydrological regime Stormwater runoff from hardened surfaces. The implementation of stormwater control measures/designs during the design / construction phase will prevent impacts associated with stormwater runoff during the operational phase. Lowering of river base level and resultant erosion of river bed and banks. The channel bed must be rehabilitated to as close to its original condition as possible. Refer to rehabilitation plan for rehabilitation measures (EnviroSwift KZN, 2016). Disruption of flows below bridge due to blockages. Inspect the bridge annually as well as after heavy rainfall events for the build-up of debris. Any debris noted must be removed Indirect impacts No indirect impacts were identified, provided that mitigation measures as listed for the direct impacts are adhered too No Go scenario Activities currently impacting on habitat associated with the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River include small scale livestock grazing within the freshwater features. Grazing of livestock within the features is likely to result in the trampling and loss of vegetation. Furthermore, freshwater features may be impacted slightly as a result of the runoff of sediment from the existing informal access road.

50 EnviroSwift KZN Page 48 Should development activities not proceed, grazing within the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River will continue. However, freshwater features associated with the study area have already been significantly degraded and small scale livestock grazing is therefore not likely to have a significant impact on habitat associated with the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. Impact on habitat associated with the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Status Confidence Local (1) Low (1) Long term (3) Low Probable Low -ve High 4.5. Cumulative impacts Provided that the mitigation measures as listed within this report are strictly adhered to and provided that the portions of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River associated with the study area are satisfactorily rehabilitated after construction, there should be no cumulative impacts arising from this activity. The proposed gravel access roads will be developed in the disturbance footprint of an existing informal access road and the proposed bridge will be developed in an area which has already been degraded as a result of the historical development of an informal access road through the river. 5. Conclusion Two freshwater features will be impacted as a result of the development of the proposed bridge and gravel access roads. These include the Mbabane River and a floodplain wetland. Both of these features have been degraded as a result of historical agricultural activities and as a result of the historical development of informal access roads through the features. These activities have resulted in the significant erosion and incision of the Mbabane River banks and channel, and in the disturbance of the natural vegetation community. Floral species diversity within the floodplain wetland was also found to be low and the feature is currently dominated by grass species indicative of moist, disturbed conditions. Although degraded, both the Mbabane River and the floodplain wetland are considered to be of a moderate EIS. The Mbabane River has been indicated as an Upstream Management Area by the NFEPA project and the floodplain wetland is considered to be of increased importance in terms of the provision of flood attenuation, sediment trapping and erosion control functions. It is therefore considered important that any unnecessary disturbance to these features is prevented. Impacts associated with the proposed bridge development include the loss and disturbance of habitat associated with the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River, water quality impairment, and the alteration of the hydrological regime of the floodplain wetland and the Mbabane River. However, with the implementation of the mitigation measures as listed within this report, all of the impacts identified may be reduced to low, very low and insignificant levels. It is therefore the opinion of the freshwater specialist that the proposed development of the bridge be considered favourably, provided that all of the mitigation measures as listed within this report are strictly adhered to.

51 EnviroSwift KZN Page 49 It should also be noted that in addition to the application for an Environmental Authorisation in terms of the NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (2014), the proposed bridge development will also require authorisation from DWS for two water uses listed within Section 21 of the NWA namely: (c) impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse; and (i) altering the bed, banks, course, or characteristics of a watercourse. 6. References Bromilow, C Revised Edition, First Impression. Problem Plants of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria, RSA. Dada, R., Kotze D., Ellery W. and Uys M WET-RoadMap: A Guide to the Wetland Management Series. WRC Report No. TT 321/07. Water Research Commission, Pretoria. Day, J., Day, D., Ross-Gillespie, V. and Ketley, A The Assessment of Temporary Wetlands During Dry Conditions. TT 434/09 De Villiers, C., Driver, A., Clark, B., Euston-Brown, D., Day, L., Job, N., Helme, N., Van Ginkel, CE., Glen, RP., Gordon-Gray, KD., Cilliers, CJ., Muasya, M and van Deventer, PP Easy identification of some South African Wetland Plants. WRC Report No TT 479/10. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Resource Directed Measures for Protection of Water Resources. Volume 3: River Ecosystems Version 1.0, Pretoria. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry A practical field procedure of identification and delineation of wetlands and riparian areas. DWA, Pretoria, RSA. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Freshwater Systematic Conservation Plan. Best Selected Surface (Marxan). Unpublished GIS coverage (Freshwater_cons_plan_2007), Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202 Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (2016) KZN Biodiversity Spatial Planning Terms and Processes, Version 3.3 Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Updated Manual for the Identification and Delineation of Wetlands and Riparian Areas, prepared by M. Rountree, A. L. Batchelor, J. MacKenzie and D. Hoare. Stream Flow Reduction Activities, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Pretoria, South Africa Google Earth '18.68"S; 29 8'2.74"E. Roads data layer. < [Viewed October 2016]. Kemper, N., Resource Directed Measures for Protection of Water Resources: River Ecosystem. Intermediate Habitat Integrity Assessment for use in the rapid and intermediate assessments. Kleynhans, C.J., Thirion, C. and Moolman, J A Level I River Ecoregion Classification System for South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Report No. N/0000/00/REQ0104. Resource Quality Services, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Pretoria, South Africa. Kotze, D.C., Marneweck, G.C., Batchelor, A.L., Lindley, D.S., and Collins, N.B., Wet-EcoServices: A technique for rapidly assessing ecosystem services supplied by wetlands. WRC Report No TT 339/09, Water Research Commision, Pretoria. Macfarlane, D.M., Kotze, D.C., Ellery, W.N., Walters, D., Koopman, V., Goodman, P. and Goge, C WET-Health: A technique for rapidly assessing wetland health. WRC Report No TT 340/09, Water Research Commision, Pretoria.

52 EnviroSwift KZN Page 50 Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C. (EDS.) The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitizia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa. Nel, JL, Driver, A., Strydom W.F., Maherry, A., Petersen, C., Hill, L., Roux, D.J, Nienaber, S., Van Deventer, H., Swartz, E. & Smith-Adao, L.B. 2011a. Atlas of Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas in South Africa: Maps to support sustainable development of water resources. Water Research Commission Report No. TT 500/11, Water Research Commission, Pretoria, RSA. Ollis, D.J., Day J.A., Malan, H.L., Ewart-Smith J.L., and Job N.M. (2014) Development of a decision-support framework for wetland assessment in South Africa and a decision-support protocol for the rapid assessment of wetland ecological condition. WRC Report No. TT 609/14 Ollis, D.J., Snaddon, C.D., Job, N.M. and Mbona, N Classification System for Wetlands and other Aquatic Ecosystems in South Africa. User Manual: Inland Systems. SANBI Biodiversity Series 22. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Rountree, M.W., Malan, H.L., Weston, B.C Manual for the Rapid Ecological Reserve Determination of Inland Wetlands (Version 2.0). WRC Report No. 1788/1/12 National Biodiversity Institute - Biodiversity GIS (BGIS) [online]. URL: Van Oudtshoorn, F Second Edition, Third Print. Guide to Grasses of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria, RSA.

53 EnviroSwift KZN Page 51 Appendix 1 Impact Assessment Criteria The criteria used to determine impact consequence are presented in the tables below. Table 1: Criteria used to determine the consequence of the impact. Rating Definition of Rating Score A. Extent the area over which the impact will be experienced. None 0 Local Regional Confined to project or study area or part thereof (e.g. site) The region, which may be defined in various ways, e.g. cadastral, catchment, topographic (Inter) national Nationally or beyond 3 B. Intensity the magnitude of the impact in relation to the sensitivity of the receiving environment None 0 Low Medium High Natural and/or social functions and processes are negligibly altered Natural and/or social functions and processes continue albeit in a modified way Natural and/or social functions or processes are severely altered C. Duration the time frame for which the impact will be experienced None 0 Short-term Up to 2 years 1 Medium-term 2 to 15 years 2 Long-term More than 15 years The combined score of these three criteria corresponds to a Consequence Rating, as set out in Table 2. Table 2: Method used to determine the consequence score. Combined Score (A+B+C) Consequence Rating Not significant Very low Low Medium High Very high Once the consequence was derived, the probability of the impact occurring was considered, using the probability classification presented in Table 3.

54 EnviroSwift KZN Page 52 Table 3: Probability classification. Probability of impact the likelihood of the impact occurring Improbable Probable Highly probable Definite <40% chance of occurring 40% - 70% chance of occurring >70% - 90% chance of occurring >90% chance of occurring The overall significance of the individual impacts was determined by considering consequence and probability using the rating system as prescribed in Table 4. Table 4: Impact significance rating. Significance Rating Consequence Probability Insignificant Very Low & Improbable Very Low & Possible Very Low Very Low & Probable Very Low & Definite Low & Improbable Low & Possible Low Low & Probable Low & Definite Medium & Improbable Medium & Possible Medium Medium & Probable Medium & Definite High & Improbable High & Possible High High & Probable High & Definite Very High & Improbable Very High & Possible Very High Very High & Probable Very High & Definite The impacts were also considered in terms of their status (positive or negative impact) and the confidence in the ascribed impact significance rating. The prescribed system for considering impact status and confidence (in assessment) is laid out in Table 5.

55 EnviroSwift KZN Page 53 Table 5: Impact status and confidence classification. Status of impact Indication whether the impact is adverse (negative) or beneficial (positive). Confidence of assessment The degree of confidence in predictions based on available information, judgement and knowledge. +ve (positive a benefit) -ve (negative a cost) Neutral Low Medium High

56 EnviroSwift KZN Page 54 Appendix 2 Wetlands within 500m of the study area Figure 14: Desktop delineation of wetlands within 500m of the study area.