PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF REDHOUSE CHELSEA ARTERIAL AND THE EXTENSION OF WALKER DRIVE TO CAPE ROAD, PORT ELIZABETH.

Transcription

1 PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF REDHOUSE CHELSEA ARTERIAL AND THE EXTENSION OF WALKER DRIVE TO CAPE ROAD, PORT ELIZABETH. DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT FOR COMMENT July 2010 Prepared for: BKS (PTY) LTD P O Box 272 Port Elizabeth 6000 Tel: (041) Fax: ( Fezekile@bks.co.za Client: NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY Infrastructure & Engineering Directorate P O Box 7 Port Elizabeth 6000 Tel: (041) Fax: (041) asaid@mandelametro.gov.za Prepared by: TERRATEST (PTY) LTD P O Box GREENACRES 6057 Phone: (041) Fax: (041) bokveldtd@terratest.co.za

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Geotechnical and Environmental Consultants were appointed by BKS Engineers, who are the Project Managers acting on behalf of their client, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, to undertake an Environmental Scoping exercise as well as an EIA for the proposed construction of Redhouse Chelsea Arterial and Extension of Walker Drive to Cape Road, in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. Road planning in the greater Port Elizabeth included for many years a north/south arterial (generally referred to as the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial) in the western part of the city from Standford Road in Bethelsdorp, southwards through Hunters Retreat and past Sherwood to link with Kragga Kamma Road and eventually an extended Montmedy Road to the southwest of Lorraine. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) includes the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial and parts of the road have been constructed at this stage, e.g. the section known as Bishops Way in the Hunters Retreat area. Allowance was made in the town planning scheme for the road reserve required for various sections of this road, also where it crosses the N2, and recent planning shows a revised alignment in the vicinity of the N2. No major environmental impacts that cannot be mitigated for were identified during the course of this Scoping exercise. Mitigation measures are to be provided in the Environmental Impact Report and the anticipated negative impacts associated with this project can be effectively managed. A Public Participation Program was initiated and involved the placing of an advertisement in local newspapers, letter drops to neighbouring landowners and placing of notice boards on site, inviting all Interested and Affected Parties to register their concerns. A number of individuals and businesses have responded to the advertisements requesting to be registered as Interested and Affected Parties on the project. A second Public Participation exercise will be undertaken during the EIA phase of the investigation in which the local community and organisations will again be requested to register as Interested and Affected Parties on the project. This Environmental Scoping Report is submitted in support of an Application for Authorisation to the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs in terms of the National Environmental Management Act Regulations (Act No 107 of 1998) (NEMA). ii

3 ACRONYMS CFR DEDEA DWAF EIA EIR EMP ESR IAPs IDP ITP LSDF NEMA NM MOSS NMBM MSL PPP SAHRA SDF SEA STEP VT Cape Floristic Region Department of Economic Development & Environmental Affairs Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Impact Report Environmental Management Plan Environmental Scoping Report Interested and Affected Parties Integrated Development Plan Integrated Transport Plan Local Spatial Development Framework National Environmental Management Act Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Open Space System Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Metres above Sea Level Public Participation Process South African Heritage Resources Association Spatial Development Framework Strategic Environmental Assessment Subtropical Thicket Ecosystems Planning Veld Type (Acocks Vegetation Number) iii

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION Terms of Reference Environmental Assessment Practitioner APPROACH LEGISLATION The Constitution National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) Activity 18 of Regulation No. R. 545 of 18 June Activity 11 of Regulation No. R. 544 of 18 June Activity 22 of Regulation No. R. 544 of 18 June NEM: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) National Water Act (No. 36 of 1988) The Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (No 45 of 1964) National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act 39 of The Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) The Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003) DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES Project Description and Location Evaluation of Alternatives Activity Alternatives Site/Route Alternatives Aternative 3 Preferred Option No-go Option Project Motivation Site Description AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT Geology Topography Rainfall Temperature Relative Humidity Air Quality Vegetation Fauna Natural & Cultural Heritage iv

5 5.10 Aesthetics PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS Advertising Comments from IAPs Registered I&APs IMPACT ASSESSMENT Approach CONCLUSION Preparation of Environmental Impact Report REFERENCES LIST OF FIGURES Figure 4.1 Aerial Photo showing site locality Figure 5.1 Mean Monthly Rainfall for PE Figure 5.2 Monthly Temperature Data for PE Figure 5.3 Mean Monthly Relative Humidity for PE LIST OF TABLES Table 7.1 Impact Summaries APPENDICES APPENDIX A: TECHNICAL REPORT APPENDIX B: LAYOUT PLANS APPENDIX C: LOCALITY PLAN APPENDIX D: BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT APPENDIX E: COPY OF ADVERTISEMENTS APPENDIX F: REGISTER OF I&APs APPENDIX G: PHOTOGRAPHS APPENDIX H: CV OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER APPENDIX I: COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT v

6 1 INTRODUCTION (Pty) Ltd. were appointed by BKS Engineers, who are the Project Managers acting on behalf of their client, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), to undertake an Environmental Scoping exercise as well as an Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed construction of Redhouse Chelsea Arterial and Extension of Walker Drive to Cape Road in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. Road planning in the greater Port Elizabeth included for many years a north/south arterial (generally referred to as the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial) in the western part of the city from Standford Road in Bethelsdorp, southwards through Hunters Retreat and past Sherwood to link with Kragga Kamma Road and eventually an extended Montmedy Road to the southwest of Lorraine. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) includes the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial and parts of the road have been constructed at this stage, e.g. the section known as Bishops Way in the Hunters Retreat area. Allowance was made in the town planning scheme for the road reserve required for various sections of this road, also where it crosses the N2, and recent planning shows a revised alignment in the vicinity of the N2. The provision of the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial in the ITP allows for the linking with an extended Walker Drive, which will be extended westwards to link with an existing road overpass on the N2 freeway. The purpose of this report is to highlight the significant biophysical and social impacts, both positive and negative, and also cumulative impacts that may result from the proposed development. This Scoping Report is submitted in support of an Application for Authorisation and Plan of Study for EIA, submitted to the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs in terms of National Environmental Management Act (Act no. 107 of 1998). This report was prepared in accordance with the EIA Guidelines issued by the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. 1.1 Terms of Reference This Scoping Study was undertaken in accordance with the regulations in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (107, 1998). The terms of reference for this Scoping Report are outlined in Section 29 of Regulation R. 543 of Government Notice No of 18 June 2010 which prescribes the following: P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

7 A Scoping Report must contain all the information that is necessary for a proper understanding of the nature of issues identified during scoping, and must include (a) details of (i) the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) who prepared the report; and (ii) the expertise of the EAP to carry out the scoping procedures; (b) a description of the proposed activity and of any feasible and reasonable alternatives that have been identified; (c) a description of any feasible or reasonable alternatives that have been identified; (d) a description of the property on which the activity is to be undertaken and the location of the activity on the property, or if it is (i) a linear activity, a description of the route of the activity; or (ii) an ocean-based activity, the coordinates where the activity is to be undertaken; (e) a description of the environment that may be affected by the activity and the manner in which activity may be affected by the environment; (f) an identification of all legislation and guidelines that have been considered in the preparation of the scoping report; (g) a description of environmental issues and potential impacts, including cumulative impacts, that have been identified; (h) details of the public participation process conducted in terms of regulation 27(a), including i. the steps that were taken to notify potentially interested and affected parties of the application; ii. proof that notice boards, advertisements and notices notifying potentially interested and affected parties of the application have been displayed, placed or given; iii. a list of all persons or organisations that were identified and registered in terms of regulation 55 as interested and affected parties in relation of the application; and iv. a summary of the issues raised by interested and affected parties, the date of receipt of and the response of the EAP to those issues; (i) a description of the need and desirability of the proposed activity; (j) a description of identified potential alternatives to the proposed activity, including advantages and disadvantages that the proposed activity or alternatives may have on the environment and the community that may be affected by the activity; (k) copies of any representations, and comments received in connection with the application or the scoping report from interested and affected parties; (l) copies of the minutes of any meetings held by the EAP with interested and affected parties and other role players which record the views of the participants; and P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

8 (m) any responses by the EAP to those representations and comments and views; (n) a plan of study for environmental impact assessment which sets out the proposed approach to the environmental impact assessment of the application, which will include (i) a description of the tasks that will be undertaken as part of the environmental impact assessment process, including any specialist reports or specialised processes, and the manner in which such tasks will be undertaken; (ii) an indication of the stages at which the competent authority will be consulted; (iii) a description of the proposed method assessing the environmental issues and alternatives, including the option of not proceeding with the activity; and (iv) particulars of the public participation process that will be conducted during the environmental impact assessment process; and (o) any specific information required by the competent authority. (p) any other matters required in terms of sections 24(4)(a) and (b) of the Act. 1.2 Environmental Assessment Practitioner Firm: (Pty) Ltd (Company Profile and CV attached in Appendix H) Name of EAP: Dumisani Bokveldt Cand.Sci.Nat. Qualification: BSc (Honours) Experience: 8 years 2 APPROACH In order to meet the objectives of the scoping exercise, the following activities were undertaken: An initial site visit to establish the extent of the study area and proposed works; Baseline information survey; An investigation of the site, with particular attention to the type and condition of the vegetation on site; Potential impact on rare or endangered species, neighbouring communities, requirements for vegetation clearing, and possible alternatives; A public participation process in which the general public and stakeholders were invited to register their concerns, issues and suggestions; Distribution of Background Information Document and Draft Scoping Report to all registered IAPs and Stakeholders for review and comment; P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

9 3 LEGISLATION 3.1 The Constitution The Constitution Act (No 108 of 1996) Chapter 2 - Bill of Rights makes provisions for Environmental rights - Section 24, Rights in property Section 25, Administrative justice - Section 32 and Access to Information Section 33. In the spirit of co-operative governance as required in chapter 3 of the constitution a municipality and other organs of state will frequently be called upon to comment on various applications for authorization made to organs of state within the provincial and national spheres of government, in relation to activities which fall within the municipality s jurisdiction. 3.2 National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) aims to improve the quality of environmental decision-making by setting out principles for environmental management that apply to all government departments and organisations that may affect the environment. NEMA also creates a framework for facilitating the role of civil society in environmental governance. The report will also reflect to the requirements of Section 24(1) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) which states that the potential impact on the environment, socio-economic conditions and cultural heritage of activities that require authorisation or permission by law and which may significantly affect the environment, must be considered, investigated and assessed prior to their implementation and reported to the organ of state charged by law with authorisation, permitting or otherwise allowing the implementation of an activity Furthermore, Section 24 (3) of the National Environmental Management Act ( NEMA ) states that the investigation, assessment and communication of the potential impact of activities contemplated in Section 24 (1) must take place in accordance with procedures complying with Section 24 (7). The procedures as contemplated in Section 24 (7) states that as a minimum that it should ensure the following: a) Investigation of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the proposed activity and alternatives thereto; b) Investigation of the potential impact, including cumulative effects, of the activity and its alternatives on the environment, socio-economic conditions and cultural heritage, and assessment of the significance of that potential impact; P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

10 c) Investigation of mitigation measures to keep adverse impacts to a minimum, as well as the option of not implementing the activity; d) Public information and participation, independent review and conflict resolution in all phases of the investigation and assessment of impacts; e) Reporting on gaps in knowledge, the adequacy of predictive methods and underlying assumptions, and uncertainties encountered in compiling the required information; f) Investigation and formulation of arrangements for the monitoring and management of impacts, and the assessment of the effectiveness of such arrangements after their implementation; g) Co-ordination and co-operation between organs of state in the consideration of assessments where an activity falls under the jurisdiction of more than one organ of state; h) That the findings and recommendations flowing from such investigation, and the general objectives of integrated environmental management laid down in this Act and the principles of environmental management set out in Section 2 are taken into account in any decision made by an organ of state in relation to the proposed policy, programme, plan or project. Activities that are applied for are as follows: Activity 18 of Regulation No. R. 545 of 18 June 2010 The route determination of roads and design of associated physical infrastructure, including roads that have not yet been built for which routes have been determined before the publication of 03 July 2006 and of which have not been authorized by a competent authority in terms of the Environmental Impact Regulations, 2006 or 2009, made under section 24(5) of the Act and published in Government Notice No. R. 385 of 2006, where a) It is a national road as defined in section 40 of the South African National Roads Agency Limited and National Roads Act, 1998 (Act No. 7 of 1998) b) It is a road administered by a provincial authority c) The road reserve is wider than 30 metres; or d) The road will cater for more than one lane of traffic in both directions Activity 11 of Regulation No. R. 544 of 18 June 2010 The construction of: (i) Canals; (ii) Channels; (iii) Bridges; (iv) Dams; (v) Weirs; (vi) Bulk storm water outlet structures; (vii) Marinas; (viii) Jetties exceeding 50 square metres in size; (ix) Slipways exceeding 50 square metres in size; (x) Buildings exceeding 50 square metres in size; (xi) Infrastructure of structures covering 50 square metres or more, P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

11 where such construction occurs within a watercourse of within 32 metres of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind the development setback line Activity 22 of Regulation No. R. 544 of 18 June 2010 The construction of a road, outside urban areas, (i) with reserve wider than 13,5m or, (ii) where no reserve exists where the road is wider than 8 metres, or (iii) for which an environmental authorisation was obtained for the route determination in terms of activity 5 in GN 387 of 2006 or activity 18 in Notice 545 of NEM: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) This Act makes provisions for achieving the objectives of the United Nation s Convention on Biological Diversity, to which South Africa is a signatory. The Act promotes management, conservation and sustainable use of indigenous biological resources, and provides for: the management and conservation of biological diversity; the use of indigenous biological resources in a sustainable manner; and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the commercialization through bioprospecting of traditional uses and knowledge of generic resources. The Act gives effect to international agreements relating to biodiversity which are binding on the Republic and provides for co-operative governance in biodiversity management and conservation, and provides for a National Biodiversity Institute to assist in achieving the above objectives. The Act gives wide powers to the National Biodiversity Institute to inter alia protect flora and fauna in appropriate enclosures, the collection of information, undertaking and promotion of research on indigenous biodiversity and the sustainable use of indigenous biological resources, the prevention, control or eradication of listed invasive species, biodiversity planning and other functions. 3.4 National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) According to Section 38 (1) of the Act, The South African Heritage Resources Association (SAHRA) must be notified of the location, nature and extent of any activity listed under this section. The presence of gravesites and other sites of heritage importance were investigated during the site visit. Neither the project managers, consultants, nor the local communities identified issues that will need to be addressed. A copy of the final Scoping Report is to be sent to SAHRA for their comments. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

12 3.5 National Water Act (No. 36 of 1988) Water use is controlled by the National Water Act (No. 36 of 1988). The enforcing authority is the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF). The provision of water is generally controlled by the local municipal authority. The National Water Act recognises that water is a scarce resource in South Africa and its provisions are aimed at achieving sustainable use of water to the benefit of all users. The provisions of the Act are thus aimed at discouraging pollution and waste of water resources. In terms of the Act, water use has been specifically designated and can be broadly summarised as the abstraction, consumption and discharge of water. Use of water includes the discharge of water containing waste into a water resource and the disposal of water containing waste from an industrial process in any manner. Chapter 3 of the National Water Act focuses on protection of water resources. Pollution prevention is covered in Part 4 (Section 19) of this chapter of the Act. Any person, who owns, controls, occupies or uses land, is deemed responsible for taking measures to prevent pollution of water resources. If these measures are not taken, the responsible authority may do whatever is necessary to prevent the pollution or remedy its effects and to recover all reasonable costs from the responsible person. Non-compliance with this provision is a criminal offence. NMBM thus has a responsibility to ensure that the proposed activity will not result in pollution of a water resource. 3.6 The Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (No 45 of 1964) This Act provides for the implementation of control measures for dust pollution, fumes and other air pollution. 3.7 National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act 39 of 2004) This Act provides for the control of dust, noise and offensive odours. 3.8 The Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) This Act makes provisions in Regulations Section 8 for the general duties of employers to their employees. Section 9 of the Regulations makes provisions for general duties of employers and self-employed persons to persons other than their employees. 3.9 The Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003) This Act aims to provide for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa's biological diversity, natural landscapes and seascapes. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

13 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED P PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES 4.1 Project Description and Location The proposed road development project will entail the construction of the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial in the vicinity of the N2 and linking this with the extension of Walker Drive. The development will also include associated infrastructure such as bridges, electricity (street poles) and stormwater management. It is proposed that Walker Drive will be extended westwards to link with an existing road overpass on the N2 freeway. This bridge was constructed at the same time as the N2 freeway (1986) but was never connected to the metropolitan road network. A copy of the Layout Plan is attached to this document as Appendix B. Road planning in the greater Port Elizabeth included for many years a north/south arterial (generally referred to as the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial) in the western part of the city from Standford Road in Bethelsdorp, southwards through Hunters Retreat and past Sherwood to link with Kragga Kamma Road and eventually an extended Montmedy Road to the southwest of Lorraine. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) includes the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial and parts of the road have been constructed at this stage e.g. the section known as Bishops Way in the Hunters Retreat area. Allowance was made in the town planning scheme for the road reserve required for various sections of this road, also where it crosses the N2, and recent planning shows a revised alignment in the vicinity of the N2. The provision of the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial in the ITP allows for the linking with an extended Walker Drive, which will be extended westwards to link with an existing road overpass on the N2 freeway. 4.2 Evaluation of Alternatives Activity Alternatives The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is applying for an exemption in considering activity alternatives for the proposed development. The reason for not considering activity alternatives is because the Roads Planning Department in Port Elizabeth has included for many years now a north/south arterial (generally referred to as the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial) in the western part of the city from Standford Road in Bethelsdorp southwards through Hunters Retreat and past Sherwood to link with Kragga Kamma and eventually an extended Montmedy Road to the south of Lorraine. The NMBM Integrated Transport Plan also includes the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial and parts of the road have been constructed at this stage for example the section known as Bishops Way in the Hunters Retreat area. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

14 4.2.2 Site/Route Alternatives Alternative Route 1 Original Alignment The proposed development includes the original planned Redhouse Chelsea Arterial alignment, positioned within the Redhouse Chelsea Arterial Road Reserve. This design was based on locating the proposed road within the originally allocated road reserve provided for the facility. This reserve is situated immediately to the west of the Sherwood urban area passing through Rowallan Park to the Cape Road / Bishops Way intersection. The location of the interchanges was also determined through historical developments. In the case of Walker Drive, the current overpass was constructed with the initial construction of the N2 in 1968 and a road reserve for an interchange was determined at that time. The construction of the road was to be Phase 1 of the road network implementation programme for the area which was approved by both NMBM and SANRAL. This option was deemed to be unsuitable as it ran parallel through a large portion of vegetation adjacent to the Baakens River that is within an ecological process area; Alternative 2 During the Scoping Phase of this EIA process, Setplan was appointed by the NMBM to prepare a Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) for the Greater Hunters Retreat area and Engineering Advice Services (EAS) were appointed as sub-consultants to Setplan to undertake the transportation planning of the area. This study indicated a new road network for the area with the proposed Redhouse/Chelsea Arterial and its interchange with the N2 in a new position. However, a section of this route passes through the property comprising the Bay West City development (formerly N2 Gateway). The developers agreed to make space available for this portion of the road reserve, howver this did not encompass the optimisation of the position of the Baakens River crossing nor does the required distances between off and on ramps between two (2) interchanges in terms of SANRAL requirements. This route also, however, passed through a population of endangered Cyclopia pubescence and was thus deemed unsuitable Aternative 3 Preferred Option The access route and proposed interchanges with the N2 are located on the western perimeter of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area adjacent to the Sherwood residential area. The proposed development is to include the planned Redhouse Chelsea Arterial alignment positioned within the original Redhouse Chelsea Arterial road reserve. It will eventually form a north/south link from Montmedy Road in the south to Standford Road in Bethelsdorp. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

15 The location of the interchanges was determined through historical developments. In the case of Walker Drive, the current overpass was constructed with the initial construction of the N2 in 1968 and a road reserve for a diamond interchange was determined at that time. Alternative 3 was moved further eastwards south of the N2, to avoid the Cyclopia pubescence population and proposed buffer as well as meet SANRAL alignment requirements. Loss of rocky outcrop habitat and siting of road within ecological process and riparian areas is also further minimised. Walker Drive Firstly, Walker Drive commences from the existing Walker Drive proceeding through to the west; Secondly, it then proceeds to the existing Utopia Road reserve between Erf. 441, 442 and 445; Thirdly, it curves to the left through Erf. 443 towards Erf. 426; Lastly, it curves to the right to the existing Walker Drive Bridge. The route will be approximately 2100m long from the existing Walker Drive end to the existing Walker Drive Bridge. It is made up of two (2) horizontal curves, a number of vertical curves and three (3) straight sections all of which comply with the required geometric design standards. Redhouse Chelsea Arterial Firstly, it commences from the extended Walker Drive, on the west corner of Erf. 443 proceeding northwards through Erf. 426; Secondly, it then proceeds through to the South African National Road Agency Limited section where an overpass will be provided over the N2; Thirdly, it carries on through Erf. 425 and then proceeds along the existing Redhouse Chelsea Arterial road reserve and it terminates at Cape Road. The route will be approximately 2220m long from the extended Walker drive to the intersection of Cape Road in the north. It is made up of three (3) horizontal curves, ten (10) vertical curves and four (4) straight sections all of which comply with the required geometric design standards. The route will require two river crossings, viz. the main Baakens River some 580m north of the N2 overpass and a tributary of the river approximately 260m south of the N2. The proximity of these two relatively deep valleys, on both sides of the elevated roadway forming the N2 overpass, results in fairly deep fills. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

16 The Redhouse Chelsea Arterial consists of three (3) bridges which are as follows: (a) Cyclopia Bridge is situated on the northern tributary approximately at Chainage 630m; (b) Redhouse Chelsea/N2 Bridge Overpass I ssituated approximately at Chainage 820m; (c) Baakens Bridge is situated approximately at Chainage 1450m wich will cross the main Baakens River; (d) Culverts will be required to convey the N2 westbound off-ramps over the northern tributary No-go Option A no-go option in this regard could mean that the constitutional role and responsibility of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, which includes ensuring the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner, is compromised. 4.3 Project Motivation The area on the western side of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area, to the south of Rowallan Park and west of Sherwood, is available for development. Recent pressure from developers and land owners required the municipality to start formalising the road planning in this area. Structure plans for the development of the area have been proposed and these include more than 6000 residential opportunities as well as substantial business development. Note that some of these land uses have been approved and this does provide an indication of the development potential of the area under consideration. The land uses in the vicinity of the proposed Walker Drive interchange, as foreseen by Metroplan (Town and Regional Planners) in 2006, include mostly residential (medium to high density), but some mixed use and a regional shopping centre on the south eastern quadrant of the proposed interchange, are also envisaged. A 2005 traffic investigation identified Kabega Road, Frikkie Kotze Road and Kragga Kamma Road, including Linton Interchange, to be reaching a low level of service and the traffic demand approaching capacity. Proposals were made for the upgrading and access management on these routes. 4.4 Site Description The vegetation found in the area for the proposed road development is classified as Grassy Fynbos, as identified by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Open Space System (NM MOSS) Project. Vegetation clearing methods will have to be established and a Vegetation Specialist has been appointed during the Scoping phase, so that threatened and endangered species can be protected and mitigation measures developed. A Wetland Assessment specialist has also been appointed to do the necessary investigation as there are wetlands present in the project area. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

17 REDHOUSE CHELSEA ARTERIAL: EXTENSION OF WALKER DRIVE TO CAPE ROAD It is evident that the proposed development will have impacts on the Baakens River, including its fauna and flora. An Environmental Management Plan, that will form part of the EIR, will have strategies in place to make sure that the water course is not negatively impacted upon by these developments. There is also a concern from some of the Bridgemead residents about a presence of the protected African Bullfrog that lives in the nearby vlei and the impact of the development on the frogs. There are also other major developments that are proposed to be undertaken in the vicinity of the works and Environmental Impact Assessments have been undertaken for these developments. The proposed developments are as follows: Mandela Bay Precinct Development by Magnolia Ridge, and the environmental consultant is Mazizi Msutu and Associates (Tel: ) Utopia Estates Housing Development by Anathi Development, and the environmental consultant is Clean Stream Environmental Consultants (Tel: ) Figure 4.1 Aerial Photo showing site locality P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

18 5 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 5.1 Geology Port Elizabeth is situated at the eastern end of the Cape Fold Belt and the most recent published geological map of the region is that prepared by the Council for Geoscience (2000). The area is underlain mainly by sediments of the Cape Subgroup and the Uitenhage Group. Recent semiconsolidated sands, estuarine and alluvial deposits cover a large portion of the area while the Alexandria Limestone Formation, raised beach deposits and dune sands underlie lesser areas. 5.2 Topography The study area is characterised by the flatlands of the hinterland of the Port Elizabeth region bounded by the Cape Fold Belt Mountains inland and the Indian Ocean to the east. The climate of the study area can be described as moderate temperate. The area is characterised by high summer daytime temperatures and low winter evening temperatures. 5.3 Rainfall Mean annual rainfall for Port Elizabeth is 633mm per annum. Rainfall is spread throughout the year with a peak in spring. Across the study area, annual rainfall is likely to range between mm per annum. (Data supplied by the South African Weather Bureau) mm December November October September August July June May April March February January Figure 5.1 Mean Monthly Rainfall for PE. 5.4 Temperature Temperatures for Port Elizabeth range from an average of 15 0 C in the winter months to a summer average of 20 0 C. Temperatures are likely to increase as one travels inland since the Indian Ocean acts as a moderator in this regard. (Data supplied by the South African Weather Bureau) P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

19 degrees celsius Ave Min Max December November October September August July June May April March February January Figure 5.2 Monthly Temperature Data for PE 5.5 Relative Humidity Mean monthly Relative Humidity for Port Elizabeth ranges from 70 to 85% per annum. Highest Relative Humidity occurs over spring and autumn. It is likely that relative humidity will drop substantially with increasing distance from the coast. (Data supplied by the South African Weather Bureau) % December November October September August July June May April March February January Figure 5.3 Mean Monthly Relative Humidity for PE P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

20 5.6 Air Quality There are no heavy polluting industries operating in the study area. The air quality at the site is therefore likely to be good. The only source of air pollution is likely to be dust and exhaust fumes from motor vehicles along the roads, or from burning of the surrounding veld, which may occur infrequently during the winter months. 5.7 Vegetation Low and Rebelo (1996) classify the overall vegetation type which covers the whole study area as Algoa Grassy Fynbos. This vegetation has a vulnerable conservation status. The vegetation type is dominated by medium-height (about 1 to 2m) bushes, mostly with very small leaves, sometimes with reed-like plants called restios and taller protea bushes. Proteas (Protea neriifolia and Protea repens) are rare but conebushes (Leacadendron salignum) are common. The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Open Space System (NM MOSS) Project describes the vegetation on site as the Rowallan Park Grassy Fynbos. It is restricted to level ground and characterised by indicator species such as Lanaria lanata, Microlaena tenuifolia, Cyrtanthus obliquus and Gasteria nitida. There is a also presence of a population of Cyclopia pubescens, which is a protected plant species, in the vicinity of the proposed works but it is anticipated that it will not be impacted by the development. Below is the current status of the vegetation found in the study area. The data provided below was taken from the NM MOSS Project. 1. Vulnerable: Ecosystems which cover much of their original extent but where further disturbance or destruction could harm their health and functioning General Rule: This class III land can only withstand minimal loss of area through disturbance or development. 2. Endangered: Ecosystems whose original extent has been severely reduced and whose health, functioning and existence are endangered. General Rule: This class II land can withstand limited loss of natural area through disturbance or development. 3. Critically Endangered: Ecosystems whose original extent has been so reduced that they are under threat of collapse or disappearance. Included here are special ecosystems such as wetlands and natural forests. General Rule: This class I land cannot withstand loss of natural area through disturbance or development. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

21 Total Reserved Final Target Conservation % Target Vegetation Type (Ha) (Ha) (%) Status Reserved Rowallan Grassy Fynbos Park Vulnerable More in-depth details on the biodiversity found on site and means that will have to be employed as mitigation measures for a possible loss of vegetation, will be included in a report that will be produced by a Vegetation Specialist and that will be included in the EIR phase of the project. 5.8 Fauna The fauna found in the area includes domestic livestock as well as indigenous wildlife. There is a presence of a protected African Bullfrog species as reported by the residents of Bridgemead. There is also a presence of the threatened Grass Owl and the Red data List species, the Black Harrier. These species need to be monitored by a specialist group such as the Endangered Wildlife Trust, and any recommendations to their protection adhered to. The proximity to human settlements has unfortunately done nothing to encourage natural fauna. Other indigenous wildlife found in the study area is therefore limited and probably restricted to reptiles and rodents. 5.9 Natural & Cultural Heritage The study area was not found to contain any areas of cultural significance; however the South African Heritage Resources Association has been registered as an Interested and Affected Party in this regard. No gravesites and sites of heritage importance were found in the vicinity of the proposed works. Where vegetation clearing will take place, the contractors must pay particular attention to the extracted soil and soil profiles, informing the environmental consultants immediately if any historical or cultural artefacts are noted. Archaeological specialists will then be contacted by the environmental consultants and if there is a need for such investigations, the appointment of such specialists will be made by the project managers Aesthetics During the construction phase of the activity, the exposure of soil and earth-moving machinery will have a noticeable visual impact, both to residents and road users. The nature of the new roads and interchanges will also have a permanent impact on the aesthetics of the area. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

22 6 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS 6.1 Advertising In order to alert and inform the Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs), an advertisement was placed in the local newspapers The Herald and Die Burger, on 02 April 2010 and 03 April 2010 respectively, and notice boards on site, informing the general public of the proposed development. Copies of these advertisements are included as Appendix E. A number of individuals and businesses have expressed interest in the project and are registered as I&APs. A copy of this Draft Scoping Report is made available to all registered IAPs for comment and some comments have been received back from the I&APs. Another advertisement will again be placed in the local newspapers and community newsletters and notice boards will also be placed on site to inform the general public of the proposed development, this will be done during the EIR phase of the project. 6.2 Comments from IAPs A register of all the Interested and Affected Parties has been opened and a copy of this register will be attached to the final Scoping report that will be submitted to the Department of Economic development and Environmental Affairs for approval. A Background Information Document and a Draft Scoping Report have been sent to the registered IAPs for their review and comments. Comments have been received from some of the registered I&APs and responded to those comments. A Comments and Response Report is attached as Appendix H. 6.3 Registered I&APs The Department of Water Affairs (Mr P Retief), South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and The South African Heritage Resources Association (Ms N. Ngcayi) have been registered as I&APs. Environmental groups, i.e. WESSA (Mr Morgan Griffiths), Zwartkops Trust (Mr Arthur Rump), Nelson Mandela Bay Local Environmentalists NiMBLE (Mr Greg Smith) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) have also been registered as Interested and Affected Parties. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

23 7. IMPACT ASSESSMENT This section investigates the likely biophysical and socio-economic impacts and benefits, which may arise from the proposed construction of Redhouse Chelsea Arterial and extension of Walker Drive. 7.1 Approach The impact of the construction of roads and associated infrastructure has been assessed according to a number of criteria to arrive at an overall significance rating. The criteria used are as follows: Intensity Low Ecological functions may continue undisturbed, No rare or endangered species affected, No objection from IAPs Medium Ecological functioning temporary affected, No rare or endangered species affected, some concern from IAPs. High Ecological functioning permanently altered. Rare or endangered species impacted. Major concern from IAPs Duration Short term Less than the duration of the activity Medium Term Impact persists until activity ceases Permanent Impact is permanent Spatial Scale Site Immediate area of impact Local Area within 20km of proposed site Regional Entire Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Probability Low Unlikely Medium Possible High Likely D Definite A summary of the potential impacts related to various activities is provided in Table 7.1. Mitigation potential and significance rating with and without mitigation are indicated in the table. Detailed mitigation measures for the identified impacts are to be provided in the Environmental Impact Report that will be produced during the EIR phase of the project. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

24 Table 7.1 Impact Summaries Criteria Significance Ref Below Environment Description of potential environmental impact Intensity Spatial Scale Duration Probability With mitigation Without mitigation Soils The exposure of soils to the threat of erosion through the removal of vegetation cover Water Courses The impact of construction on water quality of rivers and streams, through erosion and subsequent siltation. M S P H M H H S P M L H Geology The impact of construction on geology. L S ST L L L Air Quality The impact of construction on air quality including dust Indigenous vegetation and rare or endangered plant species generation The impact on indigenous vegetation and/or rare or protected plant species Alien Vegetation The impact of construction on the spread of alien and invasive vegetation Fauna The impact on animal habitat and therefore species diversity and density Natural Heritage The impact on natural heritage resources such as old buildings, graves and other sites of significance Aesthetics/ Visual impact. The impact of the new road developments on the aesthetics of the region L S ST M L M H S P H L H M S ST H L M H S MT H L L L L P M L L M L P D M M Land-use and capability The impact on current land use and future land capability. L L P M M M Socio-economic structure The impact of road network provision for the locals on the Avian diversity and populations socio-economic structure of the region. The impact on protected, rare or endangered bird species due to habitat loss L L P H M --- L L P M L M P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

25 8. CONCLUSION 8.1 Preparation of Environmental Impact Report The intention is to produce a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report, which will meet with the requirements of the EIA Regulations and provide the DEDEA with sufficient information to assess the project and issue an Environmental Authorisation. In addition, the Draft EIA Report will be submitted to the DWAF, SAHRA, and registered I&APs for comment. The contents of the report are proposed as follows A detailed description of the proposed project including an estimate of the start and completion date of construction. Locality maps and plans indicating main features of the proposed development. Identification and description of alternatives. A description of the affected environment (biophysical and social). A biodiversity specialist will be contracted to do studies on this specific topic. Identification and marking of any recorded protected species that could be affected by the construction activity. Identification of archaeological sites / heritage sites / historical resources or sites that could be affected by the construction. A description of the public participation process, including key issues raised by IAPs and how these issues have been addressed. Impact identification and assessment. Environmental Management Programme on how identified potential impacts should be mitigated and minimized. An Application for Authorisation and a Plan of Study for EIA also accompany this document. The anticipated specialist studies to be included during the EIR phase are the Vegetation and Wetland specialist studies due to the sensitivity of the proposed site for development. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29

26 9. REFERENCES ENCES Acocks, J.P.H., 3 rd Edition (1988). Veld Types of South Africa. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa, No. 57. Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply. Low, A.B. & Rebelo, A.G Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria. Pierce, S.M The STEP Handbook. Integrating the natural environment into land-use decisions at the municipal level towards sustainable development. Terrestrial Ecology Research Unit Report No.47. University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Pierce, S.M The STEP Mapbook, part of the STEP Handbook. Integrating the natural environment into land-use decisions at the municipal level towards sustainable development. Terrestrial Ecology Research Unit Report No.47. University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. SRK Consulting Draft Strategic Environmental Assessment of the NMBM Spatial Development Framework November 2007, Report No /2. Port Elizabeth, South Africa. SRK Consulting Draft Conservation Assessment and Plan for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality November 2007, Report No /3. Port Elizabeth, South Africa. P:\01 TERRATEST\ Redhouse Chelsea Arterial - EIA\07 REPORTS\Environmental Scoping Report\July of 29