BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT (FINAL DRAFT FOR COMMENT) … Witels/Witels 775 draft BAR.pdf · BASIC...

BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT (FINAL DRAFT FOR COMMENT) E12/2/3/1 – B2/33 – 0501/07

1

Basic Assessment Report in terms of the

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

and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations

Proposed chicken broiler farm or alternatively

the clearing of natural land for cultivation of vineyards

on the Farm Witels, Slanghoek, Remainder of Farm 775, Worcester

Witels Trust

August 2009


2

Table of Contents

SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION ............................................................................. 3

1. Activity Description ....................................................................................................................... 3 2. Activity Need and Desirability ...................................................................................................... 4 3. Alternatives................................................................................................................................... 5 4. Activity Location ........................................................................................................................... 8 5. Physical size of the activity .......................................................................................................... 9 6. Site Access................................................................................................................................... 9 7. Site photographs .......................................................................................................................... 9 8. Applicable Legislation, Polices and / or Guidelines................................................................... 10

SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT......................................... 11

1. Gradient of the Site .................................................................................................................... 11 2. Location in landscape ................................................................................................................ 11 3. Groundwater, Soil and Geological stability of the site .............................................................. 12 4. Surface Water ............................................................................................................................ 12 5. Vegetation / Groundcover .......................................................................................................... 13 6. Land use character of surrounding area.................................................................................... 15 7. Regional planning context.......................................................................................................... 17 8. Socio-Economic Context............................................................................................................ 18 9. Cultural/Historical Features........................................................................................................ 18

SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ........................................................................... 21

SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT .............................................................................. 23

1. Waste, effluent and emission management .............................................................................. 23 2. Water Use .................................................................................................................................. 25 3. Power Supply ............................................................................................................................. 25 4. Energy Efficiency ....................................................................................................................... 25 5. Noise Impacts............................................................................................................................. 26 6. Visual Impacts ............................................................................................................................ 26 7. Socio-Economic Implications of the Activity ............................................................................. 27 8. Impacts that may result from the Planning, Design and Construction Phase .......................... 28 9. Impacts that may result from the Operational Phase ................................................................ 47 10. Impacts that may result from the Decommissioning and Closure Phase ................................. 67 11. Cumulative Impacts.................................................................................................................... 72 12. Impact Summary of Preferred Alternative ................................................................................. 72 13. Recommendation of Environmental Assessment Practitioner .................................................. 73

DECLARATIONS ............................................................................................................. 78

List of Appendices Appendix A: Locality Maps

Appendix B: Site Plans

Appendix C: Owners Consent Form

Appendix D: Site photographs

Appendix E: Public participation process

Appendix F: Permits, Licenses & Supporting Letters

Appendix G: Specialist Reports

Appendix H: Other


3

SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION

1. Activity Description

(a) Is the project a new development or an upgrade of an existing development? YES �� NO

(b) Clearly describe the activity and associated infrastructure for which you are applying.

The client would like to install up to 8 chicken broiler houses on his farm on preferred Site B (Flat Field) Associated infrastructure:

1) Eight flat concrete slabs covering 120m x 15m per structure 2) Feed silos (minimum of two) 3) A single building with additional storage facilities for chemicals, control room and wash room 4) Water storage units to capture rainfall on the roofs of the buildings and 5) Drinking-water storage tanks 6) Gas storage facility to accommodate 5000kg LPG for heating

Specific listed activities applied for:

1 (h) The construction of facilities or infrastructure, including associated structures or infrastructure for the concentration of animals for the purpose of commercial production in densities that exceed – (v) 3 square meters per head of poultry and more than 250 poultry per facility at any time, excluding chicks younger than 20 days.

1 (j) The construction of facilities or infrastructure, including associated structures or infrastructure for agri-industrial purposes outside areas zoned for industrial purposes that cover an area of 1 000 square meters or more. Where "agri-industrial" according to the NEMA EIA Regulations means an activity "undertaking involving the production, processing, manufacture, packaging or storage of agricultural produce and includes battery farm operations that are under roof". The criteria of 1000 m² includes associated infrastructure such as offices, parking areas etc (i.e. the area to be directly impacted).

12. The transformation or removal of indigenous vegetation of 3 hectares or more or of any size where the transformation or removal would occur within a critically endangered or are endangered ecosystem listed in terms of section 52 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).

1 (s). The construction of facilities or infrastructure, including associated structures or infrastructure, for the treatment of effluent, wastewater or sewage with an annual throughput capacity of more than 2 000 cubic meters but less than 15 000 cubic meters;

15. The construction of a road that is wider than 4 meters or that has a reserve wider than 6 meters, excluding roads that fall within the ambit of another listed activity or which are access roads of less than 30 meters long;

The following activity was not listed initially (Notice of Intention to Apply), but subsequently will be triggered and thus is being applied for:

1 (l) "The construction of facilities or infrastructure, including associated facilities or infrastructure for the transmission and distribution of electricity above ground with a capacity of more than 33 kilovolts and less than 120 kilovolts"

The following activity was listed initially (Notice of Intention to Apply), but subsequently will not be triggered and thus is no longer being applied for:

18. The subdivision of portions of land 9 hectares or larger into portions of 5 hectares or less.

(c) Please provide details of all components of the proposed project and attaché diagrams (e.g. architectural drawings or perspectives, engineering drawings, process flow charts etc.)

Buildings YES �� NO


4

Provide brief description:

A maximum of 8 pre-fabricated chicken broiler houses and associated infrastructure such as a wash/shower

house, storage facilities and an office will be constructed.

Infrastructure (e.g. roads, power and water supply/ storage) YES NO��

Provide brief description: The existing gravel roads may have to be widened or upgraded to accommodate delivery trucks. An additional power unit and a 100KVA power line approximately 500 m long will be erected. Sufficient water is available on the farm to accommodate the proposed development.

Processing activities (e.g. manufacturing, storage, distribution) YES NO ��

Provide brief description:

No processing will take place at the facility. The processing of the chickens will take place at the Rainbow Chickens abattoir in Worcester.

Storage facilities for raw materials and products (e.g. volume and substances to be stored) Provide brief description YES�� NO

Chicken feed will be stored in twin silos on site. Each silo will hold 13.9 tons of food.

Storage and treatment facilities for solid waste and effluent generated by the project YES�� NO

Provide brief description

Waste chicken manure has to be removed by a contractor from the broiler houses before the next batch of chicks arrive at the end of the 35 day growing cycle. The chicken manure is taken used off the property and used as a fertiliser. Solid waste in the form of broiler chicken mortalities will be disposed of at the Rainbow Chickens rendering facility in Worcester. (See Draft Environmental Management Plan)

Effluent in the form of grey water resulting from cleaning operations after each 35 day cycle. The grey water consists of a solution of chicken manure and biodegradable detergents from cleaning operations. This grey water will be disposed of by allowing the effluent to run into septic tank system. The Applicant has agreed to appoint a wastewater management specialist to produce a wastewater management plan to effectively manage this effluent. The volume of wastewater is estimated at approximately 50 m

3 per 35 day cycle.

Other activities (e.g. water abstraction activities, crop planting activities) YES �� NO

Provide brief description

Water for the development is to be taken from existing water supplies from the 3 dams on the property, and the Witels and Slanghoek rivers. The Applicant has a total registered usage of 146 125 m

3 from the Witels and

Slanghoek Rivers, while his total registered storage capacity is 122 900 m3.

See attached DWAF water licences in Appendix F.

2. Activity Need and Desirability (a) Describe the need and desirability of the activity:

Diversification of Farming Activity: The Applicant would like to diversify his farming activities by establishing up to 8 chicken broiler houses in addition to the current 53 ha under vine and 8 ha under peaches. Current domestic demand for chicken in South Africa is not being met (The Applicant, P. Du Toit personal comment), and Rainbow Chickens Pty (Ltd) has thus approved the Applicant as a Contract Broiler Farmer.


5

Location and Climate: The location of the farm is more suited to broiler chicken houses than to extended vineyards due to the high winds in the area. Agri-Business Development: The Applicant feels that mixing his farming activities would be a wise financial decision and that he would be reducing his risk in the event of a downturn in the fruit and wine industries. At present the farm’s only income generating activities are related to fruit and wine, and the income generating potential of this farm as a contributor to the South African Agricultural sector is not being maximised. Reduction in Crop Losses: The broiler houses will also be less likely to suffer from the baboon and wind damage that currently reduces productivity on the farm’s vineyards and orchards. Employment Creation and BEE Ownership: This project is the culmination of the Applicant’s plan to involve farm workers in the development, management and shared ownership of the chicken broiler houses. By establishing a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) company with a 25.1% HDI (historically disadvantaged individual) shareholding, the financial futures and job security of the current and future farm labour force is enhanced. The chicken broiler houses will provide work throughout the year, and augment the currently seasonal income of the local farm workers. The region currently has high levels of unemployment, as many workers are only employed seasonally.

(b) Indicate the benefits that the activity will have for society in general and also indicate the benefits that the

activity will have for the local communities where the activity will be located:

Job Creation (direct): Broiler chicken farming will provide year-round employment for the workers who will operate and manage the operation. At present, the farm’s productive lands comprise of orchards and vineyards, which require a predominantly seasonal labour force to manage. The broiler houses will therefore supplement existing activities on the farm, and will provide at least four permanent, year-round employment opportunities. Presently the Applicant makes use of seasonal workers and a reduced off-season staff complement is employed full time. The impact on employment will vary depending on whether the Applicant replaces currently operational vineyards with the Chicken broiler house enterprise, or if the chicken houses are erected on natural veld. This could either result in a reducing overall number of jobs or an increase in new permanent jobs respectively. Benefits of Ownership: The current working staff on the farm will be incorporated into the BEE company as owners of 25.1% of the shares. Shareholders will receive share earnings from the annual profits of the company and thus experience an improvement in their long-term financial security. Job Creation (indirect): Addition supplementary jobs would be created with increased economic activity associated with support services to the agri-industry, processing and secondary products. There is substantial contract work associated with broiler farming activity, thereby creating secondary employment in the broader local economy. For example:

1) Broiler house construction company. 2) Transport company delivering chicks to the farm. 3) Company providing the broiler house bedding. 4) Chicken feed company. 5) Contracting company to collect the manure. 6) Contract washing and disinfecting company.

3. Alternatives Describe alternatives that are considered in this application. Please Note: 1. This report only provides space for 3 alternatives. The required information must however be provided for

all alternatives being considered. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity could be accomplished. The determination of whether the


6

site or activity (including different processes etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. The no-go option must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of all alternatives are assessed.

2. After receipt of this report the competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent.

3. Consult the Department’s Guideline on Alternatives prior to completing this section. 3(a) Site alternatives: Please indicate the number of site alternatives assessed – Three sites were assessed

Describe site alternative 1 (S1) (preferred or only site alternative), for the activity described above, or for any other activity alternative:

Site B (Flat Field), is the Applicant’s preferred site for locating the chicken broiler houses. This site is covered by natural fynbos and alien invasive vegetation and is located close to the northern boundary of the property. A seasonal seep/wetland has been identified (see attached Botanical/Ecological report), however the Applicant is of the opinion that this will dry up due to existing agricultural activities on neighbouring farm that will divert water away from the seep. The Applicant thus feels that the wetland is not ecologically viable, and that its presence should not preclude development on Site B (Flat Field). Note that no Freshwater/Wetland specialists were appointed to assess the validity of these claims.

Describe site alternative 2 (S2), if any, for the activity described above, or for any other activity alternative:

Site A (Sloping Field) is an alternative site located south of Site B (Flat Field). This site is also covered by natural fynbos and alien invasive vegetation is located close to the southern boundary of the property on a slight north-facing slope.

Describe site alternative 3 (S3), if any, for the activity described above, or for any other activity alternative:

Site C (Existing Vines) is located south east of Sites A and B. This is the least preferred site from the Applicant’s perspective, as the landowner does not want to remove the existing vineyards. There is no natural vegetation present, as it is currently used to cultivate vines.

3(b) Activity alternatives:

Describe activity alternative 1 (A1), if any, for any or all of the site alternatives as appropriate:

The preferred activity alternative would be to build eight chicken broiler houses on one of the proposed sites. Site C is currently under cultivation of vines (wine). If construction of the broiler houses is approved for Site C, the Applicant would like to offset the loss of the vineyards by cultivating new lands on either Site A (Sloping Field) or Site B (Flat Field). These impacts have been evaluated under the second activity alternative (see below).


The activity alternative would be to expand the current vineyard footprint by clearing Site A (Sloping Field) (7Ha) and/or Site B (Flat Field) (7Ha) and establishing vines.


7


No-Go option: Sites A and B will remain untransformed, while the existing vineyards will remain on Site C.

3(c) Other alternatives (e.g. layout, technological, timing, process etc):

Describe the alternative

Not Applicable

Summary of development alternatives under consideration in this application The table below provides a summary of the various development alternatives being considered

together with the major impacts of each alternative. General impacts, such as visual, noise and odour,

remain relatively constant for many of the alternatives, and have thus been excluded from this summary, although they have been fully assessed in this report. Alternatives are arranged in the

Applicant’s order of preference (i.e. Alternative 1 is his most preferred option, Alternative 8 – the No Go alternative - his least preferred option). Alternative 5 is the option recommended by BolandEnviro.

Site A And/ Or Site B And Site C General

Impact

Issues

1. Vines and Broilers and Existing vines

High Biodiversity, Freshwater

2. Broilers and Vines and Existing

vines

High Biodiversity,

Freshwater

3. Vines and Vines and Broilers High Biodiversity,

Freshwater

4. Vines or Vines and Broilers High Biodiversity,

Freshwater

(possible)

5. Undeveloped and Undeveloped and Broilers Medium Agricultural

potential

6. Vines and Vines and Existing

vines

High Biodiversity,

Freshwater

(possible)

7. Vines or Vines and Existing

vines

High Biodiversity

8. Undeveloped and Undeveloped and Existing

Vines

Medium Economic


8

4. Activity Location

Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates must be in degrees, minutes and seconds. The minutes should be given to at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection. Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

Alternative S1 (preferred ) Site B (Flat Field) 33o

35‘ 43.45“ 19o 11’ 38.44”

Alternative S2 (if any) Site A (Sloping Field) 33o 35‘ 56.36“ 19

o 11’ 40.47”

Alternative S3 (if any) Site C (Existing Vines) 33o 36’ 01.82“ 19

o 12‘ 00.32“

or, for linear activities:

Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

Alternative S1 (preferred or only route alternative)

• Starting point of the activity o ‘ “

o ‘ “

• Middle point of the activity o ‘ “

o ‘ “

• End point of the activity o

‘ “ o

‘ “

Alternative S2 (if any)

• Starting point of the activity o

‘ “ o

‘ “

• Middle point of the activity o

‘ “ o

‘ “


‘ “ o

‘ “

Alternative S3 (if any)

• Starting point of the activity o

‘ “ o

‘ “

• Middle point of the activity o

‘ “ o

‘ “


‘ “ o

‘ “

Please Note: For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates

taken every 100 meters along the route for each alternative.


9

5. Physical size of the activity Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity as well as alternative activities and its associated infrastructure (footprints):

Alternative: Size of the activity:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) Chicken Broiler Houses 70 000m2

Alternative A2 (if any) Vineyards 70 000m2

Alternative A3 (if any) No Go 0m2

or, for linear activities: Alternative: N/A Length of the activity:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) m

Alternative A2 (if any) m

Alternative A3 (if any) m

Indicate the size of the alternative sites or servitudes (within which the above footprints will occur): Alternative: N/A Size of the site/servitude:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative - Chicken broiler houses) 1 821 758 m2

Alternative A2 ( Vineyards) 1 821 758 m2

Alternative A3 (No Go) 1 821 758 m2

Associated Infrastructure: Indicate the size of the alternative sites or servitudes (within which the above associated infrastructure footprints will occur): Alternative: Size of the site/servitude:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) Chicken broiler houses 1 821 758 m2

Alternative A2 (if any) Vineyard 1 821 758 m2

Alternative A3 (if any) 1 821 758 m2

6. Site Access

Is there an existing access road? YES�� NO

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built? m

Describe the type of access road planned:

No additional access roads are planned. The existing roads may be upgraded (widened and possibly tarred) to accommodate delivery trucks, etc.

Please Note: indicate the position of the proposed access road on the site plan (See Section 7 below)

7. Site photographs Colour photographs of the site and its surroundings (taken of the site and from the site) with a description of each photograph. The vantage points from which the photographs were taken must be indicated on the site plan, or locality plan as applicable. If available, please also provide a recent aerial photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix D to this form. It should be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site. Date of photographs must be included. Please note that the above requirements must be duplicated for all alternative sites.


10

8. Applicable Legislation, Polices and / or Guidelines

Please list all legislation, policies and/or guidelines that have or will be considered in the preparation of this application.

LEGISLATION ADMINISTERING

AUTHORITY

TYPE Permit/ license/

authorization/comment

DATE (if already obtained):

The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) – Act 107 of 1998

Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Considered legislation, this application

The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 2006 (GN R. 385 and 386 – NEMA Regulations), which were passed in terms of NEMA


Considered legislation, this application

Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act No, 25, 1999)

Heritage Western Cape

Consolidated Record of Decision / Authorisation (Appendix F: Permits, Licenses and Supporting Letters)

20/02/2008

POLICY/ GUIDELINES ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY

Guideline on Public Participation (2007) Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Guideline on Alternatives (2007) Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Guideline on the Interpretation of the Listed Activities (2006)


Guideline for Involving Heritage Specialists in EIA processes (2005)


Guideline for Involving Visual and Aesthetic Specialists in EIA processed (2005)


Western Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework (2005)


Guideline for Involving Biodiversity Specialists (June 2005)


Breede Valley Integrated Development Framework (2007 – 2012)

Breede Valley Municipality

Guidelines for Wetlands and Riparian Areas (Sept 2005)

Department of Water Affairs and Forestry


11

SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT Site / Area Description For linear activities (pipelines etc) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete copies of this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section B and indicate the area which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan.

Section B Copy No. (e.g. A):

1. Gradient of the Site Indicate the general gradient of the sites (tick the appropriate box). Alternative S1: Site B (Flat Field)

Flat Flatter than 1:10 �� 1:10 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5 Alternative S2: Site A (Sloping Field)

Flat Flatter than 1:10 �� 1:10 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5 Alternative S3: Site C (Existing Vines)

Flat Flatter than 1:10 �� 1:10 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

2. Location in landscape Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site (tick (“�“) the appropriate box(es). Alternative S1: Site B (Flat Field)

Ridgeline Plateau Side slope of hill/mountain

��

Closed valley

Open valley

Plain Undulating plain/low

hills Dune

Sea-front

Other

Alternative S2: Site A (Sloping Field)


��

Closed valley

Open valley

Plain Undulating plain/low

hills Dune

Sea- front

Other

Alternative S3: Site C (Existing Vines)


��

Closed valley ��

Open valley

Plain

Undulating plain/low

hills Dune

Sea-front

Other

If other, please describe


12

3. Groundwater, Soil and Geological stability of the site Is the site(s) located on or near any of the following (tick (“�”) the appropriate boxes)?

Alternative S1 –

Site B (Flat Field) Alternative S2 –

Site A (Sloping Field)

Alternative S3 – Site C (Existing

Vines)

Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep)

YES NO �

UNSURE ��

YES NO ��

UNSURE YES

NO��

UNSURE

Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies)

YES��

NO UNSURE YES NO ��

UNSURE YES

NO ��

UNSURE

Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil

YES NO ��

UNSURE YES NO ��


UNSURE

Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water)

YES NO ��


UNSURE YES NO��

UNSURE

Soils with high clay content YES NO ��



UNSURE

Any other unstable soil or geological feature

YES NO ��



UNSURE

An area sensitive to erosion

YES NO ��



UNSURE

If any of the answers to the above are “YES” or “unsure”, specialist input may be requested by the Department. (Information in respect of the above will often be available at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by Geological Survey may also be used).

4. Surface Water Indicate the surface water present on and or adjacent to the site and alternative sites (tick (“�”) the appropriate

boxes)?

Alternative S1 –

Site B (Flat Field) Alternative S2 –

Site A (Sloping Field) Alternative S3 –

Site C (Existing Vines)

Perennial River YES NO ��



UNSURE

Non-Perennial River YES ��

NO

UNSURE YES ��

NO

UNSURE YES

NO ��

UNSURE

Permanent Wetland YES NO ��



UNSURE

Seasonal Wetland YES��

NO UNSURE YES NO ��

UNSURE YES

NO ��

UNSURE

Artificial Wetland YES NO ��

UNSURE YES NO��


UNSURE

Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland

YES NO ��



UNSURE


13

5. Vegetation / Groundcover Tick (“�”) and describe (where required) the vegetation types / groundcover present on the site. Alternative S1: (Site B (Flat Field))

Indigenous Vegetation - good condition

Indigenous Vegetation with scattered aliens

Indigenous Vegetation with heavy alien infestation

��

Identify the vegetation type above:



• Breede Alluvium Fynbos (95%)

• Breede Shale Fynbos (5%)

• Site is ±50% transformed by alien vegetation (mainly Hakea sericea)

Provide ecosystem status for above:


Provide Ecosystem status for above:

• Breede River Alluvium Fynbos - Endangered

• Breede Shale Fynbos - Vulnerable

Indigenous Vegetation in an ecological corridor or along a soil

boundary / interface

Veld dominated by alien species

Site is ±50% transformed by alien vegetation (mainly Hakea sericea)

Distinctive soil conditions (e.g. Sand

over shale, quartz patches, limestone, alluvial deposits, termitaria etc.) –

describe

Bare soil

Building or other structure

Sport field

Paved surface

Cultivated land

Other (describe)


14

Alternative S2: (Site A (Sloping Field))




��




• Breede River Alluvium Fynbos (90%)

• Hawequas Sandstone Fynbos (10%)

• The site is approximately 35% transformed by alien vegetation.




• Breede River Alluvium Fynbos - Endangered

• Hawequas Sandstone Fynbos – Least Threatened



Veld dominated by alien species ��

±35% of the site covered with

Hakea sericea

Distinctive soil conditions (e.g. Sand over shale, quartz patches, limestone,

alluvial deposits, termitaria etc.) – describe

Bare soil


Sport field

Paved surface

Cultivated land

Other (describe)

Alternative S3: (Site C (Existing Vines))












Veld dominated by alien species

Distinctive soil conditions (e.g. Sand over shale, quartz patches, limestone,

alluvial deposits, termitaria etc.) – describe

Bare soil


Sport field

Paved surface

Cultivated land �� Other

(describe)

Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the vegetation

type / groundcover and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies.


15

To assist with the identification of the vegetation type and ecosystem status consult http://bgis.sanbi.org or [email protected]. Information is also available on compact disc (cd) from the Biodiversity-GIS Unit, Ph (021) 799 8698. This information may be updated from time to time and it is the applicant/ EAP’s responsibility to ensure that the latest version is used.

6. Land use character of surrounding area Tick (“�”) the current land uses and/or prominent features that occur within +/- 500m radius of the site and neighbouring properties if these are located beyond 500m of the site. Please note: The Department may

request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the land use character of the area and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. Alternative S1: Site B (Flat Field)

Untransformed area

��

Low density residential

Medium density residential

High density residential

Informal residential

Retail Commercial & warehousing

Light industrial Medium industrial Heavy

industrial

Power station Office/consulting

room Military or police

base/station/compound Casino/entertainment

complex

Tourism & Hospitality

facility

Open cast mine Underground

mine Spoil heap or slimes

dam Quarry, sand or

borrow pit

Dam or reservoir ��

Hospital/medical centre School Tertiary education

facility Church Old age home

Sewage treatment plant

Train station or shunting yard

Railway line Major road (4 lanes

or more) Airport

Harbour

Sport facilities Golf course Polo fields Filling station

Landfill or waste treatment site

Plantation Agriculture �� River, stream or

wetland ��

Nature conservation

area ��

Mountain, koppie or ridge ��

Museum Historical building Graveyard Archaeological

site

Other land uses (describe):

Largely untransformed land with approximately 0.5 ha disturbed by dumped gravel from dam excavation

Alternative S2: Site A (Sloping Field)

Untransformed

area ��






Light industrial Medium industrial Heavy industrial




complex Tourism &

Hospitality facility



dam Quarry, sand or

borrow pit

Dam or reservoir��

Hospital/medical centre

School Tertiary education





or more) Airport


16

Harbour




wetland ��

Nature conservation

area ��

Mountain, koppie or ridge ��


site



Untransformed area ��






Light industrial Medium industrial Heavy industrial




complex Tourism &

Hospitality facility



dam Quarry, sand or

borrow pit

Dam or reservoir ��

Hospital/medical centre

School Tertiary education





or more) Airport

Harbour




wetland ��

Nature conservation

area ��

Mountain, koppie or ridge


site



17

7. Regional planning context

Is the activity permitted in terms of the property’s existing land use rights? Please explain

Yes, the area is zoned for Agricultural 1.

Will the activity be in line with the following?

Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES ��

NO Please explain

The activity conforms to the PSDF as it is an agricultural activity occurring outside the urban edge. The Cape Winelands District is identified as an intensive agriculture area in the PSDF, and the proposed development will thus conform to this land-use. However, the PSDF does not support the removal of endangered biodiversity elements to accommodate agricultural activities. Therefore, only Site C (vineyard) is truly in line with the PSDF, as Site B (Flat Field) and Site A (Sloping Field) contain Breede Alluvium Fynbos, an endangered vegetation type. These areas are categorised as Buffer Zone 1 in terms of the PSDF.

Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area YES ��

NO Please explain

The property falls outside the urban edge.

Integrated Development Plan of the Local Municipality YES �� NO Please explain

The Breede Valley Municipality identified local economic development as a key strategic objective in the local Integrated Development Plan. The proposed development will contribute to economic development in the area by creating/securing jobs and increasing financial revenues receivable.

Spatial Development Framework of the Local Municipality YES �� NO Please explain

The Breede Valley Municipal SDF map for Rawsonville, depicts the area in which the farm is located as designated for intensive agricultural use. According to the SDF for Rawsonville/Slanghoek: amongst other objectives; “Promote intensive agricultural activities through tax incentives and discourage subdivision of agricultural land into unviable units and Facilitate co-ordination of tourism activities to promote growth in the sector and encourage new entrants from historically disadvantaged communities”.

Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality YES NO Please explain

Not Applicable

Any other Plans YES NO Please explain

Not Applicable


18

8. Socio-Economic Context

Describe the existing social and economic characteristics of the community in order to provide baseline information.

There is no urban settlement in the immediate vicinity of the Witels farm estate, thus this description of the socio-economic context is drawn from the Census 2001 data on the Breede Valley Municipality, which constitutes the receiving environment of this development. The Breede Valley Municipality has a population of 146 029 (Census 2001). The vast majority of people living in the municipality are Coloured (65.6%), with significant African (20.1%) and White (14.0%) minorities. Afrikaans is by far the most commonly spoken first language (80%), followed by isiXhosa (16.0%) and English (2.0%). The sex ratio is slightly skewed in favour of females, who make up 51.0% of the population, compared to males (49.0%). There is a strong racial divergence in education levels. Of the population fraction of people aged 20 and older, over 96.2% of the White group had attended high school, and 73% had obtained a senior certificate. A further 23.3% of the white population older than 20 had some tertiary education. In contrast, 51% of the Black group and 52.4% of the Coloured group had attended senior school level. In both the Coloured and Black groups, only around 13.3% and 15.8% respectively of the population aged 20 and older obtained a senior certificate. Only 3.1% of the Coloured group and 3.0% of the Black group had any tertiary education. The Breede Valley Region has 66% of its population aged between 15 and 65 yrs. The official employment rate is 50.5% of the working population. Of the race groups unemployed, the Black population group has an unemployment rate of 34%, the Coloured population has an unemployment rate of 62% and the white population has the lowest unemployment rate of 3.2% Agricultural activities provide employment to a large portion of the population. The Black population has 51%, Coloured 46.6% and White 12.5% of their working population employed in agriculture. In manufacturing the Black population have 5.1%, Coloured 6.6% and White 8.5%. In construction, 3.7% Black, 2.7% Coloured and 3% White. In wholesale/retail/hotels and restaurants, 8.3% Black, 11.0% Coloured and 14.5% White population. In community, social and personal services industry, 10.7% Black, 12.3% Coloured and 24.8% White working populations.

9. Cultural/Historical Features Please be advised that if section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 is applicable to your proposed development, then you are requested to furnish this Department with written comment from Heritage Western Cape as part of your public participation process. Section 38 of the Act states as follows: 38. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (7), (8) and (9), any person who intends to undertake a development categorised as- (a) the construction of a road, wall, power line, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or

barrier exceeding 300m in length; (b) the construction of a bridge or similar structure exceeding 50m in length; (c) any development or other activity which will change the character of a site- (i) exceeding 5 000 m2 in extent; or (ii) involving three or more existing erven or subdivisions thereof; or (iii) involving three or more erven or divisions thereof which have been consolidated within the past five years; or (iv) the costs of which will exceed a sum set in terms of regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources

authority; (d) the re-zoning of a site exceeding 10 000 m2 in extent; or (e) any other category of development provided for in regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources

authority, must at the very earliest stages of initiating such a development, notify the responsible heritage


19

resources authority and furnish it with details regarding the location, nature and extent of the proposed development.

Alternative S1: Site B (Flat Field)

Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements including archaeological or paleontological sites, on or in close proximity to the site?

YES NO ��

UNCERTAIN

If YES, explain: Not applicable

If uncertain, the Department may request that specialist input be provided to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site.

Briefly explain the findings of the specialist if one was already appointed:

Not applicable

Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? YES NO ��

Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)?

YES �� NO

If yes, please submit or, make sure that the applicant or a specialist submit the necessary application to SAHRA or the relevant provincial heritage agency and attach proof thereof to this application. Please find the attached Archaeological impact assessment report. Appendix G: Permits, Licences & Supporting letters – Figure F1: Copy of Heritage Western Cape RoD.

Alternative S2: Site A (Sloping Field) Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including archaeological or paleontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the site?

YES NO ��

UNCERTAIN

If YES, explain: Not Applicable



Not Applicable

Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way?

YES NO ��


YES �� NO

If yes, please submit or, make sure that the applicant or a specialist submit the necessary application to SAHRA or the relevant provincial heritage agency and attach proof thereof to this application.


20

Please find the attached Archaeological impact assessment report. Appendix G: Permits, Licences & Supporting letters – Figure F1: Copy of Heritage Western Cape RoD.


Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including archaeological or paleontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the site?

YES NO ��

UNCERTAIN

If YES, explain: Not applicable



Not Applicable

Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way?

YES NO ��


YES �� NO

If yes, please submit or, make sure that the applicant or a specialist submit the necessary application to SAHRA or the relevant provincial heritage agency and attach proof thereof to this application.

Please find the attached Archaeological impact assessment report. Appendix G: Permits, Licences & Supporting letters – Figure F1: Copy of Heritage Western Cape RoD.

Please note: Heritage Western Cape / South African Heritage Resource Agency (which ever is the competent

authority under the circumstance) comments needs to be submitted along with this Basic Assessment Report.


21

SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The person conducting the public participation process must fulfil the requirements outlined in Regulation 56

and also take into account this Department’s guideline on Public participation.

Please tick (“��”) the appropriate box to indicate whether the specific requirement was undertaken or

whether exemption has been applied for.

1. Were all potential interested and affected parties notified of the application by –

(a) having fixed a notice board at a place conspicuous to the public at the boundary or on the fence of -

(i) the site where the activity to which the application relates is or is to be

undertaken and

YES

�� NO EXEMPTION

(ii) any alternative site mentioned in the application YES

�� NO EXEMPTION

(b) having given written notice to –

(i) the owners and occupiers of land adjacent to the site where the activity is

or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site

YES

�� NO EXEMPTION

(ii) the owners and occupiers of land within 100 metres of the boundary of

the site or alternative site who are or may be directly affected by the

activity

YES

�� NO EXEMPTION

(iii) the municipal councillor of the ward in which the site or alternative site is

situated and any organisation of ratepayers that represents the community

in the area

YES

�� NO EXEMPTION

(iv) the municipality which has jurisdiction in the area; and YES

�� NO EXEMPTION

(v) any organ of state having jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the

activity

YES

�� NO EXEMPTION

(c) having placed an advertisement in –

(i) one local newspaper, or YES

�� NO EXEMPTION

(ii) the official EIA Gazette (Not applicable) YES NO EXEMPTION

(d) having placed an advertisement in at least one provincial newspaper or

national newspaper, if the activity has or may have an impact that extends

beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan or local municipality in which it is

or will be undertaken. (This requirement need not be complied with if an

advertisement has been placed in the official EIA Gazette referred to in (c)(ii)

above. (Not applicable)

YES NO EXEMPTION

2. Was a register of interested and affected parties opened, maintained and

made available to any person requesting access to the register in writing?

(copy of register to be included in appendix E)

YES

�� NO EXEMPTION

3. Were all registered interested and affected parties given access to this

application form and basic assessment report and any other report(s)

YES

�� NO EXEMPTION


22

compiled in relation to this application and was an opportunity for interested

and affected parties to comment on the report(s) in writing provided?

4. Were stakeholders that have direct interests in the site or property, such as

servitude holders and service providers, informed of the application at least

30 (thirty) calendar days before the submission of this application and were

they provided with the opportunity to comment. (Comments to be included in

the comments and response report as described below)

YES

�� NO EXEMPTION

5. Were Municipalities and other organs of state notified and given an

opportunity to comment? (This information must also be included in the

comments and response report)

YES

�� NO EXEMPTION

Please note: Proof of all of the above must be submitted as part of the public participation information to be

attached to this basic assessment report as Appendix E. Should any of the responses be “No” and no

application for exemption from that requirement was applied for, the Department will not proceed with

evaluating / processing the application until that specific requirement is undertaken. Any exemption application

must be brought to the attention of all interest and affected parties through the public participation process.

The practitioner must record all comments and respond to each comment of the public / interested and affected

party before the application is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a Comments and

Responses Report as prescribed in the regulations and must also include a description of the public

participation process followed and this report must also be included in the public participation information to be

attached to this basic assessment report as Appendix E.

If an application is for a linear or ocean-based activity and strict compliance with the above requirements is

inappropriate, the person conducting the public participation process may deviate from the requirements to the

extent and in the manner as may be agreed to by this Department.


23

SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT Please note: The information in this section must be duplicated for all the alternatives (where relevant).

1. Waste, effluent and emission management (a) Solid waste management

Will the activity produce solid waste (including rubble) during the construction phase? YES NO ��

If yes, what estimated quantity during the construction period? N/A

Where and how will the construction solid waste be treated / disposed of (describe)?

The broiler houses of a prefabricated nature and will not produce solid waste. If there is any solid waste produced, it will be in small quantities and easily disposed of by either the contractor or the Applicant. Waste will be disposed of at the local municipal landfill site in Worcester.

Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? YES�� NO

If Yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 6 000m

3 of bedding material and 2 000m

3 is actual chicken manure

8 000 m3

Where and how will the solid waste be treated / disposed of (describe)?

The solid waste will take the form of:

1. Chicken manure mixed with chicken bedding and will be removed after each rearing cycle of 35 days, by Valley Organics, a contract removal company and;

2. Chicken mortalities will be collected and disposed of by Rainbow Chicken at their rendering plant in Worcester.

Has the municipality or relevant authority confirmed that sufficient capacity exist for treating / disposing of the solid waste to be generated by this activity(ies)? If yes, provide written confirmation from Municipality or relevant authority.

YES NO ��

Will the activity produce solid waste that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility other than into a municipal waste stream?

YES

�� NO

If yes, has this facility confirmed that sufficient capacity exist for treating / disposing of the solid waste to be generated by this activity(ies)? Provide written confirmation from the facility and provide the following particulars of the facility:

YES

�� NO

Does the facility have an operating license? (If yes, please attach a copy of the license.) YES

�� NO

Facility name: Rainbow Chicken Pty (LTD) Contact person: Neil Erasmus ( Divisional Agricultural Manager, W.C Region)

Postal address: P.O. Box 612, Worcester Postal code: 6849

Telephone: 023 3421150 Cell: 082 7733329

E-mail: Fax:


24

(b) Effluent

Will the activity produce sewage and or any other effluent? YES ��

NO

The water used by the cleaning team after each cycle will form the bulk of the effluent produced

What estimated quantity will be produced per month 14 m3

Will the effluent be treated and/or disposed of in a municipal system YES NO�� If Yes, has the municipality or relevant authority confirmed that sufficient unallocated capacity exist for

treating / disposing of the sewage or any other effluent to be generated by this activity(ies)? Provide written confirmation from the Municipality or relevant authority.

Will any effluent produced be treated and/or disposed of on site? YES ��

NO

If yes, briefly describe the nature of the effluent and how it will be disposed of:

The effluent consists of organic chicken manure residue that remains after the broiler houses have been cleaned. This effluent is removed from the broiler houses by means of spraying the floors and walls, using high pressure hoses. Biodegradable detergents are used in the washing and disinfecting cleaning phase. In accordance to Section 37(1) of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) and as described in the Revision of General Authorisations in terms of Section 39 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998) Gazette 26187, No 399, 2004, it is proposed that the effluent be led to a Septic Tank and then permitted to overflow into a nearby existing irrigation dam. The waste water so discharged will comply with the General Waste Water Limits as set by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and be registered before the commencement of discharge. If necessary, the Applicant will appoint a wastewater management specialist to determine the best means of treating and disposing of wastewater on site.

Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility? YES NO ��

If yes, has this facility confirmed that sufficient capacity exist for treating / disposing of the liquid effluent to be generated by this activity(ies)? Provide written confirmation from the facility and provide the following particulars of the facility: Not applicable

YES NO

Does the facility have an operating license? (If yes, please attach a copy of the license.) YES NO

Facility name:

Contact person:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any:

The waste water may be channelled back to the dam and will be reused as irrigation water in the orchards, vineyards and fields.

(c) Emissions into the atmosphere

Will the activity produce emissions that will be disposed of into the atmosphere? YES NO��

If yes, does it require approval in terms of relevant legislation? YES NO

Describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration and how it will be treated/mitigated: N/A


25

2. Water Use

Please indicate the source(s) of water for the activity by ticking (“a”) the appropriate box(es)

Municipal Water board

Groundwater

River, Stream, Dam or Lake ��

Other The activity will not use water

If water is to be extracted from a groundwater source, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month:

206 m3

Please provide proof of assurance of water supply eg. letter of confirmation from municipality / water user associations, yield of borehole

Does the activity require a water use permit / license from DWAF? YES ��

NO

If yes, please submit the necessary application to Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and attach proof thereof to this application. See Appendix F.

3. Power Supply Please indicate the source of power supply eg. Municipality / Eskom / Renewable energy source

Eskom have approved the supply of 100KVA per month. See Appendix F

If power supply is not available, where will power be sourced from?

During times of power outages or load shedding, the Applicant will use a standby generator to provide power to the broiler houses.

4. Energy Efficiency

Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient:

Prime Contractors and Prime Poultry Products, as preferred supplier for the construction of the broiler house structures, state that “These houses create a closed environment that restricts disease and promotes controlled management throughout the inside environment. The insulation achieved from these designs is unmatched and dramatically reduces the costs of heating.” Source www.primecon.co.za.

Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any:

The broiler houses will use gas heating as opposed to electrical heating, and energy efficient light bulbs will be used in and around the broiler houses.


26

5. Noise Impacts

Will the activity result in any noise impacts during the construction phase? YES �� NO

If yes, please describe and indicate the measures proposed to mitigate and manage these impacts?

Noise will be generated during start-up as earthmoving machines will be required to level the ground. The closest neighbours are located approximately 560 meters from the preferred alternative site (close to Applicant’s house). All neighbours will be notified of the earthmoving operations (dates and times). The construction phase will be of short duration and restricted to daytime operations during weekdays. Sound dampeners will be maintained on all earthmoving vehicles during the construction phase. The farmers in the area should be accustomed to the sound of working tractors and heavy machinery. Will the activity result in any noise impacts during its operational phase? YES NO ��

If yes, please describe and indicate the measures proposed to mitigate and manage these impacts? Weekly transportation to and from the broiler houses will create some localised noise. Trucks will arrive periodically to replenish the chicken feed and gas, or remove broilers. This activity should however not be any more noisy or busier than a typical farming operation.

Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the land use

character of the area and potential noise impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies.

6. Visual Impacts

Will the activity result in any visual impacts? YES ��

NO

If yes, please describe and indicate the measures proposed to mitigate and manage these impacts? The broiler houses are approximately 3.9 metres high, and will be easily visible from roads and surrounding farms in the area. The visual impact was described as being Medium to High by T.V. Smit Architects & Town Planners, who conducted the visual impact assessment (see Appendix G). The visual impact assessment also identified measures that could substantially mitigate these impacts. These include painting the broiler houses olive green or dove grey, with a matte finish, and keeping building heights and roof angles as low as possible. Indigenous trees, such as white stinkwood, wit karee, yellowwood and larger members of the protea family will be planted around the broiler houses to further reduce any visual impacts. The visual specialist was of the opinion that these measures would be sufficient to shield the broiler houses and prevent them from being a blot on the landscape.

Will the activity result in potential lighting impacts at night?

YES ��

NO

If yes, please describe and indicate the measures proposed to mitigate and manage these impacts?

The broiler houses will be fenced in and security lighting erected along with a security hut. Lighting may be activated by motion sensor detectors. Lights that are required to be on all night will be so erected as to face downward, equipped with visors and shields to ensure that light pollution is minimised.

Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the land use

character of the area and potential visual impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies.


27

7. Socio-Economic Implications of the Activity What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? The value estimated is per broiler house.

R 2.7 million per broiler house = R 21.6 million for 8 boiler houses

What is the expected yearly income or contribution to the economy that will be generated by or as a result of the activity?

R 6.42 million

Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES NO ��

How many new employment opportunities will be created in the construction phase of the activity?

± 35

What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the construction phase? .

R 4 million i.e average of R150/p/d x 75 days

excluding management fees

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? 100%

How will this be ensured and monitored (please explain):

All the contractors are established (registered), reputable companies and comply to standard and norms as required by the Department of Labour. Full records will be held on file for all permanent and casual employees. UIF and PAYE contributions by the contracting companies can also be readily verified. Compliance will be monitored by inspections by the Department of Labour.

How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of the activity?

4

What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 years? This is an estimate of income for 4 labourers employed to maintain 6 broiler houses for ten years (R100 x 4 persons x 7 days x 4 wks x 120 months). This figure does not include the BEE Trust to be established, which will benefit by an estimated R1.605 million per year (in excess of R16 million over the ten year period).

R 1.344 million

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? 100%

How will this be ensured and monitored (please explain):

Existing staff (who are currently on seasonal contracts) will be recruited into the new permanent positions. The Department of Labour will conduct periodic inspections to monitor compliance to labour regulations. A new Trust will be established for the existing staff compliment of 20 persons and 25.1 % of shares in the poultry broiler division will accrue to the historically disadvantaged farm workers. The Trust is still to be established in consultation with lawyers and beneficiaries.


28

8. Impacts that may result from the Planning, Design and Construction Phase Briefly describe and compare the potential impacts (as appropriate), significance rating of impacts, proposed mitigation and significance rating of impacts after mitigation that are likely to occur as a result of the planning, design and construction phase for the various alternatives of the proposed development. This must include an assessment of the significance of all impacts.

Alternative S1 – Chicken broiler houses – Site B (Flat Field)

Potential impacts:

Significance rating of impacts (Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, Very High):

Proposed mitigation:

Significance rating of impacts after mitigation (Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, Very High):

Faunal biodiversity: Loss of faunal habitat The transformation of land will affect fauna on a local scale, as some fauna will be directly affected by habitat loss during land-clearing and construction activities. However, none of the proposed sites are located in potential movement corridors, so impacts are likely to be on a strictly local scale.

Low

Any reptiles (particularly tortoises) disturbed during the construction phase should be relocated to another site and not harmed in any way. Baboon management in the form of litter control and informing construction workers not to feed any wildlife should be implemented.

Low

Floral biodiversity: Loss of floral species due to land transformation A small population of Diastella parilis

(10 plants) is located on the site. These plants are listed as Vulnerable.

High

The Diastella parilis population

should be maintained and not interfered with. Rescued plants species/seeds can be removed and relocated to similar habitat or to Karoo National Botanical Gardens for breeding and seeding.

Medium

Floral ecosystem – loss of vegetation

and habitat type due to land transformation The majority of Site B (Flat Field) is covered with (Endangered) Breede River Alluvium Fynbos, although this vegetation has been degraded by an infestation of invasive alien plant species, particularly Hakea sericea.

This will have highly significant regional impacts.

High

The loss of this vegetation and habitat type during the construction phase is unavoidable. Rescued plants and seeds can be removed and relocated to similar habitat or to Karoo National Botanical Gardens for breeding and seeding. No dumping or access roads should be permitted on the pristine section of veld to the south, north and west of the proposed development.

High

Hydrology: Storm water: There will be some additional storm water runoff during the construction

Low

Storm water should flow into existing stream channels and then into the farm dam. The channel should be lined to prevent

Low


29

phase.

erosion. The Applicant should only clear the land necessary to accommodate the development to reduce potential erosion during the construction phase.

Hydrology: Water Supply:

Water will be sourced from the nearby farm dam during the construction phase. Water may be stored on-site in plastic water tanks.

Low

Water extraction should be kept to a minimum, and personnel should be instructed not to waste water during the construction phase.

Low

Hydrology – Rivers and Wetlands: The Witels River runs along the south-eastern boundary of Site B, and could potentially by degraded during the construction process. There is a seasonal wetland seep located on the site. Although it may be possible to arrange the broiler houses in such a way as to avoid destruction of the seep, the changes to surrounding land and to the runoff regime in the area would almost certainly result in substantial degradation of the wetland. High

If this alternative is approved, a wetland/ freshwater specialist should advise the Applicant on how best to maintain the wetland during the construction and operational phases, particularly with regard to managing the hydrological flows in the area. Broiler houses could be positioned around the seep, rather than directly over it. This would leave the wetland itself intact, but it would still suffer substantial degradation. There is also a risk of potential pollution by run-off from the broiler houses. A 32 metre buffer should be maintained along the full length on the stream. Construction personnel should be instructed not to dump any materials in the river channel, or to degrade the riparian area in any way. No blockages or impoundments of the river channel should be permitted during the construction phase.

High

Waste – Sewage/Effluent: Very little sewage will be generated during the construction phase

Low

Portable toilets should be provided to the construction personnel during the construction phase. Waste should be removed and disposed of at a registered waste treatment works.

Low

Waste – Building rubble and littering:

Low Any waste that is produced should be transported to the

Low


30

Potential damage to untransformed lands surrounding Site B (Flat Field) by dumping of surplus building materials or rubble, as well as littering. As the actual broiler houses are prefabricated, this activity is not expected to produce much building rubble.

Municipal landfill in Worcester. Waste and litter drums should be positioned around the site for use by construction personnel. These drums should be regularly emptied and waste removed to the Municipal landfill. Construction personnel should be instructed not to dump any building materials on the untransformed vegetation around the site.

Land transformation – Dust levels: Increased dust levels due to the clearing of vegetation, earthmoving activities and movement of vehicles may impact on air quality and possibly surrounding natural vegetation.

Low

The Applicant should ensure that dust levels are kept to a minimum by exposing only those areas to be developed

Low

Land transformation – Noise levels: Increased levels of noise during earthmoving and construction activities. However, there are only two neighbours within a 1 km radius of the proposed site, so noise impacts are likely to be negligible.

Low

Neighbours are accustomed to heavy machinery i.e. tractor ploughing, crop spraying etc. Only hand-held tools should be used during the erection of the pre-fabricated broiler. The Applicant should ensure that noise impacts are kept to a minimum by: Limiting operation of heavy earthmoving equipment to normal working hours during weekdays (i.e. Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00). Sound dampers should be maintained on all vehicles to ensure effective silencing. The Applicant should supply neighbouring farms with an all-hours telephone number for emergency calls or complaints.

Low

Land transformation - Visual impact: Site B (Flat Field) has the least visual impact as it is located in a slight depression. However, clearing the area of vegetation to make way for the broiler houses would probably have a visual impact, if only in the short-term.

Medium

Effective mitigation is not possible in the short time construction takes place and is described below in the section regarding the Operational Phase i.e. earthen mound, planting of trees, position, height and colour of buildings.

Medium - Low


31

Land transformation – Veldfire: Machinery and human activity will increase veldfire risk levels. The site is currently covered in indigenous and alien invasive vegetation, and there is a risk that a veldfire may spread to adjacent areas.

Medium

No cooking fires should be prepared by staff or contractors tasked with land clearing. The Applicant should ensure that firefighting equipment is available in the event of an accidental fire breaking out. A fire officer should be appointed and all workers should be made aware of fire-fighting procedures.

Low

Land transformation – Loss of agricultural land: This option will not result in the loss of any existing agricultural land

None Not applicable None

Increased traffic volume: The transportation of construction equipment and materials to the site will increase traffic levels in the area.

Low

The Applicant should ensure that traffic flow is not impeded by avoiding the transportation of materials during the peak traffic periods from 07:00 to 08:00 and 16:00 to 17:00

Low

Heritage:

No important archaeological remains were documented on Site B (Flat

Field) and they were rated as having “low local significance”.

Low

If any human remains are found during construction excavation, then The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) must be immediately notified

Low

Socio-Economic: The construction phase will entail clearing land, laying concrete slabs and erecting the pre-fabricated broiler houses on site, together with perimeter fencing and lighting. It is thus unlikely that the construction phase will result in the hiring of large numbers of temporary labourers, etc.

Low None

Low


32

Alternative S2: Chicken broiler houses – Site A (Sloping Field) – Construction phase

Potential impacts:

Significance rating of impacts (Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, Very High):


Significance rating of impacts after mitigation(Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, Very High):

Faunal biodiversity: Loss of faunal habitat The transformation of land will affect fauna on a local scale, as some fauna will be directly affected by habitat loss during land-clearing and construction activities. However, none of the proposed sites are located in potential movement corridors, so impacts are likely to be on a strictly local scale

Low


Low

Floral biodiversity: Loss of floral species due to land transformation No rare or endangered species have been identified on Site A. However, the dominant vegetation type is Breede Alluvium Fynbos, which is endangered.

High

The loss of this vegetation type during the construction phase is unavoidable.Rescued plants and seeds can be removed and relocated to similar habitat or to Karoo National Botanical Gardens for breeding and seeding. No dumping or access roads should be permitted on the pristine section of veld to the south, north and west of the proposed development.

Medium

Floral ecosystem – loss of

vegetation and habitat type due to land transformation The majority of Site A (Sloping Field) is covered with (Endangered) Breede River Alluvium Fynbos, although this vegetation has been degraded by an infestation of invasive alien plant species, particularly Hakea sericea.

The loss of this vegetation type will have a significant regional impact.

High


High

Hydrology: Stormwater: There will be some additional storm water runoff during the construction phase.

Low

Storm water should flow into existing stream channels. The channel should be lined to prevent erosion. The Applicant should only clear the land necessary to accommodate the development to reduce potential

Low


33

erosion during the construction phase.


Water will be sourced from the farm dam during the construction phase. It may be stored on-site in plastic water tanks.

Low


Low

Hydrology – Rivers and Wetlands: The Witels River runs along the north-western boundary of Site A, and could potentially by degraded during the construction phase.

Medium

A 32 metre buffer should be maintained along the full length on the stream. Construction personnel should be instructed not to dump any materials in the river channel, or to degrade the riparian area in any way. No blockages or impoundments of the river channel should be permitted during the construction phase.

Low


Low

Portable toilets should be provided to the construction personnel during the construction phase.

Low

Waste – Building rubble and littering: Potential damage to untransformed lands surrounding Site A (Sloping Field) by dumping of surplus building materials or rubble, as well as littering. As the actual broiler houses are prefabricated, this activity is not expected to produce much building rubble.

Low

Any waste that is produced should be transported to the Municipal landfill in Worcester. Waste and litter drums should be positioned around the site for use by construction personnel. These drums will be regularly emptied and waste removed to the Municipal landfill. Construction personnel should be instructed not to dump any building materials on the untransformed vegetation around the site.

Low


Low


Low

Land transformation – Noise levels:

Neighbours are accustomed to


34

Increased levels of noise during earthmoving and construction activities. However, there are only two neighbours within a 1 km radius of the proposed site, so noise impacts are likely to be negligible.

Low

heavy machinery i.e. tractor ploughing, crop spraying etc. Only hand-held tools should be used during the erection of the pre-fabricated broiler. The Applicant should ensure that noise impacts are kept to a minimum by: Limiting operation of heavy earthmoving equipment to normal working hours during weekdays (i.e. Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00). Sound dampers should be maintained on all vehicles to ensure effective silencing. The Applicant should supply neighbouring farms with an all-hours telephone number for emergency calls or complaints.

Low

Land transformation - Visual Impact: This site (A) is located on the mountain slope and is thus easily visible from nearby roads and farms. The removal of vegetation would thus be clearly visible, as would construction activities. The development will also be different to surrounding land uses and is thus likely to detract from the ‘sense of place’ of the Slanghoek valley.

Medium - High


Medium


Medium


Low

Land transformation – Loss of agricultural land: This option will not result in the loss of any existing agricultural land.



35


Low


Low

Heritage:

No important archaeological remains were documented on Site B (Flat

Field) and they were rated as having “low local significance”.

Low

If any human remains are found during construction excavation, then The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) must be immediately notified

Low

Socio-Economic: The construction phase will entire clearing land, laying concrete slabs and erecting the pre-fabricated broiler houses on site, together with perimeter fencing and lighting. It is thus unlikely that the construction phase will result in the hiring of large numbers of temporary labourers, etc.

Low None

Low

Alternative S3: Chicken broiler houses – Site C (Existing Vines) – Construction phase

Potential impacts:

Significance rating of impacts(Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, Very High):



Faunal biodiversity: Loss of faunal habitat The transformation of land may affect fauna on a local scale, but as the site is currently under vines these impacts should be very low. This site is not located in potential movement corridors, so impacts are likely to be on a strictly local scale.

Low


Low

Floral biodiversity: Loss of floral species due to land transformation



36

Development on this site will not impact on floral biodiversity, as the site is under vines. Floral ecosystem – loss of

vegetation and habitat type due to land transformation Development on this site will not impact on floral biodiversity, as the site is under vines.


Hydrology: Stormwater: There will be some additional storm water runoff during the construction phase.

Low

Storm water should flow into existing stream channels and then into the nearby dam. The channel should be lined to prevent erosion. The Applicant should only clear the land necessary to accommodate the development to reduce potential erosion during the construction phase.

Low


Water will be sourced from the farm dam during the construction phase. It may be stored on-site in plastic water tanks.

Low


Low

Hydrology – Rivers and Wetlands: This site is not located close to any natural aquatic systems, and therefore this development is unlikely to directly impact on rivers and wetlands

Low

Construction personnel should be instructed not to dump any materials in any river channel, or to degrade the riparian area in any way. No blockages or impoundments of the river channel should be permitted during the construction phase.

Low


Low


Low

Waste – Building rubble and littering: Potential damage to untransformed lands west of Site C by dumping of surplus building materials or rubble, as well as littering. As the actual broiler houses are

Low

Any waste that is produced should be transported to the Municipal landfill in Worcester. Waste and litter drums should be positioned around the site for use by construction personnel. These drums should be regularly emptied and waste removed to

Low


37

prefabricated, this activity is not expected to produce much building rubble.

the Municipal landfill. Construction personnel should be instructed not to dump any building materials on the untransformed vegetation around the site.


Low


Low

Land transformation – Noise levels: Increased levels of noise during earthmoving and construction activities. However, there are only two neighbours within a 1 km radius of the proposed site, so noise impacts are likely to be negligible.

Low

Neighbours are accustomed to heavy machinery i.e. tractor ploughing, crop spraying etc. Only hand-held tools should be used during the erection of the pre-fabricated broiler. The Applicant should ensure that noise impacts are kept to a minimum by: Limiting operation of heavy earthmoving equipment to normal working hours during weekdays (i.e. Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00). Sound dampers should be maintained on all vehicles to ensure effective silencing. The Applicant should supply neighbouring farms with an all-hours telephone number for emergency calls or complaints.

Low

Land transformation - Visual Impact: This site (C) is located on the mountain slope and is thus easily visible from nearby roads and farms. The removal of vineyards would thus be clearly visible, as would construction activities. The development will also be different to surrounding land uses and is thus likely to detract from the ‘sense of place’ of the Slanghoek valley.

Medium - High


Medium

Low Low


38

Land transformation – Veldfire: Machinery and human activity will increase veldfire risk levels. The site is currently covered in vines, which are less flammable than the indigenous vegetation on the other sites.


Land transformation – Loss of agricultural land: This option will result in the loss of productive agricultural land, which is currently farmed. This site is also more suitable for agriculture than Sites A or B. The remaining 46ha vineyards and 8 ha of peaches will remain intact.

Medium - High

The proposed development of broiler houses is still an agricultural activity and will in effect assist the Applicant to diversify his farming operation and thus his financial sustainability. There is no direct mitigation for the loss of this agricultural land other than to cultivate the currently untransformed land on Sites A and/or B. This option is considered as an Activity Alternative. However, the agricultural potential study suggests that these sites are less suitable for vines than Site C.

Medium


Low


Low

Heritage:

Several Early Stone Age flake tools and chunks were noted in the vineyards, but the remains occur in a severely disturbed contextThe Heritage specialist concluded that

“The archaeological remains have been rated as having low local significance”.

Low

If any human or archaeological remains are to be found during construction excavation, then The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) must be immediately notified

Low

Socio-Economic: The construction phase will entail clearing land, laying concrete slabs and erecting the pre-fabricated broiler houses on site, together with perimeter fencing and lighting. It is thus unlikely that the construction phase will result in the hiring of large

Medium

The chicken broiler-house operation would be more profitable than the current vineyards. The removal of these vineyards would not impact on the number of labourers employed by the Applicant to work on the farm.

Medium


39

numbers of temporary labourers, etc. However, Site C is currently under vines, and development on this site will thus result in a loss of income from the vines on this land.

THE FOLLOWING ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT INVOLVES THE EXTENSION OF VINEYARD SHOULD THE BROILER HOUSES NOT BE AUTHORISED.

Activity Alternative A2: The establishment of new vineyard S1 on Site B (Flat Field) – Construction phase

Potential impacts:




Faunal biodiversity: Loss of faunal habitat The transformation of land will affect fauna on a local scale, as some fauna will be directly affected by habitat loss during land-clearing activities. However, none of the proposed sites are located in potential movement corridors, so impacts are likely to be on a strictly local scale.

Low

Any reptiles (particularly tortoises) disturbed during land clearing should be relocated to another site and not harmed in any way. Baboon management in the form of litter control and informing construction workers not to feed any wildlife should be implemented.

Low

Floral biodiversity: Loss of floral species due to land transformation A small population of Diastella parilis

(10 plants) is located on the site. These plants are listed as Vulnerable.

High


should be maintained and not interfered with. Rescued plants species/seeds can be removed and relocated to similar habitat or to Karoo National Botanical Gardens for breeding and seeding.

Medium


vegetation type and habitat due to land transformation The majority of Site B (Flat Field) is covered with (Endangered) Breede River Alluvium Fynbos, although this vegetation has been degraded by an infestation of invasive alien plant species, particularly Hakea sericea.

This will have highly significant regional impacts.

High

The loss of this vegetation and habitat type during the construction phase is unavoidable. However, rescued plants and seeds can be removed and relocated to similar habitat or to Karoo National Botanical Gardens for breeding and seeding.

High


40

Hydrology - Storm water: There will be minimal additional storm water runoff during the land-clearing and planting phase.

Low Storm water and any irrigation return flow should flow into existing stream channels and then farm dam. The Applicant should only clear the land necessary to accommodate the development to reduce potential erosion during land clearing.

Low

Hydrology - Water Supply: As no actual construction will take place, other than the preparation of the land for vines, it is unlikely that much water will be used.

Low

Water extraction should be kept to a minimum, and personnel should be instructed not to waste water.

Low

Hydrology – Rivers and Wetlands: The Witels River runs along the south-eastern boundary of Site B, and could potentially by degraded during the land preparation process. There is a seasonal wetland seep located on the site. Although it may be possible to arrange the broiler houses in such a way as to avoid destruction of the seep, the changes to surrounding land and to the runoff regime in the area would almost certainly result in substantial degradation of the wetland.

High

A 32 metre buffer should be maintained along the full length on the stream. Construction personnel should be instructed not to dump any materials in the river channel, or to degrade the riparian area in any way. No blockages or impoundments of the river channel should be permitted during the construction phase. Vineyards could be positioned around the seep, rather than directly over it. This would leave the seep itself intact. Lined trenches around the vineyards could reduce the amount of water being drained from the seep by the vineyard drainage system.

High-Medium

Waste – Sewage/Effluent: Little or no sewage will be generated during land clearing.

Low


Low

Waste – Building rubble and littering: Potential damage to untransformed lands surrounding Site B (Flat Field) due to the dumping of sand and cleared vegetation.

Low

Personnel should be instructed not to dump any sand, etc. on the untransformed vegetation around the site.

Low

Land transformation – Dust levels:

Low The Applicant should ensure that dust levels are kept to a minimum by exposing only those areas to

Low


41

Increased dust levels due to the clearing of vegetation, earthmoving activities and movement of vehicles may impact on air quality and possibly surrounding natural vegetation.

be developed

Land transformation – Noise levels: Increased levels of noise during earthmoving and construction activities. However, there are only two neighbours within a 1 km radius of the proposed site, so noise impacts are likely to be negliable.

Low

Neighbours are accustomed to tractors, ploughing , crop spraying etc. operating in the area.

Low

Land transformation - Visual Impact: Site B (Flat Field) has the least visual impact as it is located in a slight depression. The area is already extensively farmed with vines, so another vineyard would not alter the ‘sense of place’ of the Slanghoek valley. According to the Guideline for Involving Visual and Aesthetic Specialists in EIA Processes, this would constitute a Category 2 development, and would thus be expected to have a minimal visual impact.

Low None Low


Medium

No cooking fires should be prepared by staff or contractors tasked with land clearing. Cleared vegetation should be removed from the site so as to avoid fuel loading in the area. The Applicant should ensure that firefighting equipment is available in the event of an accidental fire breaking out. A fire officer should be appointed and all workers should be made aware of fire-fighting procedures.

Low



Increased traffic volume:

Low None Low


42

Clearing and preparation of agricultural land is unlikely to have any significant impact on traffic volumes in the area. Heritage:

No important archaeological remains were documented on Site B (Flat Field).

Low

If any remains are to be found during construction excavation, then The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) must be immediately notified

Low

Socio-Economic: The construction phase will entire clearing land and preparing the area for vine cultivation, It is thus unlikely that the construction phase will result in the hiring of large numbers of temporary labourers, etc.

Low None

Low

Activity Alternative A2: The establishment of new vineyard S2 on Site A (Sloping Field) Construction phase

Potential impacts:




Faunal biodiversity: Loss of faunal habitat The transformation of land will affect fauna on a local scale, as some fauna will be directly affected by habitat loss during land-clearing and construction activities. However, none of the proposed sites are located in potential movement corridors, so impacts are likely to be on a strictly local scale.

Low


Low

Floral biodiversity: Loss of floral species due to land transformation No rare or endangered species have been identified on Site A. However, the dominant vegetation type is Breede Alluvium Fynbos, which is

High

The loss of this vegetation type during the construction phase is unavoidable.Rescued plants and seeds can be removed and relocated to similar habitat or to Karoo National Botanical Gardens for breeding and seeding.

Medium


43

endangered. No dumping or access roads should be permitted on the pristine section of veld to the south, north and west of the proposed development.


vegetation and habitat type due to land transformation The majority of Site A (Sloping Field) is covered with (Endangered) Breede River Alluvium Fynbos, although this vegetation has been degraded by an infestation of invasive alien plant species, particularly Hakea sericea.

The loss of this vegetation type will have a significant regional impact.

High


High

Hydrology: Storm water There will be minimal additional storm water runoff during the land-clearing and planting phase.

Low

Storm water and any irrigation return flow should flow into existing stream channels. The Applicant should only clear the land necessary to accommodate the development to reduce potential erosion during land clearing.

Low

Hydrology: Water Supply

Water will be sourced from the farm dam during the construction phase.

Low


Low

Hydrology – Rivers and Wetlands: The Witels River runs along the north-western boundary of Site A, and could potentially by degraded during the land preparation process.

Medium

A 32 metre buffer should be maintained along the full length on the stream. Construction personnel should be instructed not to dump any materials in the river channel, or to degrade the riparian area in any way. No blockages or impoundments of the river channel should be permitted during the construction phase.

Low


Low


Low

Waste – Building rubble and

Any waste that is produced

Low


44

littering: Potential damage to untransformed lands surrounding Site A (Sloping Field)by dumping of sand and other materials cleared from the site

Low

should be transported to the Municipal landfill in Worcester. Waste and litter drums should be positioned around the site for use by construction personnel. These drums should be regularly emptied and waste removed to the Municipal landfill. Construction personnel should be instructed not to dump any materials on the untransformed vegetation around the site.


Low


Low

Land transformation – Noise levels: Increased levels of noise during earthmoving and construction activities. However, the nearest neighbours are approximately 600 metres away from the site, so noise impacts are likely to be low.

Low

Neighbours are accustomed to tractors, etc. operating in the area. However, the Applicant should ensure that noise impacts are kept to a minimum by: Limiting operation of heavy earthmoving equipment to normal working hours and to normal work days (i.e. Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00). Silencers should be maintained on all vehicles to ensure effective sound dampening. The Applicant should supply neighbouring farms with an all-hours telephone number for emergency calls or complaints.

Low

Land transformation - Visual Impact: This site is located on the mountain slope and is thus easily visible from nearby roads and farms. However, the area is already extensively farmed with vines, so another vineyard would not alter the ‘sense of place’ of the Slanghoek valley. However, clearing indigenous vegetation would have a visual impact, as it would leave a bare ‘scar’ that would be clearly visible from surrounding areas.

Medium - Low

The visual impact of the land clearing should be viewed in the context of the Slanghoek Valley, which is an agricultural area. Farmers periodically clear and replant vineyards, etc. and the visual impact of this development is thus unlikely to be particularly significant.

Medium - Low


45


Medium

No cooking fires should be prepared by staff or contractors tasked with land clearing. All cleared vegetation should be removed from the site to prevent fuel loading. The Applicant should ensure that firefighting equipment is available in the event of an accidental fire breaking out. A fire officer should be appointed and all workers should be made aware of fire-fighting procedures.

Low



Increased traffic volume: The clearing of agricultural land is unlikely to have any significant impacts on traffic in the area..

Low None Low

Heritage:

One Early Stone Age quartzite flake and one Early Stone Age broken chunk were found on the site. These remains were not judged to be of archaeological importance by the Heritage specialist.

Low

“The archaeological remains

have been rated as having low local significance”. If any human or archaeological remains are found during construction excavation, then The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) must be immediately notified

Low

Socio-Economic: The construction phase will entire clearing land and preparing it for vine cultivation. It is thus unlikely that the construction phase will result in the hiring of large numbers of temporary labourers, etc.

Low None

Low


46

Alternative A3: No Go option

Potential impacts:




General – biodiversity, land transformation, waste treatment, etc. This option does not entail any construction, as there will be no changes to any of the sites.



47

9. Impacts that may result from the Operational Phase Briefly describe and compare the potential impacts (as appropriate), significance rating of impacts, proposed mitigation and significance rating of impacts after mitigation that are likely to occur as a result of the operational phase for the various alternatives of the proposed development. This must include an assessment of the significance of all impacts.

Alternative S1: Chicken broiler houses on Site B (Flat Field) – Operational phase

Potential impacts:




Faunal biodiversity: Loss of faunal habitat The operational phase of the broiler houses is not expected to have any impact on local fauna, although the spread of diseases between wild fauna and chickens should be a concern.

Medium - High

Fencing around the broiler houses should be well-maintained to prevent wild fauna coming into contact with the broiler houses. The broiler houses themselves should be frequently checked to ensure that they are properly sealed off and inaccessible to wild fauna.

Low

Floral biodiversity: Loss of floral species, vegetation and habitat types due to land transformation No additional land transformation and associated floral species loss is expected during the operational phase.

Low


should be maintained and not interfered with.

Low

Hydrology: Storm water The concrete slabs and broiler houses themselves will increase storm water runoff.

Medium

Storm water from the roofs of the broiler houses should be captured in water tanks. This water could be used for drinking water in the broiler houses and for the cleaning and disinfecting phase. Additional water will be lead to the farm dam nearby in lined canals/furrows.

Low


Water will be sourced from streams and the existing farm dam.

Medium

Water abstraction will be within the amounts stipulated by the farm’s existing water use license, The use of rainwater collected off the roofs should reduce the need for additional stream water and groundwater.

Low


48

Hydrology – Rivers and Wetlands: The Witels River runs along the south-eastern boundary of Site B, and could potentially by degraded during the construction process. There is a seasonal wetland seep located on the site. Although it may be possible to arrange the broiler houses in such a way as to avoid destruction of the seep, the changes to surrounding land and to the runoff regime in the area would almost certainly result in substantial degradation of the wetland.

High

If this alternative is approved, a wetland/ freshwater specialist should advise the Applicant on how best to maintain the wetland during the operational phase, particularly with regard to managing the hydrological flows in the area. A 32 metre buffer should be maintained along the full length on the stream. Personnel should be instructed not to dump any materials in the river channel, or to degrade the riparian area in any way.

Medium


49

Waste: Sewerage / Effluent – There are two potential sources of effluent; sewerage from ablution facilities and chemical waste effluent from cleaning of the broiler houses. Wastewater is generated during the cleaning/disinfecting stage, which occurs once every 35 day cycle, after the chickens have been removed from the broiler house.

High

A waste water management plan should be drawn up by a specialist and complied with. Septic tanks should be installed to accommodate the human waste from ablution blocks. It is recommended that the broiler house effluent be led to a Septic Tank and then permitted to overflow into a nearby existing irrigation dam. The waste water so discharged should comply with the General Waste Water Limits as set by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and be registered before the commencement of discharge. All chemicals used during the washing and disinfecting stage are biodegradable, and should break down swiftly once they are exposed to sunlight. Surface (dam and stream) and groundwater water quality should be routinely sampled and analysed for pollutants. A biogas digester should be investigated as an alternative to a septic tank, as well for biogas production, thereby minimising the cost of energy and possibly minimising the development’s carbon foot print / impact on climate change.

Medium


50

Waste – Solid waste

All solid waste (chicken mortalities) will be collected and disposed of by Rainbow Chickens at their rendering facility in Worcester.

High

Chicken houses should be cleared of dead chickens every morning and every evening. A register of mortalities should be kept. Mortalities should be stored in appropriate containers with lids and in a location where baboon, dogs and cats cannot gain. The mortalities should be removed from the premises at least once per week. Fly and other vermin should be strictly controlled.

Medium

Land transformation – Noise and odour nuisance levels

Increased levels of noise and odours generated by the broiler houses. There are only two neighbours living within a 1 km radius of the proposed site, so noise and smell impacts should be attenuated over distance. None of the neighbours live within the path of the main wind directions (Winter North-Westerly and Summer South-Easterly).

Medium

The broiler houses supplied and constructed by Prime Poultry are designed to be both energy saving and sound proof. The regular removal of manure and bedding (every 35 days) and dead birds (twice daily), combined with regular cleaning of the broiler houses should ensure that odour levels remain within acceptable thresholds.

Low

Land transformation - Visual Impact: Site B (Flat Field) has the least visual impact as it is located in a slight depression. However, the development will also be different to surrounding land uses and is thus likely to detract from the ‘sense of place’ of the Slanghoek valley.

Medium

Heights of all buildings, including the broiler houses and feed silos, should be kept as low as possible to reduce the visual impact. Roof angles should also be kept as low as possible. The roofing and walls should be coloured in olive green or dove grey to camouflage the buildings. The visual impact will further be minimised by creating a low wall of earth (berm) on the downslope side during earthworks. Indigenous trees such as Acacia karroo (Soetdoring) Rhus pendolina (Wit Karee), Brabejum stellatifolium (Wild Almond) and Protea nitida (Waboom) shown be grown as a visual barrier.

Low


51

Land transformation – Veldfire: Machinery and human activity will increase veldfire risk levels.

Medium

A fire break should be created and mainatained around the perimeter of the broiler houses. The Applicant should ensure that firefighting equipment is available in the event of an accidental fire breaking out. A fire officer should be appointed and all workers should be made aware of fire-fighting procedures.

Low


52

Increased traffic volume: The operation of the broiler houses is unlikely to have any significant impact on traffic volumes in the area.

Low

The Applicant should ensure that traffic flow is not impeded by avoiding the transportation of chickens or other materials during the peak traffic periods.

Low

Socio-Economic: Farming chickens will allow the Applicant to diversify his operations, thus increasing his financial sustainability. According to the Applicant broiler farming is currently the most profitable of the options available. The proposed BEE farm workers trust, that will own 25.1% of the chicken farming operation., thus HDI’s will benefit from the income generated through this activity. The proposed broiler houses will employ older farm workers who are no longer capable of the more physically intensive work involved in farming grapes or peaches. These workers will be trained, and have greater job security as a result of this activity.

Medium-High

All HDI farm workers, as project beneficiaries, should be capacitated and empowered to understand the BEE process and how it is applied in this project, and be enabled to participate in decision making and management processes.

Medium-High

Health: The potential exposure of workers to infectious diseases is a health hazard.

High

As a contract supplier to Rainbow Chickens, their minimum safety & operations standards should be applied and adhered to. Workers should be adequately trained to follow all safety procedures and wear protective equipment provided. All broiler house staff should be properly trained to ensure that all standards are adhered to. Comprehensive records should be kept. Proper sanitary facilities must be provided, i.e.: wash room with showering facilities.

Medium


53

Alternative S2: Chicken broilers on Site A (Sloping Field) – Operational phase

Potential impacts:




Faunal biodiversity: Loss of faunal habitat The operational phase of the broiler houses is not expected to have any impact on local fauna, although the spread of diseases between wild fauna and chickens may be a concern.

Medium


Low


Low Not applicable Low


Medium

Storm water from the roofs of the broiler houses should be captured in water tanks. This water could be used for drinking water in the broiler houses and for the cleaning and disinfecting phase.

Low



Medium


Low


54

Hydrology – Rivers and Wetlands

The Witels River runs north-western boundary of Site A, and could potentially by degraded during the construction process.

High

The broiler houses as self-contained, sealed units, will not contaminate the river or wetland. However, water quality in both the river and the wetland should be monitored to ensure that no pollution is taking place.

Medium

Waste: Sewerage / Effluent – There are two potential sources of effluent; sewerage from ablution facilities and chemical waste effluent from cleaning of the broiler houses. Wastewater is generated during the cleaning/disinfecting stage, which occurs once every 35 day cycle, after the chickens have been removed from the broiler house.

High

A waste water management plan should be drawn up by a specialist and complied with. Septic tanks should be installed to accommodate the human waste from ablution blocks. It is recommended that the broiler house effluent be led to a Septic Tank and then be regularly pumped out and discharged into the nearby irrigation dam. The waste water so discharged should comply with the General Waste Water Limits as set by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and be registered before the commencement of discharge. All chemicals used during the washing and disinfecting stage are biodegradable, and should break down swiftly once they are exposed to sunlight. Surface (dam and stream) and groundwater water quality should be routinely sampled and analysed for pollutants. A biogas digester should be investigated as an alternative to a septic tank, as well for biogas production, thereby minimising the cost of energy and possibly minimising the development’s carbon foot print / impact on climate change.

Medium


55



High


Medium



Medium


Low

Land transformation - Visual Impact: This site is located on the mountain slope and is thus easily visible from nearby roads and farms. The development will also be different to surrounding land uses and is thus likely to detract from the ‘sense of place’ of the Slanghoek valley.

Medium - High


Low


56


Medium

A fire break should be created and mainatained around the perimeter of the broiler houses. The Applicant should ensure that firefighting equipment is available in the event of an accidental fire breaking out. A fire officer should be appointed and all workers should be made aware of fire-fighting procedures.

Low


Medium - High


Low


Low


Low


57


Medium-High


Medium-High


High


Medium


58

Alternative S3: Chicken broiler houses on Site C (Existing Vines) – Operational phase

Potential impacts:




Faunal biodiversity: Loss of faunal habitat The operational phase of the broiler houses is not expected to have any impact on local fauna, although the spread of diseases between wild fauna and chickens may be a concern.

Medium


Low


Low Not applicable Low


Medium

Storm water from the roofs of the broiler houses should be captured in water tanks. This water could be used for drinking water in the broiler houses and for the cleaning and disinfecting phase.

Low



Medium


Low


59

Hydrology – Rivers and Wetlands

There are no natural watercourses close to the site (which is currently cultivated vineyard), the site is adjacent to a farm dam. The Applicant intends to use the dam to hold effluent from the broiler houses.

Low

None

Low

Waste: Sewerage / Effluent There are two potential sources of effluent; sewerage from ablution facilities and chemical waste effluent from cleaning of the broiler houses. Wastewater is generated during the cleaning/disinfecting stage, which occurs once every 35 day cycle, after the chickens have been removed from the broiler house.

High

A waste water management plan should be drawn up by a specialist and complied with. Septic tanks should be installed to accommodate the human waste from ablution blocks. It is recommended that the broiler house effluent be led to a Septic Tank and then be regularly pumped out and discharged into the nearby irrigation dam. The waste water so discharged should comply with the General Waste Water Limits as set by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and be registered before the commencement of discharge. All chemicals used during the washing and disinfecting stage are biodegradable, and should break down swiftly once they are exposed to sunlight. Surface (dam and stream) and groundwater water quality should be routinely sampled and analysed for pollutants. A biogas digester should be investigated as an alternative to a septic tank, as well for biogas production, thereby minimising the cost of energy and possibly minimising the development’s carbon foot print / impact on climate change.

Medium


60



High


Medium



Medium


Low


Medium - High


Low


61


Medium

A fire break should be created and maintained around the perimeter of the broiler houses. The Applicant should ensure that firefighting equipment is available in the event of an accidental fire breaking out. A fire officer should be appointed and all workers should be made aware of fire-fighting procedures.

Low


Low


Low


High


Medium


62

Alternative Activity A1: Vineyards on Site B (Flat Field) – Operational phase

Potential impacts:




Faunal and Floral biodiversity: Runoff containing fertilisers and spraying with pesticides may alter community composition in the seep/ wetland area.

Medium - High

Vineyard drainage should be structured so that runoff does not drain into the seep area, but rather towards the Witels River. No spraying of herbicides or pesticides should be done within 32 metres of the edge of the river or seep areas.

Medium

Hydrology – Storm water

The vineyard may result in a slight increase in runoff.

Low

The vines should be equipped with a subterranean drainage system that should return water to the farm dam or the Witels River. Storm water canals / furrows should be lined to prevent erosion.

Low


Medium-High


Medium-High


63

Hydrology – Water supply

Water will be abstracted from the Witels River and existing farm dams.

Medium

Abstraction levels should remain within the limits stipulated by the farm’s Existing Water Use License. Water efficient irrigation should be used.

Low

Waste – Effluent / Solid waste A nominal amount of additional solid waste related to agri-chemical containers will be produced.

Low

Solid waste such as empty chemical containers should be disposed of in a responsible manner.

Low

Land transformation – Visual impact The expected visual impact from expanding the vineyards should be minimal. Vines are the dominant agricultural feature of the Slanghoek Valley and further vineyards are unlikely to alter the areas character.

Low None Low

Socio-economic impacts Expanding the cultivated area of the farm would improve the viability of the farm as an economic unit. This would improve job security and possibly provide additional employment opportunities

Medium Not applicable Medium

Alternative Activity A2: Vineyards on Site A (Sloping Field) – Operational phase

Potential impacts:




Faunal and Floral biodiversity: Runoff containing fertilisers and spraying with pesticides may alter community composition in the seep/ wetland area.

Medium - High

No spraying of herbicides or pesticides should be done within 32 metres of the edge of the river.

Medium

Hydrology – Storm water

The vineyard may result in a slight increase in runoff.

Low

Subterranean drainage should be installed to return drainage water to the closest dam or river. Storm water canals / furrows should be lined to prevent

Low


64

erosion.


65

Hydrology – Water supply

Water will be abstracted from the Witels River and existing farm dams.

Medium

Abstraction levels should remain within the limits stipulated by the farm’s Existing Water Use License. Water efficient irrigation should be used.

Low

Waste – Effluent / Solid waste A nominal amount of additional solid waste related to agri-chemical containers will be produced.

Low

Solid waste such as empty chemical containers should be disposed of in a responsible manner.

Low

Land transformation – Visual impact The expected visual impact from expanding the vineyards should be minimal. Vines are the dominant agricultural feature of the Slanghoek Valley and further vineyards are unlikely to alter the areas character.

Low None Low

Socio-economic impacts Expanding the cultivated area of the farm would improve the viability of the farm as an economic unit. This would improve job security and possibly provide additional employment opportunities

Medium Not applicable Medium

Alternative A3: No-Go Option

Potential impacts:




Socio-economic impacts

The No-Go option will have significant socio-economic impacts. The proposed development would improve the job security of farm workers, particularly those who are no longer able to cope with the physical demands of working in the vineyards. The proposed farm workers trust would

High

The Applicant could explore alternative farming option on his existing agricultural lands, possibly by diversifying his crops.

Medium-High


66

not be established, and the potential BEE benefits of the development would be lost. The No-Go alternative would also stymie the Applicants attempt to diversify and improve the economic viability of the farm.


67

10. Impacts that may result from the Decommissioning and Closure Phase Briefly describe and compare the potential impacts (as appropriate), significance rating of impacts, proposed mitigation and significance rating of impacts after mitigation that are likely to occur as a result of the decommissioning and closure phase for the various alternatives of the proposed development. This must include an assessment of the significance of all impacts. Alternative Sites – Activity A1 Chicken Broiler Houses on Sites A, B or C

Potential impacts:




Faunal and Floral biodiversity: Trucks and other demolition machinery may damaged natural veld areas. Landuse Alternative 1: Development footprint area is rehabilitated to natural veld. Landuse Alternative 2: The Applicant establishes additional vineyard or orchards,

Medium- High

Areas and routes should be demarcated where vehicles may move in order to minimise impact on surrounding natural veld. Care should be taken to avoid disturbance to any riparian or wetland area, in particular the seep on Site B. A soil and vegetation rehabilitation specialist should be appointed. Once the concrete slabs have been broken up and removed, the underlying compacted soil should be ripped, the stockpiled top soil replaced. Landuse Alternative 1: Seed from the surrounding fynbos areas should be collected, treated and sown onto the area, together with a non-invasive annual plant such as oats, in order to provide some protection to germinating fynbos seed. Landuse Alternative 2: The impacts related to the establishment of vineyard or orchards, should be managed as per the Activity Alternative A2 Operational Phase above.

Low- Medium

Hydrology – Storm water The storm water generated off the

Medium

Effective erosion measures, including contour ripping, lining of storm water channels and the sowing of an appropriate

Low


68

area should decline, however the newly rehabilitated area has an associated erosion risk.

groundcover / crops should be implemented.

Solid waste Decommissioning and demolition of the broiler houses will result in solid waste generation, both in terms of building rubble (from the concrete base) and potential hazardous materials (from the broiler houses). Landuse Alternative 2: The Applicant may wish to establish additional vineyard or orchards,

Medium - High

Solid waste generated from the decommissioning and demolition of the broiler houses should be disposed of at a properly licensed landfill site. Should the insulation materials used be hazardous in any way, disposal should then be at a landfill site that may accept hazardous waste. Where possible reuse and /or recycling of building materials should be encouraged. Landuse Alternative 2: The impacts related to the establishment of vineyard or orchards, should be managed as per the Activity Alternative A2 Operational Phase above.

Medium

Land transformation – Visual impact The visual impact during this phase would be limited to the removal of the concrete base (temporary stockpiling of rubble), and soil preparation (temporary exposed soil). Landuse Alternative 1: Development footprint area is rehabilitated to natural veld. Landuse Alternative 2: The Applicant establishes additional vineyard or orchards,

Low

Visual impact would ultimately be minimised through the removal of the broiler houses and concrete bases. Any rubble stockpiled should be placed in an area with the least visual impact. Landuse Alternative 1: The initial groundcover and ultimately the re-established indigenous veld would not have a visual Impact. Landuse Alternative 2: The , vineyard or orchard would have a minimal visual impact once established Windrows and trees planted to mitigate visual impacts of the development should be left.

Low

Noise: Noise created by earth moving machinery

Medium

Neighbours are accustomed to tractors ploughing, crop spraying, etc. operating in the area. However, the Applicant should ensure that noise impacts are kept to a minimum by:

Low


69

Limiting operation of heavy earthmoving equipment to normal working hours and to normal work days (i.e. Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00). Silencers should be maintained on all vehicles to ensure effective sound dampening. The Applicant should supply neighbouring farms with an all-hours telephone number for emergency calls or complaints.

Health Workers demolishing the buildings may be injured or infected. Decommissioned buildings and associated infrastructure may contain pathogens.

Medium - High

Workers should be properly trained and equipped to demolish the buildings safely. Buildings should be properly cleaned and disinfected before demolition commences.

Medium

Alternative S2: Chicken Broiler Houses on Site A (Sloping Field) – Described above

Potential impacts:




Alternative S3: Chicken Broiler Houses on Site C (Existing Vine) – Described above

Potential impacts:





70

Alternative Activity A1: Vineyards on Site B (Flat Field)

Potential impacts:




Not applicable, as the land will remain under cultivation for the foreseeable future

None Identical to Operational Phase described for this activity.

None

Alternative Activity A2: Vineyards on Site A (Sloping Field)

Potential impacts:




Not applicable, as the land will remain under cultivation for the foreseeable future

None Identical to Operational Phase described for this activity.

None

Alternative activity A3: No-Go Option

Potential impacts:




Not applicable, as the land will remain untransformed.



71


72

11. Cumulative Impacts Describe potential impacts that, on their own may not be significant, but will be significant when added to the impact of other activities or existing impacts in the environment and substantiate response (The information in this section must be provided for all the alternatives as well):

Cumulative impacts of proposed broiler houses

Occupational Health and Safety: Where the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act are taken into consideration and properly monitored at chicken broiler houses, protective clothing and systematic personal cleansing routines significantly reduce the chances that infections are spread from the chicken broiler houses into local communities. Clearing of Indigenous Vegetation: Breede River Alluvium Fynbos was classified as endangered by the

National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (2004), recent information indicates that only around 33% of the original extent remains intact. This is very close to the threshold of 30% below which the ecosystem would be considered critically endangered (S. Ralston, CapeNature, personal communication). By locating the broiler

houses on Site C, which is currently cultivated (vineyards), there will be no further negative impact on a currently endangered veld type. Impact on hydrological connectivity: Development on Site B (Flat Field) could have additional impacts, as it will possibly degrade, a seasonal seep / wetland on the site. This could add to the cumulative impacts on hydrological connectivity and water quality in the area. These impacts if gauged to be significant would have to be verified by a wetland / freshwater specialist. Aesthetics and Tourism Value of the Slanghoek Valley: The extensive development of chicken broiler houses in the Slanghoek Valley will impact on the aesthetic and tourism value of the area, through both visual and olfactory (odour) impacts. However, this particular development on its own will not significantly detract from the beauty of the Slanghoek area, and the applicant’s intention to apply landscaping and other techniques to ameliorate such impacts is clear. Socio-Economic Impact of diversifying the agricultural products on Witels Farm: The Applicant in terms of economic sustainability and agricultural expansion is severely handicapped due to the rich floral biodiversity, critically endangered veld type and recognised ecological corridors that cross the property. The proposed broiler houses offer the Applicant a chance to diversify his agricultural products significantly in an area intensive manner, while also creating benefits for his workers in terms of BEE. This will have a positive cumulative impact on the economic wellbeing of the local and possibly the regional farming community.

12. Impact Summary of Preferred Alternative Having assessed the significance of impacts of the various alternatives, please provide an overall summary and reasons for selecting the preferred alternative.

The Applicant’s preferred alternative is to develop the Broiler Houses on Site B (Flat Field- natural veld). In terms of Ease of Construction / Development, Site B will be relatively easy to develop due to its position and accessibility from the rest of the farm. Social and Economic Impact: The economic impact of the development on Site B on the life of the farm and the people, who work there, will be significant, as it will secure additional jobs and livelihoods for the foreseeable future. Impact on the Natural Environment: The development will cause transformation of an endangered vegetation type, even though the site has been negatively impacted by the invasive alien vegetation. The potential damage to a seasonal wetland has not been properly considered or investigated by a specialist, only described within a broader environmental context. The Applicant is of the opinion that activities on neighbouring farms (to the north) is already impacting as the seep is drying up. This “change” has not been


73

monitored or measured scientifically. This lack of knowledge creates uncertainty as to the severity of the potential impact. The Applicant has made a firm commitment to conserving the other wetlands that exists on the farm and is committed to ensuring that the ecological corridor of natural veld, including large stretches of Breede Valley Alluvium Fynbos, between the Slanghoek / Limietberg mountain catchment area and the Slanghoek River and associated wetland remains. . Visual Impact: Site B (Flat Field) offers the least visual impact. From a tourism perspective the proposed broiler houses on this site are less likely to be seen neither from any route nor from any existing tourist facility in the area. To ensure that the visual impact is low, the applicant proposed to use gravel excavated during preparation work on the site, to form a low earthen wall (berm) to mitigate the visual impact, plant indigenous trees around the broiler houses and camouflage the houses with appropriate muted dull green and grey colours. . The Environmental Assessment process concluded however that Site C would be least impacted in terms of natural environment and is thus the preferred alternative from this perspective. The site has sufficient space to accommodate the proposed structures, is well situated in terms of access roads and infrastructure and is thus easy to develop. The visual impact although slightly greater than Site B can be mitigated. In terms of agricultural potential Site C has the best soil of the sites considered, however the broiler development will strengthen the agricultural viability of the farm.

13. Recommendation of Environmental Assessment Practitioner

In my view (EAP), the information contained in this application form and the documentation attached hereto is sufficient to make a decision in respect of the activity applied for.

YES �� NO

If “NO”, list the aspects that should be further assessed through additional specialist input/assessment or whether this application must be subjected to a Scoping process before a decision can be made:

If “YES”, please list recommended conditions, including mitigation measures, that should in your view be considered for inclusion in an authorisation if the activity is authorised by the competent authority:

Boland Environmental Consultants are of the opinion that Site C (Existing vines) is the most suitable for the proposed broiler farm development, despite the loss of agricultural land inherent in this option. The Applicant has stated a desire to offset this loss of vineyards by clearing an equivalent amount of land on Site B (Flat Field) or Site A (Sloping Field). This would result in the loss of an endangered vegetation type (Breede Alluvium Fynbos), and we are of the opinion that development on either of these two sites (Site A and Site B) should only be considered on condition that the remaining undeveloped portions of the property are placed under Stewardship and managed accordingly. General Condition – Preferred Activity Alternative – Broiler Houses:

1. Authorisation should be conditional on finalisation of the BEE component of the proposed

Development. Farm workers must be capacitated and enabled to effectively participate in the development of the BEE model and business. An independent suitably experienced consultant should be appointed to facilitate this process. The BEE process should be monitored and evaluated on a regular basis.

Conditions related to the Construction Phase – Preferred Activity – Broiler Houses:

1. A suitably qualified environmental monitoring officer should be appointed at the Construction Phase.

2. No temporary roads are permitted through natural veld.

3. The Applicant must ensure that rivers and wetlands on, or adjacent to, construction sites, are not

damaged or degraded during the construction phase. A 32 m buffer zone must be left intact between


74

the development and any water course or wetland / seep.

4. Sensitive areas should be mapped ”No-Go”, marked with danger tape or fenced off.

5. Specific care should be taken to protect any rare plant species (e.g. Diastella parilis) during the

construction phase. The Karoo National Botanical Gardens in Worcester must be contacted should a need arise to move any plants.

6. Any reptiles, tortoises or snakes found, should be left unharmed or carefully moved to the safety of the closest natural veld.

7. Storm water channels must be lined with stone gabions or suitable material. Care should be taken to prevent erosion where a storm water channel enters a natural drainage channel or farm dam.

8. Only the area that is to be developed should be cleared.

9. The topsoil (0- 30cm) must be stockpiled for rehabilitation purposes.

10. Dust levels must be minimised by spraying water onto cleared areas. Care should be taken not to

waste water or create erosion.

11. The powerline must not cross any virgin veld and be so aligned as to leave the smallest disturbance as possible both in terms of footprint or visually.

12. A suitable qualified health and safety practitioner should be on site at all times. A foreman or

supervisor should be trained in first aid.

13. Construction personnel should be provided with adequate temporary ablution facilities. Toilet facilities must be regularly cleaned and sewerage disposed of properly.

14. No dumping of builder’s rubble should be permitted on natural veld.

15. Construction personnel should be provided with “baboon proof” rubbish bins to prevent littering. Refuse and rubble must be regularly removed by the Contractor to the Worcester Landfill site.

16. The site office, workshop and recreational facilities must be clearly demarcated and fenced off.

17. No fires are permitted on the construction site. A safety officer must be appointed and fire fighting equipment be made available in close proximity at all times.

18. Operation of heavy earthmoving equipment should be limited to normal working hours and to week

days (i.e. Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00).

19. If any archaeological or human remains are discovered during earthworks, operations in that area should immediately cease, the area clearly demarcated and the relevant authorities immediately notified ie. Heritage Western Cape or the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) respectively.

20. Silencers on all machinery must be well maintained to ensure effective sound dampening.

21. The Applicant will supply neighbouring farms with an all-hours telephone number for emergency calls

or complaints.

Site specific conditions - Preferred Activity Alternative – Broiler Houses – Site B

1. Authorisation for development on the Site B (Flat Field) site should be conditional to the findings of wetland / freshwater specialist the current state and potential impact on the wetland / seep.

Operational phase – Preferred Activity – Broiler Houses:


75

1. The development should be properly fenced off to prevent fauna coming in contact with the broiler houses or chickens.

2. Rainwater from roofs must be caught and stored in closed water tanks. The water should be used to augment the drinking and/or cleaning water supply.

3. Excessive storm water must be led by canals / furrows to the closest farm dam or stream. Storm water channels must be lined with stone gabions or suitable material. Care should be taken to prevent erosion where a storm water channel enters a natural drainage channel or farm dam.

4. Should the water use exceed the current existing lawful water use, a licenses must be obtained from

the Department of Water Affairs.

5. A waste water management plan must be drawn up by a suitably qualified specialist and the planned discharge of waste water or water containing waste into a water body must be registered. Water samples of the waste water and the receiving water body should be taken and analysed at regular intervals. A complete set of records must be kept for inspection and submitted as part of any environmental audit. On further recommendation of the specialist a septic tank system must be installed to collect all waste water effluent generated by the broiler houses. A biogas digester should be investigated as an alternative to septic tank as well for biogas production, thereby minimising the cost of energy and possibly minimising the development’s carbon foot print / impact on climate change.

6. A wastewater specialist should be appointed to develop a waste water management plan for the

operational phase. The Applicant must agree to an annual environmental audit of the chicken broiler houses, holding dam water and ground water quality monitoring by suitably qualified environmental practitioner.

7. Broiler houses must be cleared of dead chickens every morning and every evening. A register of mortalities must be kept as per Rainbow Chickens standards. Mortalities must be stored in appropriate containers with lids and in a location where wild and domestic animals cannot access them. Rainbow Chickens is obliged to remove all mortalities for disposal at their licensed rendering plant in Worcester, at least once per week.

8. Fly and other vermin must be controlled in accordance to accepted practices, in ecologically and humanely manner.

9. Odours must be minimised by removal of dirty manure and bedding from the broiler houses. The manure should not be stockpiled for long periods but removed as soon as possible by the proposed Contractor.

10. Fencing around the broiler houses must be well-maintained to prevent wild fauna coming into contact

with the broiler houses. The broiler houses themselves must be frequently checked to ensure that they are properly sealed off and inaccessible to wild fauna.

11. Visual impacts should be minimised by at least creating an earthen berm on the down-slope side (this

wall could double as the topsoil stockpile), planting this berm with indigenous trees and shrubs and camouflaging the broiler housing by utilising the wall and roof building materials coloured olive green or dull grey. Indigenous trees such as Acacia karroo (Soetdoring) Rhus pendolina (Wit Karee), Brabejum stellatifolium (Wild Almond) and Protea nitida (Waboom) shown be grown as a visual barrier.

12. Proper health and safety standards must be complied with and detailed registers kept and made available for inspection, as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993). Workers should be issued with the required training, safety equipment and clothing.

Decommissioning phase: Preferred Activity Alternative – Broiler Houses rehabilitated to veld

1. Areas and routes should be demarcated where demolishing and other vehicles may move in order to

minimise impact on surrounding natural veld.


76

2. Care should be taken to avoid disturbance to any riparian or wetland area, in particular the seep on Site B.

3. A soil and vegetation rehabilitation specialist should be appointed to recommend the best rehabilitation methodology and provide supervision.

4. After the removal of the concrete slabs, the underlying compacted soil should be ripped and the stockpiled top soil replaced.

5. Seed from the surrounding fynbos areas should be collected, treated and sown onto the area, together

with a non-invasive annual plant such as oats, in order to provide some protection to germinating fynbos seed.

Construction / Preparation phase: Activity Alternative – Extension of vineyards

1. The Applicant must ensure that rivers and wetlands on, or adjacent to, cleared sites, are not damaged or degraded during the ploughing and soil preparation. A 32 m buffer zone must be left intact between the development and any water course or wetland / seep.

2. Specific care should be taken to protect any rare plant species (e.g. Diastella parilis) during the

construction phase. The Karoo National Botanical Gardens in Worcester must be contacted should a need arise to move any plants.

3. Any reptiles, tortoises or snakes found, should be left unharmed or carefully moved to the safety of the closest natural veld.

4. Storm water channels must be lined with stone gabions or suitable material. Care should be taken to prevent erosion where a storm water channel enters a natural drainage channel or farm dam.

5. Only the area that is to be developed should be cleared.

6. If any archaeological or human remains are discovered during earthworks, operations in that area should immediately cease, the area clearly demarcated and the relevant authorities immediately notified i.e. Heritage Western Cape or the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) respectively.

Operational phase: Activity Alternative – Extension of vineyards

1. No spraying of herbicides or pesticides should be done within 32 metres of the edge of the river.

2. Subterranean drainage should be installed to return drainage water to the closest dam or river.

3. Abstraction levels should remain within the limits stipulated by the farm’s Existing Water Use License. Water efficient irrigation should be used.

4. Solid waste such as empty chemical containers should be disposed of in a responsible manner. Decommissioning phase: Activity Alternative – Extension of vineyards

1. It is highly unlikely that the Applicant will decommission his agricultural land once cultivated.


77

LIST OF APPENDICES The following appendices must be attached where appropriate:

Appendix

Tick (“��”) box if Appendix is attached

Appendix A: Locality maps

��

Appendix B: Site plan(s)

��

Appendix C: Owner(s) consent(s)

��

Appendix D: Site photographs

��

Appendix E: Public participation information: including a copy of the register of interested and affected parties, the comments and responses report, proof of notices, advertisements and any other public participation information as required in Section C above.

��

Appendix F: Permit(s) / license(s) from any other organ of state including service letters from the municipality

1. Heritage Western Cape Record of Decision 2. Rainbow Chickens: Confirmation of farm suitability for chicken farming 3. Eskom Confirmation of Service Availability 4. Water Registration Certificates

��

Appendix G: Specialist Report(s)

1. Botanical Assessment Report 2. Natural Heritage Report 3. Agricultural Potential Study 4. Visual Impact Assessment

��

Appendix H: Any Other (describe)

1. Provisional Operational Environmental Management Programme

��


78

DECLARATIONS

The Applicant I…………………………………., in my personal capacity or duly authorized thereto hereby declare that:

• The information contained in this application form is true and correct, and

• I am fully aware of my responsibilities in terms of the National Environmental Management Act of 1989 (“NEMA”) (Act No. 107 of 1998) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (“EIA Regulations”) in terms of NEMA (Government Notice No. R. 385, R. 386, and R. 387 in the Government Gazette of 21 April 2006 refer), and that failure to comply with these requirements may constitute an offence in terms of NEMA and the EIA Regulations.

Note: If acting in a representative capacity, a certified copy of the resolution or power of attorney must be

attached.

Signature of the applicant:

Name of company:

Date: The independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner I ……………………………………, as the appointed independent environmental practitioner hereby declare that:

• The information contained in this application form is true and correct, and

• I am fully aware of my responsibilities in terms of the National Environmental Management Act of 1989 (“NEMA”) (Act No. 107 of 1998) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (“EIA Regulations”) in terms of NEMA (Government Notice No. R. 385, R. 386, and R. 387 in the Government Gazette of 21 April 2006 refer), and that failure to comply with these requirements may constitute an offence in terms of NEMA and the EIA Regulations.

Note: The terms of reference must be attached.

Signature of the environmental practitioner:

Name of company:

Date:

BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT (FINAL DRAFT FOR COMMENT) … Witels/Witels 775 draft BAR.pdf · BASIC...

Documents

Transcript of BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT (FINAL DRAFT FOR COMMENT) … Witels/Witels 775 draft BAR.pdf · BASIC...