CONSULTATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT: … · Figure 3.1: Proposed layout of Polokwane...

P O Box 1935 TZANEEN 0850 Tel 015 – 307 3606 Fax 015 – 307 3080 [email protected]

www.polygonenvironmental.co.za

APPLICANT: POLOKWANE MUNICIPALITY

CONSULTATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT:

PROPOSED POLOKWANE EXTESION 134 TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT ON THE FARM

VOGELSTRUISFONTEIN 667-LS AT SESHEGO, POLOKWANE

24 November 2017

CONTACT: Ms Louise Agenbag

TEL: 015 307 3606 / 083 339 2731

FAX: 015 307 3080 / 086 527 0012

E-MAIL: [email protected]

POST: PO Box 1935, TZANEEN, 0850

WEB: www.polygonenvironmental.co.za

CONSULTATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED POLOKWANE EXTENSION 134 TOWNSHIP

ESTABLISHMENT ON THE FARM VOGELSTRUISFONTEIN 667-LS AT SESHEGO, POLOKWANE, LIMPOPO PROVINCE

Polygon Environmental Planning

Tel 015 307 3606 – Fax 015 307 3080 – [email protected] – PO Box 1935 TZANEEN 0850 – www.polygonenvironmental.co.za

2

Contents

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ……………………………………………………………….……4

CONTACT DETAILS ……………………………………………….……………………………….……….5

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 6

2. SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................ 6

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................ 8

3.1. Overview ...............................................................................................................................................8

3.2. Services and Infrastructure ....................................................................................................................9

3.3. Storm water .........................................................................................................................................10

3.2.4 Solid waste ..................................................................................................................................... 10

4. PROJECT MOTIVATION, NEED AND DESIRABILITY ............................................................................. 10

5. IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 11

6. INVESTIGATION OF ALTERNATIVES ...................................................................................................... 12

6.1. Project Alternatives .............................................................................................................................12

6.2. Site Alternatives ..................................................................................................................................12

6.3. Layout Alternatives .............................................................................................................................12

6.4. No-go Alternative ...............................................................................................................................13

7. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION .................................................................................................................... 14

7.1. Environmental Legislation ..................................................................................................................14

7.2. Other Legislation .................................................................................................................................15

7.3. Municipal and provincial planning tools .............................................................................................16

7.3.1. Polokwane Municipality – Integrated Development Plan and Spatial Development Framework

16

7.3.2. Limpopo Conservation Plan version 2 (2013) ............................................................................ 18

7.3.3. National Freshwater Ecosystems Priority Areas ......................................................................... 18

8. ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING INVESTIGATION – ................................................................................... 19

BIO-PHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS ................................................................................................................... 19

8.1. Climate ................................................................................................................................................19

8.1.1. Status quo .................................................................................................................................... 19

8.1.2. Potential impacts ......................................................................................................................... 19

8.2. Topography, Surface Hydrology, Soils and Geology .........................................................................20

8.3. Ecology ...............................................................................................................................................22

8.3.1. Status quo .................................................................................................................................... 22


9. ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING INVESTIGATION – ................................................................................... 26

SOCIO-ECONOMIC INVESTIGATIONS ............................................................................................................ 26

9.1. Heritage Assessment ...........................................................................................................................26

9.2. Social Aspects .....................................................................................................................................27

9.2.1. Status quo: Polokwane Local Municipality (Information adapted from PM IDP 2016/2021) .. 27


9.3. Visual Aspects.....................................................................................................................................30

9.3.1. Status quo .................................................................................................................................... 30





3


9.4. Noise ...................................................................................................................................................31

9.4.1. Status quo .................................................................................................................................... 31


9.5. Cumulative impacts .............................................................................................................................32

10. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS ....................................................................................................... 33

10.1. Advertisement of Commencement of EIA Process .........................................................................33

10.2. Issues Raised ...................................................................................................................................33

10.3. Availability of Consultative ESR for Review and Comment..........................................................34

11. PLAN OF STUDY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ..................................................... 34

11.1. Approach to Undertaking the Impact Assessment Phase of the Project .........................................34

11.2. Assessments to be conducted as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment phase ..................34

11.3. Assessment of impacts ....................................................................................................................35

11.4. Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Environmental Management Programme ............37

11.5. Public Participation Process ............................................................................................................37

11.5.1. Public Meeting ............................................................................................................................ 37

11.5.2. Issues Trail .................................................................................................................................. 37

11.5.3. Public Review of the draft EIAR and EMPR .............................................................................. 37

11.5.4. Authority Review of the EIAR and EMPR ................................................................................. 37

11.6. Authorisation ...................................................................................................................................38

12. CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 38

13. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 43





4

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Locality map and aerial photograph

Appendix B: Site photographs

Appendix C: Facility Illustration

Appendix D: Advertisement of initial public comment period

Appendix E: I&AP and stakeholder correspondence:

- List of I&APs

- Issues Trail

- Copies of I&AP correspondence

Appendix F: Advertisement of availability of Consultative Environmental Scoping Report

for public review and comment

Appendix G: LDEDET pre-application meeting

Appendix H: EAP declaration of interest

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS:

DWS Department of Water and Sanitation

EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner

ECO Environmental Control Officer

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EIR Environmental Impact Report

EMF Environmental Management Framework

EMPR Environmental Management Programme

ESR Environmental Scoping Report

ESS Environmental Scoping Study

GPS Global Positioning System

PLM Polokwane Local Municipality

Ha Hectare

HIA Heritage Impact Assessment

I&AP Interested and/or Affected Party

LDEDET Limpopo Department of Economic Development and Environmental Tourism

MAE Mean Annual Evaporation

MAMSL Metres Above Mean Sea Level

MAP Mean Average Precipitation

NEMA National Environmental Management Act (1998)

NEMWA National Environmental Management: Waste Act (2008)

NWA National Water Act (1998)

WUL Water Use Licence

WULA Water Use Licence Application





5

CONTACT DETAILS

Environmental Impact Assessment Practitioner

Polygon Environmental Planning CC

Contact: Ms. Louise Agenbag

Tel.: 015 307 3606 / 083 339 2731

Fax: 015 307 3080

E-mail: [email protected]

Postal address: PO Box 1935, Tzaneen, 0850

Web: www.polygonenvironmental.co.za

EAP’s Qualifications (Louise Agenbag):

- BSc (Hons) Geography (cum laude), University of Pretoria

- BSc Environmental Sciences (cum laude), University of Pretoria

- Certificate in Environmental Management Systems (ISO14001:2004), North-West University,

Potchefstroom campus

- Completed short courses in Water Use Authorisation and Project Management

- 13 years’ experience in environmental impact assessment and management (2005 to current),

11 of which at management level (2007 to current)

- Member of IWMSA (Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa) and IAIAsa

(International Association for Impact Assessment, South African chapter)

Applicant

Polokwane Municipality

Contact: : Yasmin Gani

Tel: : 015 290 2138 E-mail: : [email protected]

Environmental Authority

Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism (LDEDET)

Contact: Ms Melinda Rodgers

Tel.: 083 443 5749

Fax: 015 295 5015

E-mail: [email protected]





6

1. INTRODUCTION

Polygon Environmental Planning has been appointed to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

for the proposed establishment of Polokwane Extension 134 mixed-use township on a farm Vogelstruisfontein

667-LS, near Seshego, within the Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province.

The township is proposed to cover 120.9ha of the 184ha property and to be composed of residential and

business areas, places of worship, schools, public open space and stands for municipal use. The development

is expected to improve access to housing and provide an integrated, multi-use community for residents.

This consultative Environmental Scoping Report (ESR) was compiled following the scoping-phase investigations

and stakeholder engagement, and is currently available for public review and comment, from 24 November 2017

to 15 January 2018. All comments received will be incorporated into the final ESR, which will then be submitted

to the Limpopo Department of Economic Development and Environmental Tourism (LDEDET).

2. SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

2.1. Location

The proposed development site is located on the Remaining Extent of the farm Vogelstruisfontein 667- LS, at

Seshego within the Polokwane Municipality, Limpopo Province. The property, which is 184 ha in extent, is

11.6km north-west of Polokwane.

.

Figure 2.1: 1:50 000 topo-cadastral map of the proposed property.

Legend The site





7

2.2. Site description

The site is currently vacant and undeveloped, but appears to be informally used for firewood collection, livestock

grazing and sand mining (the latter specifically within and along the drainage lines). Vegetation is fairly natural,

but degraded by these activities, and footpaths criss-cross the site. The Blood River forms the south-eastern

boundary of the farm, and two smaller non-perennial drainage lines, which are tributaries of the Blood River,

drain in a south-easterly direction across the site. The Matlala road crosses the south-westernmost corner of

the site.

Township developments are planned on the properties north-east and south-east of the site, but these have as

yet not been developed.

Figure 2.2: Aerial photograph with the site boundaries indicated in red (Imagery: Google Earth 2017)

The following table provides general information pertaining to the site.

Table 2.1: General site information

District Capricorn District

Local Municipality Polokwane Local Municipality

Property description Farm Vogelstruisfontein 667-LS

Surveyor-General code T0LS00000000066700000

Nearest town Polokwane

Coordinates Lat: 23˚ 51’ 26.20”S

Lon: 29˚ 20’ 28.39”E

Current land use Vacant land; informal firewood collection, grazing and

sand mining





8

Surrounding land use Residential Areas (Medium-high density)

Natural areas

Proclaimed but undeveloped townships (Polokwane Ext.

126, 127 and 133)

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1. Overview

The Polokwane Municipality proposes the development of a mixed-use township (Polokwane Extension 134)

directly west of Seshego, on the Farm Vogelstruisfontein 667-LS, which is 184ha in extent. The development

is proposed to comprise the following land uses:

Table 3.1: Proposed land uses as part of Polokwane Ext. 134.

PROPOSED ZONING NUMBER OF STANDS AREA / EXTENT

Residential 1 2 562 ± 70.6ha

Business 3 1 ± 3.4ha

Institutional (reserved for Church) 3 ± 0,5ha

Educational (reserved for schools) 5 ± 8ha

Municipal 1 ± 1.5ha

Public open space (parks) 14 ± 58ha

Streets - ± 36,9ha

In total, 120.9ha is proposed to be developed (excluding open space). No development will take place within

the 1:100 year flood line or the buffer zone around the river and drainage lines, apart from stream crossings

which necessarily have to cross these areas.

The residential component of the development is to consist of bonded homes, subsidy homes and combination

bonded and subsidy homes. Stands will have a minimum size of 200m2, with an average size of 209m2 in one

area and an average of 356m2 in another section.

The development is proposed to serve the demand for housing and ancilliary uses in Seshego and the

surrounding area.





9

Figure 3.1: Proposed layout of Polokwane Extension 134.

3.2. Services and Infrastructure

Access is proposed to be from the Matlala Road as well as from Seshego’s side via the proclaimed (but

undeveloped) Polokwane Ext. 126 and 127 townships. Internal streets are to vary from a servitude width of 13m

to 30m. Three stream crossings by internal streets are proposed to form part of the development, while a fourth

is tentatively planned just off the site (not part of this application; will need to be applied for separately if and

when that crossing is in fact planned to be constructed).

Services – water, sewerage and electricity – are proposed to connect to the existing bulk service infrastructure

in neighbouring Seshego, supplied by Polokwane Municipality. As part of the internal infrastructure network,

stream crossings by streets and pipelines (water and sewerage) will be required.

A 15m wide water pipeline servitude traverses the northern section of the site, in a roughly north-west to south-

easterly direction. As can be seen on the layout map in the figure above, this servitude is not just located on

this site, but traverses the site as part of a longer route.





10

3.3. Storm water

With the construction of new roads, storm water runoff will be accommodated by means of formal storm water

systems such as open lined channels, kerb inlets, grid inlets and storm water pipes.

3.4. Solid waste

Solid waste is proposed to be collected by the Polokwane Municipality for disposal at a municipal landfill site.

4. PROJECT MOTIVATION, NEED AND DESIRABILITY

The Polokwane Municipality Integrated Development Plan (IDP, 2008-2011) indicates that the population in the

urban areas including Seshego and Bloodriver is increasing, much of which is due to a substantial increase in

rural-urban migration, as people seek an improved quality of life as well as access to jobs and improved services

and infrastructure. This has led to a need for increased housing and effective provision of basic services in

these areas. According to the IDP, Seshego City has a housing waiting list of 22 693. This proposed project

aims to address some of those needs.

This proposed development is listed as part of the Polokwane Municipality Reviewed Housing Sector Plan

(2013-2016).

The Polokwane Municipality Spatial Development Framework (SDF, 2005) highlights the need for public land

development and subsidized housing schemes, aimed at lower and middle income groups, to be strategically

located closer to activity nodes and as part of clusters where job opportunities (formal and informal) exist, and

in a manner to be fully integrated with the current urban structure. It should also be aimed at Strategic

Development Areas (SDAs).

This proposed development site is located in SDA1, between Seshego and Polokwane, and therefore near areas

where job opportunities and services are clustered; it has also been planned to be close to public transport

routes as part of the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network, which would facilitate easy access to

Polokwane. SDA1 is specifically highlighted in the SDF as one of the areas that should receive preference for

development where public funds are applicable, such as subsidized housing schemes.

The development is proposed as an integrated, mixed-use development in which job opportunities will also be

contained, for instance in the business component of the development and in schools, etc. The integration of

different uses into the development aims to reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to obtain

goods and services or attend schools, places of worship, etc.

In terms of the 2010 SDF, Seshego is classified as a first order settlement and a provincial growth point (PGP),

which is the highest order in the settlement hierarchy and therefore also the most important type of growth point.

The PGPs have a sizable economic sector and have a regional or even provincial service delivery function, and

furthermore usually also have a large number of social and institutional facilities. Growth points (and most

importantly PGPs) form the major areas where future growth should be stimulated.





11

5. IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

Potential impacts were scored on the following basis:

• Status:

- Positive – the proposed project is to have a positive impact in terms of the particular parameter;

- Negative – the proposed project is to have a negative impact in terms of the particular

parameter;

- Neutral – the proposed project is to have neither a positive nor a negative impact in terms of

the particular parameter.

• Extent:

- Local – the impact is to be felt on the site and in its immediate surroundings, up to a radius of

50km from the site);

- Sub-regional – the impact is to be felt at a distance of up to 100km from the site;

- Regional – the impact is to be felt in the Limpopo Province;

- National – the impact is to be felt across provincial boundaries.

• Duration:

Refers to the period of time over which impacts can be expected to be experienced.

- Short term – 0 to 5 years;

- Medium term – more than 5 years, up to 15 years;

- Long term – more than 15 years;

- Permanent – the impact is irreversible.

• Magnitude:

Refers to the intensity of the potential impact, if it is experienced.

- Negligible – the impact will barely be felt, if at all. No mitigation required;

- Very low – the will only be affected to a very small extent. No mitigation required, but monitoring

may be recommended, where applicable;

- Low – the parameter will be affected to a small extent by the proposed project. Monitoring is

required and mitigation may be recommended;

- Medium – the parameter will be affected by the proposed project, but functions in terms of the

parameter can still continue. Mitigation and monitoring required;

- High – functioning in terms of the parameter will be significantly affected by the impact.

Extensive mitigation and long-term monitoring required.

• Likelihood:

- Improbable – it is unlikely that the impact will be experienced;

- Possible – the impact may be experienced. Monitoring required; mitigation may also be

required based on the type of impact and its significance;

- Highly probable – the impact will most likely be experienced. Monitoring and mitigation required

based on the type of impact and its significance in order to reduce the probability of the impact

occurring and/or to reduce the magnitude of the impact;





12

- Definite – the impact will be experienced. Monitoring and mitigation required based on the type

of impact and its significance in order to reduce the probability of the impact occurring and/or to

reduce the magnitude of the impact.

• Significance:

Significance is based on a consolidation of the anticipated extent, duration, magnitude and likelihood of

the potential impact.

- Negligible – The impact will barely be felt, if at all. No mitigation required;

- Very low – the will only be affected to a very small extent. No mitigation required, but monitoring

may be recommended, where applicable;

- Low – the parameter will be affected to a small extent by the proposed project. Monitoring is

required and mitigation may be recommended;

- Medium – The parameter will be affected by the proposed project, but functions in terms of the

parameter can still continue. Mitigation and monitoring required;

- High – Functioning in terms of the parameter will be significantly affected by the impact.

Extensive mitigation and long-term monitoring required.

6. INVESTIGATION OF ALTERNATIVES

6.1. Project Alternatives

No project alternatives were investigated, as the aim of the applicant was specifically to provide housing and

supporting land uses in this area. The project proposal, viz. township establishment with open space and

community facilities, is in line with surrounding land use and development trends, and there is a demand for the

type of development proposed, as there is a housing backlog and a need for commercial space from which

businesses can be operated and jobs thereby be created.

6.2. Site Alternatives

No site alternatives were investigated, as the proposed development site already belongs to the municipality

and is in a highly suitable position for the proposed development type, being situated near already existing

similar development and adjacent to proclaimed (though as yet undeveloped) townships.

6.3. Layout Alternatives

Initially a 147ha portion of the property was proposed to be developed, but this has been reduced based on the

1:100 year flood line and the buffers recommended around the watercourses by the wetland and riparian

specialist. Insubstantial variations on the layout were considered, but the constraints of the site (particularly with

regards to the watercourses traversing and bordering the site) dictated the development area, and the only

variations would be in terms of the arrangement of land uses within the development footprint. These variations

were minor and did not affect the type or scale of environmental impacts, hence the impact assessment focused

on the preferred alternative which is described in this report.





13

6.4. No-go Alternative

The ‘no-go’ alternative refers to the scenario in which the proposed activity does not take place and the site

remains as it is.

If the no-go alternative is taken, the impacts that can be anticipated to be associated with the proposed township

establishment would not come to pass and the conditions and trends on the property can be expected to remain

as per the status quo. Impacts that can be expected to be experienced in case of the no-go alternative being

selected include the following:

Table 6.1: Potential impacts that may be associated with the no-go option

POTENTIAL IMPACT STATUS EXTENT MAGNITUDE LIKELIHOOD SIGNIFICANCE

Bio-physical aspects

No construction-phase increase

in soil erosion and sedimentation

of watercourses

Neutral Local Medium Highly

probable

Low

Long-term levels and trends of

erosion and of sedimentation of

drainage lines remain

unchanged

Neutral Local Low Highly

probable

Low

No soil compaction / trampling of

vegetation within watercourses

or riparian areas

Neutral Local Low-Medium Highly

probable

Low

No contamination of water

resources

Neutral Local Unknown Highly

probable

Low-Medium

No habitat destruction and/or

fragmentation

Neutral Local Medium

Definite Low-Medium

No fragmentation of wetland or

aquatic ecosystems

Neutral Local Low-Medium Definite Low

No removal of protected plant

species

Neutral Local Low

Highly

probable

Very low

No faunal fatalities resulting from

construction-related activities

Neutral Local Low Definite Low

No disruption of the activities of

fauna on and around the site due

to e.g. noise


probable

Low

No trapping / hunting / killing

fauna by labourers out of fear or

for food


probable

Low

No roadkilll within the

development


Socio-economic aspects

No disturbance of

archaeological material

Neutral Local Unknown Definite Unknown





14

7. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION

7.1. Environmental Legislation

• National Environmental Management Act, EIA Regulations (2014)

Environmental Authorisation (EA) is required in terms of the EIA Regulations (2014, as amended 2017),

published in terms of section 24(5) read with section 44 of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA,

Act No. 107 of 1998), as certain of the listed activities are triggered, as indicated in Table 7.1 below.

Table 7.1: Applicable listed activities (EIA Regulations 2014, as amended 2017)

Listing Notice 1:

12(ii)(a)

12(ii)(c)

The development of infrastructures or structures with a physical footprint of 100m2 or more,

where such development occurs within a watercourse; or if no development setback exists,

within 32m of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse.

No employment creation or

sustaining of jobs in

construction-related fields

Neutral Local Medium-High Definite Medium-High

No supporting local businesses

through local procurement of

materials, equipment & services

Neutral Local to

Sub-

regional

Medium-High Highly

probable

Medium-High

No increase in criminal activity

and/or rowdiness

Neutral Local Unknown Highly

probable

Low-Medium

No job creation (long term) Neutral Local Low-Medium Highly

probable

Low-Medium

No decrease in the backlog of

housing and amenities in the

area

Neutral Local Medium-high Highly

probable

Medium-high

No visual impacts of construction

activities

Neutral Local Medium-High Definite Medium

No visual impact of the

development

Neutral Local Medium-High Definite Medium

No noise associated with

increased traffic (heavy

vehicles) during construction


No noise associated with

construction activities

Neutral Local Low--medium Definite Low

Long-term ambient noise level

remains unchanged

Local Low Highly

probable

Very low

Setting a precedent for further

development in the area

Local –

sub-

regional

Unknown Definite Unknown





15

19 The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 10m3 into, or excavation, removal or

moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock of more than 10m3 from a

watercourse.

Listing Notice 2:

15 The clearance of an area of 20 hectares or more of indigenous vegetation.

Listing Notice 3:

14(ii)(a)e(i)(ff)

14(ii)(c)e(i)(ff)

The development of infrastructures or structures with a physical footprint of 10m2 or more,

where such development occurs within a watercourse; or if no development setback exists,

within 32m of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse. Applicable in

Limpopo Province, outside urban areas, in critical biodiversity areas or ecosystem service

areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in

bioregional plans.

• National Water Act (1998)

The following Section 21 water uses in terms of the National Water Act (NWA, Act No. 36 of 1998), are

anticipated to be triggered and will require a Water Use Licence (WUL) from DWS:

Table 7.2: Applicable water uses in terms of the National Water Act (1998)

SECTION WATER USE DESCRIPTION

21(c) Impeding or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse.

21(i) Altering the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse.

7.2. Other Legislation

Table 7.3: Other applicable legislation

LEGISLATION RELEVANT

SECTIONS PERTAINS TO

The Constitution Act (No 108 of

1996)

Chapter 2,

Section 24

Bill of Rights: Environmental rights

Conservation of Agricultural

Resources Act (1983)

Section 5 Prohibition of the spreading of weeds

Fencing Act (No 31 of 1963) Section 17 Clearing of bush for fencing

Fertilizers, Farm Feeds,

Agricultural Remedies and Stock

Remedies Act (No 36 of 1947)

Sections 3 – 10 Control of the use of pesticides, herbicides and

fertilizers, and precautions to protect workers in this

regard

Limpopo Environmental

Management Act

Schedule 2, 3,

11 and 12

Lists of protected animals and plants

National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998) and regulations (2010)

National Environmental

Management: Air Quality Act

(No 39 of 2004)

Section 32 Control of dust

Section 34 Control of noise

Section 35 Control of offensive odours

Section 57 Restricted activities involving listed threatened or

protected species





16


Management: Biodiversity Act

(No 10 of 2004)

Sections 65–69 Regulation of activities involving alien species

Sections 71, 73

and 75

Regulation of activities involving invasive species


Management: Waste

Amendment Act (No 26 of 2014)

Chapter 4, Part

4 Waste management activities

Chapter 5 Licensing of waste management activities

Chapter 5 Institutional and planning matters

Chapter 7 Compliance and enforcement

National Heritage Resources Act

(No 25 of 1999)

Section 34 Protection of structures older than 60 years

Section 35 Protection of archaeological and paleontological sites

and material as well as meteorites

Section 36 Conservation of burial grounds and graves

National Forests Act (No 84 of

1998), as amended by the

Forestry Laws Amendment Act

(No 35 of 2005)

Section 7 Prohibition on destruction of trees in natural forests

Sections 12–16 Declaration of trees, groups of trees, woodlands or

tree species as protected

Section 17 Declaration of controlled forest areas

National Water Act (No 36 of

1998)

Section 19 Prevention and remedying effects of pollution,

particularly where pollution of a water resource

occurs or might occur as a result of activities on land

Section 20 Control of pollution of water resources following an

emergency incident

Chapter 4

(Sections 21-55)

Governs water use

Occupational Health and Safety

Act (No 85 of 1993)

Section 8 General duties of employers to their employees

Section 9 General duties of employers and self-employed

persons to persons other than their employees

Polokwane Municipality

Standard Water Supply By-Laws

(1977, as amended)

Chapter I General provisions

Chapter II

Supply of water by the council

7.3. Municipal and provincial planning tools

7.3.1. Polokwane Municipality planning tools Integrated Development Plan and Spatial Development

Framework

The site is located within the urban edge.

In terms of the Polokwane Municipality Spatial Development Framework and Integrated Development Plan, the

site is located within Strategic Development Area 1. Subsidized housing development is one of the priorities for

SDAs.

Seshego is classified as a first order settlement and a provincial growth point (PGP), which is the highest order

in the settlement hierarchy and therefore also the most important type of growth point. The PGPs have a sizable

economic sector and have a regional or even provincial service delivery function, and furthermore usually also





17

have a large number of social and institutional facilities. Growth points (and most importantly PGPs) form the

major areas where future growth should be stimulated.

This proposed development is listed as part of the Polokwane Municipality Reviewed Housing Sector Plan

(2013-2016).

Figure 6.1: Extract from Polokwane Municipality SDF (2010)





18

7.3.2. Limpopo Conservation Plan version 2 (2013)

Most of the site is located within an Ecological Support Area 1 (ESA1) in terms of the Limpopo Conservation

Plan version 2, whilst the remaining section is within Other Natural Areas (ONA).

Figure 6.2: Extract from Limpopo Conservation Plan (image: SANBI BGIS, 2017)

7.3.3. National Freshwater Ecosystems Priority Areas

The National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (NFEPA) Map indicates that the site is located within an

upstream management area. The Blood River is an NFEPA river and an artificial wetland (consisting of a man-

made dam) is indicated onsite.





19

Figure 6.3: Location of the proposed development site in the context of FEPAs

8. ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING INVESTIGATION –

BIO-PHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS

8.1. Climate

8.1.1. Status quo

Summer rainfall with very dry winters. Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) from about 400mm to about 600mm.

Frost fairly infrequent. Mean monthly maximum and minimum temperature for Polokwane 33.2°C and 0.6 °C for

October and June, respectively (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006)

8.1.2. Potential impacts

The proposed project is not anticipated to have any impact on the local climate.

The local climate, however, may impact the project by causing increased soil erosion if rain occurs during the

construction phase of the project. It will be recommended in the Environmental Management Programme

(EMPR) that earthworks should preferably commence during the relatively dry winter season in order to avoid

this potential impact





20

Table 8.1: Potential impacts in terms of climate

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Potential impact Status Extent Duration Magnitude Likelihood Significance

without

mitigation

Significance

with

mitigation

Increased risk of erosion Negative Local Short term Medium Possible Medium Low

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Increased risk of erosion Negative Local Long term Low Possible Low Very low

8.2. Topography, Surface Hydrology, Soils and Geology

8.2.1. Status quo

Topography and drainage

The proposed development site has a maximum elevation of approximately 1292 metres above mean sea level

(mamsl). The area comprises of moderately undulating plains with a short open tree layers and a well-developed

grass layer. The area slopes gently towards the Blood River which forms the eastern boundary of the property.

Surface Hydrology

The site is located within the A71A quaternary catchment, which forms part of the Limpopo Water Management

Area (WMA). The Blood River forms the eastern boundary of the property. Two non-perennial tributaries of the

Blood River traverse the site, and a small dam is situated on one of these, The dam is indicated as a wetland

on the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) map, though it doesn’t display wetland

characteristics on the ground and is a man-made dam. The Blood River is impounded by the Seshego Dam,

and is captured by the Sand River downstream to the north of Polokwane City.

In the region of the study site, areas that have been dug-out or eroded due to anthropogenic activities now

support some wetland vegetation. This is due to the depressions created where water collects and remains for

extended periods, thus creating wetland-like areas. These areas were not historically wetlands or part of the

river systems in the area. These areas of water retention can clearly be seen on aerial imagery (Limosella,

2017).

Soils

The soil class Ab91 located on the study site is characterised by red-yellow apedal, freely drained soils; red,

dystrophic and/or mesotrophic as well as Geyser Granite; leucocratic grey biotite granite and pegmatite gneiss,

granite and Pietersburg Group; acid to intermediate lava, pyroclasts (Limosella, 2017).

Geology

Migmatites and gneisses of Hout River Gneiss and the Turfloop Granite (both of Randian Erathm) are dominant.

Some ultramafic and mafic metavolcanics, quardzite and chlorite schist Pietersburg Group (Swazian Erathem)

are also found.





21

Figure 8.1: Aerial photograph showing the boundaries of the project site and surface hydrology (imagery: BGIS

2017)


Topography and soils

Potential impacts that may be associated with alteration of the local topography is the increased erosion because

of site clearing (Construction phase) and increased proportion of hard surfaces leading to concentrated peak

storm water flow (operational phase).

Geology and Geo-hydrology

The project is not anticipated to impact on the geology or geo-hydrology of the area.

Surface Hydrology

Clearing of vegetation during earthworks will make the site vulnerable to soil erosion in case of rains during the

period that bare soil is exposed. This, in turn, may increase siltation of watercourses. During the Construction

phase the water can be contaminated by runoff containing construction-related substances such as fuel, cement

or paint.

Vehicles or machinery moving through drainage lines may cause compaction of soil and disturbance of aquatic

and riparian ecology. Construction of low-level bridges may contribute to fragmentation of wetlands (if any) and

may result in increased soil erosion within the watercourse due to the turbulence resulting from bridge footings

or the acceleration of water flow through culverts.

LEGEND

The Site

Blood River Onsite Dam





22

A specialist wetland and riparian delineation, functional assessment and risk assessment will be undertaken as

part of the impact assessment phase.

Potential impacts that may be associated with topography, soils, geology and hydrology are summarised in the

following table.

Table 8.2: Potential impacts in terms of topography, soils, geology and hydrology

CONSTRUCTION PHASE


without

mitigation

Significance

with

mitigation

Increased soil

erosion and

concomitant

sedimentation of

watercourses

Negative Local Short term Medium Possible Medium Low

Soil compaction /

trampling of

vegetation within

watercourses or

riparian areas

Negative Local Short term Low-

Medium

Possible Medium Low

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Increased soil

erosion due to

hard surfaces and

increased peak

storm water flow,

and concomitant

sedimentation of

watercourses

Negative Local Long term Low Possible Low Very low

Contamination of

water resources

Negative Local to

Sub-

regional

Long term Unknown Possible Medium Low-Medium

8.3. Ecology

8.3.1. Status quo

Limpopo Conservation Plan

Most of the site is located within an Ecological Support Area 1 (ESA1) in terms of the Limpopo Conservation

Plan version 2, whilst the remaining section is within Other Natural Areas (ONA).





23

Figure 8.2: Extract from the Limpopo Conservation Plan version 2 (BGIS, accessed 2017).

Vegetation

According to Mucina and Rutherford (2006), the proposed location forms part of the Polokwane Plateau

Bushveld, which consists of moderately undulating plains with short open tree layer with well-developed grass

layer to grass plains with occasional trees at higher altitude.

The vegetation unit has a conservation status least threatened and a targeted conservation percentage of 19%.

Only 2% is statutorily conserved mainly in the Percy Fyfe and Kuschke Nature Reserves and about 0.7%

conserved in private Nature Reserves such Polokwane Game Reserve. There is about 17% transformed

including about 10% cultivated and 6% urban and built-up. Dense Concentration of rural settlement is found

particularly in the eastern and north-western parts of the unit. In some regions, scatted populations of Alien

Agave, Jacaranda mimosifois , Melia azedaeach, optunia ficus-indica and ricinus are of concern.

Other important taxonomy within the vegetation includes:

Small Trees:

Acacia caffra, A.permixta, A. rehmanniana, A. karoo, A. tortilis subsp. Heteracantha, combretum moolle,

Ormocarpum kirkii, ziziphus mucronate.

Tall Shrubs:

Acacia hebeclada subsp. Hebclada, gymnosporia senegelensis, combretum hereroense, Diospyros lycioides

subsp sericea, Euclea crispa, heteromorpha arborescens var. abyssinica, Triumfetta pilosa var. tomentosa.

Succulent tree:

Aloe marlothii subsp. Marlothii.





24

Low Shrubs:

Agathisanthemum rigidum, Gymnosporia glaucophylla, Hirpicium bechuanense, Lantana rugosa, senecio

burchellii,sida rhombifolia, solanum panduriforme.

Succulent Shrubs

Aloe cryptopoda.

Woody Climbers:

Asparagus Africanus,

Herbaceous climbers

Momordica balsamina, Rubia petiolaris

Graminoids:

Aristida diffusa, brachiaria nigropedata, digiteria eriantha , eragrostis curvula, themeda triandra, aristida

congesta, cymbopogon, caesius, cynodont dactylon, digitaria diagnalis, diheteropogon amplectens, elionurus

muticus, eragrostis gummiflua, E. racemose, E. superba, Eustachys paspaloides, panicum maximum,

pogonarthria squarrosa, sporobolus africanus.

Herbs:

Felicia mossamedensis, hermbstaedtia odorata, pollichia campetris.

Geophytic Herbs

Eulophia petersii, hypoxis hemerocallidea.

Succulent herb

Aloe greatheadii

The specialist ecological study, to be done during the impact assessment phase, will investigate the state of the

vegetation onsite, the occurrence of threatened or protected plant species, and the potential impacts of the

proposed project.

Fauna

Due to the degraded condition of the habitat onsite, the use of the site for e.g. grazing and firewood collection,

and the proximity of intensive human activity (busy road and nearby development) it is expected that larger

mammals will be absent from the site, but small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects can be expected to

be present, and certain bird species likely use the site for roosting and/or foraging.

Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) that are likely to occur onsite include one scorpion (Opistophthalmus

glabrifrons) and one bird species (Coracias garrulus – European Roller), which is listed as near threatened.

The specialist ecological study to be done during the impact assessment phase will investigate the probability

of sensitive species occurring onsite and the potential impact of the proposed project on these.





25


The project will result in habitat destruction in the area that is developed, as well as habitat fragmentation. The

latter will be mitigated to some extent by retaining the watercourses with their attendant flood lines and buffer

zones (as recommended by the wetland and riparian specialist) as public open space.

During the construction phase, fauna that are unable to flee to undeveloped areas in time, may be killed by e.g.

earthmoving equipment. However, as the development is to take place in phases (starting with installation of

services, followed by gradual building-up of stands), animals are likely to move into undeveloped areas in time.

The exception may be hibernating animals (e.g. snakes) or nesting birds that may need to abandon eggs or

chicks if trees are felled.

The disturbance wrought by the development may aid alien invasive vegetation in spreading or establishing

itself in higher concentrations than is currently the case. The introduction of exotic plants into gardens or

landscaped areas as part of the development may also contribute to the spreading of alien vegetation.

Traffic on roads within the development may result in roadkill of animals crossing the roads, particularly frogs

but also small mammals and reptiles such as snakes.

The encroachment of human habitation and activity onto most of the site may disturb the activities of fauna

remaining in refugia such as the drainage lines onsite. For instance, light spilling over from the development

may disrupt the activities of nocturnal fauna, and noise from the development may similarly interfere with some

species’ activities. The possibility exists that residents or their pets may kill animals venturing into the

development, especially species considered dangerous (e.g. snakes) or a nuisance (e.g. mice).

The potential impacts are summarised in the table below.

Table 8.5: Potential ecological impacts

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Potential impact Status Extent Duration Magnitude Likelihood

Significance

without

mitigation

Significance

with

mitigation

Habitat destruction

and/or fragmentation

Negative Local Long term –

permanent Medium Definite Medium

Low-Medium

Removal of protected

plant species


permanent Low Possible Low

Very low

Faunal fatalities

resulting from

construction-related

activities

Negative Local Short term Low Highly

probable

Low Low

Disruption of the

activities of fauna on

and around the site

due to e.g. noise


probable

Low Low

Trapping / hunting /

killing fauna by


probable

Low Low





26

labourers out of fear

or for food

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Roadkilll within the

development

Negative Local Long term Low Highly

probable

Low Low

Habitat destruction

and/or fragmentation


permanent

Medium Definite Medium Low-Medium

Fragmentation of

wetland or aquatic

ecosystems

Negative Local Short term Low-

Medium

Possible Medium Low

9. ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING INVESTIGATION –

SOCIO-ECONOMIC INVESTIGATIONS

9.1. Heritage Assessment

9.1.1. Status quo

There are no known areas designated for socio-religious activities were on the site, and no known formal or

informal graves.

According to the most recent archaeological cultural distribution sequences by Huffman (2007), this area falls

within the distribution area of various cultural groupings originating out of both the Urewe Tradition (eastern

stream of migration) and the Kalundu Tradition (western stream of migration). The facies that may be present

are:

Urewe Tradition: Kwale branch- Mzonjani facies AD 450 – 750 (Early Iron Age)

Moloko branch- Icon facies AD 1300 - 1500 (Late Iron Age)

Marateng facies AD 1650-1840 (Late IA)

Kalundu Tradition: Happy Rest sub-branch - Doornkop facies AD 750 - 1000 (Early Iron Age)

Eiland facies AD 1000 – 1300 (Middle Iron Age)

Klingbeil facies AD 1000 - 1200 (Middle Iron Age)

Letaba facies AD 1600 - 1840 (Late Iron Age)

Marateng facies AD 1650-1840 (Late IA)

Archaeologically, the Polokwane/Pietersburg area has a rich and well documented past, and was mainly

occupied by people of the Ndebele groups.





27


No impacts are foreseen, but a heritage impact assessment will be undertaken during the impact assessment

phase to determine whether there are heritage resources / artefacts / sites on the property and if so, what the

impacts will be.

9.2. Social Aspects

9.2.1. Status quo: Polokwane Local Municipality (Information adapted from PM IDP 2016/2021)

Location

The proposed development site forms part of the Polokwane Local Municipality within the Capricorn District

Municipality. The PLM borders the municipalities of Molemole, Greater Tzaneen, LepelleNkumpi, Mogalakwena

and Aganang. Polokwane has a large portion of the population living in rural or peri-urban areas, which for the

most part is unplanned and poorly serviced (PM IDP 2013/2017)

Population

Polokwane Municipality is a home to approximately 628 999 persons, where females make up 326 766 of the

population whilst males attribute for the remaining 302 233 of the population. There are about 178 001

households and average of 4 persons per household. 92,9% of the population is black African, followed by white

people at 5,2%. Other population groups make up the remaining 1,9%. Most people in the municipality speak

Sepedi as the first language at 80%, Afrikaans at 5%, English at 3% and other languages make up 11% (PM

IDP 2016-2021).

Income, employment and education

The majority of the people in Polokwane fall within the lower to middle income groups, which is a reflection of a

developing economy (PM IDP 2015/2016). Polokwane had 29,401 employed persons in 2010 and 26,792

unemployed persons in 2011. This implies an unemployment rate of 17.1%, but with many more women than

men who are unemployed in 2011 (PM IDP 2013/2017).

Polokwane Municipality has a strong educational profile among people of school going age and older. 17,9% of

the population aged 20 years and older had some form of higher education; whereas 29,6% has completed

matric and only 6,8% had no schooling. The municipality has a number of public schools and tertiary institutions

such as University of Limpopo and campuses of the University of South Africa and Tshwane University of

Technology (PM IDP 2016-2017).

Economic activities and opportunities

The majority of employed persons work in the following sectors:

- Community service sector

- Finance Sector

- Retail trade

- Transport Sector





28

The major contributor to the municipal economy is the community services sector, which is responsible for 30.9%

of the value of contribution. It incorporates a wide range of activities from economic development, infrastructure

and community upliftment project by both private and public sector. Finance sector incorporates banking,

business, insurance and consulting services to real estate transactions; and is a reflection of Polokwane as a

service centre for Limpopo Province and it is responsible for 28.1% of the value. Trade which includes wholesale

and retail trade, catering and accommodation, is the third largest sector with a contribution of 14.4% and the

transport is the fourth largest sector with 14.3%.

Infrastructure and services

Water: Polokwane Municipality is a water scares city, with more than 60% of its water sourced outside the

boundary of the Municipality. Seshego’s water is supplied by the following water sources: Seshego Dam,Olifants

and Seshego Dam. Most of municipal Regional Water Schemes are 100% reticulated with metered yard

connections (PLM IDP 2013/2017).

Sewerage: Major progress was made in the provision of sanitation services in Polokwane between the census

periods of 2001 and 2011. However, even with the improvement the municipality will not meet the Millennium

Development Goal that every household must have access to healthy and dignified sanitation facility. In 2011

Polokwane Municipality had 73 092 flush toilets connected to the sewerage infrastructure and 4 777 with septic

tanks (PLM IDP 2013/2017)

Electricity: The Municipality distributes electricity in the City/Seshego cluster while Eskom is the service

provider in the rest of the Municipal area. 99% of dwellings in the City/Seshego cluster are supplied with

electricity. Apart from main roads, street lighting is of reasonable standard (PLM IDP 2013/2017).

Housing: Polokwane Municipality, as the economic hub of the Province, is experiencing population growth

which results in an influx of people from the rural areas into the urban parts of the municipality. In the municipality

there are 159 082 households that live in formal dwellings, and 16 044 live in informal dwellings/backyard

shacks. 1 000 RDP houses have been allocated to Polokwane by COGHSTA for 2013/14. Those RDP houses

will be constructed in different wards within the municipality (PLM IDP 2013/2017)

Health care: The provision of health services within the municipality is fairly covering the communities. There

are 29 clinics and 1 health care centre found in the municipal area. Most of the clinics operate 24 hours per day

and are fairly well equipped with all necessary infrastructure. The municipality also harbours a provincial hospital

in the CBD, one District hospital (Seshego) and 1 tertiary hospital in Mankweng (PLM IDP 2013/2017).

Roads: In terms of the current analysis, City / Seshego and Mankweng Cluster‘s roads have deteriorated due

to limited routine and preventative maintenance. With increased road users, congestion has therefore increased

in recent years, and has now become problematic in the City/Seshego and Mankweng/Sebayeng, therefor traffic

safety can be linked with the existing condition of roads in the municipal area (PLM IDP 2013/2017).

Waste management

Currently, only City / Seshego and some parts of Mankweng / Sebayeng clusters have conventional waste

management services in place. There is only one landfill site permitted and two transfer stations in the CBD

area (PLM IDP 2013/2017).

According to PLM IDP (2013/2017) the municipality has 5 transfer stations:





29

• 3 x permitted

• 1 x application in process 103

• 1 x ROD (record of decision) but not permitted.

• The Municipality has 1 permitted landfill site.

Development constraints

Constraints to development within PLM relate mainly to the following:

Lack of water sources: Lack of sustainable water sources for future supply. The municipality is currently

receiving between 80 to 94Ml/d and is unable to meet the peak flow demand of 163Ml/day. Construction of

Seshego CRU housing project has been completed and it is expected to increase water demand as soon as

beneficiaries are allocated (PLM IDP 2016/2021).

Land claims: A number of land claims have been lodged with government within the municipal area of

jurisdiction. However, none of these claims are finalized. It is currently not possible to determine their likely

impact on spatial development. Prospective developers are obliged to seek consent of the Land Claims

Commissioner prior to undertaking any form of development, that is, either for township establishments or

change in land use. Although consultations do not hinder development, they do affect the speed at which

development moves (PLM IDP 2013/2017).

Lack of funding: Limited operation and maintenance of infrastructure due to shortage of funds. Large sums are

also required to increase the capacity of water infrastructure to be able to cater for current and new

developments, and for construction of a regional waste water treatment plant (PLM IDP 2016/2021))

Illegal Connections: Illegal connection and bridging of electricity is contributing to electricity losses and Illegal

extension of houses (back yard rooms) has an impact on sewer treatment plant (PLM IDP 2016/2021).

Spatial analysis

A new Land Use Management Scheme should be compiled to address some of the main short comings of the

existing scheme. The existing Land Use Management scheme of Polokwane Local Municipality is currently only

limited to the urban area of Polokwane City/ Seshego as well as the adjacent small holdings / farm portions

(Urban Fringe Area). The commercial farming area, rural villages and Tribal areas are excluded from the current

land use scheme (PM IDP 2013-2021).


The following short-term socio-economic impacts may be expected during the construction phase of the

proposed project:

• Creation of employment opportunities in construction and installation of services.

• Support of local job opportunities through the local procurement of materials, equipment and services to

be used in the construction phase, as well as the support of local shops by construction workers who are

likely to spend money locally;

• The possibility exists that the presence of construction workers may lead to an increase in criminal activity

and/or rowdiness.





30

Long-term socio-economic impacts during the operational phase may relate to the following:

• Creation of long-term job opportunities, in the business component.

• Contribution to alleviating the shortage of housing in the area.

• Contributing to the local economy through job creation and an anticipated increase in local spending, as

the development is anticipated to draw home buyers – who are likely to have disposable income – and

the creation of jobs will lead to increased disposable income for the people employed in the development.

• Provide much needed facilities such as healthcare, schools and retail.

Table 9.2: Potential social impacts

CONSTRUCTION PHASE


Significance

without

mitigation

Significance

with

mitigation

Employment creation

and/or sustaining of jobs

in construction-related

fields

Positive Local Short

term

Medium-

High

Definite Medium Medium-High

Supporting local

businesses through local

procurement of

materials, equipment &

services

Positive Local to

Sub-

regional

Short

term

Medium-

High

Highly

probable

Medium Medium-High

Possible increase in

criminal activity and/or

rowdiness

Negative Local Short

term

Unknown Possible Unknown Low-Medium

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Job creation (long term) Positive Local Long

term

Low-

Medium

Highly

probable

Low Low-Medium

Decreasing the backlog

of housing and amenities

in the area

Positive Local Long

term

Medium-

high

Definite Medium Medium-high

9.3. Visual Aspects

9.3.1. Status quo

The site occurs on a gently undulating landscape with a short open tree layer and a well-developed grass layer.

The Blood River forms the site’s eastern boundary, while two smaller tributaries traverse the site. A small artificial

wetland is located in one of the drainage lines that drain into the Blood River in the central south-eastern portion

of the site. The site is vacant and not formally used, and the vegetation appears to be fairly natural, though likely

degraded to some extent by informal use (e.g. for collection of firewood) by neighbouring community members,

as several footpaths can be seen criss-crossing the site. A number of roads are located on the site and all

appear to travel towards the drainage lines and banks of the Blood River where illegal sand mining seems to be

taking place.





31


Potential visual impacts can be distinguished into potential construction-phase impacts and potential

operational-phase impacts. Construction-phase impacts are related to construction activities such as clearing

of vegetation and actual construction. Operational phase impacts relate to the visual impact of replacement of

natural vegetation with development, including dwellings, roads, etc.

The operational phase visual impact of the proposed development is anticipated to be low, as the proposed

development is compatible with existing nearby development (Seshego neighbourhood).

Table 9.3: Potential visual impacts

CONSTRUCTION PHASE


without

mitigation

Significance

with

mitigation

Visual impacts of

construction

activities

Negative Local Short term Medium-

High

Definite Medium-High Medium

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Visual impact of the

development

Negative Local Long-term

to

permanent

Medium-

High

Definite Medium-High Medium

9.4. Noise

9.4.1. Status quo

The site is situated close to the Matlala road, which raises the ambient noise level in the southern and south-

western section of the property. The ambient noise level on the rest of the site is very low, comprising mainly

the limited sounds of livestock and herders. Sounds associated with human habitation in Seshego E- Ext. 2 and

Seshego B, may sometimes drift over to the site, but will be reduced by the time it reaches the site due to the

distance separating these residential areas from the site.


Construction phase

Construction-phase impacts are anticipated to be mainly associated with construction activities themselves,

including earthworks, off-loading of material from trucks, etc., as well as with increased traffic during construction

(construction vehicles and the transport of construction workers).

Construction-phase impacts will be fairly short-term in duration, occurring only whilst construction is underway.

The site is situated some distance away from Seshego B settlement and no particularly noisy activities like

blasting are proposed, all of which will reduce the noise impact on the inhabitants; it is therefore not anticipated





32

that noise associated with construction would cause significant disruption of activities or constitute a significant

impact. Construction-phase noise impacts are therefore anticipated to be of low to medium significance.

Operational phase

Potential noise impacts during the operational phase are anticipated to relate mainly to an increase in traffic, as

well as increased ambient noise levels associated with human habitation, e.g. voices, music, dogs barking, etc.

The impact are anticipated to be congruent with the type and level of noise currently generated in the surrounding

area.

Table 9.4: Potential impacts in terms of noise

CONSTRUCTION PHASE


Significance

without

mitigation

Significance

with

mitigation

Noise associated with

increased traffic (heavy

vehicles) during construction


term

Low Highly

probable

Low Low

Noise associated with

construction activities


term

Low--

medium

Definite Low-medium Low

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Increase in ambient noise

level

Negative Local Long

term

Low Definite Low Very low

9.5. Cumulative impacts

As is the case for any activity, impacts are not limited to those directly or even indirectly associated with the

proposed activity – potential cumulative impacts need to be considered as well, so that activities can be seen

not as stand-alone entities but as part of the larger picture. Potential cumulative impacts of the proposed

development consist of:

Cumulative bio-physical impacts

Considered together with other developments in the area, the proposed development will contribute cumulatively

to habitat loss and fragmentation in the area. However, apart from the comparatively sensitive drainage

channels, the area is not considered to be ecologically sensitive, as most of the area which is proposed to be

developed has already been disturbed. More sensitive portions of the site will remain undeveloped in the form

of public open space.

Cumulative socio-economic impacts

The proposed development is anticipated to contribute to alleviating the shortage of housing in the area as well

as contributing to the local economy through job creation and an anticipated increase in local spending within

Seshego.

Cumulative impacts on services

When the development connects to municipal service infrastructure, the proposed project will place additional

demands on the municipal service infrastructure in terms of water and electricity provision, sewerage, roads and





33

solid waste collection and disposal. However, at the same time the proposed development will also lead to

increased revenue for the municipality in terms of rates and taxes paid to it by residents of the proposed

township, which will assist them in development and maintenance of services.

Table 9.5: Potential cumulative impacts

CONSTRUCTION PHASE


Significance

without

mitigation

Significance

with

mitigation

Job creation Positive Local Short

term

Medium Definite Low-Medium Medium

Habitat loss Negative Local Long term Medium Definite Low-Medium Low

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Increase in housing and

amenities in the area

Positive Local Long term Medium-

high

Definite Medium-high High

Contribution to local

economy

Positive Local Long term Medium Highly

probable

Low-Medium Medium

Increased pressure on

services

Negative Local Long term Medium-

high

Definite Medium-high Medium

Stimulus for further

development in the area

Positive

or

negative

Local Long term Unknown Possible Medium Medium

10. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

10.1. Advertisement of Commencement of EIA Process

The commencement of the EIA process was advertised for a period of more than 30 days (14 July to 17 August

2017) in the following ways (please refer to Appendix E for proof of advertisement):

• Placement of a notice (English and SePedi) in the local newspaper the Polokwane Observer on 13 July

2017

• Display of site notices (each containing both the English and the SePedi adverts) at the site as well as at

other highly visible points in the area;

• Direct notification of identified stakeholders via fax, e-mail, post or personal delivery of notices.

10.2. Issues Raised

During the public comment period, the only comments received were from community members seeking more

information. Please refer to the attached Issues Trail (Appendix F), which provides a summary in English of all

issues raised, the forum through which these issues were raised and the response provided. Copies of

correspondence with I&APs are also included in Appendix F.





34

10.3. Availability of Consultative ESR for Review and Comment

The consultative ESR is currently available for public review and comment for a period of 30 days, from 24

November 2017 to 15 January 2018. Copies of the report are available at VENUE and Polygon’s offices at 21C

Peace Street, Tzaneen. Electronic copies on CD are also available from Polygon upon request and copies

(whether in hard copy or on CD) were submitted directly to a number stakeholders for their comment (notably

DWS, SAHRA, LDEDET and the Polokwane Municipality). All comments received will be incorporated into the

final ESR for submission to LDEDET.

11. PLAN OF STUDY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

11.1. Approach to Undertaking the Impact Assessment Phase of the Project

The impact assessment phase of this project will comprise an extension of the public part

CONSULTATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT: … · Figure 3.1: Proposed layout of Polokwane...

Documents

Transcript of CONSULTATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT: … · Figure 3.1: Proposed layout of Polokwane...