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Final Environmental Management Programme

PROPOSED ROOIKAT HYDROPOWER SITE, AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE ORANGE RIVER NEAR HOPETOWN, THEMBELIHLE AND SIYANCUMA LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

Ref. No.: 14/12/16/3/3/2/511 NEAS Ref. No.: DEA/EIA/0001781/2013

Prepared in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 2010, as Amended

Date: October 2014

Applicant: Sidala Energy Solutions (Pty) Ltd.

Prepared by: Enviroworks Environmental Consultants

Cape Town Office: Tel 021 853 0682 | Fax 086 601 7507 |Suite 338, Private Bag X15, Somerset West, 7129 |

Suite 204, Hibernian Towers, Strand |

Final EMPr Proposed Rooikat Hydropower Site

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Report Review and Quality Management:

Issue 1 Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3

Issue/Revision Name Draft EMPr Draft EMPr Final EMPr

Report prepared/revised by:

Mark Day Mark Day Mark Day

Date: 26 May 2014 21 August 2014

02 October 2014

Signature:

Report reviewed by: Elbi Bredenkamp

Elbi Bredenkamp

Elbi Bredenkamp

Date: 26 May 2014 21 August 2014

02 October 2014

Signature:


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Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... xiii

1.1 NEMA Regulation 33 Report Compliance ..................................................................... xiii

1.2 Report Layout ............................................................................................................... xiv

2 Environmental Assessment Practitioner ........................................................................ xvi

2.1 Details of the EAP ........................................................................................................ xvi

2.2 Expertise of the EAP .................................................................................................... xvi

3 Project Description and Listed Activities Covered by this EMPr ................................. xvii

NEMA: Listed Activities Triggered ......................................................................................... xxiv

4 Persons Responsible for Implementing this EMPr ......................................................... 27

4.1 On-site Communication ................................................................................................ 28

4.1.1 Site Instruction Entries ........................................................................................... 28

4.1.2 Method Statements ............................................................................................... 28

4.1.3 Record Keeping ..................................................................................................... 28

5 Monitoring, Performance Assessment and Reporting on EMPr Compliance ............... 29

5.1 Monitoring .................................................................................................................... 29

5.2 Performance Assessment and Reporting on EMPr Compliance ................................... 29

5.2.1 ECO Site Inspection Reports ................................................................................. 29

5.2.2 Photographs .......................................................................................................... 30

6 Environmental Awareness Plan........................................................................................ 31

6.1 Environmental Awareness and Risk Training ................................................................ 31

6.1.1 Basic Rules of Conduct ......................................................................................... 31

7 Impacts and Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................... 32

7.1 Planning, Design and Construction Phase Environmental Management Programme ... 33

7.2 Operational Phase Environmental Management Programme ....................................... 88

8 Emergency Response Plan ............................................................................................... 98

9 Incident Register ............................................................................................................... 99

10 Rehabilitation Measures ................................................................................................. 100

10.1 Rehabilitation Measures ............................................................................................. 100

11 Prevent Triggering of Further Listed Activities ............................................................. 103

12 References ....................................................................................................................... 103

Appendix 1: Extract from the Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment ...................... 104

Appendix 2: Alien Invasive Plant Management Plan ............................................................ 127

Appendix 3: Open Space Management Plan ......................................................................... 133

Appendix 4: Plant Rescue and Protection Plan / Re-vegetation and Habitat Rehabilitation Plan .......................................................................................................................................... 137

Appendix 5: Soil Erosion Control Measures ......................................................................... 149


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List of Figures

Figure 3-1: Illustrative rendering of the proposed Rooikat Hydropower Site showing the weir and dam area.

List of Tables

Table 1-1: Environmental Management Programme requirements in terms of Regulation 33 of the EIA Regulations of 2010.

Table 1-2: Summary of report content layout.

Table 2-1: Details of the author are as follows

Table 3-1: Summary of Specialist Studies and main findings

Table 3-2: Listed Activities applicable to this application


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List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

AIA Archaeological Impact Assessment

ASAPA Association of South African Professional Archaeologists

CPA Communal Property Association

CRM Cultural Resources Management

DAFF Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

DEA Department of Environmental Affairs

DoE Department of Energy

DWA Department of Water Affairs

ECO Environmental Control Officer

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EIR Environmental Impact Report

EMPr Environmental Management Programme

EPC Engineering Procurement Contractor

ESA Early Stone Age

I&APs Interested and Affected Parties

IDP Integrated Development Plan

IPP Independent Power Producer

LSA Late Stone Age

MSA Middle Stone Age

MW Megawatt

NEMA National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)

NEMBA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004)

NEMWA National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008)

NFA National Forest Act (Act No. 84 of 1998)

NHRA National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)

NERSA National Energy Regulator of South Africa

NWA National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998)

PI Principal Investigator

PPP Public Participation Process

SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency


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SANS South African National Standards

SDF Spatial Development Framework

SLM Siyancuma Local Municipality

TLM Thembelihle Local Municipality

WUL Water Use Licence


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GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Alien species: A plant or animal species introduced from elsewhere: neither endemic nor indigenous.

Anthropogenic: Change induced by human intervention.

Applicant: Any person who applies for an authorisation to undertake an activity or undertake an Environmental Process in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations – National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) as contemplated in the scheduled activities listed in Government Notice (GN) No R. 543, 544 and 545.

Arable potential: Land with soil, slope and climate components where the production of cultivated crops is economical and practical.

Archaeological resources: This includes:

material remains resulting from human activity which are in a state of disuse and are in or on land and which are older than 100 years including artefacts, human and hominid remains and artificial features and structures;

rock art, being any form of painting, engraving or other graphic representation on a fixed rock surface or loose rock or stone, which was executed by human agency and which is older than 100 years, including any area within 10m of such representation;

wrecks, being any vessel or aircraft, or any part thereof which was wrecked in South Africa, whether on land, in the internal waters, the territorial waters or in the maritime culture zone of the republic as defined in the Maritimes Zones Act, and any cargo, debris or artefacts found or associated therewith, which is older than 60 years or which SAHRA considers to be worthy of conservation; features, structures and artefacts associated with military history which are older than 75 years and the site on which they are found.

Alluvial: Resulting from the action of rivers, whereby sedimentary deposits are laid down in river channels, floodplains, lakes, depressions etc

Biodiversity: The variety of life in an area, including the number of different species, the genetic wealth within each species, and the natural areas where they are found.

Cultural significance: This means aesthetic, architectural, historical, scientific, social, spiritual, linguistic or technological value or significance

Cumulative Impact: In relation to an activity, cumulative impact means the impact of an activity that in itself may not be significant, but may become significant when added to the existing and potential impacts eventuating from similar or diverse activities or undertakings in the area.

Ecology: The study of the interrelationships between organisms and their environments.

Environment: All physical, chemical and biological factors and conditions that influence an object.

Environmental Impact Assessment: In relation to an application, to which Scoping must be applied, means the process of collecting, organising, analysing, interpreting and communicating information that is relevant to the consideration of the application.

Environmental Impact Report: In-depth assessment of impacts associated with a proposed development. This forms the second phase of an Environmental Impact Assessment and follows on from the Scoping Report.

Environmental Management Programme: A legally binding working document, which stipulates environmental and socio-economic mitigation measures that must be implemented by several responsible parties throughout the duration of the proposed project.


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Ephemeral: When referring to a stream or drainage line, it refers to the flow characteristics by which only periodic surface flows typically occur. Similarly when referring to a pan or depression, this would be characterised by only periods of time when surface water occurs within it, usually associated with the rainy season.

Heritage resources: This means any place or object of cultural significance. See also archaeological resources above

Hyrdomorphic / hydric soil: Soil that in its undrained condition is saturated or flooded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions favouring growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation. These soils are found in and associated with wetlands.

Kilovolt (kV): a unit of electric potential equal to a thousand volts (a volt being the standard unit of electric potential. It is defined as the amount of electrical potential between two points on a conductor carrying a current of one ampere while one watt of power is dissipated between the two points).

Local relief: The difference between the highest and lowest points in a landscape. For this study, it is based on 1:50 000 scale.

Macro-geomorphological: Related to / on the scale of geomorphic provinces. A geomorphic province is a spatial entity with common geomorphic attributes.

Precipitation: Any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the earth's surface.

Red Data species: All those species included in the categories of endangered, vulnerable or rare, as defined by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Riparian: The area of land adjacent to a stream or river that is influenced by stream induced or related processes.

Scoping Report: An “issues-based” report which forms the first phase of an Environmental Impact Assessment process.

Soil compaction: Soil becoming dense by blows, vehicle passage or other type of loading. Wet soils compact easier than moist or dry soils.


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1 Introduction

This Environmental Management Programme (EMPr), amongst others, describes the mitigation measures and identifies the specific project team members that will be responsible for implementation of the mitigation measures, in order to ensure that impacts on the environment are minimised during the construction, operational and decommissioning and closure phases of the proposed Rooikat Hydropower Site and its associated infrastructure, on the Orange River between Hopetown and Douglas, in the Northern Cape Province..

This EMPr must form part of the contractual agreement between the relevant contractor(s) and the developer.

1.1 NEMA Regulation 33 Report Compliance

Regulation 33 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2010 provides the content requirements for EMPRs. The table below lists the relevant requirements, indicates whether the relevant information is included in this report or not, and provides cross-references as to where the relevant information can be found in this report.

Table 1-3: Environmental Management Programme requirements in terms of Regulation 33 of the EIA Regulations of 2010.

Reg. EMPr Content

Included

(Yes, No or N/A)

Report Section Reference

(a)

A final environmental management programme must comply with section 24N of the Act and include -

details of:

(i) the person who prepared the environmental management programme; and

Yes Chapter 2

(ii) the expertise of that person to prepare an environmental management programme;

Yes Chapter 2

(b) information on any proposed management or mitigation measures that will be taken to address the environmental impacts that have been identified in a report contemplated by these Regulations, including environmental impacts or objectives in respect of -

- -

(i) planning and design; Yes Chapter 7

(ii) pre-construction and construction activities; Yes Chapter 7

(iii) operation or undertaking of the activity; Yes Chapter 7

(iv) rehabilitation of the environment; and Yes Chapter 7

(v) closure, where relevant. - N/A

(c) a detailed description of the aspects of the activity that are covered by the final environmental management programme;

Yes Chapter 7

(d) an identification of the persons who will be responsible for the implementation of the measures contemplated in paragraph (b);

Yes Chapters 4 and 7

(e) proposed mechanisms for monitoring compliance with and performance assessment against the environmental management programme and reporting thereon;


(f) as far as is reasonably practicable, measures to rehabilitate the environment affected by the undertaking of any listed activity or specified activity to its natural or predetermined state or to a land use which conforms to the generally accepted principle of sustainable development, including, where appropriate, concurrent or progressive rehabilitation measures;

Yes Chapter 10

(g) A description of the manner in which it intends to - - -


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Reg. EMPr Content

Included

(Yes, No or N/A)

Report Section Reference

(i) modify, remedy, control or stop any action, activity or process which causes pollution or environmental degradation;

Yes Chapter 7

(ii) remedy the cause of pollution or degradation and migration of pollutants;

Yes Chapter 7

(iii) comply with any prescribed environmental management standards or practices;

Yes All

(iv) comply with any applicable provisions of the Act regarding closure, where applicable;

- N/A

(v) comply with any provisions of the Act regarding financial provisions for rehabilitation, where applicable;

- N/A

(h) time periods within which the measures contemplated in the environmental management programme must be implemented;

Yes (project phases)

Chapter 7

(i) the process for managing any environmental damage, pollution, pumping and treatment of extraneous water or ecological degradation as a result of undertaking a listed activity;


(j) an environmental awareness plan describing the manner in which - - -

(i) the applicant intends to inform his or her employees of any environmental risk which may result from their work; and

Yes Chapter 6

(ii) risks must be dealt with in order to avoid pollution or the degradation of the environment;

Yes Chapter 6

(k) where appropriate, closure plans, including closure objectives. - N/A

1.2 Report Layout

The table below summarises the content layout of this report.

Table 1-4: Summary of report content layout.

Chapter Chapter Heading Content Summary

1 Introduction Provides a brief background to the proposed project, and explains the compliance of this report with regards to Regulation 33 of the NEMA.

2 Environmental Assessment Practitioner

Provides details of the EAP who prepared this EMPr, and provides information on the expertise of the EAP.

3 Project Description and Listed Activities Covered by this EMPr

Provides a brief project description, and describes the relevant project phases and the NEMA Listed Activities triggered.

4 Persons Responsible for Implementing this EMPr

Provides information on the project team members who will be responsible for implementing this EMPr, and explains requirements with regards to on-site communication, site instruction entries, method statements, and record keeping.

5 Monitoring, Performance Assessment and Reporting on EMPr Compliance

Provides information on monitoring, performance assessment and reporting on EMPr Compliance, ECO site inspection reports, and photographs.

6 Environmental Awareness Plan

Provides information on environmental awareness and risk training, and basic rules of conduct.

7 Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Provides EMPrs for the relevant project phases.


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Chapter Chapter Heading Content Summary

8 Emergency Response Plan

Provides information on the emergency response plan.

9 Incident Register Stipulates the content requirements for incident registers.

10 Rehabilitation Measures

Provides relevant rehabilitation measures.

11 Prevent Triggering of Further Listed Activities

Warns the Developer not to contravene the NEMA by engaging in unauthorised NEMA Listed Activities.

12 References Lists all references referred to in this EMPr.

Appendix 1: Extract from the Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment

The appendix provides descriptions of each archaeological site and recommended mitigation.


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2 Environmental Assessment Practitioner

2.1 Details of the EAP

Enviroworks is an independent environmental management consultancy, engaged in providing professional services in the fields of environmental planning, legal compliance and management. Enviroworks maintains no interest in any business related to the proposed development, nor will it receive any payment or benefit other than fair remuneration for the task undertaken. This report has been prepared by Mark Day, of Enviroworks.

Table 2-1: Details of the author are as follows

Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP):

Mark Day

Company: Enviroworks

Postal address: Suite 338, Private Bag X15, Somerset West, 7129

Telephone: 021 853 0682

E-mail: [email protected]

EAP Qualifications BSc Honours Environmental Management (UNISA), BTech Nature Conservation (CPUT); National Diploma (Nature Conservation) (CPUT)

EAP Registrations/Associations Member of the International Association for Impact Assessors (SA Affiliate) (No.3146); Working under Elbi Bredenkamp (Certified Natural Scientist: 400328/11)

2.2 Expertise of the EAP

With expertise in environmental management and associated legal processes, Mark has rapidly gained insight of the field through engagement in and the conducting of over 40 projects across South Africa. His principal knowledge relates to environmental impact assessments, public participation, compliance monitoring and research-related discourses. A strong background in community engagement together with excellent project management skills, ensures that Mark delivers streamlined and integrated deliverables to his clients.

Projects on which Mark acted as the Environmental Assessment Practitioner include the conducting of full EIA’s for the proposed construction of two Photovoltaic facilities and two Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector facilities in the Northern Cape Province; the conducting of a Section 24G Application for Rectification for the installation of optic fibre cable in provincial road reserves of the Gauteng Province; and the preparation of an Environmental Management Programme for a Granite Mine in the North West Province.


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3 Project Description and Listed Activities Covered by this EMPr

Background and Introduction

Sidala Energy Solutions (Pty) Ltd., a South African based renewable energy development company, proposes the construction of the Rooikat Hydropower Site on the Orange River between Hopetown and Douglas, Northern Cape Province.

The weir of the proposed hydropower facility will be situated on Portion 3 of the Farm Eskdale No.204, Herbert RD, and Portion 3 of the Farm Deelfontein No. 237, Hopetown RD, Northern Cape Province, at coordinates 29°27'3.58"S; 23°54'58.38"E. The site is situated approximately 26 km north-east of Hopetown, and falls on the boundaries of the Thembelihle Local Municipality as well as the Siyancuma Local Municipality, situated within the greater Pixley ka Seme District Municipality. The facility will have the potential of generating a capacity output of approximately 22 MW.

The Rooikat Hydropower Site would translate to the generation of 10 430 000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy with a load factor of 50% and 70% that would vary depending of the time of year. Assuming a household residential use of ~212 kWh per month, the development would generate enough electricity to power, on average 50 000 homes.

The development activity has triggered a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) undertaken in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998) EIA Regulations. Enviroworks Environmental Consultants, was appointed to conduct this Environmental Impact Assessment process ascribed for by the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998). This Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) forms a contributing document to this study and ascribes mitigation measures, monitoring actions and responsible parties tasked to implement these measures.

Brief Project Description

The project proposal entails the construction of a hydropower facility, consisting of a weir and associated infrastructure. Dimensions of the weir will be a height of 45m, length of 400m and width of 55m at the base. The establishment of the weir of this size will lead to formation of backwater and inundation of upstream areas, resulting in the creation of a new dam with a storage volume of 36.4 million m³/a. Once operational, backwater of the dam would result in a Full Supply Level (FSL) of 1040 metres above sea level (masl) and maintain a surface area of approximately 550 ha.

Figure 3-1: Illustrative rendering of the proposed Rooikat Hydropower Site showing the weir and dam area.


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Figure 0-1 above, created using computer-generated imagery, depicts the proposed hydropower facility as viewed from a south-easterly direction, i.e. from Portion 3 of Farm Deelfontein No. 237, Hopetown RD. Once operational, the proposed facility would utilise the flows generated by the Vanderkloof Dam (located approximately 100 km upstream) to power four turbines for the generation of electricity. The proposed development would have an operational lifespan of approximately 60 years with the intention for refurbishment thereafter. As such, decommissioning or closure of the site is not anticipated given that all structures and infrastructure will be maintained and where necessary overhauled.

Existing Environment and Impact Assessment Outcome

The following sections provide a brief description of the current environment of the proposed Rooikat Hydropower Site and its surroundings:

Climate

The site falls within the arid central interior of the country experiencing summer and autumn rainfall with very dry winters (Mucina & Rutherford 2006: 517). The Orange River receives primarily summer rainfall, with the majority of this entering the catchment in the far eastern reaches at the source, where precipitation varies between 700 to 800mm/year. Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) for the site is <300 mm/year with frost in occurrence on ~40 days/year.

Geology

The area is characterised by dolerite sills forming ridges, interspersed by plateaus and undulating hills with small erosion-terraced escarpments. The affected areas are underlain by Precambrian, Ventersdorp Supergroup lavas (Allanridge Formation, Ra), which are composed of resistant-weathering, dark green lavas and associated pyroclastic rocks (Rossouw 2014). These Dwyka-aged palaeovalleys bear evidence of glaciated pavements, consisting of well-preserved polished surface striations on basement rocks, which abound throughout the area.

Topography

According to Kleynhans and Ellis (2014), the area forms part of a level, to slightly undulating, almost table-like landscape (more so on the western than on the eastern side of the river), with the Orange River incising this table landscape. On the incised parts, it is steeper and the soils shallower and generally covered by small to large stones.

Surface and Ground Water

The proposed development would fall on the Orange River, the longest river in South Africa, which extends about 2300 km from east to west. A perennial supply of water is maintained across the catchment with regulated release of flows from the Gariep and Vanderkloof Dams. On this section of the river, flows are controlled by the Vanderkloof Dam, approximately 100 km upstream. Seasonal surface water gathers in pools and in drainage lines following thunderstorms, which results in these drainage lines having a flood period in summer but standing dry in winters (Moolman 1946).

Soils and Agricultural Potential

Soils comprise calcrete deposits and gravel-rich Glenrosa and Mispah forms. The banks of the watercourse are largely alluvial-driven coarse-grained sands. Deposition and transport of these sands is common and a natural feature of the river system.

On jagged terrain, the gradient is steeper and soils shallower, characterised by small to large stones. The western side of the Orange River, at the proposed development site, is less attractive for crop farming. Conversely, the eastern side of the Orange River maintains better soils, more


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flat terrain and closer proximity to the river, making this more beneficial for crop farming (Kleynhans and Ellis 2014).

Given the low precipitation, high evapotranspiration rates, low average temperatures during winter and occurrence of frost, crop farming is limited to that of wheat and maize. In addition, low precipitation, places a dependency on water abstraction from the Orange River, confining agricultural activity to land adjacent to the river.

Livestock farming forms another agricultural use, with the highest production in sheep and cattle (De Beer and Green 2012). Kleynhans and Ellis (2014: 15) identified livestock production on four farms upstream of the proposed hydropower site. Inundation of these farms would result in the loss of 206.84 ha of grazing land with a medium to low carrying capacity.

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna

The watercourse and surrounding terrain is characterised by two vegetation types. A freshwater azonal vegetation unit, Upper Gariep Alluvial Vegetation, occurs along the river and associated zones. This vegetation unit is regarded as “vulnerable”, primarily due to the limited extent of the unit and lack of formal conservation (Ross 2014). Upper slopes of the macro-channel and areas surrounding the riparian zones on both sides of the river constitute Vaalbos Rocky Shrubland, which is regarded as being “Least Threatened”. The riparian zones are favoured for grazing of livestock and therefore some disturbance impacts were evident. This was mostly through the increase in density of Acacia mellifera, which is a response to a degree of disturbance.

Observed protected species include Acacia erioloba and Boscia albitrunca, which receive protection under the National Forests Act (Act 84 of 1998). In addition, protected species in terms of Schedule 2 of the Northern Cape Conservation Act (Act 9 of 2009) were noted. It is estimated that approximately 65 Acacia erioloba and 100 Boscia albitrunca individuals will be impacted by the inundation of the river valley area (Ross 2014).

The natural occurrence of animals is limited to small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects, while large mammals would have historically occupied the region but do not occur in the area. Consideration of various taxonomical groups yielded a relatively poor overall diversity of species, primarily attributed to the general aridity of the area. Five mammalian species may occupy the area and are regarded as Near Threatened, while a further three as Data Deficient. These are limited to small and illusive species, including small carnivores. Of these species, only the spotted-necked otter is dependent on the aquatic environment. This species would benefit from the proposed development due to the expansion of aquatic habitat and the inclusion of quieter areas for this species to inhabit (Ross 2014).

There are 263 avifaunal species known to occur in the region, whilst 21 of these are regarded as being of conservation concern and nine as red data listed. Despite this, the probability of the area to accommodate important species is unlikely, due to a low presence of large trees. Other bird species are recognised to frequent mesic savanna and grasslands for breeding and foraging and as such may be displaced by the proposed development.

Amphibian species diversity of the region is low due to the arid climate, while reptile and invertebrate species were considered to be common in the area.

Aquatic Flora and Fauna

The aquatic habitat of the river is characterised as perennial, deep and fast-flowing which predominantly flows as a single channel through smooth bedrock. In-stream aquatic habitat is dominated by bedrock or alluvial, coarse-grained sand deposited as sandbanks or along the edges of the watercourse. Freshets and flood-flows would shift the position of these deposition areas, depending on the severity and nature of the flood event.


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Inner marginal zones: A steep and well-defined gradient is expected between the outer edges of the marginal zones and the inner zones where permanent moisture would occur. Reedbeds (predominantly Phragmites australis) would occur within these inner marginal zones and form dominant stands.

Outer marginal zones: The outer marginal zones would see a greater inclusion of woody elements, including Salix mucronata, Ziziphus mucronata, Searsia pendulina and Acacia karroo. Outer marginal zones would see species representative of arid conditions, with Tamarix usneoides and Acacia mellifera being dominant. Loose and unstructured soils would mean that soil dispersal by wind action would be common.

Ross (2014) determined that 11 fish species are expected to occur in the watercourse in the region of the site. Several of these species are obligatory migratory species that require migratory freedom as a constituent of their life cycle. These include Labeobarbus kimberleyensis, Labeobarbus aeneus, Labeo capensis and Labeo umbratus, all of which migrate upstream annually to seek out suitable spawning grounds.

Visual Resources

Landscape features of the site are characterised by level-to-slightly undulating terrain which is incised by the river. Due to prevailing topographical features and lower visibility of agricultural activity from the river, the section of the Orange River between Hopetown and Douglas maintains a relatively unspoilt character in comparison with the majority of sections of the river. Furthermore, the rural aesthetic value of the site is conspicuous, given the nature of land use and limited transformation of natural areas observed.

Socio-Economic Profile of the Project Area

The socio-economic profile of the site is characterised by uses of the river and land use on neighbouring farms. Agricultural activity and livestock farming occurs on farms surrounding the development footprint, whilst the river is used for seasonal white water rafting and fly fishing. Popular rapids, the quality of water, and the natural aesthetic character of this section of the river have enhanced the user experience. Other uses of the area include aggregate and diamond mining activities, whilst water pumps and associated infrastructure irrigate surrounding farms.

In a broader context, the project area is located on the boundary of the Thembelihle and Siyancuma Local Municipalities, approximately 26 km north-east of Hopetown. In both of these municipalities, agriculture as well as community and social services, are top employment areas, whilst the mean unemployment rate of these falls at 26.35%. Barbour and Ellis (2014) give the vastness of the area and remoteness of its communities as a hindrance to economic development in the Northern Cape, which can be considered relevant to the affected municipalities.

Cultural Aspects of the Environment

Heritage aspects of the site comprise both archaeological and paleontological features. Recorded aspects of the archaeological landscape include 16 Stone Age sites and 19 Colonial Period sites, with one site of Colonial Age overlaying Stone Age.

Seventeen of these sites will be conserved within the inundation area, while other mitigation measures are provided. A rock art survey was not found to be necessitated, given that the majority of known sites, in combination with consultation of landowners, indicated that majority of rock art sites to be situated on properties north of the proposed site.


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Specialist Studies and Impact Assessment Summary

Table 3-1 provides a summary of specialist studies conducted and the main findings thereof.


Specialist Study Consultant Main Findings

Agricultural Impact Assessment (Soil Capability and Agri-economic Assessment)

Dr. F Ellis, Soil Scientist (Pr Sci Nat registration number 400158/08)

Professor TE Kleynhans, Agricultural Economist and Professional Valuer [Registration No. 5198 (Act 47/2000)]

No cultivated land will be affected by an inundation level at 1040 masl. The remainder of Farm Zuurgat No. 82 will be the only farm with cultivated land to be impacted (only 4% of irrigated land). Other farms will lose grazing land which will on average comprise 2% of the total landmass within these farms. The proposed development will not threaten the financial viability of any of the farms.

Terrestrial Biodiversity Impact Assessment

Mr. M Ross (Pr Sci Nat Reg no 400061/09)

Given that large sections of riverine area will be inundated, transformation and associated factors causing impacts receive significance ratings ranging from high negative to low negative, whilst the cumulative impact was rated as medium negative.

Aquatic Biodiversity Impact Assessment

Mr. M Ross (Pr Sci Nat Reg no 400061/09)

The aquatic system was shown to display a high level of ecological importance and sensitivity, with a moderately modified present ecological state. A fishway would reduce impact significance to low negative.

Avifaunal Impact Assessment

Mr. Albert Froneman and Mr. Chris van Rooyen, Avifaunal Specialists

The following impacts on avifauna are foreseen

as a result of the establishment of the Rooikat

Hydropower facility. The construction of the

proposed weir will result in the inundation of a

riparian habitat mosaic currently being utilised

by numerous water and wetland associated bird

species. Although it is recognised that shoreline

habitat will again be created as a result of the

inundation it is unlikely that it will support the

same diversity of species. The proposed weir

will also have negative impacts on downstream

ecosystem functioning and associated avifaunal

communities. Limited disturbance will be

caused during the construction of the facilities.

The establishment of the associated power line will pose a slight electrocution and collision risk to birds in the area. Limited disturbance will be caused during the construction of the facilities.


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Socio-economic Impact Assessment

Mr. T Barbour, Environmental Consultant and Researcher (Pr Sci Nat)

Dr. H van Zyl, Economic Specialist

The potential socio-economic benefits associated with the proposed Rooikat Hydropower Site outweigh the negative socio-economic impacts associated with the inundation of a ~14 km section of the Orange River. In addition, benefits to the local community will be long term and extend for the duration of the operational life of the hydro power scheme. This could extend for a period of 100 years or more.

Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment

Ms. Karen van Ryneveld, Archaeologist

A total of 36 Stone Age and Colonial Age sites were documented, of which 17 will be conserved by the inundation of land by backwater. If mitigation measures are adopted as prescribed, the impact will carry a general positive significance.

Phase 1 Paleontological Impact Assessment

Dr. L Rossouw, Palaeontologist

No fossil remains or localities were observed within the surface deposits during the survey, and the proposed development does not pose significant threats to potential paleontological resources.

Visual Impact Assessment

Ms. E Marais, Environmental Consultant

Professor Francois du Toit, External Reviewer

The overall visual significance is predicted to be medium to high, however the proposed development was not considered to be a fatal flaw, as the impacts are not considered to be unacceptable by stakeholders as noted in the Socio-economic Impact Assessment


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Service Impact Assessment

Mr. M Day, Environmental Consultant

The final Ecosystem Services Report for Impact Assessment (ESR for IA) determined both ecosystem priority services and dependencies. These relate to ecosystem service supply and benefit. Impact and dependence indicators measure changes in ecosystem service benefits to affected stakeholders and the project.

An ecosystem services impact and dependency assessment was undertaken in this Final report, which has put forth the following findings:

Ecosystem service priorities: o Freshwater – Water Supply; o Regulation of water timing and flows

– Hydrological flow; o Recreation and ecotourism – White

water rafting, fly fishing and camp site amenities;

o Ethical and spiritual values – Heritage; and

o Habitat – Ecosystem connectivity and Aquatic biodiversity

Of the above priority ecosystem services, the proposed development will pose impacts of high negative significance on recreational and ecotourism uses of white water rafting, fly fishing, amenities and the river as seen as a natural and recreational resource. Furthermore, the transformation of habitat caused by inundation and impassable barrier that the proposed dam wall would result in, where also assessed to be of high negative significance.

Ecosystem service dependencies: o Water Supply; and o Hydrological Flow.

Of ecosystem dependencies, water supply and hydrological flow were seen as primary requirements for the proposed development to operate. As such service agreements with the Vanderkloof Dam operating authority would be essential, to guarantee these operational needs for operation of the proposed plant.

The draft report was circulated to I&APs for comment during the next 40 day comment period. The final report was circulated to I&APs for a 21 day comment period.

Hydrological Impact

Mr. D van der Merwe, Water Engineer

The annual energy potential for the revised Project Rooikat at the 50 percentile is 127 100


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Assessment MWhr/a, which is higher than that of 98 500 MWhr/a determined during the pre-feasibility study. The differences are due to:

A higher dam wall with greater generating heads;

The hydrology being based on the historic recorded flows in the catchment, and not the conservative synthetic flow sequence used during the pre-feasibility study; and

Variable efficiencies linked to flow compared to the blanket assumption of 85% used during the pre-feasibility study.

The average flow in the river is determined as ± 66 m³/s and while the water level in the reservoir increases, this quantity can be released. As such, no change to the existing flow regime of the river would occur.

Conclusion and Recommendation

This EIA process assessed impacts associated with the proposed Rooikat Hydropower Site and determined, based on the outcomes of a multitude of contributing information that the proposed development would not result in any unacceptable impacts or fatal flaws and as such may be authorised to proceed.

NEMA: Listed Activities Triggered

The NEMA EIA Listed Activities (as per the NEMA EIA Regulations Listing Notices 1 to 3 of 2010) that will most likely be triggered by the proposed project are provided in table 3-2 below.

Table 3-2: Listed Activities applicable to this application

GN No. Activity Number

Listed Activity Relevant Project Component

GN No. 544

(Listing Notice 1)

11 The construction of:

(i) canals;

(iii) bridges;

(iv) dams;

(v) weirs;

(viii) jetties exceeding 50 square metres in size;

(x) buildings exceeding 50 square metres in size; or

(xi) infrastructure or structures covering 50 square metres or more

where such construction occurs within a watercourse or within 32 metres of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind the development setback

(i) Construction of a temporary diversion canal for water to bypass the construction of a weir;

(iii) Construction of a bailey bridge over the river;

(iv) Construction of temporary coffer dams for temporary river diversion and the Rooikat Dam;

(v) Construction of a weir with a maximum height of 45 m;

(viii) Construction of a boat dock in the close vicinity of the dam wall;

(x) Construction of a utility building, dam gate crane shed, and transform yard; and

(xi) Construction of a generator; installation of a hydro mechanical turbine with generator; construction of MV switch/transformer yard;


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line. construction off a permanent access route; construction of a distribution line; construction of PUC at substation; construction of fencing.

GN No. 544

(Listing Notice 1)

18 The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 5 cubic metres into, or the dredging, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock of more than 5 m³ from:

(i) a watercourse;

(i) Construction and establishment of a hydropower facility in the Orange River. More than 5 m3 of material will be excavated for the diversion channel and construction of the weir. Material shall be excavated from an existing quarry to supply aggregate for the road.

GN No. 544 (Listing Notice 1)

20 Any activity requiring a mining permit in terms of section 27 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002) or renewal thereof.

River rock is to be quarried from the watercourse to provide as source of aggregate for construction of the dam wall.


1 The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the generation of electricity where the electricity output is 20 megawatts or more.

Construction of a weir with an electricity output of approximately 22 MW. Given the dimensions of the weir, having a height of up to 45 m, a width of up to 55 m at the base and length of up to 400 m, in combination with the available flow in the river, the facility would be able to produce capacity of approximately 22 MW.


15 Physical alteration of undeveloped, vacant or derelict land for residential, retail, commercial, recreational, industrial or institutional use where the total area to be transformed is 20 hectares or more.

Transformation (inundation) of 5.5 km² (550 hectares), which shall flood terrestrial areas adjacent to the watercourse.


19 The construction of a dam, where the highest part of the dam wall, as measured from the outside toe if the wall to the highest part of the wall, is 5 metres or higher or where the high-water mark of the dam covers an area of 10 hectares or more.

The proposed Rooikat Hydropower Site will have a dam wall of up to 45m in height and an inundation are of ~550 hectares.

GN No 546 (Listing Notice 3)

14 The clearance of an area of 5 hectares or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetation cover constitutes indigenous vegetation (a) in the Northern Cape in (i) all areas outside urban areas.

The construction footprint area is assumed to be greater than 5 hectares in size. This exact size is to be determined once the design of the facility has been completed.

GN No 546 (Listing Notice 3)

19 The lengthening of a road by more than 1 kilometre (a) in the Northern Cape (ii) outside of urban areas, in (ii) Areas within

The proposed access roads would predominately align with existing gravel tracks, however new sections would need to be constructed to


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100 metres from the edge of a watercourse where no setback line has been determined.

access proposed Rooikat Hydropower Site, which would be located in the Orange River.


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4 Persons Responsible for Implementing this EMPr

The “Responsibility” columns in the impact and mitigation tables provided below indicate which team member(s) are responsible for implementation of the identified mitigation measures, these team members include the following:

Construction contractor(s);

Construction manager;

Applicant / Developer;

Environmental Control Officer.

The sections below list further supplementary measures, which should also be implemented by the relevant team members.

During the construction phase, the applicant/developer will:

Appoint a suitably qualified independent ECO to monitor compliance with the construction EMPr and other responsibilities as listed in this document.

During the construction phase, the construction contractor will:

Be responsible to have the EMPr available on site at all times;

Provide the applicant with a “Method Statement” which will indicate the procedures that will be applied in order to meet the requirements of any aspect of the EMPr; and

Ensure that all mitigation measures for which they are responsible, are implemented as described in this EMPr; and

Ensure that all problems identified during environmental inspections, are addressed and rectified as soon as reasonably possible.

During the construction phase, the contract project managers will:

Have the authority to stops works and issue fines;

Receive reports from the ECO and report to the client;

Enforce contractor obligations to the EMPr; and

Support the ECO in his/her roles and responsibilities.

During the construction phase, the environmental control officer will:

Meet with the contractor and project manager to hand over the site and go through the content of the EMPr, including the “do’s and don’ts” of the project, to ensure that the party understands their responsibilities to the EMPr;

Be accountable for monitoring and auditing activities to ensure compliance with the EMPr and the Environmental Authorisation;

Work collectively with other role-players, but not be influenced in opinion and must report to the applicant only;

May, in the event of there being a serious threat to or impact on the environment, correspond with the contract project manager to stop works;

Complete an ECO checklist after each site inspection and distribute this to the project team within 5 days; and

Conduct a final environmental audit of the project on completion of construction and rehabilitation, for submission to the DEA to review.

During the operational phase the applicant/developer, will be responsible to prevent negative environmental impacts, and as such will be responsible to:


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Set aside a budget for maintenance;

Maintain all facilities and infrastructure in good working order to effectively fulfil its intended purpose and to prevent negative environmental impacts;

Not construct any additional buildings, infrastructure, etc. contrary to the Environmental Authorisation, without performing an environmental impact assessment where listed activities of the 2010 NEMA EIA Regulations are triggered; and

Immediately remedy any aspects that contribute to negative environmental impacts.

4.1 On-site Communication

The following sections describe the site communication measures that will need to be implemented.

4.1.1 Site Instruction Entries

The Site Instruction book should be used for the recording of general site instructions as they relate to the works on site. It should also be used for the issuing of stop work orders for the purposes of immediately halting any particular activities of the contractor in lieu of the environmental risk that they may pose.

4.1.2 Method Statements

Method statements from the Contractor will be required for specific sensitive actions on request by the authorities or the ECO.

A method statement forms the baseline information on which work in sensitive environments takes place and is a “live document” allowing for modifications to be negotiated between the Contractor and ECO / Engineer, as circumstances unfold.

A method statement describes the scope of the intended work, step-by-step, in order for the ECO and Engineer to understand the Contractor’s intentions. This will enable them to assist in devising any mitigation measures, which would minimise environmental impact during these tasks. For each instance wherein it is requested that the Contractor submit a method statement to the satisfaction of the ECO, the format should clearly indicate the following:

What - a brief description of the work to be undertaken;

How - a detailed description of the process of work, methods and materials;

Where - a description/sketch map of the locality of work (if applicable); and

When - the sequencing of actions with due commencement dates and completion date estimates.

All method statements will form part of the EMPr documentation and are subject to all terms and conditions contained within the EMPr main document.

The Contractor must submit the method statement to the ECO before any particular construction activity is due to start. Work may not commence until the method statement has been approved by the ECO.

4.1.3 Record Keeping

All records related to the implementation of this EMPr (e.g. site instruction book, method statements) must be kept together in an office where it is safe and can be retrieved easily. These


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records should be kept for two years and should at any time be available for scrutiny by any relevant authorities.

5 Monitoring, Performance Assessment and Reporting on EMPr

Compliance

5.1 Monitoring

Several monitoring actions are proposed which would be undertaken by various project roleplayers.

For detail on these actions, “Responsible Person/Party”, and “Monitoring Frequency” associated with the identified mitigation measures, refer to the “Monitoring” column in the impact assessment tables below (Chapter 8).

5.2 Performance Assessment and Reporting on EMPr Compliance

A suitably-qualified Environmental Control Officer (ECO) should be appointed by the Applicant / Employer to oversee the implementation of the construction phase mitigation measures described in this EMPr, as well as the conditions of authorisation as described in the Environmental Authorisation.

The ECO should have at least 5 years’ experience as an ECO, or be supported by a suitably-experienced ECO. He/she may not be someone appointed by the contractor, engineer or other party involved with this project, other than the Applicant / Developer.

The following applies, amongst others, to the ECO’s role:

The ECO should undertake weekly site visits during the construction phase,

The ECO must report to the Applicant / Developer only.

The ECO should present an environmental site induction / awareness training session to all personnel before work on site commences, as are also described below; and

After completion of the construction activities, an environmental audit should be undertaken by the ECO, before commencement of the operational phase, in order to determine compliance with the EMPr and the Environmental Authorisation. The audit report should be submitted to the competent authority.

The ECO has the authority to stop works if in his/her opinion there is a serious threat to, or impact on the environment, caused directly from the construction operations. This authority is to be limited to emergency situations where consultation with the engineer or applicant is not immediately available. In all such work stoppage situations the ECO is to inform the engineer and applicant of the reasons for the stoppage as soon as possible.

Upon failure by the contractor or his employee(s) to show adequate consideration to the environmental aspects of this contract, the ECO may recommend to the engineer to have the contractor's representative or any employee(s) removed from the site or work suspended until the matter is remedied. No extension of time will be considered in the case of such suspensions and all costs will be borne by the contractor.

5.2.1 ECO Site Inspection Reports

The ECO site inspection reports (also called “ECO checklists”) will report on the compliance of the construction phase mitigation measures contained in the EMPr, as well as the conditions of


30

approval described in the Environmental Authorisation. The report should be submitted to the applicant, within five (5) days of the ECO site inspection, and should also be made available to the construction contractor. Copies of the inspection reports should be kept on site.

The contractor’s meeting minutes must reflect environmental queries, agreed actions and dates of eventual compliance. These minutes form part of the official environmental record.

5.2.2 Photographs

It is recommended that photographs are taken of the site prior to, during and immediately after construction as a visual reference. These photographs should be stored with other records related to this EMPr. If captured in digital format, hard copies, in colour, must be kept with all other records relevant to the implementation of this EMPr.


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6 Environmental Awareness Plan

6.1 Environmental Awareness and Risk Training

All contractor team members involved in work on site are to be briefed on their obligations towards environmental controls and methodologies in terms of this EMPr, prior to work commencing. The briefing will usually take the form of an on-site talk and demonstration by the ECO. The education / awareness programme should be aimed at all levels of management within the contractor team. See “basic rules of conduct” below.

6.1.1 Basic Rules of Conduct

The following list represents the basic Do’s and Don’ts towards environmental awareness, which all participants in this project must consider whilst carrying out their tasks. These are not exhaustive and serve as a quick reference aid. NOTE: ALL new site personnel must attend an environmental awareness/induction presentation. Please inform your foreman or manager if you have not attended such a presentation or contact the ECO.

DO:

Clear your work areas of litter and building rubble at the end of each day – use the waste bins provided and prevent litter from being blown away by wind.

Report all fuel or oil spills immediately and stop the spill from continuing.

Dispose of cigarettes and matches carefully, so to prevent veld fires (arson and littering is an offence).

Confine work and storage of equipment to within the immediate work area.

Use all safety equipment and comply with all safety procedures.

Ensure a working fire extinguisher is immediately at hand if any “HOT WORK” is undertaken e.g. welding, grinding, gas cutting etc.

Prevent excessive dust and noise.

DO NOT:

Do not litter - report dirty or full facilities, i.e. full dustbins and dirty or blocked toilets.

Do not make any fires.

Do not enter any fenced off or demarcated areas.

Do not allow waste, litter, oils or foreign materials into any storm water channels or drains or watercourses.

Do not litter or leave food lying around.


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7 Impacts and Mitigation Measures

A number of potential environmental impacts that may arise during the project have been identified. These are outlined in the table below, and mitigation measures are provided.

The tables below pertain to the construction and operational phases of the Rooikat Hydropower Site. Decommissioning has not been included as it is not foreseen that the proposed development will be decommissioned, but rather that it will be upgraded and maintained. However, in the event that the site is decommissioned, the construction phase impact and mitigation measures will be sufficient to address this phase.

The Contractor must familiarise himself with the requirements of the EMPr, keeping in mind that other site-specific requirements as outlined in the Environmental Authorisation must also be complied with.


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7.1 Planning, Design and Construction Phase Environmental Management Programme

The intention of providing EMPrs for the planning and design phase, and for the construction phase, is to provide the responsible parties and monitoring agents with guidelines to be used during the planning, design and construction phases of the Rooikat Hydropower Site, to safeguard the environment against negative environmental impacts.

PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE: PROPOSED ROOIKAT HYDROPOWER SITE

ACTIVITY ASPECT IMPACT OBJECTIVE AND TARGET

MITIGATION/MANAGEMENT MEASURES

RESPONSIBLE PARTY/PERSON (implementation of mitigation measures)

MONITORING:

ACTION, RESPONSI-BLE PERSON/

PARTY AND FREQUENCY

COM-PLIANT? (for use by ECO)

1. Permits and authorisations

Legislative compliance

Non-compliance with South African environmental legislation

Objective: Ensure

compliance with all triggered environmental legislation Target: Commence site

establishment with all permission and approvals received and on hand.

The Developer is to have the following permits on commencement:

Water Use Licence issued by the Department of Water Affairs;

Destruction Permits and comment should any re-alignment of infrastructure by made, both to be issued by the South African Heritage Resources Agency;

National Forest Act licence to destroy protected trees issued by Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries;

Permit to destroy or remove indigenous vegetation issued by the Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation;

A Mining Permit issued by the Department of Mineral Resources;

Permit from the South African Civil Aviation Authority;

If necessary, a permit for transportation of abnormal loads on provincial roads from the Northern Cape Provincial Department of Transport;

If necessary, authority from the Thembelihle and Siyancuma Local Municipalities in terms of any land use

Developer Monitoring Action: Obtain

copies of all permits; Record Keeping

Responsible Person/Party:

Developer

Monitoring Frequency:

Once off


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MONITORING: ACTION, RESPONSI-BLE PERSON/

PARTY AND FREQUENCY


planning procedures.

2. Site Layout Planning

Site Layout Plan

Negative impact of haphazard placement of

Infrastructure on the environment.

Objective: To ensure

acceptable impact and management of environmental issues at main site and storage site during construction by proper planning of layout of infrastructure placement Target: All areas not

demarcated for construction should remain vegetated.

Draw up and submit for approval a Site Layout Master Plan. This plan must show the final positions and extent of all permanent and temporary site structures and infrastructure, The planning for layout must be done in consultation with the ECO

Should realignments of linear infrastructure and structures change, which will impact on heritage resources, comment must be obtained from the South African Heritage Resources Agency.

Construction contractor

Monitoring Action: Record

Keeping


Contract Project Manager / Engineer


Once off

3. Construction Programme / Schedule

Project Management

Order and timing of construction activities and associated impacts

Objective: To Provide a clear indication of the order by which key construction activities will transpire.

Target: Anticipate timing

of impacts to coordinate the availability of any specialists and/or authorities who may be required to conduct site inspections.

Draw up and sign off a project schedule with all contributing parties and service providers to commit to a timeline during which time construction milestones will be completed;

Communicate any deviation from this schedule will all parties, so as to provide parties with sufficient opportunity for alternative arrangements to be made;

Establish a risk register to identify and monitor potential factors which may result in setbacks/ delays on tasks within the project schedule;

Hold management meetings with representatives of the project manager, contractor, engineer and other contributing parties to monitor and anticipate changes;

Should circumstances/ incidents arise

Contract Project Manager / Contractor

Monitoring Action:

Meetings; Risk Register; ECO Audit Checklist; Photographs


Contract Project Manager / Contractor / ECO


Once off


35






PARTY AND FREQUENCY


which may pose a risk to the project schedule, the construction contractor, engineer and ECO are to keep records of this and the latter communicate this in the ECO Weekly Audit Checklist.

4. Site Planning

Archaeo-logical Features

Destruction, damage or disturbance of archaeological sites

Objective: Prevent

unplanned destruction, damage or disturbance of archaeological sites.

Target: No unplanned

destruction, damage or disturbance of archaeological sites recorded.

All archaeological sites identified in the phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) are to be listed on a register and assigned mitigation measures recommended;

All mitigation measures ascribed for each site is to be implemented through the appointment of an accredited Cultural Resource Management (CRM) practitioner, recognised by the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA);

An accredited Principal Investigator/s (PI) must form part of the project team undertaking the mitigation activities;

Mitigation measures are site specific depending on the kind of resource (i.e. rock art, stone ruins, cemetery, etc.). These include, inter alia, formal conservation and permanent sign posting; temporary conservation and slight realignment; site specific recording and test pitting and rock art recording and removal – these are described for each archaeological site in the next row;

The contractor and personnel must be informed on the kinds of archaeological resources that occur in the area, in order to identify any further sites, which may have been overlooked during the Phase 1 AIA investigation;

Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists Cultural Resource Management Accredited Principal Investigator

Monitoring Action: ECO to

take photographs of site before clearance; ECO Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly


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PARTY AND FREQUENCY


The archaeologist is to report on the unearthing of any new archaeological resources identified through test pitting to SAHRA and the contract project manager.

The archaeologist is to liaise with SAHRA on all matters, on behalf of the Developer;

Mitigation measures have been provided for under Item 5 and 6 below.

5. Undertake mitigation measures to protect heritage resources

Conservation of Heritage Resources

Destruction of heritage resources

Objective: To ensure that any heritage resources, already identified or yet to be, are protected in terms of the NHRA.

Target: Implemented and

achieve recommendations made by SAHRA.

The following recommendations have been made by SAHRA for the below given sites. A list of site coordinates is provided below this table.

RH-01: a LSA pecked engraving on a dolerite outcrop;

RH-02: a circular stone wall with a diameter of about 1.5m and remaining standing walls of about 30m;

RH-03: knapping site dated to MSA 2b-3 and LSA with microlithics;

RH-05, RH-05.1 and RH-05.2: these sites are part of a quite extensive colonial farmyard located between about 170 and 40m from the South Access Road.

RH-06: This is a Stone Age deposit located about 50m from the South Access Road. Mitigation in the form of recording and collection of a representative sample will be necessary only if the site will be affected by the construction of the access road.

Under supervision of a qualified Stone Age Archaeological Practitioner

Monitoring Action:

Meetings; ECO Audit Checklist; Photographs




Weekly


37






PARTY AND FREQUENCY


RH-07: This is a pecked engraved site with an unidentifiable antilope. Temporary fencing of the site during construction is requested to avoid accidental damage to the site.

RH-08: cemetery with at least two graves. Fencing during the construction phase is recommended since the site is located about 15m from the North Access Road.

RH-09: livestock enclosure from the colonial period of about 7x7m. The site is located about 65m from the proposed North Access Road. Temporary fencing of the site is therefore requested during the construction phase. RH-16: circular stone wall of about 2.5m in diameter and an average of 60cm in height with some artefacts on the surface.

RH-17: livestock enclosure of about 4x4m and standing wall of about 70cm.

RH-18: elliptical stone wall of about 1.5 x

2m and an average of 40cm in height

with stone artefacts scattered on the

surface.

RH-20: rectangular livestock enclosure of about 8-10m and standing wall of about 60cm.

RH-21: two livestock enclosures with remaining standing walls of about 40cm and 50-80cm respectively, with surface scatters of cultural material such as white


38






PARTY AND FREQUENCY


and blue ceramic shards and bully beef can lids.

RH-22: occurrence of MSA and LSA artefacts highly disturbed by large scale mining activities. The site has been sufficiently recorded during the Phase 1. Although the inundation level will affect the site, no further mitigation is requested by SAHRA.

RH-24: three stone built livestock enclosures of different sizes between 3x3m and 7x7m.

RH-25: a large, rough rectangular shaped livestock enclosure, with the main camp measuring approximately 15x15m in size and the adjoining calf camp more or less 4x4m and wall height between 40cm and 1m. Temporary fencing of the site is recommended during the construction phase to avoid accidental damage to the site.

RH-26: remains of a livestock enclosure about 7x7m with a wall height of about 40cm.

RH-27: Stone Age occurrence of MSA and LSA material. According to the information provided, the site is located about 120m from the proposed transmission line and the existing road, as such, no further mitigation is requested.

RH-28: a Stone Age occurrence of MSA and LSA artefacts situated above the maximum level of inundation.


39






PARTY AND FREQUENCY


RH-34: this is a combined Stone Age and Colonial period site inclusive of evidence of saddle clearing possibly from early prospecting settlements occupation, stone built livestock enclosure, former platforms and partial stone wall remains with artefacts such as porcelain pieces and broken glass recovered on the surface. MSA and LSA material was also recorded on site. The site is located about 120m from the inundation level and as such no further mitigation is required.

RH-35: A LSA occurrence with artefacts and a few ostrich eggshells. The site has already been heavily impacted by fluvial impact, as such no further mitigation is requested.

6. Undertake mitigation measures to protect heritage resources

Conservation of Heritage Resources

Destruction of heritage resources

Objective: To ensure that any heritage resources, already identified or yet to be, are protected in terms of the NHRA.

Target: Implemented and

achieve recommendations made by SAHRA.

The following recommendations are given to site requiring Phase 2 Mitigation:

RH-04: this is a colonial cemetery inclusive of about 16 graves. The farm boundary fence, which is currently intersecting the site, should be removed. A fence must be constructed around the perimeter of the graveyard inclusive of a gate for accessing the cemetery. The fence should be located at least;

RH-10: this site is composed by 12 linear aligned livestock enclosures about 3m from the proposed North Access Road. Given the proximity of the site to the North Access Road, mitigation is requested for the site. This will consist of

Stone Age Archaeological Practitioner

Monitoring Action:

Meetings; ECO Audit Checklist; Photographs; Heritage Monitoring Reports





40






PARTY AND FREQUENCY


detailed recording and mapping of the site inclusive of test excavations to test the possibility of the presence deposit which may be affected by the road construction;

RH-11: most likely the ephemeral remains of an early prospecting camp. The site is located about 5m from the proposed North Access Road and it has already been impacted by the access track. The site must be recorded in detail before destruction and the report must be submitted to SAHRA and commented upon before destruction may occur;

RH-12: these are the remains of a settlement or lookout point structure about 1.5m long. The site will be impacted by the inundation, therefore a Phase 2 is requested consisting of detailed recording of the feature of the site and test excavation. The presence of cultural material on site may indicate the presence of further deposit;

RH-13: this is a Later Stone Age grave already eroding out of the grave shaft. The grave will be affected by the inundation and given the poor status of current preservation, mitigation should be prioritised;

RH-14: this is a Later Stone Age site inclusive of stone artefacts, pottery shards and ostrich eggshell fragments. Since the site will be impacted by the inundation of the dam, it should be mitigated through excavation;

Weekly


41






PARTY AND FREQUENCY


RH-15: this is a small dolerite outcrop with microlithic and nine engraved panels. The original site must have included more panels but the impact of fluvial activity on the site caused some of the panels to roll down the slope. Because of the risk of inundation at maximum levels and because of the damage already caused by flooding, a Phase 2 mitigation for the LSA site inclusive of tracing and relocation of the rock art panel is requested;

RH-19: this is a dolerite outcrop with at least five pecked engravings and MSA and LSA artefacts on the surface. The site is located on the maximum inundation level and as such it will require consistent monitoring. Recording and mapping of the site is requested before inundation occurs;

RH-23: LSA settlement with macro- and microlithic samples of raw material of different origin. Cultural material such as ceramic shards and ostrich eggsells was also present on site. Given the more complex nature of the site and considering that it is included within the maximum level inundation boundaries, a Phase 2 mitigation is requested before inundation occurs;

RH-29, RH-30 and RH-31: this is a residential site inclusive of a cemetery dated to the late XIX century. The site was most likely used as residence during the early diamond prospecting camp.


42






PARTY AND FREQUENCY


Since the site will be included within the maximum level of inundation, mitigation will be necessary. The structures will need to be mapped and recorded. Test excavation of a 1m diameter circular mud brick structure may be undertaken to identify the nature of the feature. The graves will also require mitigation. They will need to be relocated and, since the graves are older than 100 years, an application under s. 35 of the National Heritage Resources Act will need to be submitted to SAHRA;

RH-32: this is a Later Stone Age site inclusive of stone artefacts, specifically microlithic, one pottery shard and ostrich eggshell fragments. Since the site will be impacted by the inundation of the dam, it should be mitigated through excavation;

RH-33: this is a dolerite outcrop with rock engravings. The presence of rock art sites on the property has already been identified by the McGregor Museum and excavation of the LSA and MSA material on site has already occurred. Because of the sensitivity of the rock art, SAHRA requests that the EMP makes provision for the regular monitoring of the site after inundation has occurred;

RH-36: this is an occurrence of Stone Age material from the MSA and LSA which covers an extension of about 100x150m. Most of the material is dated to the LSA with both macro- and microlithic and fragments of ostrich


43






PARTY AND FREQUENCY


eggshell related to them. The site itself is located about 20m from the maximum level of inundation, as such recording and mapping of the site is required to ensure that a proper record of the site exists should the site be damaged by unexpected inundations;

RH-37: this site, inclusive of about 6 engraved images, is located at the dam wall about 7m from the maximum level of inundation. Considering its proximity to this level and to the dam wall, it is recommended that the rock art be formally recorded and then removed.

All recorded and mapped sites must be created on SAHRIS to ensure a permanent recording of the site.

All mitigation involving collection and excavation and any site destruction must be undertaken under a permit issued by the SAHRA as requested by s. 35(4) of the National Heritage Resources Act, no. 25 of 1999.

Should the new access roads be re-aligned or should any change occur from the klm files submitted to SAHRA, the SAHRA APM unit must be informed and further recommendations may be issued.

Should any evidence of archaeological sites or remains (e.g., remnants of stone-made structures, indigenous ceramics, bones, stone artefacts, ostrich eggshell fragments, marine shell and charcoal/ash concentrations), unmarked human


44






PARTY AND FREQUENCY


burials, fossils or other categories of heritage resources are found during the proposed activities, SAHRA APM Unit (Phillip Hine/Colette Scheermeyer 021 462 4502) must be alerted immediately, and a professional archaeologist or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the finds, must be contacted as soon as possible to inspect the findings. If the newly discovered heritage resources prove to be of archaeological or palaeontological significance a Phase 2 rescue operation might be necessary.


45

List of Archaeological Sites for which mitigation is provided for above in item 5 and 6:


46

CONSTRUCTION PHASE: PROPOSED ROOIKAT HYDROPOWER SITE


MITIGATION / MANAGEMENT MEASURES


MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


7. Commu-nication with land-owners

Landowner Consent

Disturbance of existing land use

Objective: Maintain a

conflict-free relationship with landowners / users

Target: No complaints

received from landowners / users of affected farms.

Landowners are to be aware and in agreement of site access arrangements;

The landowner has to be requested to liaise with the site supervisor of the construction contractor prior to entering the construction footprint area for safety purposes;

All farm gates are to be kept closed when not in use (or kept in the open/closed state in which it was found);

Any complaint or liaison with regard to environmental aspects, compensation or disorder to economic activities or livestock/animals, must not be addressed by the contractor. The contract project manager must be notified to inform the Developer and/or ECO to take further action.

Contract Project Manager / Contractor

Monitoring Action:

Meetings; Risk Register;




Once off

8. Site Esta-blishment

Demarca-tion of the site

Destruction of habitat

Objective: Prevent

unnecessary habitat destruction.

Target: All areas not


Demarcation of the site boundaries is to be undertaken using steel droppers and danger tape, with the on-site presence of the ECO;

No natural surfaces are to be marked other than using droppers, beacons or other artificial object;

Ensure the upkeep of demarcation boundaries throughout the period of construction until rehabilitation has been completed;

Limit the impact to the footprint and immediate support areas, especially within the areas located downstream of the development (i.e. areas that will have natural features retained after the





ECO


Weekly


Vegetation removal for road access

Destruction of habitat

Objective: Prevent





47





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY



Vegetation removal and disturbance of faunal species

Destruction of habitat, impact on Red Data Listed plant species and displacement of faunal species.

Objective: Prevent




inundation of the dam upstream of the site);

The placement of access roads must be done to avoid disturbance to protected tree species and where possible, deviations should be sought;

Enact any conditions made in the NFA licences for the removal of protected tree species;

Should the removal or damage to any protected tree species occur, which was not accounted for in the scope of the NFA license for removal, the contractor will be held liable for costs arising from rehabilitation or any other corrective measure taken;

Any protected plant species or other plants of conservation significance which fall outside of the construction footprint area, are to be clearly marked and may not be disturbed, destroyed or hauled, unless valid reason necessitates it, following consultation of the ECO and contract project manager;

Where possible, the branches of tall shrubs and trees should be trimmed back, in place of complete removal;

Do not store building materials and excess stockpiled soils within riparian zones or within areas where natural vegetation will remain following completion of the construction phase of the development;

Avoid indiscriminate destruction of habitat;

Construction areas must be fenced and access routes demarcated to designate


48





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


areas wherein movement of pedestrians and vehicles may occur;

The contractor may only clear vegetation within the construction area. Furthermore, a phased approach should be adopted in the clearing of vegetation where possible;

No vegetative matter may be used for firewood;

No fires may occur at or outside of the construction site;

The construction site must be kept free of rubbish and scavenger-proof bins are to be located outside of the 32m buffer area of the watercourse;

Access roads should as far as possible be aligned with existing roads and boundaries which are already disturbed;

The hunting, snaring, capturing injuring or killing trapping of wild animals (including fish) is prohibited;

The contractor must regularly monitor and patrol the site boundaries and associated areas for signs of traps or snares, and remove and dispose of these should any be located;

Ensure that the construction area is fenced off from adjacent areas which may harbor wild animals;

Damage causing animals and vermin are to be reported to the ECO and engineer for engagement on with the relevant landowner on whose property the animals originates;

Construction activities must be limited


49





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


to minimize noise and disturbance to animals;

Restrict construction activities to the

boundaries of the development;

Restrict movement of vehicles and personnel to the footprint of the construction site;

Simulate annual or bi-annual downstream flood events through the discharge of appropriate volumes of water;

Mark all spans of the power line with

bird flight diverters spaced 5m apart.


Aquatic habitat destruction

The destruction and change of aquatic habitat

Objective: Minimise

destruction and alteration of aquatic features.

Target: Restrict impact to

within construction footprint areas.

Limit the impact to the footprint and immediate support areas, especially within the areas located downstream of the development (i.e. areas that will have natural features retained after the inundation of the dam upstream of the site);


Do not store fuel, refuel or service any equipment within areas where spillages could contaminate the watercourse or soils within riparian areas. Spills are to be reported and cleaning procedures implemented immediately;

Avoid indiscriminate destruction of habitat.


Monitoring Action: ECO

Audit Checklist; Photographs; Record Keeping


ECO


Weekly


50





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY



Topsoil stripping and conserva-tion

Deterioration of topsoil

Objective: Conserve and

protect topsoil from erosion and deterioration.

Target: Topsoil condition

maintained.

In the absence of a distinguishable topsoil layer, strip the uppermost 300 mm of soil;

Stockpile topsoil separately from subsoil, in heaps no higher than 2m;


Locate stockpiles on the higher side of a disturbed area. These should not be stored so as to result in the damming of water, erosion or loss of topsoil;

Topsoil stockpiles are to be kept free of weeds;

Limit unnecessarily prolonged exposure of stripped areas and stockpiles;

Should topsoil be stockpiled for lengthy periods, the ECO may recommend the re-vegetation of stockpiles with indigenous grasses; or the covering of the stockpiles with tarpaulin or protective hessian mats;

Topsoil stockpiles to be placed on a levelled area and measures to be implemented to safeguard the piles from being washed away in the event of heavy rains/ storm water;

Topsoil need to be stored on designated areas only. This need to be planned and indicated on the site-layout plan;

Retain vegetation and soil in position



Audit Checklist; Photographs; Record Keeping


ECO


Weekly


51





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


for as long as possible, removing it immediately ahead of construction/ earthworks in that area;

Strip and stockpile herbaceous vegetation, overlying grass and other fine organic matter along with the topsoil;

Do not strip topsoil when it is wet;

Do not mix topsoil obtained from different sites, unless the ECO gives permission.

13. Impact on River charac-teristics

Water abstraction

Over-abstraction and wastage of water from the Orange River

Objective: Prevent the

over-abstraction and wastage of water taken from the Orange River

Target: Remain within

the limit of water abstraction ascribed for in the Water Use Licence, and, the water use must not result in a potential, measureable or cumulative detrimental change in the quantity, velocity, pattern, timing, water level and assurance of flow in the Orange River.

Pump water for construction uses into contained vessels for storage on flat surfaces;

Monitor pump equipment for diesel and oil leaks;

Implement any conditions of water use by DWA which accompany the Water Use Licence;

Ensure that all water pumps are fitted with flow meters;

Monitor and log the daily abstraction of water to ensure that the limits of allocated water use are not overstepped. This is to prevent any detrimental impact on another person’s lawful water use;

No structures may impede the flow of water to downstream users in the Orange River.



Audit Checklist; WUL Conditions


ECO


Weekly

14. Impact on River charac-teristics

Change in water quality

Increase in the load of Suspended solids of Sediment deposition and high silt loads

Objective: Prevent

sedimentation and pollution of the Orange River with wastewater from construction works.

The contractor shall design, maintain and operate suitable pollution control facilities necessary to prevent discharge of water containing polluting matter or visible suspended materials into rivers, streams or existing drainage


Monitoring Action:

Photographs; Water quality testing upstream and downstream


52





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


flowing from the works, or watercourses being polluted by effluents from the construction activities

Target: Consistently

record acceptable water quality downstream of construction works.

systems;

Fuel storage should be done within designated areas only, which are properly bunded to contain any potential fuel leaks;

Construction vehicles should be properly serviced in order to avoid fluid leaks;

Proper sewerage management should be implemented in order to avoid contamination of the surface waters through untreated sewerage;

Activities should be limited to a small footprint area and where possible effect areas in phases, limiting exposure of areas to conditions which may deteriorate soils. To this effect, fencing can be used or markers to restrict access outside of footprint areas;

Ensure fuel storage within designated areas only, which are properly bunded to contain any potential fuel leaks;

All spillage of oil onto concrete surfaces shall be controlled by the use of an approved absorbent material.

All soil contaminated by oil, fuel, etc. shall be collected immediately and disposed of at an acceptable disposal site to be approved by the RE / ECO.

Effluent systems are to be designed with measures to protect natural features from contamination;

Service vehicles and equipment in designated areas with containment drip trays;

Ensure the placement of the

of the construction site is to occur; ECO Audit Checklist Monitoring of

the following water quality parameters both upstream and downstream will occur: pH–Value at 25°C; Electrical Conductivity in mS/m at 25°C; Total Dissolved Solids at 180°C; Turbidity in N.T.U; Total Alkalinity as CaCO3; Chloride as Cl; Sulphate as SO4; Nitrate as N; Nitrite as N*; Chemical Oxygen Demand as O2 (Total); Free & Saline Ammonia as N; Ferrous Iron as Fe2+; Ferric Iron as Fe3+;


53





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


construction camp site, concrete batching plant and site offices on relatively flat surfaces, outside of the 32m buffer of the watercourse;

Minimise construction works and movement of machinery in the river;

Coordinate the construction program to enable the continued flow of water during diversion of the river;

The water use must not result in a potential, measureable or cumulative detrimental change in the water quality characteristics of the watercourse.

Continually identify and avoid localised pollution and ground disturbance from affecting the watercourse;

Do not locate any substance, which causes or may cause pollution, within the 1:100 year floodline (1044 masl contour), or within a distance of 100 m (whichever is greater) of the river, a drainage line or riparian area. This line should be demarcated to ensure that activities remain outside thereof;

Protect the water course from direct or indirect spills of pollutants such as garbage, cement, concrete wash out water, oils, fuels, or organic material stemming from the Contractor’s activities;

Avoid the discharge of water harbouring polluting materials or visible suspended matter straight into drainage lines or the Orange River;

Do not dump waste of any sort, or any foreign material into any drainage line or the Orange River;


ECO Monitoring Frequency:

Weekly


54





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


Divert any unpolluted water/runoff away from any dirty area (including batching and crusher plants, maintenance areas, workshops and contractors’ yards);

Do not allow the use of any drainage line or wetland for swimming, bathing, or the cleaning of clothing, tools or equipment;

Otherwise clean, but silt laden water may be discharged overland, provided no erosion results from this process;

Where required, turbid water pumped from excavations within rivers must be passed through a sand filter or settling pond before being released back into the river. Release of this water must be in a controlled manner, with no resulting erosion;

Assume other pollution control measures stipulated under the aspect -”pollution control”, in this EMPr;

Upstream and downstream surface water quality and quantity monitoring - with the aim of

determining the impact of the proposed project on the quality and flow of the Orange River, and to implement further relevant mitigation measures if significant impacts are identified though monitoring (the surface water quality monitoring measures provided under monitoring action.

15. Impact on River charac-

Physical alternation of the

Physical alteration of the dam wall site and

Objective: Minimise

alteration on the river features to within the

Establish and demarcate the areas where civil works are to take place in the watercourse;


Monitoring Action:

Photographs;


55





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


teristics watercourse

associated areas.

dam footprint area.

Target: Allow for

continued functioning of the watercourse.

Ensure that flows are not impeded by means of diversion;

Restrict activity to behind barricaded surfaces to limit sedimentation of water;

Yellowfish migrate upstream to breed in Spring and Summer months. In-stream construction works must ensure the continued access of migratory fish swimming upstream of the development site for breeding purposes;

The facility management authority in consultation with a rehabilitation expert, should prepare a rehabilitation plan for the reservoir area following decommissioning of the dam.

ECO Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly

16. Site Infrastructure placement and operation

Structures and lay-down areas

Deterioration of site features and surrounding areas


deterioration of site features like soil, sedimentation of rainwater runoff and erosion.

Target: The preservation

of site conditions evident on establishment of structures and lay-down areas.

Locate all structures and storage areas, including offices, the crusher and batching plant, workshops and stores in approved locations are per the Site Layout Plan;

The camp with storage and laydown areas are to be kept secure and neat with access control measures adopted during construction;

Clearly define which activities are to occur within which areas of the site by erecting signage.


Monitoring Action:

Photographs; ECO Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly


Crusher Plant




The crusher is to be located in relative close proximity to the borrow pit site in the watercourse to limit the distance for transportation;

Contain the storage area of stone to a minimum footprint;


Monitoring Action:



56





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY




The plant is to be located outside of the 1:100 year floodline, or within a distance of 100 m (whichever is greater) of the Orange River or any drainage lines;

Should the plant site receive surface runoff, a soil berm must be established at the foot of this up-slope to redirect the clean surface runoff away from the site;

On the lower slope of the crusher plant, contaminated water should be prevented from running into the river, through the establishment of a trench or soil berm or sandbag wall;

All contaminated runoff leaving the crusher plant site must be contained within a closed settlement pond system;

Filtered water from the settlement pond may be released into the environment in an appropriate manner;

The settlement pond is to be cleaned out frequently, and sludge is to be disposed of in the appropriate manner;

Ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent the overflow of settlement ponds during heavy rains and storm conditions, such as the location of a secondary pond adjacent.


ECO


Weekly


Batching Plant




The plant is to be located outside of the 1:100 year floodline, or within a distance of 100 m (whichever is greater) of the Orange River or any drainage lines;

Protect the batching plant on the up-


Monitoring Action:



57





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY




slope side by an earth berm or sandbag system to deflect clean surface runoff away from the plant;

Should the plant site receive surface runoff, a soil berm must be established at the foot of this up-slope to redirect the clean surface runoff away from the site;

On the lower slope of the crusher plant, contaminated water should be prevented from running into the river, through the establishment of a trench or soil berm or sandbag wall;

The settlement pond is to be cleaned out frequently, and sludge is to be disposed of it offsite solid waste landfill site which accepts this material;

Ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent the overflow of settlement ponds during heavy rains and storm conditions, such as the location of a secondary pond adjacent;

Remove/dislodge waste concrete and cement sludge off the side of the batching plant on a regular basis, and dispose of it offsite solid waste landfill site which accepts this material.


ECO


Weekly


Access roads


Objective: Maintain the

condition of access roads and surrounding areas.

Target: Ensure that

access roads and adjacent features are maintained and do not deteriorate.

Permanent and temporary access roads must be established in accordance to predetermined alignment within the Site Layout Plan;

Demarcate the boundaries of footprint corridors to limit disturbance of vegetation;

Avoid placement of infrastructure over more sensitive areas like ridges and drainage areas


Monitoring Action:



ECO


58





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


Where possible, existing access roads should be used instead of creating new roads;

Vehicle turning areas should be provided for in disturbed areas where possible;

Temporary access roads are to delineated in consultation with the ECO and archaeologist so as to avoid disturbance to sensitive habitat areas or plant communities;

Parking of vehicles is to be done on hard surfaces within dedicated, demarcated areas. The parking of vehicles under trees is prohibited. Parking areas should be monitored for fuel and oil leaks and situated on impervious surfaces if possible.

Permanent access roads may not be wider than 4m at the widest, while it should be aimed to minimise these to a width of 3m;

Layby areas are to be established on permanent access roads to allow for vehicles to pass one another;

Speed restrictions must be enforced at all times;

Access roads should as far as possible remain away from drainage lines and riparian zones. Where roads cannot avoid traversing such areas, they must be constructed perpendicular to the drainage line;

Any deviations from the proposed alignment of roads are to be approved by the Engineer in consultation with the ECO and archaeologist, where


Weekly


59





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


archaeological resources are believed to occur;

No access roads should cross slopes with gradients greater than 8%. Should cases arise where this is unavoidable, the road surface is to be stabilised using gravel and compacted;

All vehicles must remain on designated roads and associated turnaround points;

Where roads restrict natural surface runoff flow, implement and maintain stormwater control mechanisms, through regular clearance of side drains;

All spills on roads are to be regularly cleaned.

To prevent and minimise soil erosion adopt the following measures

Disturb as little ground area as possible, stabilize that area as quickly as possible, control drainage through the area, and trap sediment onsite.

Conserve topsoil with its leaf litter and organic matter, and reapply this material to local disturbed areas to promote the growth of local native vegetation.

Apply erosion control measures before the rainy season begins and after each season of construction, preferably immediately following construction. Install erosion control measures as each road section is completed.

Install sediment control structures where needed to slow or redirect runoff


60





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


and trap sediment until vegetation is established. Sediment control structures include windrows of logging slash, rock berms, sediment catchment basins, straw bales, brush fences, and silt fencing (see Figures 1, 2a and 2b).

Control water flow through construction sites or disturbed areas with ditches, berms, check structures, live grass barriers, and rock (Figure 3).

Maintain and reapply erosion control measures until vegetation is successfully established. Do soil chemistry tests if necessary to determine available soil nutrients.

Develop local plant sources and nurseries for vegetative erosion control materials. Use local native species whenever possible. Select species appropriate for the use, the site, and the bioregion;

See appendix 5 for examples of soil erosion control measures for roads.

20. Construc-tion

site opera-tions

Security and fencing

Prevent danger to animals and trespassing of persons.

Objective: Keep the site

secure from trespassing or theft and keep animals out.

Target: Site remains

secure during construction with no incidences of trespassing, theft and injury or death to animals.

Be responsive to open or closed status of gates;

Sensitive vegetation and archaeological sites may be sign posted and fenced where necessary;

New or the upkeep of fences should align to ensure safety of animals and maintain a reliable boundary area;

Limit clearing of vegetation for fencing to the removal of trees and shrubs within 1 m of the fence line. All undergrowth should be maintained;

Should construction activity require the


Monitoring Action:



ECO



61





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


removal of fences or gates to execute tasks, this must be replaced as soon as possible following completion;

In all cases, the landowners on whose property any use of fences or gates is being made, must be consulted, to ensure that parties are informed of construction activity, schedules and vehicle movement.

Weekly

21. Construc-tion site operations

Rubble and waste rock

The generation of excess waste rock material for disposal

Objective: Optimise the

disposal and reuse of rubble and waste rock.

Target: No soil erosion

should take place on site.

The storage of inert building rubble and waste rock should be done in a designated, flat area for stockpiling;

If no on-site disposal opportunities exist, then rubble and waste rock must be disposed of at the nearest registered solid waste disposal facility;

Waste rock material is to be used for rehabilitation purposes on temporary access roads, in the stabilisation of exposed slopes and on bare soil within the construction lay-down area.



Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly

22. Construc-tion site opera-tions

Solid Waste Handling

Pollution and site contamination by solid waste

Objective: Dispose of

solid waste in the appropriate manner.

Target: No record of

pollution or site contamination by solid waste.

An adequate number of scavenger proof litter bins are to be placed throughout the site at 100m intervals;

Waste sorting and separation should form part of the environmental induction and awareness programme, to encourage personnel to collect waste paper, glass and metal waste separately;

Keep all Work Sites including storage areas, offices and workshops neat and tidy;

Dedicate a demarcated and signposted storage area on site for the collection of construction waste;



Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly


62





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


All domestic waste is to be removed from site and disposed of at a registered solid waste landfill site;

Care should be taken to ensure that no waste fall off disposal vehicles en-route to the landfill. If needed, a tarpaulin can be utilised;

Do not dump waste of any nature, or any foreign material in the Orange River or any drainage line;

The burning or burying of solid waste on site is prohibited.


Sewage waste

Pollution and site contamination by sewage.

Objective: Provide

facilities for appropriate collection and disposal of sewage.


pollution or site contamination by sewage.

Provide portable chemical toilets, situated at convenient locations in proximity to work areas. This must be in relation to the quantity of users on site, with 1 toilet per 20 users;

Locations for the placement of toilets include the crusher and batching plants, borrow areas, excavation areas, workshop, areas for resting and eating.

Do not locate a site toilet within the 1:100 year floodline, or within a distance of 100m (whichever is greater) of the Orange River or any drainage lines;

Toilets are to be maintained and cleaned regularly to ensure functionality and an adequate level of hygiene;

Drinking water facilities, comprising a water tank with a manual tap can be combined with hand washing facilities near site toilets;

Only toilet paper is to be flushed down the chemical toilets. Personnel are to





ECO


Weekly


63





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


be informed on sanitary implementation as part of the environmental awareness.


Hazardous waste

Pollution and site contamination by hazardous waste

Objective: Provide

facilities for appropriate collection and disposal of hazardous waste.


pollution or site contamination by hazardous waste.

All hazardous waste shall be stored in designated, contained areas only and disposed of at a licensed waste site;

Contain chemical spills, and arrange for cleanup / control by the supplier, or by professional pollution control personnel;

For manageable, contained spills, treat the spill as instructed on by the ECO:

o By removing the soil to the depth of the contamination and dispose of it at a hazardous waste site;

o By removing the soil to the depth of the contamination, and remediate this using bioremediation methods;

For major spills, report this to the DEA and DWA, indicating the extent of contamination caused and the chosen method of remediation;

Do not hose oil or fuel spills into the surrounding natural environment;

Hazardous substances, e.g. diesel, oil, etc. required by the contractors shall be stored in dedicated areas developed to minimize spills and protect the environment. All storage areas, spillage containment areas, containers of hazardous substances and dangerous equipment shall be clearly and prominently marked as such;

Collect any hazardous waste in containers located on a drip tray on site pending regular disposal;





ECO


Weekly


64





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


Water and oil separation must be ensured through the deployment of an oil trap at workshops. This must be retained in a safe holding tanks and disposed of by a specialist oil recycling company at approved hazardous waste disposal sites;

Ensure that the contents of drip trays do not overflow during periods of heavy rain;

All unused or spoiled bituminous products shall be removed from site for appropriate spoiling at suitable facilities. This may not be disposed of on site, into rivers or buried;

Spilling of bituminous products is prohibited on site to avoid water-soluble phenols from seeping into the ground or contaminating water;

Dispose of cement and concrete remains following completion of Works;

Liquid slurry and wet concrete is to be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of at a hazardous waste site;

Water affected by batching processes is to be contained and disposed of offsite at an appropriate facility;

Prohibit the washing of trucks delivering concrete except within designated wash bays equipped with runoff containment. Wastewater is to be disposed of offsite at a hazardous waste site

25. Construction site –pera-tions

Dust Generation

Dust nuisance from site operations

Objective: To avoid dust

from excavated materials and construction activity.

Implement dust suppression measures by watering areas to be cleared as well as already exposed surfaces with



take


65





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


Target: Minimise the

incidence of dust generation.

damaged soil particles, particularly during dry, windy periods;

Ensure all vehicles remain on designated roads;

Dust masks are to be supplied to workers;

The batching plant is to be fitted with dust control equipment;

The transfer of soil or aggregate should be done over the shortest possible distance;

No blasting activity should occur when strong wind conditions prevail.

photographs of site before clearance; ECO Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly

26. Construction site opera-tions

Visual Impact

Visual impact of site operations on surrounding land owners

Objective: To avoid

unnecessary visual impact caused by site operations.


incidence of visual impact.

Access roads are to be kept clean and dust suppression techniques should be employed to minimise impacts of vehicle movement and wind on exposed surface soils;

Surface material that is scraped off during construction should be conserved and used for rehabilitation. Any spoil material must be disposed of in a manner that appears natural;

Lay-down area(s) should be screened with shade cloth in an earth tone or other appropriate neutral colour;

Site offices and structures should be limited to one location and carefully situated to reduce visual intrusion. Roofs should be grey and non-reflective;

Litter should be strictly controlled, as the spread thereof through wind could have a very negative visual impact;

The minimum amount of topsoil and vegetation should be removed during


66





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


construction, and should be conserved and used for final rehabilitation. This will also apply for areas cleared to construct the powerline;

Re-establish all existing indigenous vegetation and blend well with existing vegetation;

Any night lighting should be directed onto the staging area and minimise light spillage onto adjoining properties. Make use of motion sensor lighting to activate only when movement is detected, instead of the lights being on all through the night;

The impact that the proposed development will have on seasonal white river rafting tourist on this section specifically cannot be mitigated.


Noise Generation

Noise nuisance from site operations

Objective: To avoid

excessive noise generation from site operations.


incidence of noise generation.

Should multiple activities result in the excessive generation of noise, it should be strived to coordinate the incidence of these at the same time;

Fit machinery with silencers;

All stationary noisy equipment such as compressors and pumps should be contained behind acoustic covers, screens or sheds where possible;

Vehicles should avoid use of the reverse gear so as to avoid the sounding of sirens. This should not be considered for temporary access routes as disturbance of adjacent vegetation is to be avoided;

The regular inspection and maintenance of equipment must be undertaken to ensure that all





ECO


Weekly


67





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


components function optimally;

Where recurrent use of machinery is frequent, machines should be shut down during intermediate periods;

Machinery and vehicles are to operate during working hours between 07H00–17H00;

A blasting schedule should be generated and prepared in consultation with landowners to ensure that receiving parties are aware of periods of high noise generation;

All river users including white water rafting and fly fishing operators should be informed of the construction phase works schedule. Periods when noise generation will be high should be clearly communicated, so that these parties can coordinate their activities around any periods when noise would be undesirable;

Vehicles are to abide by speed restrictions on access roads and limit trip generation so as to minimise disturbance to surrounding land users.


Fire Prevention

Uncontrollable wild fife


outbreak of fires emanating from construction activity.

Target: No incidences of

fires are recorded for the site.

The potential risk of veld fires is heightened by windy conditions in the area, specifically during the dry, windy winter months;

Assume acceptable precautions to guarantee that fires are not started as a result of Works on site as specified below: the Contractor will be held responsible for any damage to structures or property on or neighbouring the Site as a result of any fire caused by personnel;



Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly


68





MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


Contractor should ensure that construction related activities that pose a potential fire risk, such as welding etc., are properly managed and confined to areas where the risk of fires has been reduced. Measures to reduce the risk of fires include clearing working areas and avoiding working in high wind conditions when the risk of fires is greater. In this regard special care should be taken during the high risk dry, windy winter months;

Contractor should provide fire-fighting training to selected construction staff and take cognisance of the Veld and Forest Fire Act, Act No. 101, 1998;

As per the conditions of the Code of Conduct, in the advent of a fire being caused by construction workers and or construction activities, the appointed contractors must compensate farmers for any damage caused to their farms. The contractor should also compensate the fire-fighting costs borne by farmers and local authorities;

Fire breaks are to be established and maintained around the Work Sites as and when specified by the ECO;

Equip vehicles and site structures with fire extinguishers. Rubber beaters should also be stored on site;

No open fires are allowed anywhere on site;

Storage of fuel or chemicals under trees is not permitted;

Gas and liquid fuel is not to be stored in the same place;


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MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


No smoking is permitted within 3m of fuel or chemical storage areas, or refuelling area. Smoking may only occur within designated areas.


Erosion and sedimentation Control

Loss of topsoil, formation of bare soil, sedimentation and deterioration of habitat quality.


erosion and sedimentation from establishing on site.

Target: No signs of soil

erosion or sedimentation are evident on site.

Activities should be limited to the necessary footprint area only and where possible, effect areas in phases, limiting exposure of surfaces to conditions which may deteriorate soils. To this effect, fencing can be used or markers to restrict access outside of footprint areas;

Identify areas susceptible to erosion to afford protection from undue soil erosion. Where sites are impacted, spoil aggregate can be placed in such areas which shall aid in reducing runoff and splash erosion;

Retain existing vegetation wherever possible;

Limit vehicle movement in areas with rocky outcrops and ridges which do not fall part of the construction footprint area;

Dispersive soils on slopes should be managed through consultation with the engineer; Geotextile or silt fencing could be considered and designed by the engineer;

Major earth works are to take place during the dry season as far as possible;

For the construction phase only, utilise spoil generated from quarrying activity for stabilisation and reinforcement of areas susceptible to erosion;



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MONITORING:


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Rehabilitate all disturbed areas after completion of works;

The facility management authority in consultation with a rehabilitation expert, should prepare a rehabilitation plan for the reservoir area following decommissioning of the dam;

Grade road surfaces to provide compacted surfaces on which vehicles can drive;

Provide runoff-control measures for access routes such as sloping roads to allow for unrestricted runoff of water and the incorporation of permanent slope diversions which intercept the down-slope flow of runoff.


Erosion Control

Loss of topsoil, formation of bare soil and deterioration of habitat quality, through construction of a transmission line.




erosion are evident on site.

Vegetation would not need to be completely removed but could be cut back to allow for at least the substrate plant matter to prevail on site;

Should a track need to be opened to enable access, the width thereof is to be kept at a minimum;

Rehabilitation of the route could be achieved through the returning of previously removed plant matter, interspersed by spoil aggregate from the dam.



Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly

31 Construction site opera-tions

Erosion Control

Loss of topsoil, formation of bare soil and deterioration of habitat quality through construction of an access road.




erosion are evident on site.

Upgrade road surfaces with aggregate, grade and where necessary incorporate traffic speed bumps;

Align access routes to flat surfaces as far as possible and implement speed restrictions of 30km/hour;

Shape the road to ensure the diversion of water into vegetated areas for proper



Audit Checklist


ECO


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MONITORING:


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drainage, following natural contours and gradual slopes;

Implement erosion control measures at points of the existing routes where this exists;

Provide layby areas at intervals to allow for vehicles to bypass each other, without disturbing adjacent vegetated areas;

Ensure all vehicles remain on designated roads and do not cut into adjacent areas.


Weekly

32. Manoeuvring vehicles on site

Traffic and Transportation

Impact on traffic Objective: Minimise the

creation of erosion through impact of traffic activity.

Target: No soil erosion

should take place on site.

All vehicles must be road-worthy and drivers must be qualified, made aware of the potential road safety issues, and need for strict speed limits;

Abnormal loads should be timed to avoid times of the year when traffic volumes are likely to be higher, such as start and end of school holidays, long weekends, harvesting time, and weekends in general etc.;

Only authorised roads and access routes may be used by construction personnel and equipment;

Construction vehicles may not leave the designated roads and tracks and turnaround points must be limited to specific sites;

Implement erosion control measures on construction and access roads;

The contractor must ensure that all damage caused to local farm roads by the construction related activities, including heavy vehicles, is repaired before the completion of the



Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly


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MONITORING:


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construction phase. The costs associated with the repair must be borne by the contractor;

Dust suppression measures must be implemented for heavy vehicles such as wetting of gravel roads on a regular basis and ensuring that vehicles used to transport sand and building materials are fitted with tarpaulins or covers;

Any damage to public roads is to be reported to the management authority and repaired to its original condition;

Signage is to be placed on vehicles at all times;

Traffic control measures such as flag bearers should be considered at junctions with site access roads;

Transport of materials should be limited to the least amount of trips possible.

33. Use and maintenance of vehicles on site


Impacts associated with the use and movement of vehicles and equipment on site.

Objective: The use of

vehicles and equipment on site should result in the least impact on the receiving environment.

Target: Restrict

movement of vehicles and equipment to within site boundaries.

Vehicles, machinery and equipment should be regularly checked for leaks to prevent spills;

No vehicles, machinery or equipment with known leaks are allowed to enter the site. These must be sent for maintenance and repair;

The maintenance of all vehicles and equipment, including changes of oil and other liquids, must occur in adequately equipped, bunded maintenance areas or workshops;

All light-duty wash bays and workshops are to be underlain with an impermeable PVC lining or thin concrete slab that drains into a conservancy tank;



Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly


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MONITORING:


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All heavy-duty maintenance areas and workshops should be underlain with a concrete slab, within the boundaries of an bund, that drains into a conservancy tank;

Drip pans are to be placed underneath generators or machinery which shall be stationed for longer than a day;

Drip trays must be sealed and frequently emptied, with the contents treated as hazardous waste and disposed into a sealable container;

Parking areas are to be situated on impermeable surfaces to sufficient pollution control mechanisms in place.

34. Use and maintenance of roads on site


Ensure that the road infrastructure can support/sustain the transport of the abnormal loads.

Objective: Comply with

SANRAL and other road agency guidelines and requirements.

Target: Maintain

compliance throughout the implementation period.

Should abnormal load have to be transported to site obtain permits from the relevant authorities;

As far as possible design all equipment to be packages such that it can be transported in standard containers with no excessive loads;

If it is not possible to design and package equipment such that they can fit into standard containers Plan access route from harbour to site and inspect all bridges and structures along the route



Audit Checklist


ECO


Once off at completion of the detail design



Access for permanent HPS road to Hopetown Douglas provincial road

Objective: Comply with

SANRAL and other road agency guidelines and requirements.

Target: Maintain

compliance throughout the implementation

Obtain approval from local roads authority to construct road with access to provincial road

Design road access according to local road authorities’ guidelines and regulations. Submit for approval.



Audit Checklist


ECO


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MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


period. Monitoring Frequency:

Weekly



Disturbance of local traffic due to material and workers transport to site

Objective: Minimize the

impact of the construction activities on the local traffic and avoid accidents with pedestrians, animals and other drivers. It should be noted that the increase traffic volumes on public roads will be minimal as it is expected that at peak production 3 x 30 ton cement truck will deliver material to site. All other material will be sourced on site, and the majority of contractors will stay on site.

1. Avoid construction vehicles movement on the regional road during peak time;

Plan delivery schedule of trucks;

2. Ensure that all construction vehicles are roadworthy and respect the vehicle safety standards;

Inspect construction vehicles on a regular basis;

3. Implement clear and visible signalisation around the site indicating movement of construction vehicles on and off site;

Install sufficient signage in vicinity of road intersection of construction site. Ensure construction vehicles are

1. Contractor;

2. Safety Officer and ECO;

3. Safety Officer and ECO;

4. Construction Manager


Audit Checklist


ECO


1. Daily

2. Weekly

3. Daily

4. Daily


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MONITORING:


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Target: Maintain

compliance throughout the implementation period.

clearly marked. Appoint a flag person at cross road during peak delivery times;

4. Restrict the transportation to only designated roads during construction. Deviations from designated roads will only be allowed if selected roads is closed or not accessible;

Instruct all drivers and sub-contractors to use designated roads.

37. Use and storage of hazardous materials

Hazardous Materials

Health and Safety Risk to users of hazardous materials.

Objective: Ensure the

health and safety of personnel and that precautionary measures taken during the use and storage of hazardous materials.

Target: Prevent any

incidences implicating personnel and the receiving environment relating to the use and

Implement regular safety checks;

Ensuring continuous compliance with safety regulations and permits in terms of Hazardous Substances Act, 1973 (Act No. 15 of 1973);

Ensure personnel awareness and training for those handling dangerous devices/materials;

Prevent fires, the use of matches or smoking in proximity to the magazine or when handling explosives;

Maintain a procedure for the handling of explosive devices;



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MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


storage of hazardous materials.

Fuel to be stored in bunded safe areas, where the bund is able to accommodate 150% of the full capacity of the tank(s);

Provide impervious paving around fuel tanks to accommodate fuel spills during refuelling, with appropriate protection against soil and water pollution;

Chemicals to be stored in weatherproof, secured facilities;

Provide for controlled loading / unloading areas, with appropriate protection against soil and water pollution;

Chemicals to be stored in weatherproof, secured facilities;

When blasting the Contractor shall take measures to limit flyrock;

A siren to be effective within 1 km radius will be used for 10 minutes in advance of a blast and until completion of the blasting works;

Flyrock 150 mm and larger which falls beyond the cleared working area shall be collected and removed together with the rock spill.

38. Impact on livestock

Grazing and livestock

Death of livestock Objective: Prevent the

death of livestock as a result of construction related activities or personnel.


death of livestock associated with the construction activity.

The construction site is to be fenced off to prevent access by livestock;

All workers on site should wear identity cards at all times, and all project-related vehicles travelling in the area should be clearly marked. This will enable farmers and the project team to identify non-project related people and vehicles who may pose a potential safety and/or security risk;



Audit Checklist


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MONITORING:


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All construction personnel are to receive environmental induction, to communicate the offence of stealing or killing of livestock and any other animals on site;

The contractor must communicate with the landowner to ensure that all livestock are kept away from the construction footprint area, as well as access roads;

All road users are to drive within the speed limit of the access roads;

The landowner is to provide alternative watering for livestock, should access upstream or downstream of the site to the river be restricted by construction;

No fires are to be made on site to prevent the risk of veld fires;

Any incidences involving livestock or animals are to be documented and communicated to the ECO and landowner on for further action;

Contractors appointed by the proponent should ensure that all workers are informed at the outset of the construction phase of the conditions contained on the Code of Conduct, specifically consequences of stock theft and trespassing on adjacent farms;

The housing of construction workers on the site should be limited to security personnel only.

Weekly

39. Construc-tion site opera-

Alien Invasive Plants

The establishment and spread of alien invasive

Objective: Prevent

establishment of invasive alien plants.

Monitor all sites disturbed by construction activities for colonisation by invasive alien plants;



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MONITORING:


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tions plants

Target:

To ensure alien

plants do not

become dominant in

parts of or the whole

site through the

control and

management of alien

and invasive species

presence, dispersal

and encroachment

Initiate and

implement a

monitoring and

eradication

programme for alien

and invasive species

Promote the natural

re-establishment of

indigenous plant

species

Appropriate control measures are to be ascribed for by the ECO, and will vary depending on the targeted species;

Conduct frequent follow up of sites where invasive alien plants have been eradicated;

Only trained persons may handle chemicals to be used in eradication of plants.

Alien control programs are long-term

management projects and should

include a clearing plan which includes

follow up actions for rehabilitation of

the cleared area.

The lighter infested areas should be

cleared first to prevent seed build-up.

Pre-existing dense areas should be left

for last, as they probably will not

increase in density or pose a greater

threat than they are currently.

All clearing actions should be

monitored and documented to keep

track of which are due for follow-up

clearing;

Different species require different

control methods such as manual,

chemical or biological methods or a

combination of the two;

Care should be taken to ensure that

the clearing methods used do not

encourage further invasion. As such,

regardless of the methods used, soil

disturbance should be kept to a


ECO


Weekly


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MONITORING:


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minimum. The vegetative stage of the

plants should also be considered

before clearing.

Fire is not a natural phenomenon in the

area and should not be used in general

for alien control or vegetation

management at the site. Only

Cylindropuntia sp should be destroyed

by burning after removal, since these

plants can spread vegetatively as well

as with seed.

The best-practice clearing method for

each species identified should be used.

The preferred clearing methods for

most alien species can be obtained

from the Department of Water and

Agricultural Affairs (DWAF) Working for

Water website:

http://www.dwaf.gov.za/wfw/Control/

Where herbicides are to be used, the

impact of the eradication program on the

natural environment should be minimised

be observing the following:

Area contamination must be

minimised by careful, accurate

application with a minimum amount

of herbicide to achieve good control;

Care must be taken to prevent

contamination of water bodies. This

includes special care in storage,



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MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


application, cleaning equipment and

disposal of containers, product and

spray mixtures;

Equipment should be washed where

there is no danger of contaminating

water sources and washings

carefully disposed of in a suitable

place;

To avoid damage to indigenous or

other desirable vegetation,

herbicides that would have the least

effect on the indigenous vegetation

should be used;

Droplet nozzles with a course spray

pattern should be fitted to avoid drift

of herbicides onto neighbouring

vegetation;

The appropriate health and safety

precautions should be followed

regarding the storage, handling and

disposal of herbicides.


Employ-ment and business opportu-nities

Creation of employment and business opportunities

Objective: Employment

should be equitable and skills locally sourced.

Target: Employment

opportunities should seek to benefit local communities.

Where reasonable and practical, the contractors appointed by the Developer should appoint local contractors and implement a ‘locals first’ policy, especially for semi and low-skilled job categories. However, due to the low skills levels in the area, the majority of skilled posts are likely to be filled by people from outside the area;

Where feasible, efforts should be made to employ local contactors that are


Monitoring Action:

Contractual Agreements/Obligations


Contract Project Manager


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MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


compliant with Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) criteria;

Before the construction phase commences the Developer and its contractors should meet with representatives from the TLM and SLM to establish the existence of a skills database for the area. If such as database exists it should be made available to the contractors appointed for the construction phase.

The local authorities, community representatives, and organisations on the interested and affected party database should be informed of the final decision regarding the project and the potential job opportunities for locals and the employment procedures that the Employer intends following for the construction phase.

Where feasible, training and skills development programmes for locals should be initiated prior to the initiation of the construction phase.

The recruitment selection process should seek to promote gender equality and the employment of women wherever possible;

The Employer should seek to develop a database of local companies, specifically BBBEE companies, which qualify as potential service providers (e.g. construction companies, catering companies, waste collection companies, security companies, etc.) prior to the commencement of the


Weekly


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MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


tender process for construction contractors. These companies should be notified of the tender process and invited to bid for project-related work;

The TLM and SLM, in conjunction with the local Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the local hospitality industry, should identify strategies aimed at maximizing the potential benefits associated with the project;

Contractors appointed by the proponent should ensure that construction workers who are found guilty of stealing livestock, poaching and/or damaging farm infrastructure should be charged as per the conditions contained in the Code of Conduct. All dismissals must be in accordance with South African labour legislation;

The proponent should enter into an agreement with the local farm owners in the area whereby the company will compensate for damages to farm property and disruptions to farming activities. This includes losses associated with stock theft and damage to property etc. This agreement should be finalised before the commencement of the construction phase.


Local communi-ties

Impact of construction workers on local communities

Objective: Construction

workers should not alter existing social dynamics of local communities.


Where possible, the Employer should make it a requirement for contractors to implement a ‘locals first’ policy for construction jobs, specifically semi and low-skilled job categories. This will reduce the potential impact that this


Monitoring Action:

Contractual Agreements/Obligations


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MONITORING:


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conflict between construction personnel and the local community.

category of worker could have on local family and social networks;

The Employer should consider the establishment of a Monitoring Forum (MF) for the construction phase. The MF should be established before the construction phase commences and should include key stakeholders, including representatives from the local community, local councillors, farmers, and the contractor. The role of the MF would be to monitor the construction phase and the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures. The MF should also be briefed on the potential risks to the local community associated with construction workers;

The Employer and the contractors should, in consultation with representatives from the MF, develop a Code of Conduct for the construction phase. The code should identify what types of behaviour and activities by construction workers are not permitted. Construction workers that breach the code of good conduct should be dismissed. All dismissals must comply with the South African labour legislation;

The Employer and the contractor should implement an HIV/AIDS awareness programme for all construction workers at the outset of the construction phase;

The movement of construction workers on and off the site should be closely managed and monitored by the


Contract Project Manager


Weekly


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MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


contractors. In this regard the contractors should be responsible for making the necessary arrangements for transporting workers to and from site on a daily basis;

The contractor should make necessary arrangements to enable workers from outside the area to return home over weekends and or on a regular basis during the 18-24 month construction phase. This would reduce the risk posed by non-local construction workers to local family structures and social networks;

The contractor should make the necessary arrangements for ensuring that all non-local construction workers are transported back to their place of residence once the construction phase is completed. This would reduce the risk posed by non-local construction workers to local family structures and social networks;

As per the agreement with the local farmers in the area, no construction workers, will be permitted to stay overnight on the site. Security personnel will be housed in the vicinity of the site.

42. Earth-works

Excava-tions; cut and fill; shaping and trimming

Alteration of the terrain by civil works

Objective: Minimise

impact to the physical terrain features of the site.

Target: Maintain Civil

Works to within the construction footprint

During excavations in the Orange River, in-stream river diversion must be done, to allow for flow to pass downstream;

Cut and fill areas must be identified by the Engineer and protection measures provided through an appropriate method and technology;



Audit Checklist


ECO


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MONITORING:


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area. Complete cut and fill slopes much blend with the natural surroundings;

Areas are to be shape to the correct contours;

Dispose of excess material at a registered solid waste landfill site;

Shaping and trimming operations are to be planned to allow for topsoil application, with provision for the specified depth of reapplied topsoil made.


Weekly

43. Borrow and rock quarrying

Minerals and aggregate

Destruction of materials and bedrock

Objective: Construction

workers minimise impact within quarrying areas of the Orange River.

Target: Minimising limit

on quarried areas and borrow pits.

All work must be undertaken in accordance with an EMPr as approved by the Department of Minerals Resources (DMR);

Avoid stripping material to bedrock at the borrow pit. This limits rehabilitation potential for these areas.

Limit the flow of any surface water into borrow pit areas. Where necessary, protect borrow areas by an earth berm or sandbag system to deflect clean surface runoff and river water away from the excavations.

Enable for natural free drainage of borrow pit areas. All borrow areas must be drained unless otherwise indicated;

Trucks transporting aggregate are to be covered with tarpaulins when in transit on public roads;

Regulate the kind of material imported to ensure that the unintended introduction of weeds and alien invasive plants, resulting in soil contamination, does not occur.



Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly


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MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


44. Spoil Manage-ment

Spoil aggregate

Appropriate disposal of spoil material

Objective: Adequately

dispose of spoil materials resulting from quarrying activity.

Target: Utilise all spoil

material in rehabilitation of the site.

All spoiling must take place within the designated construction footprint area;

Spoil storage and quantity must be below the values as ascribed for in the Amended List of Waste Management Activities of NEM:WA (GN No. 921 of 29 November 2013);

Should the storage of spoil on site necessitate, the request will need to be approved by the Engineer and ECO (if this activities is below the thresholds stipulated in the NEM:WA Amended List of Waste Management Activities, as referred to above). The contractor will need to provide information on the: o Location, a description of and access

to the site; o Quantity of material to be stored as

spoil; o Proposed method for storage of

spoil; o Proposed method of reinstatement

and rehabilitation;

The storage of spoil must not result in the damming up of water or cause erosion gullies to form. To promote this, spoil should be stored in low heaps, not exceeding 2m in height;

Spoil may not be stored in drainage areas;

Coarser spoil material is to be buried underneath finer material, while all permanent spoil heaps are to be overlain by a layer of topsoil at least 200mm thick.



Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly


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MONITORING:


PARTY AND FREQUENCY


45. Stormwater Management

Stormwater

Impact of the project on the functioning and character of drainage lines in the vicinity of the site.

Objective: Drainage

lines retain their existing functioning and character throughout the construction phase of the Rooikat Hydropower Site.

Target: Little or no

impact to drainage lines is observed during the construction period.

Where drainage lines are crossed by roads, stormwater protection measures like culverts must be designed and installed to protect the integrity of these lines;

Access roads should as far as possible remain away from drainage lines and riparian zones. Where roads cannot avoid traversing such areas, they must be constructed perpendicular to the drainage line;

No access roads should cross slopes with gradients greater than 8%. Should cases arise where this is unavoidable, the road surface is to be stabilised using gravel and compacted;

Where roads restrict natural surface runoff flow, implement and maintain stormwater control mechanisms, through regular clearance of side drains;

All spills on roads are to be regularly cleaned.

Install sediment control structures where needed to slow or redirect runoff and trap sediment until vegetation is established.

Control water flow through construction sites or disturbed areas with ditches, berms, check structures, live grass barriers, and rock.



Audit Checklist


ECO


Weekly


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7.2 Operational Phase Environmental Management Programme

The intention of providing an EMPr for the operational phase is to provide the Developer and facility management with guidelines to be used during the operation of the Rooikat Hydropower Site, to safeguard the environment against negative environmental impacts.

OPERATIONAL PHASE: PROPOSED ROOIKAT HYDROPOWER SITE




MONITORING: ACTION, RESPONSIBLE PERSON/PARTY AND FREQUENCY


1. Alteration of natural areas

Terrestrial Fauna, flora and habitat

Change in vegetation structures, encroachment of invasive alien species and disturbance of faunal species.

Objective: Limit

disturbance and change to the ecological character of the receiving environment.

Target: Prevent

unacceptable changes to the ecological charter of the site.

Some translocation of riparian species, especially young, actively recruiting individuals, could be undertaken, but over the long term the vegetation communities will re-establish and form an equilibrium;

Any exotic vegetation must be controlled and monitored for on a routine basis.

The nature of the proposed development means that perpetual disturbance features are inevitable. Activities should be confined to designated areas only and vehicles to be restricted to designated roadways only;

Recreational use and tourism activities at the dam must be in accordance with agreements held between the applicant and landowners. This to ensure that domestic livestock and gam animals are not vulnerable to hunting by site visitors;

Bird flappers are to be fitted to any lines that cross over watercourses and prominent rocky ridges at 10m intervals.

Developer Monitoring Action:

Record Keeping


Developer


Monthly

2. Impact on River characteristics

River flow, aquatic fauna, flora and habitat

Impact on river flow, aquatic fauna, flora and habitat

Objective: Prevent

impact to river flow, aquatic fauna, flora and habitat.

Incorporate features in the dam wall to allow for the free flow of water to downstream users;


Record Keeping


89







Target: Maintain river

flow and aquatic fauna, flora and habitat features.

Obtain the necessary dam safety certificate from the DWA;

Establish a management agreement with the Vanderkloof Power Station to regulate flow release to enable the filling up the reservoir without altering the flow regime for downstream users. This will extend throughout the operational phase of the facility;

Coordinate the impoundment of the dam reservoir with the Vanderkloof Hydropower Station;

River flow shall not be inhibited at the dam wall and the constant supply of water to downstream users maintained;

Provide training to Rooikat Hydropower Site management staff to ensure that flow requirements are maintained within limits;

Any fishing by recreational users may be done so by individuals in possession of an angling permit only. No caught fish may be commercially sold;

It is imperative that the contamination of the surface waters through deleterious effluents and runoff water be avoided;

Emergency procedures must be in place to timeously mitigate any accidental spillages and to isolate the impacting features as far as possible;

Regular monitoring of biology and water quality to enable early identification of contamination is recommended. The source of any contamination identified though the monitoring should be identified and managed according to best practice guidelines;


Developer


Monthly


90







Incorporate appropriate design and reinforcement of banks to avoid bank cutting at the dam site;

Provide training and certification (where applicable) to Rooikat Hydropower Site management staff to ensure that flow requirements are maintained within limits.

3. Migration of fish upstream of the dam wall.

Fishway The posing of an impassable and absolute barrier that will block movement of fish.

Objective: Establish a

functional and effective fishway to enable the migration of fish.

Target: Ensure the

fishway operates optimally and without hindrance.

Fish / Fish ladder monitoring – with

the aim of determining the success of the fish ladder design, and adapting the design if required;

A specialist ill need to be appointed to prepare a monitoring programme and conduct the monitoring.


Specialist monitoring

The detailed monitoring programmes should include the following, as a minimum:

Person(s) responsible (this person should be suitably qualified);

Monitoring timeframes and frequency;

Parameters to be monitored;

Detailed monitoring methodology

Data control and


91







reporting procedure, etc.


Specialist


Monthly

4. Dust generation through road use

Dust Dust generation caused by use of access roads.

Objective: Minimise dust

generation through activities during the operational phase.

Target: No dust

generation through upkeep and maintenance of roads.

Maintain road surfaces by means of grading;

Implement vehicle speed restrictions of 50km/hour or, alternatively incorporate speed bumps to calm traffic;

Ensure all vehicles remain on designated roads and do not cut into adjacent areas.


Record Keeping


Developer


Monthly

5. Erosion and sedimentation through site operations and use

Soil features on the site

Erosion and sedimentation of soil features on the site.


erosion and sedimentation of soil features on site.

Target: Erosion or

sedimentation is minimised and managed during the operational phase.

Exposure of soils to pedestrian and vehicle movement of recreational users of the dam at any facility locations would be a local source of disturbance, potentiating the development of human-induced erosion. All public areas are to be demarcated and users restricted from entering adjacent reaches of the dam shoreline;

Erect notice boards with maps and user information to reinforce restrictions;

Train employees to detect and implement erosion control measures;


Record Keeping


Developer


Monthly


92







Incorporate appropriate design and reinforcement of banks to avoid bank cutting at the dam site;

Implement protocol in the design of the facility for long-term monitoring of water quality both upstream and downstream of the weir. The results of water quality testing can be provided to the Department of Water Affairs for authoritative input.

Motorists are to remain on the designated road surface at all times;

Avoid the use of routes when very wet unless necessary;

Report route damage to the responsible authority for repair;

Grade routes to ensure that the surface condition is maintained, whilst ensuring runoff channels are maintained to allow water to flow off the road surface.

6. Visual impact as a result of the dam wall

Visual character of the area

Impact to the visual character of the area.

Objective: Minimise the

visual impact posed on surrounding landowners and users of the river.


are documented relating to the visual aspect of the dam wall.

Modern lighting designs should be used to minimise or avoid upward and lateral light pollution by design of the lantern, directional fittings, or screening the light source by the use of baffles;

Make use of motion sensor lighting, to activate only when movement is detected, instead of the lights being on all through the night;

Any night lighting should be directed onto the staging area and minimise light spillage onto adjoining properties;

Unnecessarily tall light poles are to be avoided;

Farmers that will lose prime agricultural land due to the inundation should be


Record Keeping


Developer


Monthly


93







compensated;

Good management practices and dust control measures should reduce the impact of maintenance visits using existing road access.

7. Noise generated by the hydropower facility

Noise generation

Impact caused as a result of noise emanating from the hydropower facility.

Objective: Minimise the

generation of noise by the hydropower facility.


are documented relating to noise generation.

Acoustic design measures must form a constituent of the facility design in accordance with limits of the SANS 10103: 2008 guideline. Given that the activity constitutes an industrial one, this will require that the maximum equivalent continuous day/night cycle not exceed 70 decibels;

Given the rural setting of the facility, the generation of noise should be localised as far as possible. Sound power level of component parts of the facility should be provided on procurement and those producing the lowest sound power level selected as the preferred part;

On considering noise generation during the design of the facility, aspects to be considered are; o The orientation of the structure within

the receiving landscape, considering topography and reflecting surfaces;

o The design of the buildings to limit the production of noise through insulation techniques;

o Should scheduling of day-to-day operations for plausible, noise generating activities should, where possible, should be timed during daylight hours.

8. Vehicle and equipme

Traffic Impact on traffic Objective: Minimise the

impact posed to traffic in the area.

Road users are to adhere to speed restrictions;

The Developer is to maintain access


Record


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nt use of access roads.

Target: No recorded

accidents caused by operation-related vehicles or equipment.

roads to the site. Keeping


Developer


Monthly

9. Handling and storage of hazardous materials.

Hazardous materials

Health and safety concerns related to the handling and storage of hazardous materials.

Objective: Prevent

accidents relating to the handling and storage of hazardous materials

Target: No accidental

incidences recorded relating to the handling and storage of hazardous materials.

Fuel to be stored in bunded safe areas, where the bund is able to accommodate 150% of the full capacity of the tank(s);

Provide impervious paving around fuel tanks to accommodate fuel spills during refuelling, with appropriate protection against soil and water pollution.

All personnel are to be trained in the handling of hazardous materials;

All hazardous materials are to be stored according to SANS approved methodology.


Record Keeping


Developer


Monthly

10. Waste management during the operational phase.

Waste storage and handling.

Surface water and soil pollution from improper waste management.

Objective: Prevent

pollution due to improper waste management.

Target: No waste may

come into contact with the environment.

No solid and/or domestic waste will be dumped in the veld.

All domestic waste will be collected in bins placed throughout the site. The bins should be emptied on a weekly/ bi-monthly basis, and the waste should be disposed of at a registered landfill site;

All hazardous substances are to be contained with sealed containers and disposed of at a hazardous waste site;

All sanitation waste will be treated in a septic tank, encased in concrete and cleaned periodically, depending on the frequency of use.


Record Keeping


Developer


Periodically


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Stormwater Management

Stormwater

Impact of the project on the functioning and character of drainage lines in the vicinity of the site.

Objective: Prevent

onsite runoff from entering drainage lines, as this may lead to the infestation of invasive alien and weed-like plant species into these systems.

Target: Little or no

impact to drainage lines is observed during the operational period.

Any water released from washing of equipment or vehicles, may not pass into natural drainage lines;

Should stormwater run-off increase over the lifetime of the development, a plan should be designed and implemented to prevent the entering of runoff from hardened surfaced into drainage lines.


Record Keeping


Developer


Monthly

11. Employment and business opportunities

Employment and business opportunities

Creation of employment and business opportunities

Objective: Employment

should be equitable and skills locally sourced.

Target: Employment

opportunities should seek to benefit local communities

The Developer should implement a training and skills development programme for locals during the first 5 years of the operational phase. The aim of the programme should be to maximise the number of locals employed during the operational phase of the project;

The Developer, in consultation with the TLM and SLM, should investigate the opportunities for establishing a Community Trust.


Record Keeping


Developer


Monthly

12. Benefits associated with the community trust and local shareholding

Community benefit

Opportunities arising from the community trust

Objective: Ensure

maximum benefit from community trust on local communities

Target: See the

undertaking of community projects.

A minimum/threshold of 1% and a target of 1.5% of annual revenue to be committed to Socio-economic Development Contributions in the local community.

A minimum/threshold of 2.5% and a target of 5% of the shares in the project to be reserved for the local community.

A target of 0.6% of annual revenue should be earmarked for Enterprise Development (there is no minimum


Record Keeping, Contractual Agreement/ Obligation


Developer


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threshold for this aspect);

The Developer should investigate opportunities to increase community shareholding in the project to between 10 and 15%;

The Developer in consultation with the TLM and SLM should establish criteria for identifying and funding community projects and initiatives in the area. The criteria should be aimed at maximising the benefits for the community as a whole and not for individuals within the community;

The Developer in consultation with the TLM and SLM should ensure that strict financial management controls, including annual audits, should be implemented to ensure that the funds generated for the Community Trust, from the project, are managed for the benefit of the community as a whole and not for individuals within the community.


Once-off

13. Recreational use of the dam site.

Community and tourism benefit

The creation of a recreational and tourism facility

Objective: Encourage

the use of the dam for recreational purposes.

Target: Obtain

permission from landowners to allow for public use of the dam for recreational and tourism users.

Where agreed to by landowners, public access will need to be provided in order to maximize the recreational potential of the dam associated with the proposed Rooikat hydropower project. In order to maximise these benefits the Developer, in consultation with the affected landowners and the local municipality, should investigate the issue of access and the provision of facilities (picnic areas, toilets, boat launching areas etc.);

Relevant legislation must be complied with and EA’s and other license




Developer



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obtained if triggered, .e.g. for a boat slipway, etc,.

Once-off

14. Relocation of water pumps

Flood attenuation and pumping costs.

Reduced flood damage to pumping equipment and reduced pumping costs.

Objective: Relocate

water pumps.

Target: Reduce damage

to pumping equipment through the attenuation of floods by the dam.

Costs associated with relocating pumping infrastructure must be borne by the proponent. Loss of land associated with flooding must be compensated by the proponent. Recommendations of the Agricultural study should be implemented.




Developer


Once-off

15. Engagement with white water rafting and fly fishing operators and river users

Tourism use of the Orange River

Impact on tourism and loss of a portion of a natural and recreational resource.

Objective: To engage

with tour operators, event organisers and river users.

Target: Maintain

participation with river users to ensure that all matters are recognised and resolution sought over conflict.

In order to address the impacts associated with the loss of the ~14 km section of the river access to the river below the dam wall must be provided. The Developer should liaise with the white water rafting and flying fishing tour operators to discuss access to the river below the dam wall;

Use of the dam by tour operators should be encouraged.




Developer


Once-off


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8 Emergency Response Plan

The following table is provided to assist the ECO and construction contractor with remedial work options and problem solving:

Observation or Event

Action by Inspector or Observer

Action by Construction Contractor

Spillage of diesel or hydrocarbons on soil

Report to construction contractor and continue observations.

Also check:

That the source causing the spillage has ceased, and that the affected area is isolated to prevent spreading of the hazardous substance, where after it should be rehabilitated.

Action will be required ASAP by following the next steps:

Dig down into the soil to see how far down the pollution penetrated,

If less than 300mm penetrated:

o Turn the soil over to expose it to the air.

o Apply Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) at a rate of 58gr/m² to the overturned soil.

o Water enough to keep the soil moist.

If penetration is greater than 300mm:

o Remove the affected soil and spread in a layer not more than 300mm thick.

o Apply MAP at a rate of 50gr/m².

o Water enough to keep the soil moist.

Repeat the above steps every 6 weeks or until the soil is clean.

Erosion Report to construction contractor and continue observations.

Also check:

That all vehicular movement is restricted to existing access routes to prevent crisscrossing of tracks through undisturbed areas.

Action will be required ASAP:

Implement erosion protection works at identified problem areas.

Implement remedial works at affected areas in order to restore the area to its previous or better status.


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9 Incident Register

INCIDENT REGISTER: ROOIKAT HYDROPOWER SITE

NAME OF PERSON REPORTING THE INCIDENT

INCIDENT DATE OF INCIDENT IDENTIFIED

HOW WAS INCIDENT ADDRESSED?

DATE OF RECTIFICATION

SIGNATURE


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10 Rehabilitation Measures

The rehabilitation phase follows completion of construction works and entails site clean-up and site

rehabilitation following the removal of the Contractor from site. The underlying aim of rehabilitation

is the process of returning land within the site boundary to some degree of its former natural state.

Key aspects within this process include the:

- Removal of structures and infrastructure;

- Handling of inert waste and rubble;

- Handling of hazardous waste and pollution control;

- Final shaping of the terrain;

- Topsoil replacement and soil amelioration;

- Ripping and scarifying of surfaces;

- Planting of indigenous occurring vegetation (if deemed necessary); and

- Maintenance.

10.1 Rehabilitation Measures

Removal of structures and infrastructure

On completion of a section of works, the area must be rehabilitated by suitable landscaping, levelling, topsoil dressing, land preparation, alien plant eradication and where ascribed for by the ECO, vegetation establishment;

Clear and completely remove from site all construction structures and temporary infrastructure;

All permanent infrastructure must be returned to a useable state.

Inert waste and rubble

Remove all inert waste and rubble, such as excess rock, any structural foundations and remaining aggregates. Only once this material has been removed, the site shall be re-instated and rehabilitated.

Load and haul remaining spoil and inert rubble landfill sites indicated/approved by the ECO;

Subject to approval by the DMR, certain borrow pits and/or quarries may be utilised for the disposal of waste rock and inert building rubble;

Domestic waste must be completely removed from the site and disposed of at a landfill site.

Hazardous waste and pollution control

Storage facilities for fuel, hazardous substance, hazardous waste and pollution control sumps must be removed from site and the disposal of hazardous waste be done in an approved manner;

All pollution containment structures should be removed from site and materials not for reuse, are to be disposed of as hazardous waste;

All temporary sanitary infrastructure and waste water disposal systems are to be removed, with the avoidance of leaks, overflows and spills ensured.

Final Shaping

Restore safety to borrow pits, quarries and dangerous excavations through backfilling, grading and blasting as prescribed;

All artificial and disturbed slopes must mimic natural slopes and topography;

When the backfilling of excavations is undertaken, subsoil must be deposited first, followed by the topsoil. Hereafter layers are to be compacted;

Should there be a deficiency of backfill material, this may not be addressed by excavating haphazardly within the work site. This is to be remedied through the import of material from a licenced borrow pit as indicated by the ECO;

Areas which have been backfilled should be monitored for sinking (as the backfill settles) and depressions filled using available material;


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No excavated material or stockpiles may remain on site and all superficial material left after backfill must be smoothed over to blend in with the surrounding landscape.

Topsoil replacement and soil amelioration

The reinstatement of disturbed areas must follow immediately after the removal of structures and temporary infrastructure;

Topsoil backfilling must be undertaken when the soil is dry, and not following any recent rainfall events;

The replacement of topsoil should be sought in situ with construction where possible, or as soon as construction in an area has be completed;

All stockpiled topsoil together with herbaceous vegetation should be replaced and redistributed over a disturbed area such as temporary access roads;

Topsoil must be returned to the same site from where it was stripped;

When insufficient topsoil remains, soil of a similar quality can be obtained from a nearby area within the construction area which was disturbed;

Once topsoil has been returned to the ground, stripped vegetation should be randomly spread by hand over the area.

Ripping and scarifying

On all areas that have received topsoil, these must be ripped and/or scarified to enable the mixing of the upper most layers;

Rip and/or scarify all areas which would have been compacted through the movement of vehicles or placement of structures and materials;

Rip and/or scarify in parallel to the contour to avoid the creation of down-slope channels;

Rip and/or scarify all areas at 300mm intervals to ensure that the lines intercept;

This action should only be done in dry conditions, are wet soil will not break up.

Planting

Given the arid climate of the region, forms of re-vegetation that require watering are not seen as practical;

The construction period is estimated to last a period of 24 months and as such, tall shrubs and trees should not be transplanted;

Reseeding of construction footprint areas using grass sods in local occurrence is seen as being the most plausible form of re-vegetation;

The grass species should have a tolerance for variability in water supply, as these will not be watered following planting thereof;

To undertake seeding, suitably experienced personnel, making use of appropriate equipment should be sought;

When planting, the soil should be equally wet to a depth of at least 150 mm;

Sods are to be kept moist from the time of harvesting until final placement;

Rake or spike the area to provide a loose substrate to a depth of 100 mm;

Sods are to be lain in a straight line, beginning at the bottom of a slope, where possible;

The next row of sods are to be placed in the same way, tightly against the initial row with the joints staggered, until the full area is covered with sods;

Tightly butt sods together, taking care not to stretch or overlap sods;

Spaces between rows should be filled with sods or topsoil;

Monitor the success in growth of grasses and repeat the exercise should growth be unsuccessful.

Maintenance

All re-growth of invasive vegetative material will be monitored by the Developer for one year;

All areas under rehabilitation are to be treated as no-go areas using danger tape and steel droppers/fencing and cordoned off, to prevent vehicular, pedestrian and livestock access.

Any re-vegetation must be done using plant species in occurrence on site;

Control invasive plant species and weeds using approved methods of manual or chemical intervention;


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The reestablishment of vegetation should be allowed several rainy seasons, given the arid nature of the climate and region.


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11 Prevent Triggering of Further Listed Activities

It is of utmost importance to adhere to the following guidelines in order to prevent the triggering of listed activities that may need to be authorised:

PLEASE DO NOT TO PREVENT TRIGGERING

ROADS

Construct a road, outside urban areas,

(i) with a reserve wider than 13.5 metres or,

(ii) where no reserve exists where the road is wider than 8 metres.

EIA Regulations 2010 Listing Notice 1, Activity 22

WASTE

Dispose of waste to land of a quantity of less than 25 000 tons in an area covering between 50m² and 200m². This includes excavated material.

Activity 10 of Category A, Amended List of Waste Management Activities of NEM:WA (GN No. 921 of 29 November 2013)

12 References

1. Barbour, T & van Zyl, H. 2014. 22 MW Rooikat Hydropower Project Orange (Gariep) River, Northern Cape Province.

2. Heinsohn, R-D, Scherzer, P.K. & McKenzie, A. 2007. Environmental Management Plan for the Construction of the De Hoop Dam [Olifants River Water Resources Development Project (ORWRDP): Phase 2]. Accessed on April 4, 2014. Available at: http://www.dwa.gov.za/ORWRDP/documents/DeHoopEMP12Mar07.pdf.

3. Kleynhans, T. E & Ellis, F. 2014. Specialists’ Report: Agricultural-economic Study of the Proposed Rooikat Hydropower Plant along the Orange River near Hopetown, Northern Cape Province. Unpublished.

4. Marais, E. 2014. Final Visual Impact Assessment for the Proposed Construction of the Rooikat Hydropower Site and Associated Infrastructure, Orange River, Thembelihle and Siyancuma Local Municipalities, Northern Cape.

5. Republic of South Africa. 2010. NEMA EIA Regulations of 2010. Department of Environmental Affairs: Pretoria.

6. Ross, M. 2014. Terrestrial Biodiversity Impact Survey – March 2014. Unpublished. 7. Ross, M. 2014a. Aquatic Ecological & Impact Survey – March 2014. Unpublished. 8. Rossouw, L. 2014. Phase 1 Paleontological Impact Assessment of the Rooikat

Hydroelectric Power Facility on the Orange River near Hopetown, NC Province. 9. Van Riet and Louw Landscape Architects. 2002. Environmental Site Management and

Rehabilitation Specifications (ESM&RS). For DWAF Construction Sites as part of the Environmental Management Framework. Accessed on April 4, 2014. Available at: http://www.dwaf.gov.za/Documents/Other/EnvironMan/DWAF%20ESMRS%20REPORT_.doc.

10. Van Ryneveld, K & Van Der Walt, J. 2014. Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment. Unpublished.

http://www.dwa.gov.za/ORWRDP/documents/DeHoopEMP12Mar07.pdf

http://www.dwaf.gov.za/Documents/Other/EnvironMan/DWAF%20ESMRS%20REPORT_.doc


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Appendix 1: Extract from the Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment

The following extract from the Phase 1 Archaeological Impact Assessment report provides a description and recommended mitigation measures for each site, RH-01 to RH-37. Mitigation measures are provided for in Chapter 7 of this report.


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Appendix 2: Alien Invasive Plant Management Plan

ALIEN MANAGEMENT PLAN: ROOIKAT HYDROPOWER SITE

The purpose of the Alien Plant Management Plan for the Rooikat Site is to provide a basis for the management of alien and invasive plant species during the construction and operation of the Sidala Rooikat Hydro Power Facility on the Gariep River. The objectives of the plan is the following:

To ensure alien plants do not become dominant in parts of or the whole site through the

control and management of alien and invasive species presence, dispersal and

encroachment

Initiate and implement a monitoring and eradication programme for alien and invasive

species

Promote the natural re-establishment of indigenous plant species.

BACKGROUND AND LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE Alien plants replace indigenous vegetation resulting in a severe loss of biodiversity and change in landscape function. Potential consequences include loss of biodiversity, reduced grazing capacity, increased fire hazard, increased erosion, loss of wetland function and increased water use, to name a few. To add to this, the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No. 43 of 1983)(CARA), as amended in 2001, requires that landowners remove declared weeds and invader plants from their properties to prevent the spread of these plants on their properties. Table 3 of CARA lists all declared weeds and invader plants. Alien plants are divided into 3 categories based on their risk as invaders.

Category 1: These plants must be removed and controlled by all land users. They may no

longer be planted or propagated and all trade in these species is prohibited.

Category 2: These plants pose a threat to the environment but still have commercial value.

These species are only allowed to occur in demarcated areas and a landowner must obtain

a water use license as these plants consume large quantities of water.

Category 3: These plants have the potential of becoming invasive but are considered to

have ornamental value. Existing plants do not have to be removed but no new plantings

may occur and the plants may not be sold.

PRESENCE OF ALIEN SPECIES AT THE ROOIKAT SITE The Rooikat site has a very low presence of alien plant species. The only alien plant observed was Cylindropuntia fulgida var mamillata, which is a Category 1(b) invader. Specimens of this plant was restricted to certain parts of the access road to the site and in the immediate surroundings of the old homestead on the farm where the development is to take place. At the actual site where the hydro-electric plant will be established no alien plants were observed. This does not mean that alien plants or seeds are totally absent. The specific area has not seen excessive disturbance for many years, but the recent test drilling activities have disturbed this area to a certain extent and with late summer rains experienced in the area, species such as


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Archemone ochroleuca and Datura stramonium may have emerged. These two species are found on the floodplains of the major dams in the Gariep river system and it is expected that seeds may have dispersed downstream of these dams during flooding. ACTIVITIES THAT MAY IMPACT ON ALIEN SPECIES ABUNDANCE Alien plants species usually emerge after disturbance of the footprint area. The species mentioned in the previous chapter, except for Cylindropuntia sp, will normally emerge after a specific area has been disturbed. This includes activities such as road clearing, excavations and site camp establishing. Cylindropuntia sp, due to its thorny nature and easy fragmentation will be spread by attachment to clothing, animals skin/fur, vehicle tyres and physical removal. Within the context of the site, areas disturbed by construction activities, which will not be rehabilitated soon, will most likely be most vulnerable to alien invasion. Also, the very sandy nature of the footprint area makes it extremely prone to even light disturbance such as human traffic. The nature of the precipitation in this area i.e. heavy summer rain showers with sudden extreme runoff, will also promote the invasion of alien species in the event of poor runoff management. CLEARING AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Alien control programs are long-term management projects and should include a clearing

plan which includes follow up actions for rehabilitation of the cleared area.

The lighter infested areas should be cleared first to prevent seed build-up.

Pre-existing dense areas should be left for last, as they probably will not increase in density

or pose a greater threat than they are currently.

All clearing actions should be monitored and documented to keep track of which are due for

follow-up clearing.

CLEARING METHODS

Different species require different control methods such as manual, chemical or biological

methods or a combination of the two.

Care should be taken to ensure that the clearing methods used do not encourage further

invasion. As such, regardless of the methods used, soil disturbance should be kept to a

minimum. The vegetative stage of the plants should also be considered before clearing.

Fire is not a natural phenomenon in the area and should not be used in general for alien

control or vegetation management at the site. Only Cylindropuntia sp should be destroyed

by burning after removal, since these plants can spread vegetatively as well as with seed.

The best-practice clearing method for each species identified should be used. The

preferred clearing methods for most alien species can be obtained from the Department of

Water and Agricultural Affairs (DWAF) Working for Water website:


USE OF HERBICIDES FOR ALIEN CONTROL Although it is usually preferable to use manual clearing methods where possible, such methods may create additional mechanical disturbance which may stimulate alien invasion and may also be ineffective for many woody species which resprout. Where herbicides are to be used , the impact of the eradication program on the natural environment should be minimised be observing the following:



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Area contamination must be minimised by careful, accurate application with a minimum

amount of herbicide to achieve good control

Care must be taken to prevent contamination of water bodies. This includes special care in

storage, application, cleaning equipment and disposal of containers, product and spray

mixtures.

Equipment should be washed where there is no danger of contaminating water sources and

washings carefully disposed of in a suitable place.

To avoid damage to indigenous or other desirable vegetation, herbicides that would have

the least effect on the indigenous vegetation should be used.

Droplet nozzles with a course spray pattern should be fitted to avoid drift of herbicides onto

neighbouring vegetation.

The appropriate health and safety precautions should be followed regarding the storage,

handling and disposal of herbicides.

ALIEN MANAGEMENT PLAN CONSTRUCTION PHASE ACTIVITIES The following management actions are aimed at reducing soil disturbance during the construction phase of the development, as well as reducing the likelihood that alien species will be brought onto site or otherwise encouraged.

Action Frequency

The ECO have to provide permission prior to any vegetation clearing. Daily

Clearing of vegetation should be undertaken as the work progress – mass clearing should not occur unless the cleared areas will be affected by construction immediately afterwards.

Weekly

Areas that will be exposed for some time should be protected with packed brush, or appropriately battered with fascine work. Alternatively, jute (Soil saver) may be pegged over the soil to protect it.

Weekly

Cleared areas that have become invaded can be sprayed with appropriate herbicides provided that these are such that break down on contact with the soil. Herbicides with a residual action should not be used in order to encourage the emergence of indigenous plants.

Weekly

Although organic matter is frequently used to encourage regrowth of vegetation on cleared areas, no foreign material such as straw and manure should be brought onto site. Brush of an indigenous nature from cleared areas should be used as much as possible. The use of manure or other soil amendments is likely to encourage invasion.

Weekly

Clearing of vegetation is not allowed in the following instances:

Within 32 metres of any wetland;

80m of any wooded area;

Within 1:100 year floodlines;

In conservation servitude areas or;

On slopes steeper than 1:3. Permission should be granted by the ECO to specifically allow construction activities in these areas.

Weekly


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Care must be taken to avoid the introduction of alien plant species to the site and surrounding areas. (Particular attention must be paid to imported material such as building sand or dirty earth-moving equipment.) Stockpiled material should be checked on a regular basis and any weeds emerging from material stockpiles should be removed.

Weekly

Alien vegetation regrowth on areas disturbed by construction must be controlled throughout the entire site during the construction period.

Monthly

The alien plant removal and control method guidelines should adhere to the best practice for the species involved. Such information can be obtained from the DWAF Working for Water website.

Monthly

Clearing activities must be contained within the affected zones and may not spill over into demarcated No Go areas.

Daily

Pesticides may not be used. Herbicides may be used to control listed alien weeds and invaders only.

Wetlands and other sensitive areas should remain demarcated with appropriate fencing or hazard tape. These areas are no-go areas (this must be explained to all workers) that must be excluded from all development activities.

Daily

MONITORING DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE The following monitoring actions should be implemented during the construction phase of the development.

Monitoring action Indicator Timeframe

Document all alien species observed at the site

List of alien species Preconstruction

Document alien plant distribution patterns

Alien plants distribution map within priority areas

3 Monthly

Document & record alien control measures implemented

Record of clearing activities 3 Monthly

Review & evaluate the control success rate

Decline in documented alien plant abundance over time

Biannually

OPERATIONAL PHASE ACTIVITIES The following management actions are aimed at reducing of alien species within the site and maintaining non-invaded areas clear of aliens

Action Frequency

Surveys for alien species should be conducted on a regular basis. Six monthly for the first two years after construction and annually thereafter. All aliens identified should be cleared.

Every 6 months for 2 years and annually thereafter


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Where areas of natural vegetation have been disturbed by construction activities, revegetation with indigenous, locally occurring species should take place where the natural vegetation is slow to recover or where repeated invasion has taken place following disturbance

Biannually, but revegetation should take place at the start of the rainy season

Areas of natural vegetation that need to be managed to reduce plant height or biomass, should be controlled using methods that leave the soil protected, such as using a weed-eater to mow above the soil level.

When necessary

No alien species should be cultivated on-site. If vegetation is required for aesthetic purposes, then non-invasive, water-wise species indigenous to the area should be used.

When necessary

MONITORING OPERATIONAL PHASE The following monitoring and evaluation actions should take place during the operatiol phase of the development.

Monitoring Action Indicator Timeframe

Document alien species distribution and abundance over time at the site

Alien plant distribution map

Biannually

Document alien plant control measures implemented & success rate achieved

Records of control measures and their success rate. A decline in alien distribution and cover over the time

Biannually

Document rehabilitation measures implemented and success achieved in problem areas

Decline in vulnerable open areas over time

Biannually

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

As there are no alien plant species present at this moment, it is difficult to predict what

effect disturbance will have on alien plant invasion, if at all.

The total absence of alien plants in the footprint area will make the control and eradication

of emerging plants much easier. By clearing the young emerging seedlings, seed banks

will not be allowed to build up, effectively reducing control measures.

In the short term, soil disturbance will be the main driver of alien invasion or emergence at

the site. In the longer term the fluctuating level of the water upstream of the project might

be a key driver of maintaining alien populations such as is happening in the major dams in

the Gariep River catchment area. This will only be made known when the periods of

inundation will be known and if the period between inundations will sufficient to allow alien

plants to germinate.

As disturbance is the major driver initial driver of alien species invasion, keeping the

disturbance footprint to a minimum is a key element in reducing alien abundance.


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QUICK GUIDE TO INVASIVE ALIENS AT THE ROOIKAT SITE

Cylindropuntia fulgida var mamillata (Jumping cholla): Listed Category 1(b) (Observed in vicinity of access road to Rooikat Site)

Datura stramonium (Common Thorn Apple): Listed Category 1 (Not observed but expected at Rooikat Site)

Archemone ochroleuca (Mexican poppy): Listed category 1 (Not observed but expected at Rooikat Site)

http://www.google.co.za/imgres?imgurl=https://extension.umass.edu/landscape/sites/landscape/files/weeds/stems/datst3692w.jpg&imgrefurl=https://extension.umass.edu/landscape/weeds/datura-stramonium&h=364&w=500&tbnid=iX4nDiJBfXXwRM:&zoom=1&docid=YbsPPeNe2bBVaM&ei=C-R-U53oF4Wx0QWnvYCYBg&tbm=isch&ved=0CGEQMyhZMFk4ZA&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=2289&page=13&start=177&ndsp=14

http://www.google.co.za/imgres?imgurl=http://repository.up.ac.za/bitstream/handle/2263/8436/toxp_053.JPG?sequence=4&imgrefurl=http://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/8436&h=360&w=270&tbnid=Ehmf88OgVOAbqM:&zoom=1&docid=tu0NqES3SMC2MM&ei=XOV-U5GoOqSL0AWPh4CgAw&tbm=isch&ved=0CBIQMygKMAo4rAI&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=600&page=19&start=294&ndsp=17


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Appendix 3: Open Space Management Plan

Prepared by: Rashieda Davids (General Manager and Senior Environmental Consultant at Enviroworks)

Background

This Open Space Management Plan forms part of the broader Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) for the Rooikat Hydropower Scheme. It specifically considers the management requirements for the natural areas within the boundary of the Rooikat Hydropower Scheme development area, and must be considered in conjunction with the requirements of the EMPr, which also provides for the protection and management of natural areas within the development area

Purpose of the Rooikat Open Space Management Plan

The purpose of this plan is to provide a management framework for the natural assets and open spaces that fall within the development area, and rehabilitated areas that were disturbed during the construction, during all phases of the project. Two main habitat types identified by Ross (2014) occur in the proposed development area:

Bushveld and woodland – the most dominant throughout the site, characterised by low shrubs, perennial and annual grasses and trees along ephemeral drainage lines;

Freshwater habitats – the riverine and riparian areas, which would be a dependable habitat for many species, which through the development, will have an expanded shoreline, with benefits to species associated with this habitat type;

Numerous faunal; avifaunal and floral species are present within the development area. Some vegetation species are protected and some may be found to be Red Listed, most of which are legally protected and subject to rules and regulations.

This Open Space Management Plan provides recommendations for the protection of natural features within the development area; including flora; fauna; avifauna and riverine environments, in consideration of the project construction and operational requirements and associated tourism and recreation potential.

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Various construction activities may result in impacts on adjacent open spaces if not mitigated appropriately. These activities include clearing of vegetated areas for the establishment of construction support areas; construction of in-stream infrastructure; establishment of coffer dams and the diversion of the channel to accommodate construction and to provide for safety of the personnel. These activities may result in soil erosion and sedimentation of the aquatic habitats and the displacement of faunal species from the local habitat. It is therefore imperative that the remaining natural spaces within the development area not be impacted on as they may serve as refuge for certain species.

The following recommendations are proposed for the construction phase:

General recommendations

All natural areas that fall outside of the construction footprint and immediate support areas must be designated as no-go areas.


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Natural opens spaces that will remain within the development area must be demarcated prior to construction, and no storage of materials or soil stockpiles are to be allowed in these designated areas.

Select flat terrain, outside of naturally vegetated areas, for placement of stockpiled soil.

Avoid natural open spaces when designating areas for fuel storage, refuel or servicing of equipment in order to prevent spillages that could contaminate the watercourse or soils within riparian areas. Spills are to be reported and cleaning procedures implemented immediately.

Provide adequate toilet facilities for construction crews that are located outside of ecologically sensitive areas.

Flora and Faunal Management

Prohibit disturbance of natural areas within and outside of the development footprint to avoid disturbance of species.

The hunting, snaring, capturing injuring or killing trapping of wild animals (including fish) is prohibited.

Ensure that the construction area is fenced off from adjacent areas which may harbour wild animals.

Once the infrastructure footprint and support areas have been finalised, a thorough site search of the impact footprint area should be undertaken by a botanist prior to the onset of the construction phase to identify protected any Red Data Listed species.

Permit applications will have to be made to the relevant authorities detailing the removal and/or destruction of indigenous or protected tree species. It is estimated that 65 Acacia erioloba and 100 Boscia albitrunca individuals will be impacted by the inundation of the river valley area.

For the transmission line route, cut vegetation back instead of complete removal to allow for a protective cover for soil to persist.

The alignment of the transmission line should avoid areas vulnerable to erosion such as slopes or those with sparse vegetation cover, as far as possible.

Water quality and pollution control

Comply with the EMPr to avoid any contamination of surface water features by pollution and effluent that may lead to loss of sensitive biota.

Biological and water quality monitoring must be undertaken as described by Ross (2014a). This is to establish a thorough understanding of the biological integrity trends of the system coupled to seasonality. Furthermore, water quality testing is necessary to compare parameters of the receiving waters with the South African Water Quality Guidelines. Lastly, evaluation of the upstream versus downstream biological integrity will allow for the determination that any arising contamination in the river does or does not arise from the proposed development site.

OPERATIONAL PHASE

The inundation will increase habitat diversity through flooding of river terraces, cobble habitat, peripheral sandbanks, etc., which will increase occurrences of various faunal species (such as avifauna, especially waterbirds), increase amphibian occurrences through increase in suitable breeding habitat, and increase fish occurrences (habitat diversity will allow for species diversity). These potential biodiversity benefits must be catered for during the operational phase and measure must be implemented to enhance these benefits and to prevent and disturbance thereto.

The following recommendations are proposed for the operational phase:


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General recommendations

Maintain road surfaces to prevent any damage to adjacent natural areas as a result of soil erosion or runoff.

Implement vehicle speed restrictions of 50km/hour or, alternatively incorporate speed bumps to calm traffic.

Prohibit any vehicles from driving outside of designated roads in natural areas.

Regularly monitor natural spaces to identify any signs of degradation or impacts during and implement measure to prevent these.

Signage at the entrance should indicate that disturbance to fauna and flora is strictly prohibited.

No fires are to be allowed in the development area.

Natural fires may pose a risk to the facility and firebreaks will therefore be required to for protection. Firebreaks must be cut 5m wide; be positioned along fences surrounding project infrastructure and must be maintained. No herbicides should be used on the firebreaks.

Riparian and terrestrial vegetation

Inundation of the area upstream of the proposed dam will transform the vegetation communities and structures of the immediate vicinity. Present riparian vegetation will be drowned out, together with immediate peripheral terrestrial vegetation. However, over the long term, riparian-specific species will establish along the peripheral edges of the water and new riparian zones will be established.

Some translocation of riparian species, especially young, actively recruiting individuals, could be undertaken, but over the long term the vegetation communities will re-establish and form an equilibrium.

Prohibit disturbance along the peripheral edges of the water to allow for the establishment of new riparian zones.

Should access to the dam be required for recreational purposes, this must only be allowed from designated points.

Avifauna

Comply with the requirement of the EMPr for the protection of birds during operation of the scheme.

Do regular checks to ensure that bird flappers are still in place and operational.

Monitor areas along the transmission line for occurrences of bird deaths and consult with an avifaunal specialist to implement additional bird protection measures if necessary.

Flora and fauna

All areas not to be inundated by dam backwater, which is to be disturbed during construction works should, be covered with previously removed topsoil and re-vegetated with plant species approved by an ecologist.

Maintain re-vegetated areas to ensure that vegetation is successfully re-established in line with surrounding undisturbed vegetation.

For fire prevention close to transmission lines, vegetation would not need to be completely removed but could be cut back to allow for at least the substrate plant matter to prevail on site.

Implement requirements of the invasive alien plant control plan.

The hunting, snaring, capturing injuring or killing trapping of wild animals (including fish) is prohibited.


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Take cognisance of the fact that the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act (Act No.9 of 2009) recognises all faunal species that naturally occur within the province, and the associated development area as protected.

Migration of fish

Fish require freedom of migration within rivers that is dependent on longitudinal connectivity of the systems so that they can access suitable breeding areas, exploit suitable habitat types, maintain genetic dispersal and variation, and to escape unfavourable localised conditions (pollution, predators, and seasonal variations).

The only mitigation measure open to this is the provision of a fishway or bypass facility that can cater for the migratory freedom of the fish species within the system.

Implement a monitoring programme to confirm the success of the fishway.

Identify alternative measures to aid the migration of fish should the fishway be found to be unsuccessful.

Recreational use of dam

Recreational use of the dam may be required and would serve as a benefit to people. Recreational use must; however, not result in negative impacts to natural terrestrial and riparian areas.

Recreational use and tourism activities at the dam must be in accordance with agreements held between the applicant and landowners. This to ensure that domestic livestock and game animals are not vulnerable to hunting by site visitors.

Any fishing by recreational users may be done so by individuals in possession of an angling permit only. No fish may be commercially sold.

Demarcate access points to the dam to avoid any disturbance of establishing riparian vegetation.

Should any trails be required, these must be defined in consultation with an ecologist and trails must be properly maintained to avoid erosion of natural areas or sedimentation or riparian areas.

Erect notice boards with maps and user information to reinforce restrictions.

Soil Erosion

Comply with the EMPr to prevent soil erosion and the associated impacts on terrestrial vegetation and sedimentation of riparian areas.

Do regular checks on natural open spaces for soil erosion and implement measures to prevent this.


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Appendix 4: Plant Rescue and Protection Plan / Re-vegetation

and Habitat Rehabilitation Plan

SIDALA ENERGY SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD,

PROPOSED ROOIKAT HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER FACILITY,

ORANGE RIVER, NORTHERN CAPE.

PLANT RESCUE AND PROTECTION PLAN

RE-VEGETATION AND HABITAT REHABILITATION PLAN

MAY 2014.

Prepared for:

Enviroworks CC

PO Box 338, Private Bag X15, Somerset West, 7129.

Tel: +27 (0) 12 853 0682

Report authors: Mathew Ross (Pr Sci Nat, MSc), Tahla Ross (PhD)

Date: May 2014

Declaration

EnviRoss CC

CK 2007/051532/23

VAT: 4810234999

PO Box 369, Wendywood, 2144.

Tel/fax: 011 706 9753

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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This report has been prepared according to the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessments Regulations (GNR 543) in Government Gazette 33306 of 18 June 2010, as well as the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act (Act 9 of 2009). We (the undersigned) declare the findings of this report free from influence or prejudice.

Report Authors:

Mathew Ross Pr Sci Nat (Ecological Sciences) 400061/09

MSc (Aquatic Health) (RAU)

Currently completing PhD (Aquatic Health), (University of Johannesburg).

Field of expertise:

Fish ecology, fishway evaluations, biomonitoring and wetland evaluations, aquatic ecology, aquatic & terrestrial fauna and flora.

___________________ Date: 25 May 2014

Mathew Ross

Dr Tahla Ross

PhD (Zoology) (RAU)

Field of expertise:

Biomonitoring and wetland evaluations, aquatic ecology, aquatic & terrestrial fauna and flora.

___________________ Date: 25 May 2014

Dr Tahla Ross


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Introduction & Terms of Reference

12.1 Background

Sidala Energy Solutions has proposed a run-of-river hydro power scheme (HPS) at a site on the Orange River between Douglas and Hopetown in the Northern Cape Province. The construction of a weir is proposed at the site that measures approximately 29 m in height that will result in significant inundation of the terrestrial habitat upstream of the site and will therefore have a permanent impact on the local faunal and floral composition of these areas. There are therefore two footprint areas associated with the proposed development, namely the area that will be inundated, and the actual construction footprint area where the weir, turbines, powerhouse and associated infrastructure will be established. Three field surveys were undertaken during September 2013 and February 2014.

12.2 Aims and Objectives

The Plant Rescue and Revegetation Management Plan addresses the need to mitigate all impacts leading to disturbed vegetation, loss of species, disturbed soil surfaces, and generally bare soils prone to erosion and further degradation on the proposed development site. The plan should not be viewed in isolation as aspects such as erosion management, stormwater management, sewerage management, etc are all integrative components that can influence the successes or failures of an ecological rehabilitation plan.

The objective of the plan is therefore to provide:

o Protocols for the removal, temporary storage and replanting of plant species of

conservation concern;

o Protocols for the rehabilitation of vegetative cover across the project area;

o Tools for planning the rehabilitation work and responding to unforeseen events;

o Guidelines on implementation and post-implementation tasks;

o Criteria for evaluating rehabilitation success;

o A summary of items to be included in the rehabilitation budget to ensure that there is

sufficient allocation of resources on the project budget so that the scale of EMP-related

activities is consistent with the significance of project impacts.

12.3 Scope of Work

This document aims to provide a guideline to be applied by all contractors on the development site. This plan should form part of the project EMP and should be implemented to fulfil the requirements of relevant legislation. It should be noted, however, that this document feeds into a management strategy of the development and is therefore regarded as an evolving document that should be allowed to remain flexible in its approach and expected outcomes.

The nature of the impacts emanating from the proposed development need to be understood in order to propose an effective and realistic plant rescue and rehabilitation plan. The area that will be inundated upon completion of the weir will not support any terrestrial flora and therefore the viability of removing species of conservational significance within this impacting footprint area


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needs to be explored. The perceived success of this operation also then needs to be assessed. The weir site, powerhouse, turbines, and supporting infrastructure will impose a far greater impacting footprint during the construction phase due to supporting areas, servitudes for heavy machinery and other vehicles, construction and storage camps, etc. Upon completion of the construction phase, it is only these areas that can be rehabilitated through landscaping and revegetation.

The overall objective of rescuing plants, rehabilitation and revegetation on the affected area is to recreate the ecological features to resemble the impact area prior to the onset of the development if in a natural state, or to improve on the ecological integrity post construction if the area was suffering impacts. In doing so, biodiversity within the area will be preserved, vegetation dynamics can be restored and floral species (RDL species and in general) can be saved from loss. Ideally, a self-sustaining and dynamic system that is driven by natural process should be the endpoint of a rehabilitation plan.

13 Legislation & Regulations

13.1 National legislation

The relevant legislation pertaining to the rescue, relocation and rehabilitation of biodiversity, where protected species may occur include the following:

o Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No 43 of 1983);

o Environmental Conservation Act (Act No 73 of 1989);

o National Forestry Act (Act No 84 of 1998);

o National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No 107 of 1998);

o National Environmental Management : Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) (Act No 10 of 2004);

A list of Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) was published in the Government Gazette on 23 February 2007, No 29657, as a supplement to the NEMBA. This provides a list of nationally protected species that needs to be considered;

13.2 Provincial legislation

A more comprehensive list of species has been provided at the provincial level under the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act (Act No 9 of 2009). A permit will have to be obtained from the provincial authorities if any of those species will be impacted by the proposed development activities. This includes permission to remove and relocate/rescue. It is important to note that permission will have to be obtained prior to site clearing.

14 Mitigation & Avoidance options

The nature of the proposed development, resulting in the inundation of a river valley, means that impacts to vegetation and possible inclusion and impacts to protected floral species are inevitable. It may be possible to translocate the affected individuals of listed species to outside of the development footprint, but it is not thought viable to translocate individuals of species that are both widespread and common throughout the region. This is also not always considered favourable as there will be associated impacts imposed on the recipient site, where site disturbances and shifts in vegetation communities will result. Not all listed species readily take to relocation and do not


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tolerate disturbances, or are too big to relocate. These species include the majority of woody trees and shrubs. The survey area typically includes shallow soils overlaying a rocky substrate. Removal of individuals where roots have penetrated rocky crevices then also limits the success of such an operation. Suitable candidates for translocation include most geophytes and succulents.

15 Effects of removal of vegetation

15.1 Removal of exotic vegetation

Invasive exotic vegetation usually occurs in dominant stands, especially within riparian zones, where opportunism and favourable conditions allows for invasive species to outcompete their indigenous counterparts. This is especially true where the exotic species do not have natural check processes to limit their growth potential (natural browsers, insects, parasites, etc). The natural biodiversity is impacted where dominant stands of exotic vegetation occur as indigenous species very often cannot compete for the resources and are displaced. This means that, within areas where dominance of exotic vegetation occurs, very few other species occur. Examples of this include the lack of undergrowth within a stand of exotic trees, displacement of grass species where exotic forb and shrub species occur. Removal of the exotic species will therefore remove much of the vegetation cover within the impacted area and leave soils open to the effects of erosion (exotic vegetation domination within an area already induces soil erosion). Exotic vegetation also very often secretes chemical checks within the area where they occur that inhibits competition growth by other species. Examples of this include pine sap that acidifies soils, rendering the soils uninhabitable to other species.

This is not a concerning factor to this project as no dominant stands of exotic vegetation occur. The seedbank for exotic vegetation is also relatively poor within the survey area, making exotic vegetation of limited relevance to the project. Stands of Prosopis glandulosa do occur, together with isolated stands of Eucalyptus spp, but these stands will be inundated with water and so will be destroyed during the process.

16 Floral species of conservational concern & protected species

Floral species of conservational concern are categorised according to their conservation status. Red Data Listed (RDL) species are those classified as Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (EN) or Vulnerable (VU). Species are regarded as being Orange Listed if they fall into the categories of Near Threatened (NT), Rare (Ra), Declining or Data Deficient (DD). Data Deficient species are further categorised into DDD (Data deficient – insufficiently known) or DDT (Data deficient – taxonomically problematic) (from SANBI POSA).

The desktop survey for protected, RDL and Orange listed floral species showed that various species of conservational concern do occur within the Quarter Degree Square (QDS) grid 2923BD associated with the impact footprint of the proposed development [according to the latest available data from SANBI (2013/2014)]. Specific localities of these species are not alluded to as a protection factor against rare plant collectors and therefore only references to the QDS in which they have been recorded are provided (SANBI, 2013). As these QDS areas are relatively large (approximately 920 km2) they incorporate a wide diversity of habitat types. The presence of these habitat types within the QDS that are relevant to the habitat requirements of the recorded RDL and protected floral species are then of particular relevance to the project. Only one species is on record for the QDS as being of conservational significance, namely Moraea elegans (Iridaceae), which is a geophytic herb that is classified as Endangered. This species has an extremely limited distribution, and is generally limited to renosterveld vegetation units in the Western Cape,


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extending from Caledon to Napier. It grows in colonies in lower hill slopes and flats in seasonally moist, heavy clay soils (Goldblatt, et al., SANBI, 2006). This species was not noted during the field survey and the survey area offers no/very limited suitable habitat.

Only species listed as Declining were encountered during the field survey (Boophone disticha and Hypoxis hemerocallidea). These species are sought-after for their medicinal value and have therefore suffered a decline in numbers as a consequence. They otherwise are commonly-occurring with a wide distributional range. No further species of conservational significance were encountered during the field survey. These two species are long-lived perennial, geophyte bulbous species that take readily to relocations. It is advisable that a walk-through survey be undertaken to remove the greater proportion of these individuals and to relocate them to a botanical garden or to nearby areas with similar soils, topography and relative location from the river.

The SANBI (POSA - Plants of southern Africa: A checklist) database was utilised in order to see if any protected tree species have been recorded from the survey area. It should be noted that a permit to remove or destroy protected species has to be sought from the national authority (DAFF) prior to the removal or destruction of these species. Protected species are not necessarily species of conservational concern, but have rather been protected from indiscriminate collection and destruction due to them being highly-valued for furniture production, infrastructure construction as well as ornamental use. Furthermore, these trees species generally have a timber quality and further characteristics that makes them sought-after for construction, ornament carvings and traditional medicines. The wood from these species is also a valuable firewood resource. These are all aspects that make these species a valued resource, especially to the rural sector. Therefore, many of these trees have been removed or are heavily-utilized within the rural sectors, regardless of their national protection status. There are no species on record from the QDS (SANBI, 2014), but species that are nationally protected under the National Forests Act (Act No 84 of 1998) were identified during the field survey, namely Acacia erioloba and Boscia albitrunca. It is estimated that approximately 65 Acacia erioloba and 100 Boscia albitrunca individuals will be impacted by the inundation of the river valley area. The arid nature of the region means that vegetation is slow-growing and takes time to establish. This means that recruitment following site disturbances is a relatively slow process and that spontaneous self-rehabilitation of vegetation does not readily take place. It is not thought viable to relocate any but the smallest of seedlings of these species as more established species will not take well to disturbances and being relocated.

Provincial legislature also provides a list of specially protected (Schedule 1) and protected (Schedule 2) floral species (NCNCA - Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act (Act 9 of 2009). It should be noted that the NCNCA regards all indigenous floral species as protected species (Schedule 2), but environmental authorisation will only be required prior to removal or destruction of Schedule 1 species. Of particular relevance to the site are Acacia erioloba, Boscia foetida and Boscia albitrunca. These are all woody species that would not translocate well. Therefore it is nt thought viable to rescue and relocate any but the smallest seedlings of these species.

17 Rescue & Rehabilitation Plan Outline

Preconstruction

Identification of all listed species which may occur within the site.


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Before construction commences at the site, the following actions should be taken:

Walk-through of the final development footprint by a suitably qualified botanist/ecologist to

locate and identify all listed and protected species which fall within the development

footprint. This would need to happen during the peak flowering season at the site which

depending on rainfall is likely to be during early to mid/late summer (September-

February/March).

Walk-through report which identifies areas where minor deviations to roads and other

infrastructure can be made to avoid sensitive areas and important populations of listed

species. As well as contains a full list of localities where listed species occur within the

development footprint and the number of affected individuals in each instance.

Search and rescue operation of all listed species within the development footprint that

cannot be avoided and thought viable to translocate. Affected individuals should be

translocated to a similar habitat outside of the development footprint and marked for

monitoring purposes.

Construction

ECO to monitor vegetation clearing at the site. Any deviations from the plans that may be

required should first be checked for listed species by the ECO and any listed species

present which are able to survive translocation should be translocated to a safe site.

Any listed species observed within the development footprint that were missed during the

preconstruction plant sweeps should be translocated to a safe site.

Many listed species are also sought after for traditional medicine or by collectors and so the

ECO should ensure that all staff attend environmental induction training in which the legal

and conservation aspects of harvesting plants from the wild are discussed.

The ECO should monitor construction activities in sensitive habitats such as near rivers and

wetlands carefully to ensure that impacts to these areas are minimized.

Operation

Access to the site should be strictly controlled and all personnel entering or leaving the site

should be required to sign and out with the security officers.

The collecting of plants of their parts should be strictly forbidden and signs stating so

should be placed at the entrance gates to the site.

18 General: Rehabilitation and revegetation

The main goal for the rehabilitation procedures for the proposed development is to re-establish the indigenous vegetation, which can only take place once the construction phase, including stormwater and soil erosion management strategies, is completed. Ownership (and therefore


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accountability) of the procedures will be required, which will include future monitoring and relevant remediation.

The ultimate objective for rehabilitation should focus on the stabilisation of soil erosion and the maintenance of habitats to enable vegetation to persist and flourish on rehabilitated areas indefinitely, ultimately relying only on environmental resources.

18.1 Setting realistic rehabilitation goals

Rehabilitation efforts typically aim at improving ecosystem function that consists of a series of processes, which can in the end be evaluated against a desired outcome or reference state of the vegetation and environment. Attainable goals of rehabilitation on the project area should be possible and viable for at least the following:

» Stabilisation of soils

» Restoring and/or rehabilitating vegetative cover on non-transformed areas to obtain an acceptable vegetation cover that can be maintained or persists on its own indefinitely.

18.2 Remove or ameliorate the cause of degradation

Drivers of ecological change should be noted by identifying that are relevant to the site. Once the drivers have been identified, then measures can be put into place to abate these pressures on the system. Points to consider include:

Physical rehabilitation of topsoil where it has been removed;

Topsoil on areas that have not been cultivated are considered as the upper 20 - 30 cm

only. These contain the most important nutrients, micro flora and –fauna essential for

nutrient cycling processes. Topsoils are also an important source of seeds;

Subsoils and overburden substrata lack the above elements and will first have to be used

for physical rehabilitation of landscapes as and where necessary, and then overlain with

topsoils;

Removal of all invasive vegetation.

18.3 Initial revegetation

Immediately after clearing of vegetation, the soil surface must be inspected for signs of erosion and stabilised as soon as possible. After completion of construction, such erosion stabilisation should preferably be with a cover of vegetation. A dense initial grass or other perennial cover will be desirable (Cynodon dactylon is a species that occurs within the area that is successfully utilised for soil binding). The appropriate seed mix should be determined in consultation with an ecologist familiar with the area. The aim of the first vegetation cover is to form a protective, relatively dense indigenous layer to slow runoff, increase moisture infiltration into the soil, and gradually change the soil nutrient status in order for it to be more favourable for other desirable indigenous vegetation to become established.

18.4 Natural seed banks and improvement of plant structural and compositional

diversity

It is expected that soil seed banks of indigenous vegetation will be present to initiate initial vegetation cover, but may not be sufficient to establish an acceptable cover of desirable species.


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After deciding which indigenous species should be re-introduced, seed should be ideally collected from site or an environmentally-matched site nearby and sown at the onset of the rainy season. Alternatively, slower-growing perennials may be raised from seed or cuttings in a nursery and then transplanted once established. The final vegetation cover should resemble the original (non-encroached) vegetation composition and structure as far as practicable possible or permissible within each management unit.

18.5 Monitoring and follow-up action

Throughout the lifecycle of the development, regular monitoring and adaptive management must be in place to detect any new degradation of ecosystems affected by the development, and remedy these as soon as detected. During the construction phase, the ECO and contractor will be responsible for initiating and maintaining a suitable monitoring system. Once the development is operational, the project proponent will have to identify a suitable entity that will be able to take over and maintain the monitoring cycle and initiate adaptive management as soon as it is required. Monitoring personnel must be adequately trained.

The following are the minimum criteria that should be monitored:

Composition and density of replanted vegetation, distinguishing between species

introduced for initial revegetation only and species that are part of the predetermined

desirable end state

Associated nature and stability of surface soils

Re-emergence of exotic species. If noted, remedial action must be taken immediately.

18.6 Timeframes and duration

Construction procedures should be undertaken with end-point rehabilitation measures in mind. This will allow the rehabilitation procedures to be undertaken in a phased approach which integrates with the construction phase.

Following the completion of site disturbances (ie post construction), the initial revegetation

period is estimated to be over a period of 6 to 12 months, This time period is, however, an

approximation, especially if planting of trees and shrubs occurs.

The rehabilitation phase (including post seeding maintenance) should be at least 12

months (depending on time of seeding and rainfall) to ensure establishment of an

acceptable plant cover is achieved (excluding invasive plant species or weeds).

If the plants have not established and the acceptable plant cover is not achieved within the

specified maintenance period, maintenance of these areas shall continue until at

acceptable plant cover is achieved (excluding alien plant species or weeds). This is

thought appropriate especially as the site falls within an arid area where vegetation growth

is naturally slow.

Succession of natural plant species should be encouraged.


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Monitoring of rehabilitation success and follow-up adaptive management, together with

clearing of emerging invasives shall be carried on until the decommissioning phase has

been completed.

19 Monitoring & Reporting Requirements

The following reporting and monitoring requirements are recommended as part of the plant rescue and protection plan:

Preconstruction walk-through report

This report should detail the location and distribution of all listed and protected species that have been identified as relevant to the site. This should include a walk-through of all infrastructure including all new access roads, power line routes, buildings and other supporting infrastructure, and should include the inundated area as well (if found to be viable due to the vast area that will be inundated). The report should provide a full accounting of how many individuals of each listed species will be impacted by the development.

Construction phase report

The ECO should monitor the construction progress to ensure that the impacting footprint remains within the designated areas and that no indiscriminate destruction of vegetation occurs. All contraventions should be recorded within a report, together with the details outlining the remedial actions that were implemented.

Post construction report

This should include the progress and success of the translocated plants to evaluate the success rate of the operation. The timeframes of the monitoring reporting should be gauged on the stability and success of the rehabilitation procedures i.e. the more stable the environment where relocations had taken pace, the less monitoring will be required.

20 Conclusions

The Plant Rescue and Revegetation Management Plan is a document to assist the contractor, the developer, and the ECO with guidelines on how to plan and implement the required work, and understand the concepts behind successful rehabilitation.

21 References

Acocks, J.P.H. (1988) Veld types of South Africa. Memoirs of the botanical survey of South Africa No. 57.

Botanical Research Institute, South Africa.

Bromilow, C. (2001) Problem plants of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

Coates-Palgrave, K. (2000) Trees of southern Africa – second edition. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.

Coetzee, K. (2005) Caring for natural rangelands. University of Kwazulu-Natal Press, South Africa.

Davis, B. and Day, J. (1998) Vanishing waters. University of Cape Town Press, Cape Town, South Africa.

Du P. Bothma, J. (Editor) (2002) Game ranch management - 4th ed. Van Schaik Publishers, Pretoria.

Google Earth® (2013/2014) is thanked for the use of aerial imagery.


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Henderson, L. (2001) Alien weeds and invasive plants – A complete guide to declared weeds and invaders

in South Africa. Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Council Handbook No

12. Pretoria.

Langer, R. H. M. and Hill, G. D. (1991) Agricultural plants – second edition. Cambridge University Press,

Cambridge.

Low, A.B. and Rebelo, A.G. (eds) (1998) Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Department

of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Pretoria.

Pooley, E. (1998) A field guide to wild flowers Kwazulu-Natal and the eastern region. Natal Flora

Publications Trust.

SANBI (2006) Vegetation map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C.

(Editors). Strelitzia 19, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre,

Claremont, South Africa.

SANBI (2013/14) The South African National Biodiversity Institute is thanked for the use of data from the

National Herbarium, Pretoria (PRE) Computerised Information System (PRECIS). Information

downloaded from www.posa.sanbi.org.

SANBI BGIS (2013/14) The South African National Biodiversity Institute is thanked for the use of data from

the SANBI Biodiversity GIS website for species distribution maps, maps on ecological features and

further biodiversity aspects relating to the project (www.bgis.sanbi.org).

Schmidt, E., Lötter, M. and McClelland, W. (2002) Trees and shrubs of Mpumalanga and Kruger National

Park. Jacana Publishers, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Scott-Shaw, R. (1999) Rare and threatened plants of Kwazulu-Natal and neighbouring regions – a plant

Red Data Book. Biodiversity Division, Scientific Services Directorate, Kwazulu-Natal Nature

Conservation Service, Pietermaritzburg.

Soil Classification Working Group (1991) Soil classification – a taxonomic system for South Africa.

Memoirs of the Agricultural Natural Resources of South Africa No. 15, The soil and Irrigation

Research Institute, Department of Agricultural Development, Pretoria.

South African Heritage Resources Agency (2014). Principles for Plant Rescue and Habitat Rehabilitation.

Downloaded from www.sahra.org.za.

Tainton, N. (Editor) (1999) Veld management in South Africa. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.

Threatened Species Programme (2005) Red Data List of South African Plant Species. Available online:

http://www.redlist.org.

Van Oudtshoorn, F. (2012) Guide to grasses of southern Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

Van Wyk, A.E. and Smith , G.F. (2001) Regions of Floristic endemism in southern Africa: A review with

emphasis on succulents. Umdaus Press, Pretoria.

http://www.bgis.sanbi.org/

http://www.sahra.org.za/


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Van Wyk, B. and Malan, S. (1998) Field guide to the wild flowers of the Highveld. Struik Publishers, Cape

Town.

Van Wyk, B. and Smith , G. (1996) Guide to the aloes of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.

Van Wyk, B. van Wyk, P. and van Wyk, B. (2000) Photographic guide to trees of southern Africa. Briza

Publications, Pretoria.

Van Wyk, B., van Oudtshoorn, B. and Gericke, N. (1997) Medicinal plants of South Africa. Briza

Publications, Pretoria.


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Appendix 5: Soil Erosion Control Measures

Use of vegetation, woody materiel and rock for erosion control and ground cover


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Figure 2a: Sediment control structures using hay bales or silt fences. Note that hay bales must be installed correctly and keyed into the ground!

Sediment control structures using brush barriers and brush fences.


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Water Control Structures