Prepared for: Century Property Development. June Report Reference: SAS Date: June 2018

Transcription

1 VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AS PART OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND AUTHORISATION PROCESS FOR THE EXISTING HELDERFONTEIN STORMWATER DAM WALL TO BE RAISED, NEAR MIDRAND, GAUTENG Prepared for: Century Property Development June 2018 Prepared by: Scientific Aquatic Services Report authors: Sanja Erwee Report reviewer: Stephen van Staden (Pr.Sci.Nat) Report Reference: SAS Date: June 2018 Scientific Aquatic Services CC CC Reg No 2003/078943/23 Vat Reg. No PO Box Gardenview 2047 Tel: Fax:

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Scientific Aquatic Services (SAS) was appointed to conduct a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) as part of the environmental assessment and authorisation process for a storm water dam wall to be raised, located in Helderfontein near Midrand, Gauteng Province. The dam is situated within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Based on the field assessment a tarred road has been constructed atop the dam wall and is utilised by various cyclists and motorists residing in the area. The dam wall is located within a moderately developed area with the immediate surrounding areas comprising mainly the Reddam House Helderfontein School, residential developments (Estate style development) and open degraded veld areas. The proposed project is located approximately 835m immediately east of the R511 roadway, approximately 146m north east of the Helderfontein Estate and approximately 150m northeast of the Reddam House Helderfontein School grounds. Based on the findings of the visual assessment, the proposed project is expected to have a minimal visual impact on the receiving environment, since the receptors within close proximity have already grown accustomed to the presence of the dam wall and tarred road. The proposed project area is situated within an area characterised by suburban, moderately undulating terrain, open grassland with dams constructed within an unchanneled valley bottom wetland and anthropogenic structures such as fences and powerlines. The dam wall area falls within the Egoli Granite Grassland vegetation type as defined by Mucina & Rutherford (2012). The area surrounding the dam is dominated by reeds such as Typha capensis and grass species associated with wetlands such as Imperata cylindrica. Other species such as Celtis Africana, Aristida congesta ssp. Congesta, Eragrostis chloromelas, E. Curvula, and Melinis repens subsp repens were also present. Furthermore, alien floral species such as Tagetes minuta, Bidens pilosa and Alternanthera pungens were present. The proposed project area has a high visual absorption capacity due to the dense vegetation in the immediate vicinity providing significant screening abilities, the limited height to what the dam wall will be raised and existing infrastructure in the area. Furthermore, the dense vegetation, moderately undulating terrain and residential development in the area results in the proposed project having low levels of visual intrusion. Several sensitive receptors have been identified within the area: residential areas (estates), schools, equestrian stables and motorists traveling on the roadways. The overall value and sense of place of the receiving environment is considered of moderate significance, due to the tranquil nature of the area as a result of the dam attracting various faunal and avifaunal species. When considering the development phases of the proposed project, the construction phase will have the highest visual intrusion due to the excavation activities and construction vehicles moving in and out of the construction site. During the construction phase the visual character and sense of place associated with the proposed project area will be impacted upon, temporarily disturbing the tranquillity of the area. Visual contrast to the surrounding environment may occur during excavation activities and the yellow construction vehicles may be clearly noticeable from the green background formed by the vegetation. The clearing of vegetation would lower the Visual Absorption Capacity of the area, because of loss of vegetation screening the view from some receptors. Should security lighting be required at the contractor s camp at night, it will not have a significant contribution to light pollution of the area. The construction activities will only take place during the daylight hours; therefore, the proposed project will not to contribute to skyglow or night time lighting. Lights will only be observed in the event when a car will drive on the tarred road constructed atop the dam wall during the operational phase. The mitigation measures outlined below would serve to minimise the potential visual impacts during the construction and operational phases of the proposed project: The development footprints and disturbed areas surrounding the proposed project infrastructure should be kept as small as possible and the areas cleared of natural vegetation and topsoil must be kept to a minimum; ii

3 The contractor s camp and chemical toilet system must be screened from view as far as considered feasible, especially out of view from the grounds of Reddam House Helderfontein School. Furthermore, the contractor s camp should be limited to a single storey; Existing vegetation, with particular reference to tall trees and larger shrubs, in the vicinity of the dam wall area must be retained, to ensure that the screening ability provided by the vegetation is not jeopardised. Consideration must however be given to the need to control alien invasive species; and Should night time security lighting be required where the construction vehicles will be stored, the use of minimum lumen or wattage in light fixtures be used. Furthermore, making use of motion detectors on security lighting, where possible, ensures that the site will remain in relative darkness, until lighting is required for security purposes. It is the opinion of the specialist that the project be considered favourably, from a visual resource management perspective, provided that the required mitigation and management measures be implemented in support of Integrated Environmental Management (EIM) and that it is ensured that the best long-term use of the resources in the project area will be made in support of the principle of sustainable development. iii

4 DOCUMENT GUIDE NEMA Regulations (2014) - Appendix 6 Relevant section in report 1a Details of (i) the specialist who prepared the report; and Appendix J (ii) the expertise of that specialist to compile a specialist report including Appendix J b a declaration that the specialist is independent in a form as may be specified Appendix J by the competent authority; c an indication of the scope of, and the purpose for which, the report was Section 1.2 prepared; ca an indication of the quality and age of base data used for the specialist report Section 4.1 cb a description of existing impacts on the site, cumulative impacts of the Section 6 proposed development and levels of acceptable change; d the duration, date and season of the site investigation and the relevance of the Section 4.2 season to the outcome of the assessment; e A description of the methodology adopted in preparing the report or carrying Section 4 and Appendix B to H out the specialised process inclusive of equipment and modelling used f details of an assessment of the specific identified sensitivity of the site related Section 5 to the proposed activity or activities and its associated structures and infrastructure, inclusive of a site plan g an identification of any areas to be avoided, including buffers Not applicable findings from ecological assessment may be used to conserve natural visual resources h a map superimposing the activity including the associated structures and infrastructure on the environmental sensitivities of the site including areas to be avoided, including buffers; Not applicable findings from ecological assessment may be used to conserve natural visual resources i a description of any assumptions made and any uncertainties or gaps in Section 1.4 knowledge; j a description of the findings and potential implications of such findings on the Section 5 and 6 impact of the proposed activity including identified alternatives on the environment or activities; k any mitigation measures for inclusion in the EMPr Section 6.6 l any conditions for inclusion in the environmental authorisation Section 6.6 m any monitoring requirements for inclusion in the EMPr or environmental Section 6.7 authorisation; n a reasoned opinion (i)as to whether the proposed activity, activities or portions thereof should be Section 7 authorised; (1A) regarding the acceptability of the proposed activity or activities; and Section 7 (ii) if the opinion is that the proposed activity, activities or portions thereof should be authorised, any avoidance, management and mitigation measures that should be included in the EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan; Section 6.6 o p a description of any consultation process that was undertaken during the course of preparing the specialist report; summary and copies of any comments received during any consultation process and where applicable all responses thereto; and Consultation with interested and affected parties (I&APs) will be undertaken as part of the project Comments and responses that are raised by I&APs will be included in the BA report compiled by the EAP q any other information requested by the competent authority No information requested at this time iv

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... II DOCUMENT GUIDE... IV TABLE OF CONTENTS... V LIST OF TABLES... VI LIST OF FIGURES... VI GLOSSARY OF TERMS... VII LIST OF ACRONYMS... IX 1. INTRODUCTION Background Project Scope Principles and Concepts of VIAs Assumptions and Limitations LEGAL, POLICY AND PLANNING CONTEXT FOR VIAS DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT METHOD OF ASSESSMENT Desktop Assessment Field Assessment RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION Public Involvement Development Category and Level of Impact Assessment Description of the Receiving Environment IMPACT STATEMENT CONCLUSION REFERENCES APPENDIX A PROPOSED LAYOUT OF HELDERFONTEIN STORMWATER DAM WALL APPENDIX B METHOD OF ASSESSMENT APPENDIX C VEGETATION TYPE APPENDIX D VISUAL RECEPTORS APPENDIX E LANDSCAPE CHARACTER APPENDIX F VISUAL ABSORPTION CAPACITY APPENDIX G LANDSCAPE QUALITY APPENDIX H LANDSCAPE VALUE APPENDIX I INDEMNITY AND TERMS OF USE OF THIS REPORT APPENDIX J SPECIALIST INFORMATION v

6 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Summary of the visual assessment of the dam wall and surrounds LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: 1: Topographical map depicting the location of the Helderfontein dam wall to be raised in relation to the surrounding region Figure 2: Digital satellite image depicting the location of the Helderfontein dam wall to be raised in relation to the surrounding region Figure 3: Map indicating the location of sensitive receptors within 2km of the Helderfontein dam wall to be raised Figure 4: Elevation rendering depicting the topographical character of the dam wall area Figure 5: Map indicating the general relief associated with the dam wall area vi

7 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Best Practicable Environmental Option Characterisation Characteristics Development Elements Feature Geographic Information System (GIS) Impact (Visual) Key characteristics Land cover Land use Landform Landscape Landscape Character Type Landscape integrity Landscape quality Landscape value This is the alternative/option that provides the most benefit or causes the least damage to the environment as a whole, at a cost acceptable to society, in the long term as well as in the short term. The process of identifying areas of similar landscape character, classifying and mapping them and describing their character. An element, or combinations of elements, which make a contribution to landscape character. Any proposal that results in a change to the landscape and/ or visual environment. Individual parts, which make up the landscape, for example trees and buildings. Particularly prominent or eye-catching elements in the landscape such as tree clumps, church towers or wooded skylines. A system that captures, stores, analyses, manages and presents data linked to location. It links spatial information to a digital database. A description of the effect of an aspect of the development on a specified component of the visual, aesthetic or scenic environment within a defined time and space. Those combinations of elements which are particularly important to the current character of the landscape and help to give an area it particularly distinctive sense of place. The surface cover of the land, usually expressed in terms of vegetation cover or the lack of it. Related to but not the same as Land use. What land is used for based on broad categories of functional land cover, such as urban and industrial use and the different types of agriculture and forestry. The shape and form of the land surface which has resulted from combinations of geology, geomorphology, slope, elevation and physical processes. An area, as perceived by people, the character of which is the result of the action and interaction, of natural and/ or human factors. These are distinct types of landscape that are relatively homogeneous in character. They are generic in nature in that they may occur in different areas in different parts of the country, but wherever they occur, they share broadly similar combinations of geology, topography, drainage patterns, vegetation and historical land use and settlement pattern, and perceptual and aesthetic attributes. The relative intactness of the existing landscape or townscape, whether natural, rural or urban, and with an absence of intrusions or discordant structures. A measure of the physical state of the landscape. It may include the extent to which typical landscape character is represented in individual areas, the intactness of the landscape and the condition of individual elements. The relative value that is attached to different landscapes by society. A landscape may be valued by different stakeholders for a variety of reasons. vii

8 Receptors Sense of place Sky glow Skylining View catchment area Viewshed Visibility Visual Absorption Capacity Visual Character Visual Exposure Visual Intrusion Zone of visual influence Individuals, groups or communities who are subject to the visual influence of a particular project. Also referred to as viewers, or viewer groups. The unique quality or character of a place, whether natural, rural or urban, allocated to a place or area through cognitive experience by the user. It relates to uniqueness, distinctiveness or strong identity and is sometimes referred to as genius loci meaning 'spirit of the place'. Brightening of the night sky caused by outdoor lighting and natural atmospheric and celestial factors. Siting of a structure on or near a ridgeline so that it is silhouetted against the sky. A geographic area, usually defined by the topography, within which a particular project or other feature would generally be visible. The outer boundary defining a view catchment area, usually along crests and ridgelines. The area from which project components would potentially be visible. Visibility is a function of line of sight and forms the basis of the VIA as only visible structures will influence the visual character of the area. Visibility is determined by conducting a viewshed analysis which calculates the geographical locations from where the proposed power line might be visible. The ability of an area to visually absorb development as a result of screening topography, vegetation or structures in the landscape. The overall impression of a landscape created by the order of the patterns composing it; the visual elements of these patterns are the form, line, colour and texture of the landscape s components. Their interrelationships are described in terms of dominance, scale, diversity and continuity. This characteristic is also associated with land use. The relative visibility of a project or feature in the landscape. Visual exposure is based on distance from the project to selected viewpoints. Visual exposure or visual impact tends to diminish exponentially with distance. 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. An area subject to the direct visual influence of a particular project. *Definitions were derived from Oberholzer (2005) and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013) viii

9 LIST OF ACRONYMS ARC Agricultural Research Council BLM (United States) Bureau of Land Management BPEO Best Practicable Environmental Option DEM Digital Elevation Model DTM Digital Terrain Model DWS Department of Water and Sanitation EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIM Integrated Environmental Management GDARD Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development GIS Geographic Information System GPS Global Positioning Systems IAPs Interested and Affected Parties IDP Integrated Development Plan IEM Integrated Environmental Management KOP Key Observation Point LI IEMA Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment m.a.m.s.l. Meters above mean sea level NEMA National Environmental Management Act (No. 108 of 1997) NGL Natural Ground Level SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute SAS Scientific Aquatic Services UNESCO United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization VAC Visual Absorption Capacity VIA Visual Impact Assessment VRM Visual Resource Management WHS World Heritage Site ix

10 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Scientific Aquatic Services (SAS) was appointed to conduct a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) as part of the environmental assessment and authorisation process for a storm water dam wall to be raised, located in Helderfontein near Midrand, Gauteng Province. The dam is situated within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Due to the rapid rate of residential development within the Helderfontein area, the need to manage storm water runoff from these areas are a high priority, and thus the need to increase the capacity of the dam is justified. The proposed project is located approximately 835m immediately east of the R511 roadway, approximately 146m north east of the Helderfontein Estate and approximately 150m northeast of the Reddam House Helderfontein School grounds. Based on the field assessment a tarred road has been constructed atop the dam wall and is utilised by various cyclists and motorists residing in the area. The dam wall is located within a moderately developed area with the immediate surrounding areas comprising mainly the Reddam House Helderfontein School, residential developments (especially Estate style development) and open degraded veld areas. The Jukskei River, a perennial river system, is situated approximately 352 m downstream (west) of the dam. The location and extent of the dam wall is indicated in Figures 1 & 2. A VIA entails a process of data collection, spatial analysis, visualisation and interpretation to describe the quality of the landscape prior to development taking place and then identifying possible visual impacts after development. Assessing visual impacts are difficult as it is very subjective due to a person s perception being affected by more than only the immediate environmental factors (Oberholzer, 2005). Since the dam wall is already present and constructed into a tarred road, the visual impact on the receiving environment is already there, thus minor visual impacts will occur as a result of the raising of the dam wall during the construction and operational phases, provided that efficient rehabilitation of the development footprint areas take place. This report, after consideration and description of the visual integrity of the dam wall and surroundings, must guide the proponent, authorities and Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP), by means of recommendations, as to the suitability of the raising of the dam wall, from a visual and aesthetic point of view. This report should furthermore serve to 1

11 inform the planning, design and decision-making process as to the layout and nature of the proposed development activities. 1.2 Project Scope The purpose of this report is: To determine the Category of Development and Level of Assessment as outlined by Oberholzer (2005); To describe the receiving environment in terms of regional context, location and environmental and landscape characteristics; To describe and characterise the proposed project and the receiving environment in its envisioned future state; To identify the main viewsheds through undertaking a viewshed analysis, based on the proposed height of infrastructure components and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), as a mechanism to identify the locations of potential sensitive receptors sites and the distance of these receptor sites from the dam wall, if necessary; To identify and describe potential sensitive visual receptors residing at or utilising receptor sites; To establish receptor sites and identify Key Observation Points (KOPs) from which the proposed project will have a potential visual impact, if necessary; To prepare a photographic study and conceptual visual simulation of the proposed project as the basis for the viewshed identification and analysis, if necessary; To assess the potential visual impact of the proposed project from selected receptors sites in terms of standard procedures and guidelines; and To describe mitigation measures in order to minimise any potential visual impacts. 2

12 Figure 1: 1: Topographical map depicting the location of the Helderfontein dam wall to be raised in relation to the surrounding region. 3

13 Figure 2: Digital satellite image depicting the location of the Helderfontein dam wall to be raised in relation to the surrounding region. 4

14 1.3 Principles and Concepts of VIAs Visual resources have value in terms of the regional economy and inhabitants of the region. Furthermore, these resources are often difficult to place a value on as they normally also have cultural or symbolic values. Therefore, VIAs are to be performed in a logical, holistic, transparent and consistent manner. Oberholzer (2005) identifies the following concepts to form an integral part of the VIA process: Visual resources include the visual, aesthetic, cultural and spiritual aspects of the environment, which contribute toward and define an area s sense of place; Natural and cultural landscapes are inter-connected and must be considered as such; All scenic resources, protected areas and sites of special interest within a region need to be identified and considered as part of the VIA; All landscape processes such as geology, topography, vegetation and settlement patterns that characterise the landscape must be considered; Both quantitative criteria, such as 'visibility' and qualitative criteria, such as aesthetic value or sense of place has to be included as part the assessment; VIAs must inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in terms of visual inputs; and Public involvement must form part of the process. The guideline furthermore recommends that the VIA process identifies the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO) based on the following criteria: Long term protection of important scenic resources and heritage sites; Minimisation of visual intrusion on scenic resources; Retention of wilderness or special areas intact as far as possible; and Responsiveness to the area s uniqueness, or sense of place. 1.4 Assumptions and Limitations No specific national legal requirements for VIAs currently exist in South Africa. However, the assessment of visual impacts is required by implication when the provisions of relevant acts governing environmental management are considered and when certain characteristics of either the receiving environment or the proposed project indicate that visibility and aesthetics are likely to be significant issues and that visual input is required (Oberholzer, 2005); Due to a lack of visual specialist guidelines within the Gauteng Province, the Guidelines for Involving Visual and Aesthetic Specialists in the EIA Process 5

15 (Oberholzer, 2005), prepared for the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, was used; All information relating to the proposed project as referred to in this report is assumed to be the latest available information. Additionally, best practice guidelines were taken into consideration and utilising the maximum expected heights of the infrastructure and the placement thereof in viewshed calculations as a precautionary approach; and Abstract or qualitative aspects of the environment and the intangible value of elements of visual and aesthetic significance are difficult to measure or quantify and as such depend to some degree on subjective judgments. It therefore is necessary to differentiate between aspects that involve a degree of subjective opinion and those that are more objective and quantifiable, as outlined in the diagram below (The Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (LI IEMA, 2002). 2. LEGAL, POLICY AND PLANNING CONTEXT FOR VIAs Oberholzer (2005) indicates that current South African environmental legislation governing the EIA process, which may include consideration of visual impacts if this is identified as a key issue of concern, is the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 107 of 1998). This includes the 2014 NEMA EIA regulations as amended (published in General Notice (GN) No. R.982 as well as R 983 Listing Notice 1, R 984 Listing Notice 2 and R 985 Listing Notice 3). In addition, the following acts and guidelines are applicable (Oberholzer, 2005): National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003) This act is intended to identify and protect natural landscapes. National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) This provides legislative protection for listed or proclaimed sites, such as urban conservation areas, nature reserves and proclaimed scenic routes. 6

16 Advertising on Roads and Ribbons Act (Act 21 of 1940) Visual pollution is controlled, to a limited extent, by the Advertising on Roads and Ribbons Act (Act 21 of 1940), which deals mainly with signage on public roads. Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000) In terms of the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000), it is compulsory for all municipalities to initiate an Integrated Development Planning (IDP) process in order to prepare a five-year strategic development plan for the area under their control. The IDP process, specifically the spatial component is based in certain areas and provinces on a bioregional planning approach to achieve continuity in the landscape and to maintain important natural areas and ecological processes. The dam is situated within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province. The City of Johannesburg Draft IDP for 2018/19 states that improvement to road infrastructure is anticipated, to improve the visual condition of roads. Other Visual and aesthetic resources are also protected by local authorities, where policies and by-laws relating to urban edge lines, scenic drives, special areas, signage, communication masts, etc. have been formulated; and Other decision-making authorities such as the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), in terms of their particular legislative frameworks, may also require VIAs to support informed decision-making. 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT The purpose of this project is to modify an existing earth dam in order to function as an attenuation dam during a major storm. The proposed project entails the construction of an attenuation structure by installing a pipe outlet as well as an overflow structure which will hold back the storm water temporarily. Furthermore, a sidewalk will be constructed from a 100mm concrete layer on top of a well compacted in-situ material (Century, 2018). The construction site will include the existing dam wall as well as the footprint of the sidewalk. In addition, a temporary area will be made available outside of the wetland feature for the contractor s camp (i.e. to park machinery and a small office). A chemical toilet system will be used on site which will be serviced on a weekly basis and will be secured and not situated within 30m of the wetland feature (Century, 2018). 7

17 Since access roads to the proposed site are already present, there is no need for additional roads, thus the contractor will only be allowed on the existing roads, to limit any damage or harm to the surrounding vegetation. Clearing of any vegetation for construction purposes will only be permitted inside the demarcated construction site and along the agreed access roads (Century, 2018). The construction site will be stripped and cleared from all vegetation and contaminated material. Bulk earthworks comprise the importing of material, placing and compacting it in the embankment using heavy equipment such as excavators, tippers, compaction rollers, water trucks, etc. Nets will be installed on the lower side of the existing dam, preventing all the uncontrolled material from entering the stream. Precast concrete storm water pipes will be installed into the dam wall. This will serve as the dam drainage system. These pipes will be installed in the section where the dam wall is raised, thus no additional trenching will be required. Plant material (indigenous vegetation) will be stockpiled and re-used during the rehabilitation and re-vegetation stage of the project. Reusable topsoil will be collected and stockpiled at dedicated areas for the rehabilitation of the site after completion in particular the downstream slope of the embankment. In the areas where construction activities have been completed and no further disturbance is anticipated, rehabilitation and re-vegetation should commence as soon as possible. The banks of the watercourse will be profiled back to an acceptable slope and the topsoil will be replaced (Century, 2018). Since the height to what the existing dam wall will be raised to, was unknown at the time of assessment, a conservative height of 2m was utilised during the assessment. 4. METHOD OF ASSESSMENT 4.1 Desktop Assessment The method of assessment for this report is based on a spatial analysis of the dam wall and the surrounding areas, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as Planet GIS, ArcGIS, Global Mapper as well as digital satellite imagery, photographs, various databases and all available data on the planned infrastructure. The desktop assessment served to guide the field assessment through identifying preliminary areas of importance in terms of potential visual impacts. 8

18 The desktop study included an assessment of the current state of the environment of the area including the climate of the area, topography, land uses and land cover with data obtained from the websites of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). All databases used were published within the last 5 years and contain up to date and relevant information. During the desktop assessment, which took place prior to and in preparation of the field assessment, the 1: topographical map, as well as high definition aerial photographs were used to identify dominant landforms and landscape patterns. These resources, together with digital elevation data projected in GIS were utilised to generate a visual context map indicating the dam wall area and the cumulative viewsheds of the proposed project, based on the maximum height the dam wall is going to be raised with, as described in Section 3, used as input data. Detailed assessment methods used to determine the landscape characteristics of the receiving environment and potential visual impacts of the project are outlined in the relevant sections below as well as in Appendices B K. 4.2 Field Assessment A field assessment was undertaken during the winter season on 30 May 2018, which is considered to be a suitable time period during which to conduct the VIA, due to natural vegetation being less dense during the time of assessment than during a high rainfall period. This allows for an observer to see further across the landscape with seasonal screening effects such as vegetation density and relative surface grass cover, being lower. The field assessment included a drive-around and on-foot survey of the dam wall and in the immediate vicinity thereof and a drive-around of the surrounds, in order to determine the visual context within which the proposed project is to be developed. Focus was placed on assessing areas identified as being potentially important observation points, including residential areas, Estates, schools, recreational facilities, business areas, and prominent roads within the area. Points from where the dam wall was determined to be visible were recorded (making use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in order to confirm these aesthetically sensitive viewpoints and potential sensitive visual receptors in relation to the proposed project. 9

19 5. RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION 5.1 Public Involvement A public involvement process will be initiated as part of the Environmental assessment and authorisation as well as Water Use Authorisation process, at which time stakeholders are invited to provide input concerning the proposed development. Any concerns regarding visual impacts will be addressed through this process. 5.2 Development Category and Level of Impact Assessment Through application of the VIA methods of assessment as presented in Appendix B, it was determined that the proposed project can be defined as a Category 2 development, which includes narrow roads and small-scale infrastructure. According to Oberholzer (2005), a minimal visual impact is therefore expected, with the visual impact already present from the dam wall (tarred road), thus the raising of the dam wall will have a low to negligible visual impact on the scenic resources and visual character of the area. In line with the above, a Level 2 Assessment was therefore required. 5.3 Description of the Receiving Environment To holistically describe the receiving environment, this section of the report aims to determine the intrinsic value of the receiving landscape including aspects of the natural, cultural and scenic landscape, taking both tangible and intangible factors into consideration. The table below aims to describe the particular character, uniqueness, intactness, rarity, vulnerability and representability of the dam wall within its existing context. General views of the landscape associated with the dam wall and surrounds with respect to the undulating topography, existing development, and the overall character are indicated in the table below. 10

20 Table 1: Summary of the visual assessment of the dam wall and surrounds. General view of the existing dam wall to be raised and surrounding area, indicating that the dam wall has been constructed to a tarred road, the storm water dam, powerlines and grassland with dense vegetation across the landscape. Climate (Appendix C) Land Use and visual receptors (Appendix D) As a result of climate variations throughout the year, the appearance and perception of the landscape within the surroundings of the dam wall changes with the seasons. The area surrounding the dam wall appears more muted during the winter months, although some seasonal autumn colours are present, as observed during the field assessment, while it appears vibrant and green during the summer months. Seasonal variation may have some effect on the area from where project components would potentially be visible, with visibility expected to be higher during the winter months when seasonal screening effects from vegetation is somewhat lowered. The dam wall is situated in open veld, approximately 350m east of the Jukskei River, with limited residential development in a 350m radius of the dam wall, with the exception of the Reddam House Helderfontein School. The most dominant land use in the surrounding area, is established residential estates (Helderfontein Estate, Stone River Estate, and Tanglewood Estate), schools and equestrian stables. In addition to the above-mentioned land uses, industrial and/ or business facilities have also been identified as well as recreational facilities such as golf courses. The Beaulieu Bird Sanctuary are situated approximately 4.3km west of the dam wall, while the Diepsloot Nature Reserve is situated approximately 4km northeast of the dam wall. Due to the density of the surrounding residential area as well the undulating terrain, the proposed project will not be visible from these protected areas. Of the above, permanent residents are considered the most sensitive receptors, while people at their place of work are moderately sensitive receptors, as they are likely to focus on the activities at hand and Landscape Character (Appendix E) Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC) (Appendix F) The landscape character associated with the dam wall area and immediate surroundings can be can be considered intimate, and described as suburban, moderately undulating terrain, open grassland with dams constructed within an unchanneled valley bottom wetland. Furthermore, other anthropogenic structures such as powerlines, fences, and roads are present within the area. Key aesthetic aspects of the landscape associated with the dam wall area and the surrounding region are described in Appendix C. The level of movement within the dam wall area is calm and tranquil with moderately low levels of pedestrian and vehicular movement. Since a tarred road has been constructed atop the dam wall, the visual impact is already present in the area and receptors within the vicinity thereof have grown accustomed to the road. Therefore, it may be concluded that the proposed development is expected to have a low to negligible impact on the landscape character within the region. It should however be noted that there will be short term visual disturbance during the construction phase of the proposed development. High (Score 13) Due to the existing dam wall and tarred road atop the dam wall, the limited height to what the dam wall will be raised, and existing anthropogenic structures, the proposed project will not be distinctly noticeable within the area. Furthermore, the dense vegetation provides significant screening abilities to receptors and the moderately undulating terrain and residential development of the area, results in the proposed project having a low level of visual intrusion on the surrounding landscape. 11

21 Topography Vegetation Cover (Appendix C) not the surrounding environment. Motorists traveling on the roads in the vicinity of the dam wall are classified as low sensitivity receptors due to their momentary views and experience of the receiving environment. Various roads are present in the vicinity of the dam wall area namely; R511 (±835m east), Erling Road (±466m north), and numerous unnamed roads. Existing anthropogenic structures such as powerlines, fences, road signs, and buildings are present which will have a negative visual impact on the receiving environment. The local topography consists of moderately undulating plains with limited distinguishing topographical features in the form of prominent hills or outcrops present within or around the dam wall area. Please refer to Figures 4 and 5 for the elevation and slope models of the area. The dam wall area falls within a single biome and bioregion according to Mucina & Rutherford (2012) namely; Grassland Biome and Mesic Highveld Grassland Bioregion. The Egoli Granite Grassland vegetation type characterises the region (Appendix I). Based on the field assessment the dam wall area is associated with a dam constructed within an unchanneled valley bottom wetland. The area surrounding the dam is dominated by reeds such as Typha capensis and grass species associated with wetlands such as Imperata cylindrica. Other species such as Celtis Africana, Aristida congesta ssp. Congesta, Eragrostis chloromelas, E. Curvula, and Melinis repens subsp repens were also present. Furthermore, alien floral species such as Tagetes minuta, Bidens pilosa and Alternanthera pungens were present. Landscape Quality (Appendix G) Landscape Value (Appendix H) Sense Place of Medium (Score 16) The landscape associated with the dam wall and surrounds provide topographical variety in the form of permanent surface water present, moderately undulating terrain, existing anthropogenic structures, urban development (residential areas, schools and equestrian stables) leading to increased visual interest. Even though the landscape character (i.e. open veld with dams within an urban area) is relatively common, the project area nevertheless provides tranquillity and peacefulness for the observer. Since the proposed project will assist in managing the increase of storm water runoff from the upsurge of residential development within the area, the proposed project is said to add favourably to the quality of the area. It should however be noted that the landscape quality will temporarily be affected during the construction phase of the proposed development, which is of short duration. With reference to Appendix I, the dam wall area is likely to be most valued by scholars of the Reddam House Helderfontein School, local residents and cyclists riding in the area. The proposed project is likely to increase the landscape value of the area, since it is proposed to assist in managing the increase of storm water runoff from the upsurge of residential development within the area. 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. It is created by the land use, character and quality of a landscape, as well as by the tangible and intangible value assigned thereto. The sense of place associated with the dam wall area is related to the landscape character type, defined as suburban, moderately undulating terrain, surrounded by urban development and is not unique to the dam wall area and can also be found within the larger region. Even though the sense of place is not unique to the dam wall area, it may still be considered important due to the undulating topography, the vegetation and tranquil nature of the area as a result of the dam attracting various faunal and avifaunal species. 12

22 Figure 3: Map indicating the location of sensitive receptors within 2km of the Helderfontein dam wall to be raised. 13

23 Figure 4: Elevation rendering depicting the topographical character of the dam wall area. 14

24 Figure 5: Map indicating the general relief associated with the dam wall area. 15

25 6. IMPACT STATEMENT Since a tarred road is constructed atop the dam wall and used by people residing in the area, the visual impact on the receiving environment is already present, thus the raising of the dam wall will have a minimal visual impact on the receiving environment. Based on the field assessment, the dense vegetation within close proximity to the dam wall area, the undulating terrain and urban development obscures the view of receptors located 2km and further from the dam wall area. Furthermore, roads and dams are common features of the South African landscape, thus the long term operational visual impact of the proposed project is negligible. When considering the development phases of the proposed project, the construction phase will have the highest visual intrusion due to the excavation activities and construction vehicles moving in and out of the construction site. The points below briefly describe the visual impacts the proposed project will have during the construction phase: The road constructed atop the dam wall will temporarily be cordoned off and closed for public use; The visual character and sense of place associated with the proposed project area will be impacted upon, temporarily disturbing the tranquillity of the area; Visual contrast to the surrounding environment may occur during excavation activities and the yellow construction vehicles may be clearly noticeable from the green background formed by the vegetation; Direct visual exposure of the construction activities will occur for residents and scholars located within a 1km radius of the proposed project area, as well as indirectly through fugitive dust generated by the earthworks for a short period of time; The location (i.e. on a slope) and the clearing of vegetation for the area made available for the contractor s camp would lower the visual absorption capacity of the area, as a result of loss of vegetation screening the view from some receptors; and Should night time security lighting be required where the construction vehicles will be stored, the use of minimum lumen or wattage in light fixtures be used. Furthermore, making use of motion detectors on security lighting, where possible, ensures that the site will remain in relative darkness, until lighting is required for security purposes. Once construction activities are complete, the storm water pipelines are installed and the road atop the dam wall is operational again, the visual impact during operation will be negligible since the dam wall will be reinstated to the pre-constructed land use (tarred road). 16

26 The mitigation measures outlined below would serve to minimise the potential visual impacts during the construction and operational phases of the proposed project: The development footprints and disturbed areas surrounding the proposed project infrastructure should be kept as small as possible and the areas cleared of natural vegetation and topsoil must be kept to a minimum; All construction areas must be kept in a neat and orderly condition at all times; An efficient removal system of waste and rubble must be ensured; The contractor s camp and chemical toilet system must be screened from view as far as considered feasible, especially out of view from the grounds of Reddam House Helderfontein School. Furthermore, the contractor s camp should be limited to a single storey; Existing vegetation, with particular reference to tall trees and larger shrubs, in the vicinity of the dam wall area must be retained, to ensure that the screening ability provided by the vegetation is not jeopardised. Consideration must however be given to the need to control alien invasive species; Erosion, which may lead to negative visual contrast, must be prevented throughout the lifetime of the project by means of putting soil stabilisation measures in place where required and through concurrent rehabilitation; and Should security lighting be required at night during construction, the use of minimum lumen or wattage in light fixtures be used. Furthermore, making use of motion detectors on security lighting, where possible, ensures that the site will remain in relative darkness, until lighting is required for security purposes. 7 CONCLUSION Scientific Aquatic Services (SAS) was appointed to conduct a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) as part of the environmental assessment and authorisation process for a storm water dam wall to be raised, located in Helderfontein near Midrand, Gauteng Province. The dam is situated within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Based on the field assessment a tarred road has been constructed atop the dam wall and is utilised by various cyclists and motorists residing in the area. The dam wall is located within a moderately developed area with the immediate surrounding areas comprising mainly the Reddam House Helderfontein School, residential developments (especially estates) and open degraded veld areas. The objective of this study was to provide sufficient information on the visual environment of the area, together with other studies on the physical and socio-cultural environment, in order 17

27 for the relevant authorities to apply the principles of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) and the concept of sustainable development. The need for conservation as well as the risks to other spheres of the physical and socio-cultural environment need to be compared and considered along with the need to ensure economic development of the country. Based on the findings of the visual assessment, the proposed project is expected to have a minimal visual impact on the receiving environment, since the receptors within close proximity have already grown accustomed to the presence of the dam wall and tarred road. The proposed project area is situated within an area characterised by suburban, moderately undulating terrain, open grassland with dams constructed within an unchanneled valley bottom wetland. The proposed project area has a high visual absorption capacity due to the dense vegetation within the immediate vicinity providing significant screening abilities, the limited height to what the dam wall will be raised and existing infrastructure in the area. Furthermore, the dense vegetation, moderately undulating terrain and residential development in the area results in the proposed project having low levels of visual intrusion. Several sensitive receptors have been identified within the area: residential areas (estates), schools, equestrian stables and motorists traveling on the roadways. The overall value and sense of place of the receiving environment is considered of moderate significance, due to the tranquil nature of the area as a result of the dam attracting various faunal and avifaunal species. It is the opinion of the specialist that the project be considered favourably from a visual resource management perspective, provided that the required mitigation and management measures be implemented in support of IEM and that it is ensured that the best long-term use of the resources in the project area will be made in support of the principle of sustainable development. 18

28 8 REFERENCES Astronomical Society of South Australia Light pollution brochure. Bureau of Land Management, 1984, Visual Resource Management, BLM Manual Handbook 8400, Release 8-24, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC. Bureau of Land Management, 1986, Visual Resource Contrast Rating, BLM Manual Handbook , Release 8-30, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC, Jan. Bureau of Land Management, 1986, Visual Resource Inventory, BLM Manual Handbook , Release 8-28, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC, Jan. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management Visual Resource Inventory Classes, Appendix C: Visual Absorption Capacity Bureau of Land Management. Best Management Practices for Reducing Visual Impacts of Renewable Energy Facilities on BLM-Administered Lands. First Edition 2013 Century Development Construction Method Statement Sidewalk and Earth Dam Construction for portion 5, 187, 202 and 601 of farm Zevenfontein. Department of the Environment and Local Government, Ireland Landscape and Landscape Assessment. Consultation Draft of Guidelines for Planning Authorities. ILP Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light. GN01: 2011, Rugby: Institute of Lighting Professionals Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.) The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitizia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa. Oberholzer, B., Guideline for involving visual & aesthetic specialists in EIA processes: Edition 1. CSIR Report No. ENV-S-C F. Republic of South Africa, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Cape Town. Swanwick, C. and Land Use Consultants Landscape character assessment guidance for England and Scotland, Cheltenham: Countryside Agency and Battle by: Scottish National Heritage. The Landscape Institute, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, Second Edition Guidelines for Visual and Landscape Impact Assessment. E & FN Spon, London. The Landscape Institute, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, Third Edition, Guidelines for Visual and Landscape Impact Assessment. E & FN Spon, London. The Landscape Institute, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, Third Edition, Guidelines for Visual and Landscape Impact Assessment. E & FN Spon, London. 19

29 APPENDIX A PROPOSED LAYOUT OF HELDERFONTEIN STORMWATER DAM WALL Figure A1: Demonstration of the proposed layout of the raising of the Helderfontein storm water dam wall. 20