Annex 5F. Visual Impact Assessment Report compiled by Newtown Landscape Architects cc, March 2015

Transcription

1 Annex 5F Visual Impact Assessment Report compiled by Newtown Landscape Architects cc, March 2015

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3 Visual Impact Assessment Report Version 1.0 Final Report March 2015 Document Ref. Prepared By Reviewed By Date Submitted to Kangra Coal for Review Yonanda Martin Newtown Landscape Architects cc Alan Cochran March 2015 This report has been prepared by Environmental Resources Management the trading name of Environmental Resources Management Southern Africa (Pty) Limited, with all reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of the Contract with the client, incorporating our General Terms and Conditions of Business and taking account of the resources devoted to it by agreement with the client. We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. This report is confidential to the client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report, or any part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk.

4 CONTENTS LIST OF ACRONYMS III GLOSSARY OF TERMS IV 1 INTRODUCTION TERMS OF REFERENCE PROJECT BACKGROUND SCOPE OF WORK LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND GOOD PRACTICE STANDARDS NATIONAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES KANGRA COAL POLICIES STUDY APPROACH AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY STUDY APPROACH IMPACT ASSESSMENT RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT THE STUDY AREA SURROUNDING LAND USE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER VISUAL RESOURCE VISUAL RESOURCE / SCENIC QUALITY SENSITIVITY OF VISUAL RESOURCES SENSE OF PLACE VISUAL RECEPTORS VIEWS SENSITIVE VIEWER LOCATIONS QUALIFICATION OF LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT SEVERITY OF VISUAL IMPACT IMPACT ASSESSMENT IMPACTS TO THE LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ENVIRONMENT DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IMPACT TO THE LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ENVIRONMENT DURING THE OPERATIONAL PHASE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IMPACTS TO THE LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ENVIRONMENT DURING THE DECOMMISSIONING PHASE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 8-7 I

5 9 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS AND MITIGATION CUMULATIVE IMPACTS TO THE LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ENVIRONMENT CONCLUSION VISUAL INTRUSION AND VISIBILITY SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS RELATED TO LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ENVIRONMENT REFERENCES 11-1 II

6 LIST OF ACRONYMS Abbreviation Full Definition BAR Basic Assessment Report CSIR Council for Scientific and Industrial Research DMR Department of Minerals and Resources DTM Digital Terrain Model EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ERM Environmental Resource Management (Pty) Ltd ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment IFC International Financing Corporation MRA Mineral Rights Application SEMPR Social and Environmental Management Programme IFC International Finance Corporation NEMA National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) NLA Newtown Landscape Architects cc VIA Visual Impact Assessment III

7 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Aesthetic Value Aesthetic value is the emotional response derived from the experience of the environment with its particular natural and cultural attributes. The response can be either to visual or non-visual elements and can embrace sound, smell and any other factor having a strong impact on human thoughts, feelings and attitudes (Ramsay, 1993). Thus aesthetic value encompasses more than the seen view, visual quality or scenery, and includes atmosphere, landscape character and sense of place (Schapper, 1993). Aesthetically Significant Place A formally designated place visited by recreationists and others for the express purpose of enjoying its beauty. For example, tens of thousands of people visit Table Mountain on an annual basis. They come from around the country and even from around the world. By these measurements, one can make the case that Table Mountain (a designated National Park) is an aesthetic resource of national significance. Similarly, a resource that is visited by large numbers who come from across the region probably has regional significance. A place visited primarily by people whose place of origin is local is generally of local significance. Unvisited places either have no significance or are "no trespass" places. (after New York, Department of Environment 2000). Aesthetic Impact Aesthetic impact occurs when there is a detrimental effect on the perceived beauty of a place or structure. Mere visibility, even startling visibility of a project proposal, should not be a threshold for decision making. Instead a project, by virtue of its visibility, must clearly interfere with or reduce (i.e. visual impact) the public's enjoyment and/or appreciation of the appearance of a valued resource e.g. cooling tower blocks a view from a National Park overlook (after New York, Department of Environment 2000). Cumulative Effects The summation of effects that result from changes caused by a development in conjunction with the other past, present or reasonably foreseeable actions. Landscape Character The individual elements that make up the landscape, including prominent or eye-catching features such as hills, valleys, woods, trees, water bodies, buildings and roads. They are generally quantifiable and can be easily described. Landscape Impact IV

8 Landscape effects derive from changes in the physical landscape, which may give rise to changes in its character and how this is experienced (Institute of Environmental Assessment & The Landscape Institute, 1996). Project Site The proposed project site refers to the actual area where the Project infrastructure is proposed the Project footprint of the new Adit and the associated conveyor system. Study Area It is the actual areas where the Project infrastructure is proposed and the surrounding (receiving) social, physical and biophysical environment. For the purposes of this report the study area refers to the proposed site as well as the zone of potential influence (the area defined as the radius about the centre point of the project beyond which the visual impact of the most visible features will be insignificant) which is a 5km radius surrounding the proposed new Adit. Sense of Place (genius loci) Sense of place is the unique value that is allocated to a specific place or area through the cognitive experience of the user or viewer. Genius loci literally means spirit of the place. Sensitive Receptors Sensitivity of visual receptors (viewers) to a proposed development. Viewshed Analysis The two dimensional spatial pattern created by an analysis that defines areas, which contain all possible observation sites from which an object would be visible. The basic assumption for preparing a viewshed analysis is that the observer eye height is 1,8m above ground level. Visibility The area from which project components would potentially be visible. Visibility depends upon general topography, aspect, tree cover or other visual obstruction, elevation and distance. Visual Exposure Visibility and visual intrusion qualified with a distance rating to indicate the degree of intrusion and visual acuity, which is also influenced by weather and light conditions. Visual Impact Visual effects relate to the changes that arise in the composition of available V

9 views as a result of changes to the landscape, to people s responses to the changes, and to the overall effects with respect to visual amenity. Visual Intrusion The nature of intrusion of an object on the visual quality of the environment resulting in its compatibility (absorbed into the landscape elements) or discord (contrasts with the landscape elements) with the landscape and surrounding land uses. Worst-case Scenario Principle applied where the environmental effects may vary, for example, seasonally to ensure the most severe potential effect is assessed. Zone of Potential Visual Influence By determining the zone of potential visual influence it is possible to identify the extent of potential visibility and views which could be affected by the proposed development. Its maximum extent is the radius around an object beyond which the visual impact of its most visible features will be insignificant primarily due to distance. VI

10 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Newtown Landscape Architects cc (NLA) was appointed by ERM to assess and evaluate the significance of potential visual impacts of the proposed Kangra Coal Maquasa West Project, specifically referring to the Main Adit and the conveyor system, on the visual environment. The proposed Project is located east of the Kangra Coal Maquasa Mine and the Driefontein residential area. The proposed Project is located in an areas which has landscape types / features with high aesthetic value (Mantshangwe Mountains, Heyshope Dam and Ohlelo River) and features with low aesthetic value (mining, informal residential). It can therefore be said that the visual resource (aesthetic value) has an overall moderate value. Potential sensitive viewers identified include the rural villages / rural residential dwellings located within the Project. During the construction period the proposed Project will have a minor negative impact which can be reduced to negligible should the mitigation measures be implemented successfully. During this period the visual impact will mainly be due to dust and the visibility of the construction activities. The operational phase will result in dust and visibility of the structures and will contribute to a minor negative impact pre-mitigation and a negligible negative impact after mitigation measures have been implemented successfully. During the decommissioning and closure phase the structures will be removed which will result in a low negative impact that can be reduced to a negligible impact should mitigation be implemented successfully. The biggest concern during this period is dust. Mitigation measures which will contribute to a lower visual impact, if implemented successfully include the following: Dust suppression Correct lighting Good housekeeping during construction VII

11 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE Environmental Resources Management Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd. (ERM) were appointed by Kangra Coal (Pty) Ltd. (Kangra Coal) to undertake the function of independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) and undertake the relevant Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Processes for the proposed new Adit and conveyor system for the Kangra Coal Kusipongo Expansion Project (the Project). A Basic Assessment processes will be undertaken as the proposed Project requires the following environmental authorisations/licenses: Mining Rights from the Regional (Mpumalanga) Department of Minerals and Resources (DMR) in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) (MPRDA). Environmental Authorisation from the Regional (Mpumalanga) Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (DEDET) in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA). Newtown Landscape Architects cc (NLA) was contracted by ERM to assess and evaluate the significance of potential visual impacts of the proposed Kangra Coal Kusipongo Expansion Project on the visual environment, and to develop a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) Report (this report). The VIA is specifically for the construction of a new Adit as well as the conveyor system (the Project) and will form part of the Basic Assessment Report (BAR). 1.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND Kangra Coal s original mining right application for the Kusipongo Coal Reserve was rejected by the DMR. Kangra has subsequently revised their layout to remove the surface infrastructure from within the MRA area to an area within the Maquasa West Extension (which has existing rights). This process will require the EIA for the Mining Right Application (MRA) for the revised layout as well as the Section 102 Amendment related to establishing the surface infrastructure within this existing right on Maquasa West Extension (see attached map). The proposed project is located within the Mkhondo and Dr. Pixley Kalsaka Seme Local Municipalities (which form part of the Gert Sibane District Municipality) in Mpumalanga, which is approximately 51km west-south-west from Piet Retief and 64km south east from Ermelo (refer to Figure 1.1). 1-1

12 The whole proposed mining operation will be underground and the coal will be taken out via a new adit connected to the existing underground operations. The new access adit and conveyor will be developed within the existing Maquasa West Expansion. 1-2

13 Figure 1.1 Project Locality

14 Figure 1.2 Location of Mine Site Infrastructure

15 1.3 SCOPE OF WORK A specialist study is required to investigate the visual impact of the proposed Project. Based on the general requirements for a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA), this report sets out the following Scope of Work: Part 1: Baseline Study Site Visit: A field survey was undertaken (16 March 2015) and the Study Area scrutinized to the extent that the receiving environment could be documented and adequately described; Landscape Character: The landscape character was determined by aerial photographic interpretation as well as the aforementioned field survey; Scenic Value of the Landscape: The scenic value (beauty) of the landscape was determined as a measurement of the union of ecological integrity (overall health of the landscape) and aesthetic appeal. Aesthetic appeal is described using contemporary research in perceptual psychology and the opinion of the specialist is used for determining the scenic value of the landscape; Sense of Place: The sense of place of the Study Area will be evaluated as to the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the landscape. The primary informants of these qualities are the spatial form, character and the natural landscape together with the cultural transformations and tradition associated with the historic and current use of the land of the Study Area, and Sensitive Viewers: Sensitive viewers were determined by aerial photographic interpretation as well as the field survey Part 2: Visual Impact Assessment The objectives of the VIA includes determination of the following: Visual Intrusion: Photographs taken from key viewing areas (adjacent landowner properties) were digitally manipulated to simulate the physical presence and nature of the visual intrusion of the proposed Project components; Visibility and Visual Exposure: Visibility of the proposed Project was determined by conducting a viewshed analysis. A Semi-quantitative digital terrain model (DTM) which consists of features that normally occur on 1 : maps, such as roads and settlements, were draped over contours (derived from 1 : maps) to generate an analysis that determines all potential observation sites (the viewshed) from which the proposed Project would be visible. Visual exposure is determined by the relative distance of the viewer from the proposed Project; 1-5

16 Impact on the Visual Environment and the Sense of Place of the Study Area: Using visual intrusion, visibility and visual exposure criteria, along with criteria that determine the sense of place, the magnitude of the impact on the visual environment and sense of place were predicted. The significance of the impact was then qualified in terms of sensitivity (landscape and visual receptors), extent, duration and probability of the impact. The cumulative impact of visual impacts of the operational activities was also identified and rated; and Mitigation Measures: Mitigation measures to reduce the visual impact and the impact on the sense of place are proposed for all three phases of the Project. A simulation of the proposed measures was produced to determine the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation action Author of the Visual Impact Assessment Yonanda Martin has a B.Sc Degree in Environmental Science from the University of North West, Potchefstroom Campus (2003). M.Sc Degree in Ecological Remediation and Sustainable Utilization from the University of North West, Potchefstroom Campus (2007). She has 6 years experience in Visual Impact Assessments and is currently employed by Newtown Landscape Architects. Her work experience includes the following projects: Dorsfontein West Expansion, Kriel Mine Waste Solutions, Stilfontein Ferreira Coal Mining, Ermelo De Wittekrans Mining, Hendrina Grootvlei PV Development, Grootvlei Swakop Uranium Husab Project, Namibia Omitiomire Mine Project, Namibia 1-6

17 2 LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND GOOD PRACTICE STANDARDS This Section details the legal requirements that are relevant to the VIA. 2.1 NATIONAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (No. 108 of 1996) Summary of Constitution The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa is the legal source for all law, including environmental law, in South Africa. The Bill of Rights is fundamental to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and in Section 24 states that: Everyone has the right (a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and (b) to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other measures that (i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation; (ii) promote conservation; and (iii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development. Applicability to Project The residents of the immediate and surrounding area have the basic constitutional right to a protected environment that is not unnecessarily and/or irreparably damaged by any industrial or related development National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) Summary of Act The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) is a framework which provides guidance on environmental management in South Africa. Applicability to Project This VIA report is in accordance to the specification on conducting specialist studies and the mitigation measures as stipulated in the specialist report can be used as part of the Social and Environmental Management Programme (SEMPR) The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003) Summary of Act The main aim of the Act is to identify and protect natural landscapes. 2-1

18 Applicability to Project The proposed Project will need to ensure that the visual/landscape value of protected areas is protected The National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) Summary of Act The main aim of the Act is to protect the heritage resources of South Africa. Applicability to Project The Act is applicable to the protection of heritage resources and includes visual resources such as cultural landscapes, nature reserves, proclaimed scenic routes and urban conservation areas Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning: Guideline for Involving Visual and Aesthetic Specialists in EIA Processes Edition 1 (CSIR, 2005) Summary of Guidelines Although the guidelines were specifically compiled for the Province of the Western Cape it provides guidance that will be appropriate for any VIA process. The Guideline document also seeks to clarify instances when a visual specialist should get involved in the EIA process. Applicability to Project The Guidelines provide guidance on how Visual Impact Assessments need to be conducted. 2.2 INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES World Bank IFC Standards Summary of Standards The World Bank International Financing Corporation (IFC) Standards provide a guideline for environmental management and impact assessments, specifically referring to the mining industry. Applicability to Project The World Bank s IFC Standards: Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Mining refers to VIAs by stating that: Mining operations, and in particular surface mining activities, may result in negative visual impacts to resources associated with other landscape uses such as recreation or tourism. Potential contributors to visual impacts include high walls, erosion, discoloured water, haul roads, waste dumps, slurry ponds, abandoned mining 2-2

19 equipment and structures, garbage and refuse dumps, open pits, and deforestation. Mining operations should prevent and minimize negative visual impacts through consultation with local communities about potential post-closure land use, incorporating visual impact assessment into the mine reclamation process. Reclaimed lands should, to the extent feasible, conform to the visual aspects of the surrounding landscape. The reclamation design and procedures should take into consideration the proximity to public viewpoints and the visual impact within the context of the viewing distance. Mitigation measures may include strategic placement of screening materials including trees and use of appropriate plant species in the reclamation phase as well as modification in the placement of ancillary facilities and access roads. This VIA is in accordance with the IFC Performance Standards (Performance Standard 1: Social and Environmental Assessment and Management Systems) for the undertaking of Environmental Assessments and contributes to the ESIA for the proposed Project. These standards together with the National Regulations and Guidelines have been used to inform the standard of the Visual Impact Report as structured by Newtown Landscape Architects. Kangra Coal will not seek international funding and therefore the Visual Impact Assessment does not have to be in conformance with the IFC Standards. 2.3 KANGRA COAL POLICIES Kangra Coal is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices; Kangra Coal pledges to improve their overall environmental performance across all their business activities. Kangra Coal encourages their business partners and members of the entire Kangra group to participate in this endeavour. In accordance with this Environmental Policy, Kangra Coal strives for compliance with all environmental laws and commits to manage all of its activities in the environment. Of applicability to this study, Kangra Coal pledges to: Adopt the highest environmental standards in all areas of its operations, meeting and exceeding all relevant legislative requirements to which Kangra subscribes to; Regularly evaluating the existing and potential impact of its operations (including those relating to work undertaken by all staff) on the environment; Continuously improving on the overall company s environmental performance; and Continuously conducting research to increase the knowledge on the environmental effects of Kangra Coal s relative activities and development 2-3

20 or adoption of appropriate processes, technologies and equipment to meet anticipated environmental needs. 2-4

21 3 STUDY APPROACH AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 3.1 STUDY APPROACH The assessment of likely effects on a landscape resource and on visual amenity is complex, since it is determined through a combination of quantitative and qualitative evaluations (The Landscape Institute with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, 2002). When assessing visual impacts the worst-case scenario is taken into account. Although landscape and visual assessments are linked they are treated separately. The landscape, its analysis and the assessment of impacts on the landscape all contribute to the baseline for VIA studies. The assessment of potential impacts on the landscape is carried out as an impact on an environmental resource, i.e. the physical landscape. Visual impacts, on the other hand, are assessed as one of the interrelated effects on people (i.e. the viewers and the impact of an introduced object into a particular view or scene) Visual Resource Landscape character, landscape quality (Warnock, S. & Brown, N., 1998) and sense of place (Lynch, K., 1992) are used to evaluate the visual resource i.e. the receiving visual environment. Aesthetic value is the emotional response derived from the experience of the environment with its particular natural and cultural attributes. The response is usually to both visual and non-visual elements and can embrace sound, smell and any other factor having a strong impact on human thoughts, feelings and attitudes (Ramsay, 1993). As a result, aesthetic value is more than the combined factors of the seen view, visual quality or scenery. It includes atmosphere, landscape character and sense of place (Schapper, 1993) (refer to Appendix B for further information). In this study, the aesthetic evaluation of the Study Area is determined by the professional opinion of the author (based on site observations) and the results of contemporary research in perceptual psychology. Studies for perceptual psychology have shown human preference for landscapes with higher visual complexity, for instance scenes with water or topographic interest. On the basis of contemporary research, landscape quality increases where: Topographic ruggedness and relative relief increase; Water forms are present; Diverse patterns of grassland and trees occur; Natural landscape increases and man-made landscape decreases; and 3-1

22 Where land use compatibility increases (Crawford, 1994). Aesthetic appeal (value) is therefore considered high when the following are present (Ramsay, 1993): Abstract Qualities such as the presence of vivid, distinguished, uncommon or rare features or abstract attributes; Evocative Responses the ability of the landscape to evoke particularly strong responses in community members or visitors; Meanings the existence of a long-standing special meaning to a particular group of people or the ability of the landscape to convey special meanings to viewers in general; and Landmark Quality a particular feature that stands out and is recognized by the broader community. And conversely, it would be low where (Crawford, 1994): Limited patterns of grasslands and trees occur; Natural landscape decreases and man-made landscape increases; and And where land use compatibility decreases. In determining the quality of the visual resource, both the objective and the subjective (or aesthetic) factors associated with the landscape are considered. Many landscapes can be said to have a strong sense of place, regardless of whether they are considered to be scenically beautiful but where landscape quality, aesthetic value and a strong sense of place coincide - the visual resource or perceived value of the landscape is considered to be very high. The criteria given in Appendix B are used to assess landscape quality, sense of place and were used to determine the aesthetic value of the Study Area Sensitivity of Visual Resource The sensitivity of a landscape or visual resource is the degree to which a particular landscape type or area can accommodate change arising from a particular development, without detrimental effects on its character. Its determination is based upon an evaluation of each key element or characteristic of the landscape likely to be affected. The evaluation will reflect such factors such as its quality, value, contribution to landscape character, and the degree to which the particular element or characteristic can be replaced or substituted (Institute of Environmental Assessment & The Landscape Institute, 1996:87). 3-2

23 3.1.3 Sense of Place Central to the concept of sense of place is that the landscape requires uniqueness and distinctiveness. The primary informant of these qualities is the spatial form and character of the natural landscape taken together with the cultural transformations and traditions associated with the historic use and habitation of the area. According to Lynch (1992), sense of place is the extent to which a person can recognize or recall a place as being distinct from other places as having a vivid, unique, or at least particular, character of its own. Sense of place is the unique value that is allocated to a specific place or area through the cognitive experience of the user or viewer. In some cases these values allocated to the place are similar for a wide spectrum of users or viewers, giving the place a universally recognized and therefore, strong sense of place. Because the sense of place of the Study Area is derived from the emotional, aesthetic and visual response to the environment, it cannot be experienced in isolation. The landscape context must be considered. With this in mind, the combination of the natural landscape (mountains, streams and the vegetation) together with the manmade structures (residential areas, roads, mining activities and power lines) contribute to the sense of place for the Study Area. It is these land-uses, which define the area and establish its identity Sensitive Viewer Locations The sensitivity of visual receptors and views are dependent on the location and context of the viewpoint, the expectations and occupation or activity of the receptor or the importance of the view. This may be determined with respect to its popularity or numbers of people affected, its appearance in guidebooks, on tourist maps, and in the facilities provided for its enjoyment and references to it in literature or art. The most sensitive receptors may include: Users of all outdoor recreational facilities including public rights of way, whose intention or interest may be focused on the landscape; Communities where development results in changes in the landscape setting or valued views enjoyed by the community; and Occupiers of residential properties with views affected by the development. Other receptors include: 3-3

24 People engaged in outdoor sport or recreation (other than appreciation of the landscape, as in landscapes of acknowledged importance or value); People traveling through or past the affected landscape in cars or other transport modes; and People at their place of work. Views from residences and tourist facilities / routes are typically more sensitive, since views these are considered to be frequent and of long duration Landscape Impact The landscape impact of a proposed development is measured as the change to the fabric, character and quality of the landscape caused by the physical presence of the proposed development. Identifying and describing the nature and intensity of change in the landscape brought about by the proposed new mine is based on the professional opinion of the author supported by photographic simulations. It is imperative to depict the change to the landscape in as realistic a manner as possible (Van Dortmont in Lange, 1994). In order to do this, photographic panoramas were taken from key viewpoints and altered using computer simulation techniques to illustrate the physical nature of the proposed Project in its final form within the context of the landscape setting. The resultant change to the landscape is then observable and an assessment of the anticipated visual intrusion can be made Visual Impact Visual impacts are a subset of landscape impacts. Visual impacts relate to the changes that arise in the composition of available views as a result of changes to the landscape, to people s responses to the changes, and to the overall effect with respect to visual amenity. Visual impact is therefore measured as the change to the existing visual environment (i.e. views) caused by the intervention and the extent to which that change compromises (negative impact) or enhances (positive impact) or maintains the visual quality of the scene as perceived by people visiting, working or living in the area. This approach reflects the layman s concerns, which normally are: Will I be able to see the new development? What will it look like? Will the development affect views in the area and if so how? Landscape and visual impacts do not necessarily coincide. Landscape impacts can occur with the absence of visual impacts, for instance where a development is wholly screened from available public views, but nonetheless results in a loss of landscape elements and landscape character within a localized area (the site and its immediate surrounds). 3-4

25 3.1.7 Severity of Visual Impact The severity of visual impact is determined using visual intrusion, visibility and visual exposure criteria (Hull, R.B. and Bishop, I.E., 1988), qualified by the sensitivity of viewers (visual receptors) towards the proposed development. The severity of visual impact is therefore concerned with: The overall impact on the visual amenity, which can range from degradation through to enhancement; The direct impacts of the mine upon views of the landscape through intrusion or obstruction; and The reactions of viewers who may be affected. Refer to Figure 3.1 below for the overview of the visual impact assessment process. Figure 3.1 Visual Impact Process 3.2 IMPACT ASSESSMENT The impact assessment stage comprises a number of steps that collectively assess the manner in which the Project will interact with elements of the physical, biological, cultural or human environment to produce impacts to resources/receptors. The steps involved in the impact assessment stage are described in greater detail below. 3-5

26 The impact characteristic terminology to be used is summarised in Table 3.1. Table 3.1 Impact Characteristic Terminology Characteristic Definition Designations Type A descriptor indicating the relationship of the impact to the Project (in terms of cause and effect). Direct Indirect Induced Extent Duration Scale Frequency The reach of the impact (e.g., confined to a small area around the Project Footprint, projected for several kilometres, etc.). The time period over which a resource / receptor is affected. Local Regional International Temporary Short-term Long-term Permanent The size of the impact (e.g., the [no fixed designations; size of the area damaged or intended to be a numerical impacted, the fraction of a value] resource that is lost or affected, etc.) A measure of the constancy or periodicity of the impact. [no fixed designations; intended to be a numerical value] In the case of type, the designations are defined universally (i.e., the same definitions apply to all resources/receptors and associated impacts). For these universally-defined designations, the definitions are provided in Table 3.2. Table 3.2 Designation Definitions Designation Type Direct Indirect Induced Extent Local Regional International Duration Temporary Short-term Long-term Permanent Definition Impacts that result from a direct interaction between the Project and a resource/receptor (e.g., between occupation of a plot of land and the habitats which are affected). Impacts that follow on from the direct interactions between the Project and its environment as a result of subsequent interactions within the environment (e.g., viability of a species population resulting from loss of part of a habitat as a result of the Project occupying a plot of land). Impacts that result from other activities (which are not part of the Project) that happen as a consequence of the Project (e.g., influx of camp followers resulting from the importation of a large Project workforce). Defined on a resource/receptor-specific basis. Defined on a resource/receptor-specific basis. In the case of extent and duration, the designations themselves (shown in Table 3.1) are universally consistent, but the definitions for these designations will vary on a resource/receptor basis (e.g., the definition of what constitutes 3-6

27 a short term duration for a noise-related impact may differ from that of a short term duration for a habitat-related impact). This concept is discussed further below. In the case of scale and frequency, these characteristics are not assigned fixed designations, as they are typically numerical measurements (e.g., number of acres affected, number of times per day, etc.). The terminology and designations are provided to ensure consistency when these characteristics are described in an impact assessment deliverable. However, it is not a requirement that each of these characteristics be discussed for every impact identified. An additional characteristic that pertains only to unplanned events (e.g., traffic accident, operational release of toxic gas, community riot, etc.) is likelihood. The likelihood of an unplanned event occurring is designated using a qualitative (or semi-quantitative, where appropriate data are available) scale, as described in Table 3.3. Table 3.3 Definitions for Likelihood Designations Likelihood Unlikely Possible Likely Definition The event is unlikely but may occur at some time during normal operating conditions. The event is likely to occur at some time during normal operating conditions. The event will occur during normal operating conditions (i.e., it is essentially inevitable). Likelihood is estimated on the basis of experience and/or evidence that such an outcome has previously occurred. It is important to note that likelihood is a measure of the degree to which the unplanned event is expected to occur, not the degree to which an impact or effect is expected to occur as a result of the unplanned event. The latter concept is referred to as uncertainty, and this is typically dealt with in a contextual discussion in the impact assessment deliverable, rather than in the impact significance assignment process. In the case of impacts resulting from unplanned events, the same resource/receptor-specific approach to concluding a magnitude designation is utilised, but the likelihood factor is considered, together with the other impact characteristics, when assigning a magnitude designation. There is an inherent challenge in discussing impacts resulting from (planned) Project activities and those resulting from unplanned events. To avoid the need to fully elaborate on an impact resulting from an unplanned event prior to discussing what could be a very low likelihood of occurrence for the unplanned event, this methodology incorporates likelihood into the magnitude designation (i.e., in parallel with consideration of the other impact characteristics), so that the likelihood-factored magnitude can then be 3-7

28 considered with the resource/receptor sensitivity/vulnerability/importance in order to assign impact significance. Rather than taking a prescriptive (e.g., matrix) approach to factoring likelihood into the magnitude designation process, it is recommended that this be done based on professional judgment, possibly assisted by quantitative data (e.g., modelling, frequency charts) where available. Once the impact characteristics are understood, these characteristics are used (in a manner specific to the resource/receptor in question) to assign each impact a magnitude. In summary, magnitude is a function of the following impact characteristics: Extent; Duration; Scale; Frequency; and Likelihood. Magnitude essentially describes the degree of change that the impact is likely to impart upon the resource/receptor. As in the case of extent and duration, the magnitude designations themselves (i.e., negligible, small, medium, large) are universally used and across resources/receptors, but the definitions for these designations will vary on a resource/receptor basis, as is discussed further below. The universal magnitude designations are: Positive; Negligible; Small; Medium; and Large. The magnitude of impacts takes into account all the various dimensions of a particular impact in order to make a determination as to where the impact falls on the spectrum (in the case of adverse impacts) from negligible to large. Some impacts will result in changes to the environment that may be immeasurable, undetectable or within the range of normal natural variation. Such changes can be regarded as essentially having no impact, and should be characterised as having a negligible magnitude. In the case of positive impacts no magnitude will be assigned. In addition to characterising the magnitude of impact, the other principal step necessary to assign significance for a given impact is to define the sensitivity/vulnerability/importance of the impacted resource/receptor. There are a range of factors to be taken into account when defining the sensitivity/vulnerability/importance of the resource/receptor, which may be physical, biological, cultural or human. Where the resource is physical (for example, a water body) its quality, sensitivity to change and importance (on a local, national and international scale) are considered. Where the resource/receptor is biological or cultural (for example, the marine 3-8

29 environment or a coral reef), its importance (for example, its local, regional, national or international importance) and its sensitivity to the specific type of impact are considered. Where the receptor is human, the vulnerability of the individual, community or wider societal group is considered. Other factors may also be considered when characterising sensitivity/vulnerability/importance, such as legal protection, government policy, stakeholder views and economic value. As in the case of magnitude, the sensitivity/vulnerability/importance designations themselves are universally consistent, but the definitions for these designations will vary on a resource/receptor basis. The universal sensitivity/vulnerability/importance designations are: Low; Medium; and High. Once magnitude of impact and sensitivity/vulnerability/importance of resource/receptor have been characterised, the significance can be assigned for each impact. Impact significance is designated using the matrix shown in Table 3.4. Table 3.4 Impact Significances Negligible Sensitivity/Vulnerability/Importance of Resource/Receptor Low Medium High Negligible Negligible Negligible Magnitude of Impact Small Medium Large Negligible Minor Moderate Minor Moderate Major Moderate Major Major The matrix applies universally to all resources/receptors, and all impacts to these resources/receptors, as the resource/receptor- or impact-specific considerations are factored into the assignment of magnitude and sensitivity designations that enter into the matrix. Box 3.1 provides a context for what the various impact significance ratings signify. 3-9

30 Box 3.1 Context of Impact Significances An impact of negligible significance is one where a resource/receptor (including people) will essentially not be affected in any way by a particular activity or the predicted effect is deemed to be imperceptible or is indistinguishable from natural background variations. An impact of minor significance is one where a resource/receptor will experience a noticeable effect, but the impact magnitude is sufficiently small (with or without mitigation) and/or the resource/receptor is of low sensitivity/ vulnerability/ importance. In either case, the magnitude should be well within applicable standards. An impact of moderate significance has an impact magnitude that is within applicable standards, but falls somewhere in the range from a threshold below which the impact is minor, up to a level that might be just short of breaching a legal limit. Clearly, to design an activity so that its effects only just avoid breaking a law and/or cause a major impact is not best practice. The emphasis for moderate impacts is therefore on demonstrating that the impact has been reduced to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). This does not necessarily mean that impacts of moderate significance have to be reduced to minor, but that moderate impacts are being managed effectively and efficiently Mitigation of Impacts Once the significance of a given impact has been characterised using the above matrix, the next step is to evaluate what mitigation measures are warranted. In keeping with the Mitigation Hierarchy, the priority in mitigation is to first apply mitigation measures to the source of the impact (i.e., to avoid or reduce the magnitude of the impact from the associated Project activity), and then to address the resultant effect to the resource/receptor via abatement or compensatory measures or offsets (i.e., to reduce the significance of the effect once all reasonably practicable mitigations have been applied to reduce the impact magnitude). It is important to have a solid basis for recommending mitigation measures. The role of any impact assessment is to help our clients develop a consentable Project, and to help them achieve their business objectives in a responsible manner. Impact assessment is about identifying the aspects of a Project that need to be managed, and demonstrating how these have been appropriately dealt with and left a good quality and appropriate development. As key influencers in the decision making process, the role of the impact assessment is not to stop development or propose every possible mitigation or compensatory measure imaginable, but rather to make balanced judgements as to what is warranted, informed by a high quality evidence base. Additional mitigation measures should not be declared for impacts rated as not significant, unless the associated activity is related to conformance with an end of pipe applicable requirement. Further, it is important to note that it is not an absolute necessity that all impacts be mitigated to a not significant level; rather the objective is to mitigate impacts to an ALARP level. Embedded controls (i.e., physical or procedural controls that are planned as part of the Project design and are not added in response to an impact significance assignment), are considered as part of the Project (prior to entering the impact assessment stage of the impact assessment process). 3-10

31 3.2.2 Residual Impact Once mitigation measures are declared, the next step in the impact assessment process is to assign residual impact significance. This is essentially a repeat of the impact assessment steps discussed above, considering the assumed implementation of the additional declared mitigation measures Cumulative Impacts/Effects Cumulative impacts and effects are those that arise as a result of an impact and effect from the Project interacting with those from another activity to create an additional impact and effect. These are termed cumulative impacts and effects. The impact assessment process should predict any cumulative impacts/effects to which the Project may contribute. The approach for assessing cumulative impacts and effects resulting from the Project and another activity affecting the same resource/receptor is based on a consideration of the approval/existence status of the other activity and the nature of information available to aid in predicting the magnitude of impact from the other activity. 3-11

32 4 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT This description of the baseline environment is essential in that it represents the conditions of the environment before the construction of the proposed Adit and conveyor system on the Consolidated 133MR. The description of the baseline environment therefore provides a description of the current environment against which the impact of the proposed Project can be assessed and future changes monitored. The information presented in this Section has been collected from desktop studies and supplemented with site visits to the Study Area. 4.1 THE STUDY AREA The proposed Project is located to the south-west and west of the town of Driefontein and the Heyshope dam respectively. The Study Area is currently mainly used as grazing fields with some scattered small subsistence farming areas. Intensive agricultural activities and plantations are located within the greater area. The Study Area can be characterised as having a rolling topography, which is mainly due to the Mantshangwe Mountain Range and the rivers / streams that cross the area. The Mantshangwe Mountain Range is currently utilised for underground mining activities. The existing Maquasa East and West Plant and open cast mining activities are located within the proposed Study Area. There are a couple of small villages / rural residential dwellings scattered throughout the site (refer to Figure 1.2). 4.2 SURROUNDING LAND USE This Section details the varying land uses located within and surrounding the Study Area, and has reference to Figure 4.1 overleaf. 4-1