Botanical Impact Assessment, Erf 34 and 14435, Wellington, Drakenstein Municipality Western Cape Province

Transcription

1 Botanical Impact Assessment, Erf 34 and 14435, Wellington, Drakenstein Municipality Western Cape Province Gregory Nicolson in association with Dr David J. McDonald Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC. 14A Thomson Road, Claremont, 7708 Tel: Fax: Report prepared for Doug Jeffery Environmental Consultants March

2 National Legislation and Regulations governing this report This is a specialist report and is compiled in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, Appointment of Specialist Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC was appointed by Doug Jeffery Environmental Consultants to provide specialist botanical consulting services for the proposed development of Erf 34 and 14435, Wellington, Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape. Gregory Nicolson, an associate of Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC, was appointed to conduct the botanical survey and assess the impacts of the proposed development. Details of Specialist Gregory Nicolson M.Sc (Botany) Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC 9 Recreation Road Muizenberg 7945 Telephone: Mobile: gregnicolson@gmail.com Professional registration: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions No Expertise Gregory Nicolson Qualifications: BSc. Hons. (Environmental Science), MSc (Botany) Botanist with 3 years experience in the field of Botanical Surveys Has experience in Botanical exploration in South Africa and Namibia Has published numerous popular papers and has had many photos published (details available on request). 2

3 Independence The views expressed in the document are the objective, independent views of Gregory Nicolson and the survey was carried out under the aegis of Bergwind Botanical Surveys and Tours CC. Neither Mr Nicolson nor Bergwind Botanical Surveys and Tours CC have any business, personal, financial or other interest in the proposed development apart from fair remuneration for the work performed. Conditions relating to this report The content of this report is based on the author s best scientific and professional knowledge as well as available information. Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC, its staff and appointed associates, reserve the right to modify the report in any way deemed fit should new, relevant or previously unavailable or undisclosed information become known to the author from on-going research or further work in this field, or pertaining to this investigation. This report must not be altered or added to without the prior written consent of the author. This also refers to electronic copies of the report which are supplied for the purposes of inclusion as part of other reports, including main reports. Similarly, any recommendations, statements or conclusions drawn from or based on this report must make reference to this report. If these form part of a main report relating to this investigation or report, this report must be included in its entirety as an appendix or separate section to the main report. 3

4 THE SPECIALIST I Gregory Nicolson, as the appointed specialist hereby declare/affirm the correctness of the information provided or to be provided as part of the application, and that I: in terms of the general requirement to be independent: other than fair remuneration for work performed/to be performed in terms of this application, have no business, financial, personal or other interest in the activity or application and that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity; or am not independent, but another specialist that meets the general requirements set out in Regulation 13 have been appointed to review my work (Note: a declaration by the review specialist must be submitted); in terms of the remainder of the general requirements for a specialist, am fully aware of and meet all of the requirements and that failure to comply with any the requirements may result in disqualification; have disclosed/will disclose, to the applicant, the Department and interested and affected parties, all material information that has or may have the potential to influence the decision of the Department or the objectivity of any report, plan or document prepared or to be prepared as part of the application; have ensured/will ensure that information containing all relevant facts in respect of the application was/will be distributed or was/will be made available to interested and affected parties and the public and that participation by interested and affected parties was/will be facilitated in such a manner that all interested and affected parties were/will be provided with a reasonable opportunity to participate and to provide comments; have ensured/will ensure that the comments of all interested and affected parties were/will be considered, recorded and submitted to the Department in respect of the application; have ensured/will ensure the inclusion of inputs and recommendations from the specialist reports in respect of the application, where relevant; have kept/will keep a register of all interested and affected parties that participate/d in the public participation process; and am aware that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 48 of the 2014 NEMA EIA Regulations. Note: The terms of reference of the review specialist must be attached. Signature of the specialist: Name of company: Bergwind Botanical Surveys and Tours CC Date: 5 March

5 CONTENTS 1. Introduction Terms of Reference Evaluation Method Study Area Locality Topography, Geology and Soils Climate Limitations Vegetation General Description Vegetation Condition of the Study Area Conservation Value and Rehabilitation Potential of the Study Area Impact Assessment The 'No-Go' Alternative Direct impacts of full development of the site Direct impacts of partial development of the site Indirect and Cumulative impacts Conclusions and recommendations References Appendix 1: CV of Author

6 1. Introduction The development of a business/industrial park has been proposed for Erf 34 and Paarl, near to the town of Wellington in the Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape Province (Figure 1). The specifics of the development, including any layouts or alternatives, are not currently available. For the purposes of this report it is assumed that the entire study area would be developed. The objective of the survey of the vegetation was to determine if there are any sensitive habitats or species present on the areas proposed for development and if there are Critical Biodiversity Areas present. The survey was carried out as described below and takes careful note of the requirements and recommendations of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Western Cape Province (DEA & DP), CapeNature and the Botanical Society of South Africa, for proactive assessment of the biodiversity of proposed development sites and follows published guidelines for evaluating potential impacts on the natural vegetation in an area earmarked for some form of development (Brownlie 2005, Cadman, 2016). 2. Terms of Reference The Terms of Reference for the specialist botanical assessment are as follows: o Take cognizance of the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) Guideline for Involving Biodiversity Specialists in the EIA Process and the requirements of the Botanical Society of South Africa (BotSoc) in developing an approach to the botanical investigation. o Delineate the vegetation communities and sensitive areas from a floristic perspective using GPS to fix locations, and overlay onto aerial photography and /or site map (i.e. create a vegetation sensitivity map of the project area). o Assess the local and regional importance of the vegetation communities and plant species within the affected areas based on the relevant biodiversity plans, bioregional planning documents and Environmental Management Frameworks etc. o Identify the ecosystem status and conservation value of the vegetation communities, including whether the areas to be developed comprise critically endangered or endangered ecosystem(s) listed in terms of Section 52 of the NEMBA. o Identify any rare or endangered species encountered or likely to be present; or the presence of or proximity of the proposed site to protected area(s) identified in terms of NEMPAA. 6

7 o A description of the direct, indirect and cumulative botanical impacts (both before and after mitigation) and an assessment of the significance of the impacts. o A description of the measures to mitigate any impacts, and an indication of whether or not the measures (if implemented) would change the significance of the impact, for the construction and operational phases of the project. 3. Evaluation Method The study area was visited and surveyed on foot on 22 September The habitat condition was sampled and described with the aid of photographic records, sample waypoints and desktop analysis (Google Earth TM imagery and Quantum GIS software). A number of standard assessment criteria were used to determine the potential impacts as follows: Ecosystem status: ecosystem status of the vegetation type was obtained using the List of Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems (Government Gazette 34809, 2011). The gazetted list is important for commenting on the level of sensitivity in relation to natural vegetation quantity and quality. Conservation planning: The Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (WCBSP) for the Drakenstein Municipality (Cape Nature, 2017) CBA mapis crucial to determine the conservation importance of the affected habitat. Ground-truthing is an essential component in terms of determining the habitat condition and it is crucial to determine the conservation importance of the affected habitat. Species of conservation concern (SCC): The presence of rare or threatened species as listed in the Red List of South African Plants (redlist.sanbi.org and Raimondo et al. 2009). Special habitats: The presence of rare or sensitive habitats such as wetlands and dune systems. Species, communities and populations: The presence or absence of any species provide insight into the ecological state of the area. Pioneer exotic and/or natural species, for example, are important to mention, since these usually indicate past disturbance, whereas endemic mature or old individuals indicate areas that have not undergone physical disturbance and may be sensitive or support important biodiversity. Populations and communities hold the same value in terms of interpretation of the ecological status of an area. Restoration potential and biodiversity corridors: Degraded areas or alien-infested areas have the potential to be restored depending on the level of disturbance or transformation. 7

8 Degraded and transformed areas may also be of importance if, for example, these areas link portions or remnants of good quality or threatened vegetation types. 4. Study Area 4.1 Locality The site is located between Wellington and Paarl in the Western Cape Province (Figure 1). The site is triangular in shape and is bordered on the west by the R301, to the north by the R44 (Champagne Street) and on the east by some housing and open land (Figure 2). Figure 1. Aerial photo (Google Earth ) showing the location of Simondium within the Drakenstein Municipality. 4.2 Topography, Geology, Soils The study area is sloped with the north-east portion elevated and the lowest portion is at the southern border. The soils are fine-textured and derived from shale of the Malmesbury Group (Rebelo et al. 2006). 8

9 4.3 Climate The climate of the area is typically Mediterranean in character with rains ( mm with mean annual precipitation [MAP] 285 mm) falling mainly in winter (May August) when cold fronts pass from the southern oceans and when the winds prevail from the northwest. Winters are generally mild with mean minimum low temperatures of 2.3 C. The summers are dry and hot with mean maximum temperatures around 30.0 C with strong south easterly winds common (Rebelo et al. 2006). 5. Limitations The site visit was carried out in mid spring, the ideal time for botanical surveys in the Western Cape. The peak flowering time for most plant species is in spring (August to October), therefore no seasonal limitations apply to this study. 6. Vegetation 6.1 General Description According to the Vegetation Map of South African, Lesotho and Swaziland (South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2012) the vegetation type occurring in the study area is Swartland Shale Renosterveld (Figure 3). Swartland Shale Renosterveld (FRs9) typically occurs on moderately undulating plains and valleys supporting low to moderately tall shrublands with low open shrublands dominated by renosterbos. Ancient termite mounds known as heuweltjies are a prominent feature of this vegetation type. Stunted trees and thickets are associated with these features (Rebelo et al. 2006). Swartland Shale Renosterveld has been highly disturbed by agricultural activities and is listed as Critically Endangered (A1 and D1). Criterion A1 relates to irreversible loss of habitat and D1 relates to threatened species associations. Less than 8% of its original area remains intact with less than 1% conserved. It continues to be lost and degraded. At least 35 endemic plant species and 151 Red Data List plant species occur in the ecosystem (Government Gazette 34809, 2011). The Drakenstein Municipality is included in the Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (WCBSP) and a Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) map has been developed (Cape Nature, 2017). The CBA map aims to guide sustainable development by providing a synthesis of biodiversity information to decision-makers. It serves as the common reference for all multi-sectoral planning procedures, advising which areas can be developed and which areas of critical biodiversity value and their 9

10 support zones should be protected against impacts. The broad objective is to ensure appropriate land use and planning for the best possible long-term benefits and to promote integrated management of natural resources. The main CBA map categories are Critical Biodiversity Areas (Terrestrial and Aquatic), Ecological Support Areas [ESA] (Critical and Other) or unclassified (Cape Nature, 2017). The CBA habitat parcels are selected for conserving important habitats and biodiversity processes. The habitat categories are selected for various reasons and may include degraded or low quality vegetation, since these may serve as important biodiversity corridors between ecologically intact habitats. It is therefore important to ground-truth these areas and interpret the findings in relation to the objectives of the CBA. A small portion of the study area is designated Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA s)(figure 3). 10

11 Figure 2. The vegetation types on the site according to the Vegetation Map of South Africa (SANBI, 2012) overlaid on a Google Earth aerial image. 11

12 Figure 3. The Drakenstein Municipality CBA Map of the site and surrounding area (Cape Nature, 2017) overlaid on a Google Earth image. 12

13 Figure 4. The sensitive area as mapped by the author (Nicolson, 2016) overlaid on a Google Earth image. The majority of the indigenous species and SCC occur outside of the study area in the sensitive area to the south west 13

14 Botanical Impact Assessment, Erf 34 &14435, Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape 6.2 Vegetation Condition of the Study Area The study area has been highly transformed from its original state. This area has certainly been disturbed as seen by the lack of indigenous shrubs and the dominance of exotic species and weeds (Figure 5). The dominant species are Paterson s curse (Echium plantagineum), Vetch (Vicia sp.), wild oats (Avena fatua), plantain (Plantago lanceolata), lupin (Lupinus sp.) and some areas of exposed soil that contain very low plant cover. Figure 5. The study area is highly disturbed, however, a number of indigenous species occur among the exotic species. Despite the highly transformed nature of the greater part of this area, a number of indigenous species persist here, mainly towards the south of the study area. This area has been mapped as a sensitive area as part of a study of the broader area (Nicolson, 2016). This sensitive area is the only portion of the broader area to contain any indigenous species of significance, including a number of species of conservation concern (SCC). The best quality vegetation and the most of the SCC occur outside of the boundary of the study area and lie to the south west. The indigenous plants that occur on the site are mainly bulbs (Figure 6) but include a number of hardy indigenous shrubs (Figure 7). The indigenous species found here include: Shrubs: Anthospermum aethiopicum, Athanasia trifurcata, Eriocephalus africanus, Otholobium cf. bolusii (Near Threatened), Passerina corymbosa, Salvia sp., Stoebe plumosa and Thesium sp. Bulbs: Albuca sp., Baeometra uniflora, Babiana sp., Corycium orobanchoides, Cyanella hyacinthoides, Hesperantha sp., Lachenalia sp., Micranthus sp. and Moraea lewisiae. 14

15 Botanical Impact Assessment, Erf 34 &14435, Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape Figure 6. One of the showy bulbs (Albuca sp.) found in the study area. Figure 7. A number of hardy indigenous shrubs occur on the site including Stoebe plumosa. Although the overstorey has been disturbed and the area is subject to other disturbances such as littering, trampling and too-frequent fires, the area is still hosts some indigenous species and at least one species of conservation concern (SCC). A number of other SCC where identified in close proximity to this area in the adjacent portions of the property. 15

16 Botanical Impact Assessment, Erf 34 &14435, Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape 6.3 Conservation Value and Rehabilitation Potential of the Study Area The major part of the site investigated is highly transformed from its original state. The soil has been disturbed, resulting in the loss of the vast majority of indigenous species and only disturbance-tolerant, hardy indigenous species occur amongst the exotic species that dominate the site. The potential to rehabilitate such a site is not practically feasible and would not result in representative vegetation that could meaningfully contribute to the conservation status of Swartland Shale Renosterveld. The southern portion of the site does contain a number of indigenous species, including bulbs and at least one SCC, Otholobium cf. bolusii (Near Threatened). Considering that other SCC were identified on the adjacent portion of Erf 34 and the high number of SCC associated with the vegetation type present, there are potentially other SCC within the study area that were not identified at the time of the survey. The portion of the study area mapped as part of the sensitive area contains highly transformed vegetation that is only considered as sensitive since it contains a number of indigenous bulbs and one SCC and is linked to the adjacent vegetation that contains a number of other SCC. The loss of the scattered individuals of Otholbium bolusii would not impact on the conservation status of this species. The bulbs that occur on the site are of value and should be marked for search and rescue. The owners of the Diemersfontein Wine Estate should be contacted for a possible location for the bulbs to be relocated to. They have a portion of land which is proposed for rehabilitation and is botanically similar to this site. The study area and the adjacent undeveloped land are disjunct from any other remnants of natural or indigenous vegetation. The surrounding areas are residential, commercial or agricultural areas. The indigenous vegetation that does remain on the site is therefore likely to become more isolated and degraded as development density increases in the surrounding areas. 7. Impact Assessment The impacts of the proposed development are discussed below. No specific development plans are currently available for the site, however, it is assumed that the entire site will be developed. This development is assessed together with the No-Go Alternative. 16

17 Botanical Impact Assessment, Erf 34 &14435, Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape The impacts on the existing vegetation and habitat are assessed according to the following interrelated components: Loss of vegetation Loss of ecological processes 7.1 The No-Go Alternative The no-go alternative refers to the development not going ahead and the status quo of the site would remain. Under this scenario the site would remain unmanaged and current disturbance regimes would continue to further degrade the site, including the small area that is considered botanically sensitive. The disturbance to the sensitive area would result in a Low Negative Impact. 7.2 Direct impacts of development of the entire site Loss of vegetation type and ecological processes Loss of vegetation in this case relates to the loss of mostly exotic and/or invasive species associated with a highly disturbed area. The vegetation in the study area has very little resemblance to the originally occurring vegetation and is considered to have low conservation value, except for a small area that contains a number of indigenous species including one SCC. The loss associated with this area would have a Low Negative impact (Table 1). If the entire site is to be developed, a thorough search and rescue should be conducted within the sensitive area to translocate all species that can be moved (bulbs and succulents). The species should be moved to a safe area on Diemersfontein Estate. 7.3 Indirect and Cumulative impacts Indirect impacts are those that do not occur as a direct result of the activity on site but that occur further away. No indirect botanically-related impacts were identified. Cumulative impacts are those impacts linked to increased loss of vegetation type or the ecosystems listed in the National List of Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems (Government Gazette 34809, 2011) and Critical Biodiversity Areas. Since the proposed development would impact on some sensitive vegetation if the entire site is developed, the cumulative impact would be Low Negative. 17

18 Botanical Impact Assessment, Erf 34 &14435, Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape Table 1. Impact-significance table for the proposed development on Erf 34 and and the loss of critically endangered Swarltand Shale Renosterveld. Nature of impact: No Go Status Quo Remains Full Development Loss of disturbed vegetation of a critically endangered vegetation type and at least on SCC Extent and duration of impact: Local, Medium-term Local, Long-term Intensity Medium Low Probability of occurrence: Probable Highly Probable Degree to which the impact can be reversed: Degree to which the impact may cause irreplaceable loss of resources: Partially Reversible Low Irreversible Cumulative impact prior to mitigation: Negligible Low Negative Significance rating of impact prior to mitigation (Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, or Very-High) Degree to which the impact can be mitigated: Proposed mitigation: Low Negative Very Low N/A Low Low Negative Very Low Search and rescue of all relocatable species to the conservation area on Diemersfontein Estate. Cumulative impact post mitigation: Negligible Low Negative Significance rating of impact after mitigation (Low, Medium, Medium-High, High, or Very-High) Low Negative Low Negative 18

19 Botanical Impact Assessment, Erf 34 &14435, Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape 8. Conclusions and Recommendations The area proposed for the development on Erf 34 and Erf 14435, Paarl, occurs on land that is mostly highly degraded and changed from its original state. It is considered to be transformed. The area in the south of the study area contains a number of indigenous bulbs and shrubs, including at least one species of conservation concern (SCC). This area has been identified as a sensitive area due to the presence of indigenous species in a critically endangered vegetation type and is close to more SCC in the adjacent portion of Erf 34, Paarl. Despite the SCC and indigenous species, the area has been highly disturbed and does not represent the originally occurring vegetation type. The scattered individuals of the SCC (Otholobium bolusii) do not constitute a regionally significant population. The broader area is isolated from other remnants of indigenous vegetation and any large intact areas. It is likely that, with increasing development pressure and densification, the study area will lose most of the indigenous species that remain unless active conservation and rehabilitation measures were to be implemented. The overall conservation value and rehabilitation potential of this area is low. If the site is to be developed, a thorough search and rescue should be undertaken to translocate all species such as bulbs and succulents to a suitable receptor site on Diemersfontein Estate. The impacts of the loss of vegetation and ecological processes would be Low Negative. 9. References Brownlie, S Guideline for involving biodiversity specialists in EIA processes: Edition 1.CSIR Report No. ENV-S-C C. Provincial Government of the Western Cape: Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Cadman, M., de Villiers, C., Holmes, P., Rebelo, T., Helme, N., Euston Brown, D., Clark, B., Milton, S., Dean, R., Brownlie, S., Snaddon, K., Day, L., Ollis, D., Job, N., Dorse, C., Wood, J., Harrison, J., Palmer, G., Maree, K., Manuel, J., Holness, S., Ralston, S. and Driver, A Fynbos Forum Ecosystem Guidelines for Environmental Assessment in the Western Cape Fynbos Forum, Edition 2. CapeNature Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (WCBSP). Drakenstein Municipality CBA Map. 19

20 Botanical Impact Assessment, Erf 34 &14435, Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape Government Gazette No National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act Government Gazette No Threatened Terrestrial Ecosystems in South Africa. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004). Government Gazette Invasive Species Regulations of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004). Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C (eds.) The Vegetation of South Africa. Lesotho & Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Nicolson, G Botanical Impact Assessment, for the proposed Diemersfontein Industrial Park, Drakenstein Municipality. Unpublished Report. Raimondo, D., Von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. & Manyama, P.A. (eds) Red List of South African plants 2009.Strelitzia25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Rebelo, A.G., Boucher, C., Helme, N., Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C Fynbos Biome. In: Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.) The Vegetation of South Africa. Lesotho & Swaziland. Strelitzia19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. South African National Biodiversity Institute Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland [vector geospatial dataset] Available from the Biodiversity GIS website, downloaded on 05 October Report Submitted: 20 March 2017; reviewed 5 April

21 Botanical Impact Assessment, Erf 34 &14435, Drakenstein Municipality, Western Cape Appendix 1. Abbreviated Curriculum Vitae: Greg Nicolson Experience Expertise in field work in the CFR vegetation surveys, plant identification, plant collection, ecological monitoring Data management and analysis Basic skills in GIS programs Vegetation and species mapping MSc thesis entitled Road reserves as conservation assets: exploring the species of conservation concern and the ecological condition of the N7 road reserve. Graduation date: December 2010 Experience leading teams of field assistants in remote mountainous areas Completed over 40 botanical survey/assessment reports Career History March 2013 present: independent botanical specialist and associate of Bergwind Botanical Surveys & Tours CC March 2011 December 2012: conducted a comprehensive post fire survey of the Paardeberg (Paardeberg Sustainability Institute) Education and qualifications MSc (Botany) University of Cape Town (2010). BSc: Hons (Env. Science) University of Cape Town (2005) BSc: Environmental and Geographical Science - University of Cape Town ( ) Personal Details Greg Nicolson 9 Recreation Road, Muizenberg, 7945 Cell: Home: gregnicolson@gmail.com Date of birth 26/08/1981 Marital status - Single Dependents