APPENDIX F

PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A SLIPWAY ALONG THE

MTHATHA RIVER, EASTERN CAPE

DEDEAT REFERECE NO: ORT/544/157/2012-13/006

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

Prepared for: Prepared by:

Gamtoos Irrigation Board (GIB) Conservation Support Services (CSS)
96 1st Avenue Ncambedlana 61 New Street
Mthahta Grahamstown
5099 6139

June 2013
Conservation Support Services – CSS June 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 1

2 PROJECT TEAM ......................................................................................................................... 2

3 DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY .................................................................................. 4

4 LOCATION IN THE ENVIRONMENT........................................................................................... 6

5 ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES ............................................................... 8

6 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................................................... 9

7 ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................... 10

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS TRAINING .................................................................... 10

ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF CONDUCT: ......................................................................... 10
MITIGATION SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................... 11
REVEGETATION AND REHABILITATION PLAN ................................................................ 18
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ............................................................................................ 19
ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT .................................................................................................. 19

8 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PLAN .................................................................................. 20

TRAINING FRAMEWORK AND INFORMATION ................................................................. 20

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1 INTRODUCTION
Conservation Support Services (CSS) was appointed by the Gamtoos Irrigation Board (GIB) to conduct
a Basic Environmental Assessment for the construction of a slipway along the Mthatha River in the
Eastern Cape Province. In terms of The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of
1998), as amended in 2006 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, a Basic
Assessment (BA) is required. An application for environmental authorisation has been registered with
the Department of Environmental Affairs, Mthatha (ORT/544/157/2012-13/006).

The proposed slipway will be constructed approximately 1km upstream from the Second Falls Dam,
South East of Mthatha (Figure 1) and will be about 30m long and 2.5m wide (75m2). The slipway will
provide the entry and exit point to the Mthatha River for a boat in order for GIB to access the river on a
daily basis for the purposes of spraying and eliminating Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) an alien
invasive plant. After the plants are sprayed, it is expected that they will submerge and decompose.

This EMPr has been prepared in accordance with Regulation 33 of GN R 543 (National Environmental
Management Act, 1998 (No. 107 of 1998): Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010. The
purpose of the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) is to provide specifications for "good
environmental practice" for inclusion into contractual environmental specifications for application during
planning, construction and operation phases of the proposed development.

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2 PROJECT TEAM
Conservation Support Services (CSS) is a specialist Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and
Environmental Management company operating out of Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Our staff has a collective experience of over 50 years, providing expertise in a number of fields including
land cover mapping, modelling and spatial analyses, alien vegetation data capture, Environmental
Impact Assessments & management plans, GIS training, social monitoring and resettlement surveys.

Contact Details
Conservation Support Services (CSS)
61 New Street, Grahamstown, 6139
P.O. Box 504, Grahamstown, 6140
Tel: 046 6224526
Fax: 046 6227931
Email: info@[Link]

The following people made up the team that prepared this EMPr:

Michelle Griffith, Report Review

Michelle Griffith, a registered member of the Environmental Assessment Practitioners South Africa, and
a registered Professional Natural Scientist with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions,
has 28 years of experience in environmental consulting. After acquiring her MSc (Zoology), Michelle has
gained experience in scoping reports, faunal assessments, environmental impact assessments, visual
assessments, management plans as well as field work for numerous projects. Michelle has been
consulting in the Eastern Cape for over 13 years.

Sandy van der Waal, Project Manager, Report Writing

Sandy van der Waal has been working as a consultant /scientist for the past five years and has a strong
background in interdisciplinary project management, having completed her [Link]. (Environmental
Science) which covered the ecological and economic components of the Umfolozi/ St Lucia systems in
KZN. Sandy completed her BSc degree in Ecology & Zoology (UCT), after which she graduated from
Rhodes University with her BSc Honours and MSc in Environmental Science. Sandy has extensive
training in ecology, environmental impact assessments, wetland assessments and Geographic
Information Systems. Recent projects include management of photogrammetric compilation of
topographical data for delivery to the Chief Directorate: National Geo-Spatial information, Basic
Environmental Assessments, NEMA Section 24 G applications and Water Use Licence Applications.

Deborah Vromans, Ecological Specialist

Deborah holds an MSc degree in Botany (Estuaries) (NMMU) and a BA degree in Environmental
Geographical Sciences (UCT), as well as a National Diploma in Horticulture (Botany) (Cape Technikon).
She has 13 years of experience in the environmental sciences and management field, including the
biodiversity sector. Deborah is proficient in botanical (terrestrial and aquatic) and wetland assessments,
together with GIS mapping. Deborah has been involved in SANParks, GEF funded biodiversity studies,
developed municipal biodiversity sector plans, compiled a legislative guide, and led municipal and
provincial capacity building workshops. Deborah has conducted numerous Environmental Impact
Assessments, Management Plans as well as completed specialist botanical surveys and sensitivity
assessments.

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Sean Swanepoel, Public Participation, Report Writing & Review

Sean Swanepoel is a consultant/ scientist working in the GIS and conservation sectors. He holds a BSc
Honours degree in Environmental Science (Rhodes University) which covered social and economic
components of the use of live fences in three small towns of the Eastern Cape.

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3 DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY

The Gamtoos Irrigation Board (GIB) is proposing the construction of a slipway approximately 1km
upstream from the Second Falls Dam, South East of Mthatha (Figure 1) and will be about 30m long and
2.5m wide (75m2). There is currently an old jeep track providing access to the slipway site for off road
vehicles.
The slipway will provide the entry and exit point to the Mthatha River for a boat in order for GIB to
access the river on a daily basis for the purposes of spraying and eliminating Water hyacinth
(Eichhornia crassipes) an alien invasive plant. The plants will be sprayed with Kilo max (glyphosphate)
from the boat (about 7m long and 2.2m wide and 300kg). After the plants are sprayed, it is expected that
they will submerge and decompose.
It is the intention that the slipway will be used for a period of five years.

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Figure 1: Topographic map showing the location of the proposed slipway site.

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4 LOCATION IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Topography, Geology and Vegetation

The topography of the King Sabata Dalindyebo and Nyandeni Municipalities is incised with large river
valleys and floodplains that run in a northwest-southeast axis. The inland areas, which typify the study
site, could be described as undulating to hilly, with moderate to steep slopes. The landscape is
interspersed with grassland areas and patches of forest, with the river valleys covered by thicket. The
predominant geology of the study site is sedimentary rocks of the Karoo Supergroup, underlain by the
grey and brownish-red mudstone and sandstone of the Adelaide Subgroup (Beaufort Group) (1:250 000
Geological Series).

The two large river systems that delineate the boundary of the Municipality comprise the Tina and
Mthatha rivers, in the north and south respectively. Other key rivers include, from west to east, Mdumbi,
Mgamnye, Mtakatye, Mafusini, Mnenu and Mngazana. The Corana is a tributary of the Mthatha which
feeds into it further northwards, proximate to Mthatha town. Important estuaries associated with the
rivers include the Mthatha, Mdumbi, Mtakatye and Mafusini estuaries, with a smaller estuary called the
Lwandile associated with the Ludaka River, a smaller coastal system to the north of Mdumbi.

The Mthatha Catchment, River and Estuary

The Mthatha River catchment is represented by the T20 tertiary catchment, while the proposed boat
launching site and study site (the 500 m radius from the proposed slipway) falls within both the T20D
and T20E sub-quaternary catchments. The perennial Mthatha River originates in the Drakensberg at 1
400 m elevation, is approximately 250 km long and has a catchment area of 886 km² (DWAF, 2008).
The Corana, Zimbane and Cumngce rivers are tributaries of the Mthatha River, of which the latter two
are proximate to the proposed slipway. Two major impoundments are sited on the Mthatha River,
namely the Mthatha Dam, which is 8 km upstream of Mthatha town, and the Corana Dam on the Corana
River (the tributary that joins the Mthatha River downstream of Mthatha town). The Mthatha River
terminates in the Mthatha Estuary at Coffee Bay, where it flows into the Indian Ocean. The estuary is
approximately 8.5 km long and is permanently open to the sea.

The Mthatha State of Rivers Report (DWAF, 2008), indicates that the Mthatha River section from
Mthatha Falls to Kwa-Ntsaka, the section in which the proposed slipway is located, has an EcoStatus
(River Health Category) of Poor (or Largely Modified) to Seriously Modified; and is of Low Ecological
Importance and Sensitivity. The equivalent Ecological Reserve Category is D/E. Water quality is poor,
sand mining takes place and alien fish inhabit this section (Refer Sub-Section above). Riparian
vegetation has been removed due to sand mining, overgrazing and firewood harvesting, which has also
resulted in bank erosion. Daily flushing of the First Falls Dam for hydro-electrical power has also
reduced riparian vegetation cover. Sedimentation is a problem, and is exacerbated by releases from the
First Falls Dam, which reduces consumption capacity. All driver and response indicators, namely
geomorphology/hydrology, habitat, macro-invertebrates, fish and riparian vegetation, health categories
range from Fair (F) to Poor (P) to Seriously Modified (SM) (DWAF, 2008).

Wetlands
The study site (land within a 500 m radius from the proposed slipway) showed signs of past agricultural
activities. Agricultural impacts were in the form of depressions, shallow furrows and platforms,
presumably as a result of ploughing. Artificial pools have developed because of these activities, and
wetland plants have established due to saturated and inundated conditions. Only one natural wetland
(Figure 2b, Section [Link]) was identified adjacent to the Mthatha and Cumngce rivers, where these
two rivers join, just east of the proposed slipway, including the access track indicated on the Google

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Earth image (2012). It should, however, be noted that the access track is no longer clearly evident in the
field. Based on the impacts and the Department of Water Affairs’ methodology for assessing Present
Ecological State (DWAF, 2007), individual PES ratings were derived for hydrology, geomorphology,
water quality and vegetation alteration for the wetland system. The overall PES category of the wetland
is B, meaning that it is Largely Natural with few modifications.

Figure 2: The wetland delineated adjacent to the Mthatha and Cumngce Rivers. Note the dam weir in
the bottom right hand corner, and the degraded landscape

Land cover and land use

Land cover within the study site was largely degraded near-natural vegetation cover (grassland), which
has been impacted by past agricultural activities, namely cultivation, and current extensive livestock
grazing (cattle and sheep). Sand mining excavation was recorded near the banks of both the Mthatha
and Cumngce rivers. Associated impacts were in the form of furrows and platforms, as a result of past
cultivation and degraded natural cover due to grazing by livestock. These furrows hold surface water,
which has allowed the establishment of typical wetland plants. Erosion is evident, also as a result of
agricultural impacts and sand excavation. A narrow drainage channel was present to the west of the
proposed slipway, which has possibly developed over time due to the removal of vegetation in the past
for cultivation purposes. Alien plants are more evident along the river banks, for example Lantana
camara, was recorded in and around the study site. The study site is therefore considered moderately
impacted and degraded.

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5 ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES

The Contractor must ensure that all South African legislation concerning the natural environment,
pollution and the built environment is strictly enforced. Such legislation must include, but is not limited to
the:
 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (No. 108 of 1996)
 Water Act (No. 54 of 1956)
 National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998)
 Environment Conservation Act (No. 73 of 1989)
 National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998)
 National Heritage Act (No 29 of 1999)
 Hazardous Substances Act (No.15 of 1973)
 Land Use Planning Ordinance, Ordinance (15 of 1985)
 Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983)
 Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance (Ordinance 19 of 1974)
 Basic Conditions of Employment Amendment Act, 2002 (No. 11 of 2002).
 Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993)
 National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act 103 of 77)

The Contractor must also be familiar with the most recent amendments to the above legislation.

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6 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Applicant
The Applicant, the Gamtoos Irrigation Board (GIB) will be responsible for ensuring the contractor
consults this EMPr and manages all activities on site according to the specifications stipulated in this
document.

The Contractor
The Contractor will be responsible for the implementation of all specifications of the EMPr. The
contractor will also be responsible for all construction activities and must compile written
instructions/procedures (Method Statements) for all activities that could be potentially harmful to the
environment. The ECO will then be responsible for ensuring that these are submitted and adhered to.

Method Statements required should include, but are not limited to, the following:

 Clearing of vegetation
 Unearthing of archaeological and paleontological finds
 Topsoil removal and storage
 Protection of botanically sensitive areas
 Stormwater management
 Waste disposal
 Management of cement
 Management and disposal of waste water from construction purposes
 Vehicle filling and servicing
 Noise

The contractor must ensure all employees, including subcontractors, are aware of and familiar with the
content of the EMPr. The contractor is responsibility for the application for and procurement of any
necessary environmental permit(s). The contractor will also be responsible for ensuring the
implementation of any stipulations given by Environmental Affairs contained in the environmental
authorisation. Any

Environmental Control Officer (ECO)

A suitably qualified person must be appointed as an Environmental Control Officer (ECO), who will be
responsible for ensuring compliance with the EMPr. The ECO is to provide the Contractor and all
construction employees with Environmental Awareness Training prior to the commencement of
construction activities.

For the construction of the slipway, the ECO must develop weekly checklists of specifications. The site
must be visited by an appointed ECO on a weekly basis. Monthly reports are to be compiled, including a
summary of information gathered during site visits, including any cases of non-compliance. Site
photographs must be taken, and an accurate record kept of adherence to the EMPr specifications. A
final audit report must be submitted to the applicant as well as to the Department of Environmental
Affairs once construction has been completed.

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7 ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS
Environmental specifications have been complied for implementation during the construction and
operation phases of the activity. Mitigation measures and method statements are included in the
following section and are based on the environmental impacts addressed and assessed in the Basic
Assessment Report.

The following impacts were identified and assessed include:

Impact 1: Loss of vegetation - biodiversity loss

Impact 2 Spread of alien invasive plant species - biodiversity loss
Impact 3 Loss of habitat - biodiversity loss
Impact 4 Loss of fauna - biodiversity loss
Impact 5 Loss of invertebrates - biodiversity loss
Impact 6 Modification of flow dynamics and flow patterns - hydrological processes
Impact 7 Topsoil loss, soil erosion and sediment deposition - hydrological processes
Impact 8 Effluent pollution and solid waste pollution - biodiversity loss & hydrological processes
Impact 9 Disturbance of important ecological process areas - biodiversity loss
Impact 10 Job creation – socio-economic impact
Impact 11 Noise - socio-economic impact

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS TRAINING

The ECO, before commencement of any construction activities, must implement an environmental
awareness training programme. All construction personnel, including senior staff, sub-contractors and
suppliers, must attend the training programme. The Environmental Awareness Training Programme
must include all aspects covered in Section 8 of this EMPr and must be repeated for all new or
temporary staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF CONDUCT

The contractor (contractor is defined as principal contractor, sub-contractors and any employees
retained on this project) is required to be familiar with the code of conduct and all that it implies, and to
adopt and implement the code of conduct throughout the course of construction to ensure
environmental best practice is the focus of the construction phase.

The environmental code of conduct is as follows:

 The environmental specifications stipulated in this document and intentions of the specifications
must be upheld.
 Natural resources will not be degraded, and no unnecessary environmental degradation must take
place.
 Site activities will be conducted in a manner that does not create a nuisance, risk or hazard to the
natural environment.
 Site activities will be conducted in a manner that is considerate to nearby residents, business
premises or occupiers of adjacent land.
 Employee and public health and safety must be considered a priority.
 The whole site and its surrounds are considered environmentally sensitive.

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MITIGATION SPECIFICATIONS

Mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction and operation phases are detailed
below according to the potential environmental impacts identified in the Basic Assessment Report. An
example of the layout detailing this information is given in the table below:

Impacts targeted: The impact that may be caused by construction activities, as

identified in the Assessment Report (and Specialist Report)
Construction activities: Activities identified that may trigger an environmental impact
Mitigation specifications: Actions that have been prescribed in order to minimise the severity of the
expected environmental impact.
Persons responsible: The person or people on site who must ensure the mitigation
specifications are met
Recommended Penalties:

Impacts targeted: Biodiversity loss:

Loss of indigenous vegetation, loss of habitat, spread of alien
invasive plant species and loss of fauna
Construction activities: Demarcation of site and depot, clearing of vegetation, construction
activities
Mitigation specifications: Demarcation of site
A suitable location for the construction camp must be selected in
conjunction with the ECO. All site buildings, construction materials and
vehicles must be stored within the specified camp area, unless otherwise
agreed to with the ECO/PM. The contractor must demarcate the
boundaries of the site in order to restrict construction and other (eating,
washing and ablution) activities. The contractor must ensure that all his
machinery, labour and materials remain within the demarcated
boundaries.

Defacement of natural features or environmental damage outside of the

demarcated site must not occur.

Removal of vegetation
Removal of vegetation within the development footprint only. Note that no
vegetation will be removed along the access track.
Alien plants growing within the construction area must be removed during
the construction period. The “site” refers to all areas required for
construction purposes i.e. footprints of buildings and infrastructure. The
boundary of the site must be agreed to with the ECO/PM. All activities
must be conducted within this area so as to facilitate control and to
minimise the impact on the existing natural environment.

All plants of special concern must be removed and housed in a suitable

location for replanting or must be relocated another suitable site prior to
the contractors moving onto site. All plants that are of botanical value i.e.
medicinal and for rehabilitation purposes must be removed and housed in

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nurseries or be transferred to suitable alternative sites. If they are housed

in nurseries, prior arrangements must be made regarding their relocation

Fires
No fires must be lit by the Contractor and employees neither anywhere
on the site nor on private land without the consent of the landowner. If the
fires are lit on the property or in the construction camp, provision must be
made that no accidental fires are started. No firewood may be collected
in the veld.
The Contractor shall take the necessary precautions to prevent fires or
spills at the fuel stores. No smoking or other activities that can initiate
fires shall be allowed in the vicinity of the stores.

Access Road
The jeep-track access road must be clearly marked and all vehicles are
to make use of this single access track

Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of disturbed areas - only required around the slipway area
if damage to riparian areas is excessive i.e. excessively outside of the
development area. Rehabilitation of disturbed areas with indigenous
grass, sedge and reed species. For example Cyperus or Juncus species.

Persons responsible: Contractor & ECO

Recommended Penalties:

Impacts targeted: Hydrological Processes

Modification of flow dynamics and flow patterns in catchment
Construction activities: Increased artificial surface of the slipway may affect natural drainage
patterns and hydraulics. Surface flow (amount and velocity) within the
catchment area may increase, which may increase surface water flow
into the Mthatha River and wetland (which is proximate to the access
track).
Mitigation specifications: Removal of vegetation within the development footprint only. Note that
no vegetation will be removed along the access track.

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas - only required around the slipway area

if damage to riparian areas is excessive.

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas with indigenous grass, sedge and reed

species. For example Cyperus or Juncus species.

Persons responsible: Contractor & ECO

Recommended Penalties

Impacts targeted: Surface water pollution, ground water contamination, solid waste
pollution.
Construction/ operation Provision of Toilets on site, refuelling construction vehicles and use of
activities: vehicle and boat during operation phase (potential oil and fuel leaks),

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servicing equipment, waste generated on site.

Mitigation specifications: Toilets
The contractor must provide the necessary ablution facilities for all his
employees. These must be easily accessible, transportable and there
should be a minimum of 1 toilet per 10 persons on site. The toilets must
be secured and be provided with an external closing mechanism to
prevent toilet paper from being blown out.

Rented chemical toilets are preferable, and the rental company will be
responsible for emptying the toilet, which must be done every few days.
No sewage must be dumped or disposed of in watercourses, streams or
rivers. Toilets will be located within the construction camp and depot,
however must be located more than 50m away from a water course.

Waste management
The contractor will implement an on-site waste management system in
order to prevent the spread of refuse within and beyond the site. Refuse
refers to all solid waste, including litter, construction debris (wrapping
materials, timber, cans etc.), food packaging, cement, rubble, other
construction materials and contaminated soil, etc.

A Method Statement indicating how waste will be handled must be

submitted to the ECO prior to construction and must include the
following:
 All waste must be collected and contained immediately.
 The Contractor will not dispose of any waste and/or construction
debris by burning or burying. Waste bins will be provided at the
construction camp and where construction activities are taking
place.
 Scavenger proof bins will be provided with lids and external closing
mechanisms to be scavenger proof and to prevent their contents
blowing out.
 The Contractor will ensure that his employees deposit all waste in
the waste bins.
 Bins will not be used for any other purposes than waste collection
and will be emptied on a regular basis.
 The frequency of emptying bins will be monitored by the ECO to
ensure this is sufficient.
 All waste will be disposed of off-site at a registered Waste Disposal
Site
 Contaminated soil will be carefully removed and loaded into bags
to be removed and disposed of at the waste disposal site.

All equipment and machinery, e.g. cement mixers, generators etc., must
be placed on drip trays.

Waste water
The Contractor must ensure that pollution of ground water, drainage
courses, adjacent wetland as well as the Mthatha River does not occur
as a result of site activities. Pollution could result from the release,

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accidental or otherwise, of contaminated runoff from construction camps,

discharge of contaminated construction water, chemicals, oils, fuels,
sewage, run off from stockpiles, solid waste, litter, etc.

The Contractor shall ensure that any polluted runoff is collected in a lined
sump and not discharged overland. Natural run-off shall be diverted away
from the work site and storage areas.

The contractor will provide a Method Statement specifying where sumps

will be located, how sumps will be lined and other measures to be
adopted to control runoff and stormwater.

Construction water refers to all water dirtied as a result of construction

activities. Silt laden water may be discharged overland and be allowed to
filter into the ground, but the Contractor shall ensure that no erosion
results from this procedure. The contractor shall ensure that silt-laden
water is not discharged directly into the stream or wetlands or any other
surface water courses, and shall take suitable measures to prevent this.

Cement-laden water, i.e. water from washings from trowels,

wheelbarrows, etc., may not be discharged overland but must be
disposed of off site at a facility capable of handling such waste water.
Where possible, water should preferably be collected and reused for
mixing new concrete. Work areas should be kept clean at all times.

The contractor will provide a Method Statement specifying how

construction water will be collected and re-used or disposed of.

Fuel on Site
All efforts should be made to store fuel off-site. If fuel is required to be
stored on site, the ECO should be consulted to determine the exact site
for the storage tanks and all containers are to be fitted with lids and
placed on a surface that will enable the effective trapping of any spills or
leaks (i.e. plastic sheeting). If a leak is noticed, the container must be
replaced immediately.

Servicing and fuelling must not occur on site. No potentially harmful

substances, including diesel, petrol and oil must be spilled directly onto
the ground. The use of drip trays is encouraged where such risks arise
and should be emptied and washed before rainfall. Smoking shall be
prohibited in close proximity to the fuel storage area and visible signs
must be erected in order to communicate this to all employees.

Use of cement
The contractor is advised that cement and concrete are regarded as
highly hazardous to the natural environment, especially to gilled animals,
due to the very high pH of the material, and the chemicals contained
therein. The Contractor shall therefore ensure that:

 Dry cement is stored above ground level and any spillage is

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immediately cleared.
 Concrete is mixed on mortar boards, and not directly on the
ground.
 Metal drip trays must be used under cement mixers, if cement
mixers are to be used.
 The visible remains of concrete are physically removed
immediately and disposed of as waste - Washing it into the
ground is not acceptable.
 All aggregate must also be removed.

Persons responsible: Contractor

Recommended Penalties

Impacts targeted: Hydrological Processes

Topsoil loss, soil erosion and sediment deposition
Construction activities: All construction activities
Mitigation specifications: Removal of vegetation within the development footprint only. Note that
no vegetation will be removed along the access track.

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas - only required around the slipway area

if damage to riparian areas is excessive.

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas with indigenous grass, sedge and reed

species. For example Cyperus or Juncus species.

The Contractor shall take appropriate measures e.g. the erection of silt
traps, or drainage retention areas, to prevent silt and sand entering
drainage courses, the river and wetlands.

It is recommended that the end of the slipway is protected from damage

caused by prop wash (launching or re-loading the boats: power loading).
Prop wash may erode away the area at the end of the slipway, causing a
steep drop-off, potentially dangerous to trailers as well as disturbing the
sediment dynamics of the river bottom. Relevant stabilisation materials
should be employed to ensure this is avoided.

Persons responsible: Contractor

Recommended Penalties:

Impacts targeted: Dust generation and Erosion

Construction activities: Clearing of vegetation and exposing topsoil, stock piling of topsoil and
other building materials
Mitigation specifications: Dust will be controlled and managed at all times during the construction
period.
 Vehicles traveling along the access roads must adhere to speed
limits to avoid creating dust.

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 A maximum speed limit of 30 km/hr must be adhered to through

the local community to the slipway site.
 Construction camp and haulage road construction areas (these are
areas that have been stripped of vegetation) must be dampened to
avoid excessive dust.
 Where dust is unavoidable, screening may be required.
 Vehicles and machinery are to be kept in good working order.
Should excessive emissions be observed, the Contractor is to
have the equipment repaired/serviced as soon as possible.
 No fires are allowed on site.

Topsoil removed for construction purposes should be stored and used in

areas to be rehabilitated, specifically on the steep slopes. Should topsoil
be stored, the piles of topsoil must be no higher than 2m and should be
placed in areas where minimal erosion from wind and rain will occur.
Topsoil piles should be seeded with a fast growing indigenous grass to
prevent loss of nutrients and seed banks. The topsoil must be gently
spread where needed or alternatively used in the nursery. No large
mounds of soil must be left behind after the construction period.

The Contractor shall take appropriate measures e.g. the erection of silt
traps, or drainage retention areas, to prevent silt and sand entering
drainage courses, the river and wetlands.

Persons responsible: Contractor

Recommended Penalties

Impacts targeted: Loss of archaeological artefacts

Construction activities: Initial earth moving activities, clearing of vegetation
Mitigation specifications: Should any archaeological artefacts be encountered on site, construction
activities must be suspended and a qualified archaeologist commissioned
to investigate the find and make arrangements for its removal, if
necessary.

The South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) must also be

contacted if any heritage resources are encountered.
Persons responsible: Contractor
Recommended Penalties:

Impacts targeted: Job Creation

Construction activities: Pre-construction appointment of staff
Mitigation specifications: Labour must be sourced from the local community and all efforts made to
keep communication clear between the contractor and the local
community.
Persons responsible: Contractor
Recommended Penalties:

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Impacts targeted: Noise

Construction activities: All construction activities
Mitigation specifications: Construction activities are to be confined to normal daylight working
hours i.e. between 08h00 and 17h00, unless otherwise agreed to with the
ECO/PM. Construction activities should be restricted to between 08h00
and 13h00 on Saturdays. No construction activities should take place on
Sundays or public holidays.

The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to minimise noise

generated on site as a result of his operations. The Contractor shall
comply with the National Building Regulations with regard to noise.
Persons responsible: Contractor
Recommended Penalties:

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REVEGETATION AND REHABILITATION PLAN

The Contractor shall be responsible for rehabilitating any areas cleared or disturbed for construction
purposes at the completion of construction. The Contractor will also be responsible for repairing any
damage to fences and other infrastructure as a result of construction activities.

All construction equipment and excess aggregate, stone, gravel, concrete, etc. shall be removed from
the site upon completion of work. No discarded materials shall be buried. The ECO will determine the
plants that shall be used for rehabilitation. The Contractor should agree for how long the Contractor will
be responsible for erosion control and rehabilitation/re-vegetation success.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the elimination of alien plants and weeds in the areas disturbed
by construction for the duration of the contract, and the first month thereafter, after which time the
project proponent will be responsible.

Re-vegetation of disturbed areas disturbed during the construction phase consists of the following steps:

1. Spreading of stored topsoil i.e. that which has been removed from the site for the purposes
of construction.
2. Planting of plant species recommended and selected by the ECO. Rehabilitation of
disturbed areas with indigenous grass, sedge and reed species. For example Cyperus or
Juncus species and any other species as recommended by ECO.
3. Watering of newly planted plants. The amount and duration of watering will be dependent
on the season in which the plants are planted.
4. Regular audits and maintenance programmes to ensure that plants are growing and serving
the purpose for which they were planted (i.e. to prevent erosion).

Once the grass cover is in place the natural successional processes should result in the incorporation of
bush species. During this process however the encroachment of alien vegetation will be prevented by
active removal.

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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

The Contractor shall know emergency procedures for events such as fire, accidents and leakage of
petroleum, chemicals and other harmful substances. The Contractor shall be responsible for informing
the staff of these procedures.

USEFUL CONTACTS
Mthatha Fire Department 047 501 4182, 047 532 4444
084 225 1970, 083 704 3130

Disaster Management (spills) 047 501 4183

Ambulance services in Mthatha 047 537 1051, 047 532 4174
Department of Environmental Affairs, Mthatha 047 501 4077, 047 531 1191

ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

An environmental audit must be undertaken after completion of construction. This audit must be
submitted to DEDEAT and should include the following:

 Any environmental damage that may have occurred and procedures to rectify
 Alien clearing progress
 Any building material that has been left by the contractors and procedures for clearing
 Any contamination of soil and/or water and measures to rectify
 Fire protection methods that are in place

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8 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PLAN

In terms of regulations published in the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of
1998), and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2010), an Environmental Awareness Plan
must be included in an Environmental Management Programme (Section 33j). Stipulations include that
the Awareness Plan should ‘describe the manner in which:

(i) The applicant intends to inform his or her employees of any environmental risk which
may result from their work; and
(ii) risks must be dealt with in order to avoid pollution or the degradation of the environment”

The following framework should be used to provide information to all employees involved in the
construction of the slipway in order to identify environmental risk as well as reduce the occurrence or
severity of all potential environmental impacts.

TRAINING FRAMEWORK AND INFORMATION

1. Introduction to the environment

Background information on constituents of the environment: Water, Soil, Plants, Animals, Air, People
and Infrastructure.

Explanation of environmental features including identification of;

- landscapes including river systems, wetlands, steep slopes/areas sensitive to erosion, heritage
sites
- Indigenous trees, protected indigenous trees and plants

Explanation of various ‘ecological vocabulary’ including: Biodiversity, Erosion, Hydrology & Hydrological
processes

2. Environmental Impacts
Information to be presented about environmental impacts and examples (with photographs) given to aid
in identification of impacts on site. Communication of the consequences (short term and long term) of
various environmental impacts (direct and indirect) and the reasons why impacts should be prevented

3. Relevant Legislation
It is important to communicate the stipulations of any relevant legislation to all construction employees
as well as potential consequences for engaging in illegal activities.

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4. Construction of Slipway and Potential impacts

All construction employees must be informed about the natural environment where the slipway is to be
constructed. If already demarcated at the time of training, the staff must be shown the boundaries of the
constructed site and instructed to stay inside this boundary at all times.

All employees are to be informed of the impacts identified and assessed in the Basic Assessment
Report listed below:

Impact 1 loss of vegetation - biodiversity loss

Impact 2 spread of alien invasive plant species - biodiversity loss
Impact 3 loss of habitat - biodiversity loss
Impact 4 loss of fauna - biodiversity loss
Impact 5 loss of invertebrates - biodiversity loss
Impact 6 modification of flow dynamics and flow patterns - hydrological processes
Impact 7 topsoil loss, soil erosion and sediment deposition - hydrological processes
Impact 8 effluent pollution and solid waste pollution - biodiversity loss & hydrological processes
Impact 9 disturbance of important ecological process areas - biodiversity loss
Impact 10 job creation – socio-economic impact
Impact 11 noise - socio-economic impact

5. Construction Phase Rules and Regulations on site

Method statements for every construction activity must be communicated to employees and employees
should be told where to find these instructions or who to ask should an employee wish to confirm an
instruction. A summary of the environmental specifications (Section 7 of this document) must be
presented to all employees during the environmental awareness training before construction activities
commence. Where possible, posters and sign posts should be put up in and around the site office for
quick reference.

Instructions must be given for the following activities that may be detrimental to the environmental if not
managed effectively:

- Smoking areas
- Eating and refuse areas: do not eat near a watercourse. Food packaging must be disposed of in
the bins provided
- Alcohol prohibited on site
- Use of toilets
- Vehicles and Machinery – Obey the speed limit, report leaks or maintenance requirements
early, re-fuelling and servicing
- Mixing of concrete – where and how
- Restricted areas – No-Go zones for personnel, machinery, vehicles.
- Topsoil removal

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- Stormwater management
- Management and disposal of waste water from construction activities
- Noise generation
- Protection of sensitive vegetation

6. How to avoid impacts and what to do if you see an offence

Employees must be encouraged to ask when an instruction is unclear with regards to the environmental
specifications. Site regulations must be adhered to at all times. However, employees must be
encouraged to report all cases of non-compliance to the respective supervisors IMMEDIATELY in order
to minimise the severity of the environmental damage.

7. Penalties for non-compliance

Penalties for non-compliance or disregard for regulations (including environmental impact mitigation
measures) must be put in place and communicated to all employees.
.

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