Environmental Impact Assessment DRAFT SCOPING REPORT

Transcription

1 Environmental Impact Assessment DRAFT SCOPING REPORT For the proposed Township establishment on Portions 1, 4 and 5, Vlaklaagte 221JR, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality DEDET Ref No: 17/2/3N-330 February 2014 Prepared by: Afrika Enviro & Biology PO Box 152 Waterval-Boven 1195 Tel: Fax: @vodamail.co.za Prepared for: Nkangala District Municipality P O Box 437 Middelburg 1050

2 TABLE OF CONTENT 1. INTRODUCTION 2. THE ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTITIONER (EAP) 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3.1 Particulars of Proponent 3.2 Description of proposed Activity 3.3 Need and Desirability 3.4 Alternatives 4. PROPERTY AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS 4.1 Description of the property 4.2 Description of the environment Topography and biodiversity Climate Geology and soils Surface water Groundwater Cultural and heritage importance Socio economic environment 5. THE EIA PROCESS AND RELEVANT LEGISLATION 5.1 Chronology of the EIA process 5.2 Relevant Legislation 5.3 Authorities Consultation 6. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND IMPACTS 6.1 Environmental issues 6.2 Potential environmental impacts 7. DESCRIPTION OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 7.1 Description of potential impacts 7.2 Specialist studies and processes 8. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS 8.1 Identification and notification of Interested & Affected Parties 8.2 Issues & Concerns 9. PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA PROCESS AND TASKS 10. REFERENCES AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 2

3 APPENDIXES APPENDIX A: MAPS & LAYOUT PLANS APPENDIX A-1: APPENDIX A-2: APPENDIX A-3: LOCALITY MAP REGIONAL MAPS PROVISIONAL LAYOUT PLAN APPENDIX B: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS APPENDIX C: FACILITY ILLUSTRATIONS APPENDIX D: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REPORT APPENDIX D-1: DEDET DOCUMENTATION APPENDIX D-2: EIA NOTICES APPENDIX D-3: IAP REGISTER & NOTIFICATION RECORDS APPENDIX D-4: COMMENTS APPENDIX E: MOTIVATIONAL DOCUMENTATION APPENDIX F: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 3

4 1. INTRODUCTION The Nkangala District Municipality has appointed the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP), Afrika Enviro & Biology to obtain authorization in terms of Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) in order to proceed with the residential development on Portions 1, 4 and 5, Vlaklaagte 221JR in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality. The application for authorization has been acknowledged by the competent authority (Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism); (Appendix D-1) and the EIA process is conducted under the amended EIA regulations and activities listings as published in Government Notices No. s of June 18, This document presents the scoping process as is required by the EIA regulations. The document also outlines the methodology of the tasks to be performed by the consultant in order to prepare the EIA Report. The purpose of the Scoping Report is to provide information to the stakeholders and relevant authorities as well as to identify and document the potential environmental impacts and issues. 2. THE ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTITIONER (EAP) Afrika Enviro & Biology is the appointed EAP and will conduct the EIA process for this project. The leading EAP has the following background and expertise: Danie van der Walt, M.Sc. (Natural Sciences) and EIA, OHSA and SHEQ accredited courses as well as several accredited ecological and biological orientated courses. This EAP has more than 5 years experience in environmental management projects. The contact details of the EAP are as follows: Afrika Enviro & Biology P.O. Box 2980 White River Fax: Cell: PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3.1 Particulars of proponent Name Nkangala District Municipality Address P O Box 437, Middelburg, 1050 AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 4

5 3.2 Description of proposed activity The proposed development site is located on Portions 1, 4 and 5, Vlaklaagte 221JR. Central site coordinates are: S25º ; E28º The properties are located in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality and are in total approximately 2491Ha in size of which 70Ha will be used for a residential development with roads, and Municipal services. Approximately 500 stands will be supplied. The proposed land uses are: residential = 481, business = 6, Institutional = 10 (churches - 6 and crèches - 4) municipality = 3 erven and public open space = 4. The access road to the site will be on NP41 or R544. There will be 13m roads providing direct access to the erven. Due to the location of the site near to Siyabuswa (Appendix A-1), the site is ideally suited for the proposed development and services will be procured from the Municipality. The conceptual layout (Appendix A-2) will be improved upon and finalized as specialist inputs- and the results of consultations with stakeholders and authorities become available. This development will entail several activities listed in the EIA Regulations (2010) as published in Government Notices No. s 544 and 545: Indicate the number and date of the relevant notice: No. R.544 June No. R.544 June No. R.544 June No. R.545 June No. R.546 June No. R.546 June No. R.546 June Activity No (s) (in terms of the relevant notice) : Describe each listed activity as per the detailed project description (and not as per wording of the relevant Government Notice) 1 : 9 The construction of infrastructure exceeding 1000m in length for the bulk transportation of water, sewage and storm water with an internal diameter of 0.36m or more and a peak throughput of 120L/second or more. 22(i) The construction of roads, outside urban areas, with a reserve wider than 13.5 metres. 26 The property is located in an area identified by the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan as a sensitive area and therefore Section 53 of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act is applicable. 15 The proposed development is 70Ha in size and will transform more than 20Ha of vacant land. 4(ii) The construction of roads wider than 4m outside an urban area in a sensitive biodiversity management area. 13(a) The clearance of more than 1ha of indigenous vegetation within a critical biodiversity area and ecological support area. 14(a)i The clearance of more than 5ha of indigenous vegetation outside an urban area. The operational phase will consist of buildings and infrastructure which will be built to the guidelines of the Municipality and the South African National Building Regulations. 3.3 Need and Desirability In order to assess the need and desirability alternatives of the project the following documents relevant to these two aspects that were consulted (1): Thembisile Hani Local Municipality: Spatial Development Framework (SDF); (2): Draft guideline on the information requirements to describe need and desirability in the EIA process (DEAT, 2008). In the following sections this EAP attempts to make an objective assessment of the need and desirability of the project and makes a recommendation based on the available documents and information: AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 5

6 Historically, the land use for the local area consisted of agriculture, namely maize production on fertile land and grazing on areas of low potential. In recent years, the Municipality has continued to develop the local area for township establishment as result of the demand for housing. Services infrastructure is available nearby and the proposed project will not require additional capacity of the municipal services than were planned for. It can thus be concluded that the development will not compromise the integrity of the SDF as agreed upon by the environmental authority. Conclusion The following relevant points can be made upon the following aspects with consideration of the abovementioned information: The need for the project: 1) The land use (associated with the activity being applied for) is located in a developing zone of the Municipality and can be considered to be within the timeframe intended by the existing approved Spatial Development Framework (SDF). 2) The project is planned at a time and place in a developing sector of the town and can be considered to be a natural opportunity associated with the growth of the town. 3) The activity will render a service to the local community and will create employment opportunities. 4) All the necessary services and appropriate capacity required by the proposed activity is currently available and no additional capacity has to be created to cater for the development. 5) This development has already been approved by the Local Municipality and is provided for in the infrastructure planning of the municipality. The desirability of the project: 1) As the site is located in a expansion zone, the approval of this application would not compromise the integrity of the existing approved IDP and SDF agreed to by the relevant environmental authority. The project has therefore also been approved by the Municipality. 2) The approval of this application would not compromise the integrity of the existing environmental management priorities for the area. 3) The location factors favour this land-use (associated with the activity applied for) as it is located in the correct zone as required by the SDF as well as the fact that the location is situated within a developing residential orientated area with much potential for growth. 4) The activity and the land use associated with the activity applied for will not impact on sensitive natural and cultural areas. 5) The operation will be designed, constructed and operated according to the required standards set by the authorities and should not impact on people s AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 6

7 health and wellbeing (e.g. in terms of noise, odours, visual character and sense of place, etc). 6) It is not anticipated that the activity will result in unacceptable opportunity costs as it will be integrated with the existing residential suburb in the local area. It can thus be concluded that there is a positive need and desirability for the development - if no undesirable or unmanageable environmental impacts are identified which suggest that the activity and the site alternatives are undesirable/unsuitable and/or pose a risk to the local environment or resident people. 3.4 Alternatives Site and activity alternatives In the previous section it was concluded that the proposed site and activity is ideally compatible with the Municipal planning for the area. As discussed in the above section, there is an existing need and desirability for the development on the proposed (preferred) land. Alternative land available in the immediate area is similar to the preferred site and furthermore, local residents have indicated that the proposed land must be developed as it is nearby their present node of activities, and families. However, alternatives will be considered in order to design the best layout for the proposed township. These alternatives will specifically consider environmental aspects such as biodiversity, heritage sites, geology, etc., as discussed below Specialist alternative recommendations The development will trust on both proven as well as the latest approved materials and technologies for building, services and engineering purposes. Standard designs required for environmental compliance and safety requirements will be used and specialist recommendations will also be considered to produce the best alternative final design and layout. As such no substandard materials or technologies will be considered for the proposed activities. Importantly, the final development layout will be planned according to the alternatives and recommendations as formulated by specialist studies. Specialist studies that will be completed in order to formulate recommendations and to identify the most acceptable alternatives in support of this project are: Geotechnical Report Engineering Services Report Heritage Impact Assessment Biodiversity Assessment Authorities conditions and guidelines The no-go alternative The no-go alternative is the option not to go ahead with the development. The no-go alternative will only be considered as an alternative if it is concluded that the preferred AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 7

8 alternative will have significant negative impacts on the environment which cannot be reduced or managed to an acceptable level. As there it has already been indicated that there is a need and desirability for the proposed development it is anticipated that this development will relieve the demand for housing and basic services in the region. It is anticipated that the no-go alternative will constrain the development planning of the Local Municipality. 4. PROPERTY AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 4.1 Description of the property The properties are located in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality and is approximately 2491Ha in size of which 70Ha will be used for a low-medium cost residential development with roads, and Municipal services. Approximately 500 stands will be supplied. Numerous formal and informal settlements are located in all compass directions in the larger study area. The development site is vacant with no inhabitants or infrastructure and no economic activities are present. It is evident that the major part of the site has previously been used for agriculture but the lands have lain fallow for numerous years and veld grasses have covered the lands since. However, naturally vegetated areas remain on the western section (Appendix C). One of the objectives of this application is to provide more low cost housing with formal services. 4.2 Description of the environment Topography and biodiversity Nationally, the site is situated within the Mixed Bushveld (A18) veld type according to Acocks (1988), and Mixed Bushveld according to Low & Rebelo (1998). However, these classifications are very broad and may include several vegetation communities of importance. Regionally, the more accurate vegetation classification system of Mucina & Rutherford (2006) is used to classify the vegetation unit occurring at the study site. According to these authors the vegetation unit present on this property is classified as Central Sandy Bushveld (SVcb 12). This vegetation unit is found at an altitude of m. Central Sandy Bushveld is rated as Vulnerable and only 3% is conserved (Doorndraai Dam and Skuinsdraai Nature Reserves) according to Mucina & Rutherford, Approximately 19% has been transformed due to cultivation and 4% due to urbanization. Large areas are also heavily populated by informal settlements. According to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (MBCP), the site is located in an area zoned primarily as Least concern, furthermore, marginal areas of site is also has the LN3 listing as an Aquatic ecological support area (Appendix A-3). One of the objectives of this assessment will be to verify the MBCP ratings on the site. AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 8

9 4.2.2 Climate Seasonal summer-rainfall and very dry winters. Summer rainfall (MAP: mm) and mean monthly temperatures vary from -3.1ºC in winter to 35.5ºC during the summer. The winters can produce cold spells but the occurrence of frost is infrequent Geology and soils The southern and eastern areas are underlain by granite of the Lebowa Granite Suite. In the north sedimentary rocks of the Waterberg Group are most important. Rock formations are dominated by sandstone, conglomerate, siltstone and shale. Soils very from deep Hutton to Clovelly and shallow Glenrosa soil types Water Resources No natural surface water or streams and watercourses are located inside of the development area. A potential wetland area is present in a horseshoe fashion to east north and west. The wetland will be investigated as part of the biodiversity assessment. There are no known boreholes on site. The presence of areas with shallow water tables, if present, will be identified by a geotechnical report Cultural and heritage importance The existence of significant sites on the property that may be affected by the development will be addressed by a heritage impact assessment Socio economic environment The Local Municipality is experiencing economic development inputs and intends to upgrade the provision of houses and services. The proposed development can be viewed as critical for the development cycle the local region as it will: Create infrastructure to lure investment to the region; Address the need for residential growth. It is envisaged that the proposed development will have only positive social and economic impacts for the local area as it will provide formal housing with municipal services. AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 9

10 5. THE EIA PROCESS AND RELEVANT LEGISLATION 5.1 Chronology of the EIA process The regulating authority for this project is the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (DEDET): Directorate Impact Management. DEDET is authorized to do the final decision making and authorization for this EIA application. The process is followed strictly according to the regulations as published in the amended Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2010). After the application for an EIA have been submitted, the application is acknowledged by DEDET and a reference number is allocated that is used during the whole process for administration purposes (Appendix D-1). The scoping process entails the pre- environmental impact screening project description and evaluation of the project and its alternatives and is aimed to address the following: Description of the project; Identification and description of alternatives; Identification of relevant legislation and authorities; Site and environment descriptions; Notification and participation of public and interested and affected parties (I&AP s); Identification and description of potential environmental issues and impacts; Identification and need of specialist studies to evaluate potential impacts; Plan of study for the EIA process and tasks to be performed The Scoping Report outlines the methodology of the tasks to be performed by the consultant in order to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. The Scoping Report is distributed to all I&AP s as well as the authorities for review and comment before commencement of the actual Environmental Impact Assessment. The EIA process entails all the criteria of the scoping process but importantly, also includes the assessment of impacts as well as a draft Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The EIA report aims to conclude all possible issues and to recommend the best possible alternative and activity to be authorized as well as recommending measures and activities to mitigate the magnitude of environmental impacts. 5.2 Relevant Legislation Legislation and guidelines that are being considered for the Scoping process are as follows: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (No 108 of 1996) National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998) National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No 59 of 2008) National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No 10 of 2004) AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 10

11 National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (No 31 of 2004) Environmental Conservation Act (No 73 of 1989) National Water Act (No 36 of 1998) Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (No 43 of 1983) National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999) Occupational Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 1993) Promotion of Access to Information Act (2000) National Roads Act (No ) Advertising on Roads and Ribbon Development Act (No. 21, 1940) EIA regulations and guidelines (2010) All relevant Provincial regulations and Municipal bylaws Section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act (1998) requires that activities that require authorization or permission by law which may significantly affect the environment, must be considered, investigated and assessed prior to their implementation and reported to the organ of state charged by law with authorizing, permitting, or otherwise allowing the implementation of an activity. The EIA process is the tool used to apply for authorization from the regulating authority for the relevant activities identified that may impact on the environment. 5.3 Authorities Consultation Consultation with DEDET has included the following process: Submission of an application for authorization of the activities in terms of section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act of 1998; Submission of the Draft Scoping Report and plan of study for EIA. Future consultation will include the following: Submission of the Final Scoping Report and plan of study for EIA for approval; Completing tasks for compiling the EIA report; Submission of the EIA Report for approval. The following authorities and major stakeholders have also been informed of the project and provided with background information and/or the draft Scoping report: Dr. J.S. Moroka Local Municipality and Council; Nkangala District Municipality; Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency. AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 11

12 6. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND IMPACTS 6.1 Environmental issues During the scoping process the no environmental issues were identified. Aspects that may be regarded as potential issues are also evaluated- and are included with the impact assessment (section 6.2 and section 7). 6.2 Potential environmental impacts In order to simplify the impact assessment and to group potential environmental impacts, an important method of assessing environmental impacts is to evaluate important aspects of the environment and/or associated with the site and proposed activity. Aspects that will be evaluated during the assessment are listed below in a chronological order underneath the development phases: Planning phase Land use Topography Geology and soils Availability of services and waste management Water resources Increased motorized traffic Heritage sites Biodiversity Construction phase Loss of biodiversity Generation of noise, dust and vibrations Generation of spoil material and waste Traffic and Neighborhood disruptions Visual impact Construction camp & workforce management Stockpiles of building materials Pollution and spillages of hazardous substances Operational phase Availability of services and waste management Increased motorized traffic Management of biodiversity Water resources Visual impacts Social and economic impacts for the local area These aspects and potential impacts and environmental impacts are described and discussed in the following section. AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 12

13 7. DESCRIPTION OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS An elaboration and description of the aspects identified in the previous section are included in the sections below. 7.1 Description of potential impacts Biophysical and economical aspects of the site and proposed activity that are susceptible to environmental impacts are described in the following sections: Land use A change of land use may result in positive or negative impacts related to the present activities on the site and the use of the land such as a loss of agriculture land. Presently, no agricultural or other economic activities are engaged on the property. Due to the fact that this property is located within the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) of the Municipality, it is motivated that this development is seen as a logical expansion of the town as agreed upon by the Department of Land Administration and Agriculture. It is therefore assumed that the potential impact has been considered during the formulation of the SDF and is considered to be of low significance Topography The topography of a site can result in negative impacts if the terrain is difficult due to large outcrops, steep slopes or river valleys, etc. The topography of the property is predominantly flat with a slight downward slope towards the southwestern section. There are no prominent features such as large rocky outcrops or steep slopes on site Geology and soils The geology and soil composition of a site may result in negative impacts if adequate planning is not done. The potential impacts relating to geology and soil will be evaluated by a specialist geotechnical report that will elaborate on the underlying geology and the soil composition and texture of the site. The final layout plan will be planned according to the relevant findings of this specialist report Availability of services and waste management Inadequate provision of services and infrastructure will lead to negative environmental impacts. An evaluation of the capacity of services needed by the proposed development and the available capacity will include the following aspects: Electricity Water supply Sewage disposal Solid waste management Storm water management Roads infrastructure The Local Municipality will be the main services provider. AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 13

14 7.1.5 Water resources Water is probably one of our most valuable natural resources and any potential negative impacts thereupon need to be carefully considered. There are no surface water or boreholes on site. The presence of areas with shallow water tables, if present, will be identified by a geotechnical report. Potential impacts on these aspects will be identified once the specialist studies have been completed Storm water management Inadequate storm water management will result in significant impacts such as erosion, flooding, siltation, etc. The final layout plan and storm water infrastructure will be planned according to the relevant findings of the specialist and engineering reports to ensure that the above impacts are addressed Increased motorized traffic Any large development may have a negative impact on the traffic patterns of the local area if the anticipated increase in traffic is not incorporated in the roads design. However, the Municipality has planned this development with consideration to the local traffic patterns and volumes in mind. It can thus be assumed that the increased traffic generated by this development is compatible with the existing and future traffic planning for the local area and will not create problems regarding traffic flow and volumes Biodiversity The proposed development will have negative impacts on aspects of biodiversity such as vegetation and fauna. The area is of significance for the maintenance of Biodiversity according to the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (MBCP); (Appendix B-3) and specific aspects regarding biodiversity will be investigated Heritage sites The possibility of the occurrence of archeological and heritage sites on the property that may be affected by the development will be ascertained by a specialist heritage impact assessment Construction camp and materials stockpiles An inadequately planned construction camp and stockpiles depot may result in impacts such as pollution, littering and noise. These aspects will be assessed and mitigation will be recommended in order to address these potential impacts Workforce management An undisciplined and badly managed workforce will have a negative affect on the local environment and population. This aspect will be assessed and mitigation will be recommended in order to address the potential impacts. AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 14

15 Generation of noise during construction Noise will be generated during construction. This aspect will be assessed and mitigation will be recommended in order to address the potential impacts Generation of dust during construction Dust will be generated during construction. This aspect will be assessed and mitigation will be recommended in order to address the potential impacts Visual impacts during construction During construction the site may be untidy and unused items and spoil materials as well as stockpile areas may not be visually attractive. This aspect will be assessed and mitigation will be recommended in order to address the potential impacts Generation of spoil material and waste during construction Spoil material and solid waste will be generated during construction. This aspect will be assessed and mitigation will be recommended in order to address the potential impacts Traffic and neighbourhood disruptions during construction During the construction phase, construction vehicles and detours may be pose traffic disruptions. This aspect will be assessed and mitigation will be recommended in order to address the potential impacts Pollution and spillages of hazardous substances during construction During construction pollution and spillages may occur. Adequate sanitation must be available for this phase. Appropriate measures will be emplaced to minimize this impact. Air quality is not anticipated to be affected Social and economic impacts for the local area Developments of this type usually have positive social and economic impacts in the following categories: increase in the availability of houses, job creation, improved infrastructure and roads. Associated impacts will be assessed and mitigation will be recommended if necessary Visual impacts during operational phase A development of inferior design and building materials may result in an unsightly end product. Associated impacts will be assessed and mitigation will be recommended if necessary. 7.2 Specialist studies and processes Relevant specialist surveys that will be undertaken where necessary to assess the magnitude of potential impacts and appropriate mitigation will be formulated. The following specialist studies will be done to aid in the final assessment: Geotechnical Report AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 15

16 Engineering Services Report Heritage Impact Assessment Biodiversity Assessment Authorities conditions and guidelines Continued consultation and information gathering will also form part of the process of eliminating issues of concern. 8. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS The public participation records are included with Appendix D and the process is summarized in the following section. 8.1 Identification and notification of Interested & Affected Parties After acknowledgement with a reference number was received from DEDET (Appendix D-1) the public participation process was followed as stipulated by the present EIA regulations as published in An EIA notice was prepared for distribution and copies were placed at strategic places on site (Appendix D-2) and published in the regional newspaper (Mpumalanga News, January 09, 2014) so as to ensure maximum exposure to all the potential interested and affected parties (Appendix D-2). All possible Interested & Affected parties was identified and afforded an opportunity to participate and comment on the proposed development. Contact was made with adjacent property owners and key interested & affected parties. After the I&AP s and relevant authorities were identified they were informed of the EIA process and invited to participate. This was done through electronic mail and hand deliveries. Consultations and discussions were held with I&AP s and stakeholders during visits. Records of notifications and the I&AP and stakeholder register are included with Appendix D-3. The Draft Scoping Report was completed according to the EIA regulations and distributed to the I&AP s as well as DEDET. Written comments and feedback received from the I&AP s and stakeholders up to date is included with Appendix D Issues & Concerns Issues and concerns were identified through a process of consultation with the proponent and then with relevant authorities and interested & affected parties and stakeholders. Proven methods were used during these consultations, which included checklists, matrices, and networks and map overlays. Up to date no issues were raised by any party. AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 16

17 9. PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA PROCESS AND TASKS The EIA Report will contain all the necessary information for the competent authority to consider the application and to reach a decision based on the relevant information and the methods followed. A plan of study for environmental impact assessment tasks to be undertaken and the proposed approach is given in the following sections. 9.1 Public participation process Given that the Scoping report is accepted by the regulating authority and the EAP is instructed to proceed with the tasks contemplated in the plan of study, the EAP will proceed with the tasks given underneath as well as the public participation process referred to in EIA regulation 54 if so required. This process can be summarized under the following two points: The EAP will consult with all I&AP s as well as stakeholders to ensure that information containing all the relevant facts in respect of the application is made available to all concerned. The participation process will be facilitated in such a manner to provide all I&AP s with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the information provided as well as the application. Future consultation will include the following: Submission of the Scoping Report and plan of study for EIA for approval; Completing tasks for compiling the EIA report; Review of the Draft EIA Report by I&AP s; Inclusion of I&AP response into final EIA Report; Submission of the EIA Report for approval; Notification of I&AP s of the authorities decision on the application. 9.2 Detailed description of the activity Activity description will include the nature of the activity, size and extent. This will include site and layout plans as well as a detailed motivation for the preferred activity. 9.3 Detailed description of the property and location The property description will include biophysical features such as existing activities and structures and land use as well as the state of the property regarding existing impacts. Photographic illustrations will be used to highlight prominent features but also to give a view of the general site conditions. The property location will be well indicated by maps so as to get a clear understanding of the surrounding land uses and the compatibility of the proposed activity. 9.4 Detailed description of the environment The environment will be described in detail and will include specialist reports as necessary. This will include descriptions of the climate and biology, natural environment, AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 17

18 geology and soils, surface and ground water, history and heritage, cultural and social environment. 9.5 Documented public participation process The public participation process that was followed will be documented and the necessary registers, comments and responses as required by the EIA regulations will be included. 9.6 Need and desirability of activity and alternatives The need and desirability for the development as well as all alternatives investigated will be included in the assessment. 9.7 Impact identification and significance All potential impacts as well as their significance will be assessed and presented in a objective and true manner. 9.8 Alternatives identified and comparative assessments Alternatives to the locality/activity will be investigated and the findings compared to one another so as to decide on the most acceptable alternative for the environment. 9.9 Summary of specialist reports The specialist inputs and reports that have been identified to date that will be required are listed in section 7.2 of the scoping report. These reports will be incorporated with the EIA report and the recommendations will be highlighted in order for the authorities and I&AP s to get a clear understanding of the activity and impacts during evaluation of the report Discussion of issues identified The issues identified will be thoroughly investigated and discussed by comparison and findings of relevant specialist reports Impact assessment Impacts will be identified and assessed according to the following criteria: Nature of impact Extent and duration Probability Impact control or reverse Magnitude irreplaceable loss of resources Impact mitigation Cumulative magnitude of impacts 9.12 Description of assumptions and uncertainties In the event that any uncertainties occurs or assumptions are made it will be put on record as such and motivated. AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 18

19 9.13 Professional opinion The EAP will motivate his final decision on authorization of the activity and any conditions that may required for authorization Environmental impact statement An environmental impact statement will be included and presented with a summary of the key findings and a comparative assessment of positive and negative implications of the proposed activity as well as alternatives Draft Environmental Management Plan The draft environmental management plan will be presented that complies with EIA regulation Copies of Specialist reports and processes Specialist reports and processes as required by EIA regulation 33 will be included with the final report Specific information required by the authority Any specific information required by the competent authority will be included with the EIA report Public Participation and Authorities Consultation The regulating authority for this project is the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (DEDET): Directorate Impact Management. Consultation with DEDET has included the following process: Submission of an application for authorization of the activities in terms of section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act of 1998; Site inspection with a provincial DEDET official; Future consultation will include the following: Submission of the Scoping Report and plan of study for EIA for approval; Completing tasks for compiling the EIA report; Submission of the EIA Report for approval; The following authorities have also been informed of the project and provided with background information and/or the draft Scoping report: o Dr. J.S. Moroka Local Municipality o Nkangala District Municipality and the Town Council; o Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency. AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 19

20 10. REFERENCES Acocks, J. P. H Veld types of South Africa. Botanical Research Unit. 146p. Friedman Y. & Daly B. (Editors) Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa: A Conservation Assessment: CBSG Southern Africa, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (SSC/IUCN), Endangered Wildlife Trust. South Africa. D.E.A.T Draft guideline on the information requirements to describe need and desirability in the EIA process. D.E.A.T EIA Regulations in terms of chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 D.E.A.T Guidelines in terms of the E.I.A. regulations published June, (All available guidelines) Golding, J. S. (Editor) Southern African Plant Red Data Lists. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report no.14. SABONET, PTA. Pp 237. Hilton-Taylor, C IUCN Red List of threatened species. IUCN, Gland, Swit. UK.xvii + 61 pp Low, A. B., Rebelo, A. G Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria. 85 pp. Migdol I Veldgids tot die Skoenlappers van Suid-Afrika. Struik. 256pp. Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.) Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho &Swaziland: Shapefiles of basic mapping units. National Botanical Institute, Cape Town. National Environmental Management Act of 1998 (NEMA). National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of 2004 (NEMBA). National Forests Act of 1998 (NFA). National Water Act of 1998 (NWA). Rouget M., Reyers B., Jonas Z., Desmet P., Driver A., Maze K., Egoh B., & CowlingR.M Technical Report Volume 1: Terrestrial Component. In: South African National Biodiversity Assessment 2004: Priorities for biodiversity conservation in South Africa. Pretoria. SANBI. AFRIKA ENVIRO & BIOLOGY 20