APPENDIX D3: HERITAGErhdhv.co.za/media/sub_transmission/Appendix D3 - D5.pdf · 2012-08-19 · I, J.A. van Schalkwyk, declare that I do not have any financial or personal interest

APPENDIX D3: HERITAGE

HERITAGE IMPACT SCOPING REPORT FORTHE KABOKWENI - HLAU-HLAU 132KV LINE AND HLAU-HLAU

SUBSTATION, NSIKAZI DISTRICT, MPUMALANGA

Heritage Scoping Assessment Kabokweni Hlau-Hlau 132kV line

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HERITAGE IMPACT SCOPING REPORT FOR THE KOBOKWENI - HLAU-HLAU 132KVLINE AND HLAU-HLAU SUBSTATION, NSIKAZI DISTRICT, MPUMALANGA

Report No: 2010/JvS/086Status: FinalRevision No: 0Date: November 2010

Prepared for:Company: SSI Engineers and Environmental ConsultantsRepresentative: Ms P Reddy

Postal Address: P O Box 25302, Monument Park 0105,PretoriaTel: 012 367 5800Fax: -E-mail: prashikar@ssi,co,za

Prepared by:J van Schalkwyk (D Litt et Phil), Heritage ConsultantASAPA Registration No.: 168Principal Investigator: Iron Age, Colonial Period, Industrial Heritage

Postal Address: 62 Coetzer Avenue, Monument Park, 0181Mobile: 076 790 6777Fax: 086 611 3902E-mail: [email protected]

Declaration:

I, J.A. van Schalkwyk, declare that I do not have any financial or personal interest in theproposed development, nor its developers or any of their subsidiaries, apart from theprovision of heritage assessment and management services.

J A van Schalkwyk (D Litt et Phil)Heritage ConsultantNovember 2010


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


Due to rapid urban expansion and population growth, additional electricity supplies areurgently needed in the larger Kabokweni - Hlau-Hlau region to the north east of Mbombela(formerly Nelspruit) in Mpumalanga. In order to satisfy this demand, Eskom propose theconstruction of a 132kV power line, as well as a substation in the region. For this purposeEskom has identified a corridor as well as an alternative to be evaluated as to its suitability foruse in the construction of the power line.

In accordance with Section 38 of the NHRA, an independent heritage consultant wasappointed by SSI Engineers and Environmental Consultants to conduct a Heritage ImpactAssessment (HIA) to determine if any sites, features or objects of cultural heritagesignificance occur within the boundaries of the area where it is planned to develop the sub-transmission line and the substation.

A variety of heritage resources occur in the larger geographical area and it is therefore quitelikely that some might occur in the study area. Some informal cemeteries or burial placesseem to occur in close proximity of the identified corridors.

In terms of Section 7 of the NHRA, all the sites currently known to occur in the study area areevaluated to have Grade III significance with:

Local and private cemeteries would have a high significance on a local level.

Based on the above, it is our opinion that the sites (graves) that exist in the region would notprevent the proposed development from continuing as the possibility of mitigation measuresare contained in the Heritage Act. However, it is recommended that once the final corridor hasbeen selected, that corridor should be subjected to a full Phase II archaeological survey inaccordance with Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act.


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TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Property detailsProvince MpumalangaMagisterial district NzikaziLocal municipality MbombelaTopo-cadastral map 2531ACClosest town WitrivierFarm name StaatsgrondPortions/Holdings -Coordinates Bend points

No Latitude Longitude No Latitude LongitudeA1 S 25.34824 E 31.11991 A2 S 25.35541 E 31.11775A3 S 25.37201 E 31.12739 A4 S 25.37247 E 31.14188B1 S 25.34824 E 31.11991 B2 S 25.35385 E 31.1318831 S 25.37222 E 31.13499

Development criteria in terms of Section 38(1) of the NHR Act Yes/NoConstruction of road, wall, power line, pipeline, canal or other linearform of development or barrier exceeding 300m in length

Yes

Construction of bridge or similar structure exceeding 50m in length NoDevelopment exceeding 5000 sq m NoDevelopment involving three or more existing erven or subdivisions NoDevelopment involving three or more erven or divisions that have beenconsolidated within past five years

No

Rezoning of site exceeding 10 000 sq m NoAny other development category, public open space, squares, parks,recreation grounds

No

DevelopmentDescription Development of a 132kV electricity sub-transmission lineProject name Kabokweni/Hlau-Hlau

Land usePrevious land use AgricultureCurrent land use Sub-urban

Heritage sites assessmentSite type Site significance Site grading (Section 7 of NHRA)None

Impact assessmentImpact Mitigation Permits requiredNone None None


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................2

TECHNICAL SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................3

TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................4

LIST OF FIGURES.....................................................................................................................4

1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................5

2. BACKGROUND AND BRIEF ................................................................................................5

3. HERITAGE RESOURCES....................................................................................................5

4. STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY ......................................................................7

5. STUDY AREA .......................................................................................................................8

6. SITE SIGNIFICANCE AND ASSESSMENT .........................................................................9

7. RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT MEASURES................................................................11

8. DISCUSSION......................................................................................................................12

9. REFERENCES....................................................................................................................13

LIST OF FIGURES

Page

Fig. 1. Location of the study area in regional context. ...............................................................8

Fig. 2. Known heritage features in relation to the proposed development. ...............................9

Fig. 3. The 1943 version of the 1:50 000 cadastral map, showing the lack of development...14

Fig. 4. Aerial view of the study area.........................................................................................15

Fig. 5. Typical cemetery found in the region, this one in proximity of the preferred route. ......15


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1. INTRODUCTION

Due to rapid urban expansion and population growth, additional electricity supplies areurgently needed in the larger Kabokweni - Hlau-Hlau region to the north east of Mbombela(formerly Nelspruit) in Mpumalanga. In order to satisfy this demand, Eskom propose theconstruction of a 132kV power line, as well as a substation in the region. For this purposeEskom has identified a corridor as well as an alternative to be evaluated as to its suitability foruse in the construction of the power line.

South Africa’s heritage resources, also described as the ’national estate’, comprise a widerange of sites, features, objects and beliefs. According to Section 27(18) of the NationalHeritage Resources Act (NHRA), Act 25 of 1999, no person may destroy, damage, deface,excavate, alter, remove from its original position, subdivide or change the planning status ofany heritage site without a permit issued by the heritage resources authority responsible forthe protection of such site.

In accordance with Section 38 of the NHRA, an independent heritage consultant wasappointed by SSI Engineers and Environmental Consultants to conduct a Heritage ImpactAssessment (HIA) to determine if any sites, features or objects of cultural heritagesignificance occur within the boundaries of the area where it is planned to develop theshopping mall.

2. BACKGROUND AND BRIEF

This report gives an overview of the cultural heritage potential of the area in which it isproposed to construct the sub-transmission line, as well as for the erection of the Hlau-Hlausubstation. The client identified two corridors. The aim was therefore to determine if there areany heritage sites that would be impacted on negatively by the proposed development. Thiscould be achieved by identifying areas/locations of possible high significance thatconsequently should be avoided.

The scope of work consisted of: Conducting a desk-top investigation of the area A visit to the proposed development site

The objectives were to:Identify possible archaeological, cultural and historic sites within the proposed development

areas; Evaluate the potential impacts of construction, operation and maintenance of the

proposed development on archaeological, cultural and historical resources; Recommend mitigation measures to ameliorate any negative impacts on areas of

archaeological, cultural or historical importance.

3. HERITAGE RESOURCES

3.1 The National Estate


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The NHRA (No. 25 of 1999) defines the heritage resources of South Africa which are ofcultural significance or other special value for the present community and for futuregenerations that must be considered part of the national estate to include:

places, buildings, structures and equipment of cultural significance; places to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage; historical settlements and townscapes; landscapes and natural features of cultural significance; geological sites of scientific or cultural importance; archaeological and palaeontological sites; graves and burial grounds, including-

o ancestral graves;o royal graves and graves of traditional leaders;o graves of victims of conflict;o graves of individuals designated by the Minister by notice in the Gazette;o historical graves and cemeteries; ando other human remains which are not covered in terms of the Human Tissue Act,

1983 (Act No. 65 of 1983); sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa; movable objects, including-

o objects recovered from the soil or waters of South Africa, including archaeologicaland palaeontological objects and material, meteorites and rare geologicalspecimens;

o objects to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with livingheritage;

o ethnographic art and objects;o military objects;o objects of decorative or fine art;o objects of scientific or technological interest; ando books, records, documents, photographic positives and negatives, graphic, film

or video material or sound recordings, excluding those that are public records asdefined in section 1(xiv) of the National Archives of South Africa Act, 1996 (ActNo. 43 of 1996).

3.2 Cultural significance

In the NHRA, Section 2 (vi), it is stated that ‘‘cultural significance’’ means aesthetic,architectural, historical, scientific, social, spiritual, linguistic or technological value orsignificance. This is determined in relation to a site or feature’s uniqueness, condition ofpreservation and research potential.

According to Section 3(3) of the NHRA, a place or object is to be considered part of thenational estate if it has cultural significance or other special value because of:

its importance in the community, or pattern of South Africa's history; its possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of South Africa's natural or

cultural heritage; its potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of South Africa's

natural or cultural heritage; its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of South

Africa's natural or cultural places or objects; its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or

cultural group; its importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a

particular period; its strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social,

cultural or spiritual reasons;


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its strong or special association with the life or work of a person, group or organisation ofimportance in the history of South Africa; and

sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa.

4. STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

4.1 Extent of the Study

This survey and impact assessment covers the area as presented in Section 5 and asillustrated in Figures 1 - 2.

4.2 Methodology

4.2.1 Preliminary investigation

4.2.1.1 Survey of the literature

A survey of the relevant literature was conducted with the aim of reviewing the previousresearch done and determining the potential of the area. In this regard, variousanthropological, archaeological, historical sources and heritage impact assessment reportswere consulted (Mason 1962; Evers 1977; Meyer 1986; Moore 1987; Van Schalkwyk, Steyn,Naude 1996, Van Schalkwyk 2005).

Some information on events and sites in the larger region were obtained from thesesources.

4.2.1.2 Data bases

The Heritage Atlas Database, the Environmental Potential Atlas, the Chief Surveyor General(CS-G) and the National Archives of South Africa (NASA) were consulted.

Database surveys produced a number of sites located in the larger region of theproposed development.

4.2.1.3 Other sources

Aerial photographs and topocadastral and other maps were also studied - see the list ofreferences below.

Information of a very general nature was obtained from these sources.

4.2.2 Field survey

The area that had to be investigated was identified by SSI Engineers and EnvironmentalConsultants by means of maps.

4.3 LimitationsThis report is largely based on available information.


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5. STUDY AREA

The area is located to the northeast of the city of Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) in what usedto be part of the old Gazankulu homeland (see Fig. 1). For more information, please see theTechnical summary presented above.

The geology is made up of granite and the topography can be classified as broken, with highhills. The original vegetation is made up of Sour Lowveld Bushveld, but has been replaced inlarge areas due to agricultural activities.

Fig. 1. Location of the study area in regional context.

5.1 Description of affected environment

Stone Age

Although no stone tools and flakes were noticed during the site visit, a more detailed searchwould undoubtedly reveal some. Because of its topography, the changes of finding small rockshelters that could have been inhabited in the past, is highly likely. Some of these might evencontain rock art as it is known to occur sporadically in the region Van Schalkwyk 2007; VanSchalkwyk, Steyn & Naude 1996).

Iron Age

Sites containing pottery dating to the Early and Late Iron Age have been identified in thelarger region. Some were excavated by Evers (1977). It is expected that more sites would beidentified in the region, if one consider the number of sites identified by Meyer (1986) who did


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an intensive survey of the Kruger National Park. It is expected to find these sites especially onriverbanks and at the base of small hills or koppies.

Historic period

The study area previously formed part of the former Gazankulu homeland. As such it wasalways under-developed, a fact that seems to be underscored by the 1943 version of thetopocadastral map (Fig. 3). The area now is very much urbanised (Fig. 4).

5.2 Description of affected sites

Known heritage sites in the region consist of a number of local cemeteries and burial places(Fig. 5). According to available information some of these occur in both of the corridors (Fig.2).

Fig. 2. Known heritage features in relation to the proposed development.(Map 2531AC: Chief Surveyor-General)

6. SITE SIGNIFICANCE AND ASSESSMENT

6.1 Heritage assessment criteria and grading


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The NHRA stipulates the assessment criteria and grading of archaeological sites. Thefollowing categories are distinguished in Section 7 of the Act:

Grade I: Heritage resources with qualities so exceptional that they are of special nationalsignificance;

Grade II: Heritage resources which, although forming part of the national estate, can beconsidered to have special qualities which make them significant within the context of aprovince or a region; and

Grade III: Other heritage resources worthy of conservation on a local authority level.

The occurrence of sites with a Grade I significance will demand that the developmentactivities be drastically altered in order to retain these sites in their original state. For Grade IIand Grade III sites, the applicable of mitigation measures would allow the developmentactivities to continue.

6.2 Statement of significance

A matrix was developed whereby the above criteria were applied for each identified site (seeAppendix 1). This allowed some form of control over the application of similar values forsimilar sites. Three categories of significance are recognized: low, medium and high.

Identified heritage resources

Category, according to NHRA Identification/Description

Formal protections (NHRA)

National heritage site (Section 27) None

Provincial heritage site (Section 27) None

Provisional protection (Section 29) None

Place listed in heritage register (Section 30) None

General protections (NHRA)

structures older than 60 years (Section 34) None

archaeological site or material (Section 35) None

palaeontological site or material (Section 35) None

graves or burial grounds (Section 36) Yes

public monuments or memorials (Section 37) None

Other

Any other heritage resources (describe) None

Table 2. Summary of identified heritage resources in the study area.

6.3 Impact assessment

Impact analysis of cultural heritage resources under threat of the proposed development, arebased on the present understanding of the development.

Prediction of impacts (before mitigation)


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Impact Nature Intensity Extent Duration Probability ConfidenceDestruction ofheritage resources

Negative Medium Local Permanent Probable High

Prediction of impacts (after mitigation)

Impact Nature Intensity Extent Duration Probability ConfidenceDestruction ofheritage resources

Negative High Local Permanent Probable High

With mitigation Negative Low Local Permanent Improbable High

Assigning a consequence rating

Impact Nature Consequence Probability ConfidenceDestruction of heritageresources

Negative Medium Improbable High

With mitigation Negative Low Improbable High

Assigning a significance rating

Impact Consequence Probability Significance ConfidenceDestruction of heritageresources

Medium Improbable Low High

With mitigation Low Improbable Low High

From the above, it can be seen that the impact on the sites would be of mediumconsequence, but would be rated as low after the application of mitigationmeasures.

7. RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Heritage sites are fixed features in the environment, occurring within specific spatial confines.Any impact upon them is permanent and non-reversible. Those resources that cannot beavoided and that are directly impacted by the development can be excavated/recorded and amanagement plan can be developed for future action. Those sites that are not impacted on,can be written into the management plan, whence they can be avoided or cared for in thefuture.

Impact analysis and resultant management of cultural resources under threat of the proposeddevelopment, are based on the present understanding of the construction and operation of asub-transmission line. The following objectives and design standards, if adhered to, caneliminate, minimise or enhance potential impacts.

The developer must ensure that an archaeologist inspects the total route of the selectedcorridor. If a particular pole structure impacts on a heritage site but cannot be shifted,mitigation measures, i.e. the controlled excavation of the site prior to development, canbe implemented. This can only be done by a qualified archaeologist after obtaining a validpermit from the PHRA (Provincial Heritage Resources Agency) (or SAHRA, if it is acategory 1 site).

The same action holds true for any infrastructure development such as access routes,construction campsites, etc.


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In the past, people used to settle near water sources. Therefore riverbanks, rims of pansand smaller watercourses should be avoided as far as possible.

In this particular part of the country, Iron Age people also preferred to settle on the saddle(or neck) between mountains (hills/outcrops). These areas should also be avoided.

Avoid all patches bare of vegetation unless previously inspected by an archaeologist.These might be old settlement sites.

Rock outcrops might contain rock shelters, engravings or stone walled settlements, andshould therefore be avoided unless previously inspected by an archaeologist.

Communities living close to the proposed corridor should be consulted as to the existenceof sites of cultural significance, e.g. graves, as well as sites that do not show anystructures but have emotional significance, such as battlefields, etc.

All graves or cemeteries should be avoided, unless when totally impossible. The correctprocedure, i.e. notification of intent to relocate them, consultation with descendants andpermit application, should then be followed in relocating the graves. If any of the gravesare older than 60 years, they can only be exhumed by an archaeologist. Graves of victimsof conflict requires additional permits from SAHRA before they can be relocated.

Archaeological material, by its very nature, occurs below ground. The developer shouldtherefore keep in mind that archaeological sites might be exposed during the constructionwork. If anything is noticed, work in that area should be stopped and the occurrenceshould immediately be reported to a museum, preferably one at which an archaeologist isavailable. The archaeologist should then investigate and evaluate the find.

Any mitigation measures applied by an archaeologist, in the sense of excavation anddocumentation, should be published in order to bring this information into the publicdomain.

8. DISCUSSION

The aim of the survey was to locate, identify, evaluate and document sites, objects andstructures of cultural significance found within the areas which is proposed to serve aspossible corridors for the development of a power line and sub-station.

A variety of heritage resources occur in the larger geographical area and it is therefore quitelikely that some might occur in the study area. Some informal cemeteries or burial placesseem to occur in close proximity of the identified corridors.

In terms of Section 7 of the NHRA, all the sites currently known to occur in the study area areevaluated to have Grade III significance with:

Local and private cemeteries would have a high significance on a local level.

Based on the above, it is our opinion that the sites (graves) that exist in the region would notprevent the proposed development from continuing as the possibility of mitigation measuresare contained in the Heritage Act. However, it is recommended that once the final corridor hasbeen selected, that corridor should be subjected to a full Phase II archaeological survey inaccordance with Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act.


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9. REFERENCES

9.1 Data bases

Archaeological Data Recording Centre, National Cultural History Museum, Pretoria.

Environmental Potential Atlas, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.

9.2 Literature

Acocks, J.P.H. 1975. Veld Types of South Africa. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of SouthAfrica, No. 40. Pretoria: Botanical Research Institute.

Evers, T.M. 1977. Plastron Early Iron Age site, White River district, Eastern Transvaal, SouthAfrica. South African Archaeological Bulletin 32:170-178.

Holm, S.E. 1966. Bibliography of South African Pre- and Protohistoric archaeology. Pretoria:J.L. van Schaik.

Mason, R.J. 1962. Prehistory of the Transvaal. Johannesburg: Witwatersrand UniversityPress.

Meyer, A. 1986. ‘n Kultuurhistoriese interpretasie van die Ystertydperk in die NasionaleKruger Wildtuin. Ongepubliseerde D. Phil. Pretoria: Universiteit van Pretoria.

Moore, MPJ. 1987. The Transvaal's potential for the development of prehistoric sitemuseums. Unpublished report. Pretoria: Transvaal Provincial Museum Service.

Richardson, D. 2001. Historic sites of South Africa. Cape Town: Struik Publishers.

Van Riet Lowe, C. n.d. The distribution of Prehistoric rock engravings and paintings in SouthAfrica. Archaeological Survey, Archaeological Series No. 7.

Van Schalkwyk, J.A. 2005. Heritage impact scoping report for the Kobokweni Hlau-Hlau132kv line and Hlau-Hlau substation, Nsikazi District, Mpumalanga. Unpublished report2005KH033. Pretoria.

Van Schalkwyk, J.A. 2007. Heritage impact scoping report for the k’shani nature reserve,nelspruit area, Mpumalanga. Unpublished report 2007KH020. Pretoria.

Van Schalkwyk, J.A,, Steyn, A. & Naude, M. 1996. Investigation of rock art sites nearNelspruit, Mpumalanga Province. Unpublished report 1995KH05. Pretoria: National CulturalHistory Museum.

Van Warmelo, N.J. 1935. A Preliminary survey of the Bantu Tribes of South Africa.Ethnological Publications No. 5. Pretoria: Government Printer.

9.3 Maps

1: 50 000 Topocadastral maps – 2531AC


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APPENDIX 1. ILLUSTRATIONS

Fig. 3. The 1943 version of the 1:50 000 cadastral map, showing the lack of development.(Map 2531AC: Chief Surveyor-General)


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Fig. 4. Aerial view of the study area.(Photograph: Google Earth)

Fig. 5. Typical cemetery found in the region, this one in proximity of the preferred route.

APPENDIX D4: WETLAND

SSI ______________________ Proposed 132kV Powerline from the Kabokweni Substation to the Clau-Clau Substation in Ngodini, Mpumalanga Wetland Delineation Report Issue date: 27th October 2010 Revision No.: 1 Project No.: 10657

SPECIALIST REPORT DETAILS This report has been prepared as per the requirements of Section 33 of GNR 385 - Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations and the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) I, Ryan Edwards, declare that this report has been prepared independently of any influence or prejudice as may be specified by the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs.

Signed: Date: 27/10/2010

Date: 27 October 2010 Document Title: Proposed 132kV Powerline from the Kabokweni Substation to the

Clau-Clau Substation in Ngodini, Mpumalanga: Wetland Delineation Report

Author: R. Edwards Revision Number: # 1 Checked by: G. Mullins Pr.Sci.Nat. Approved: G. Mullins Pr.Sci.Nat. Signature: For: SSI

"COPYRIGHT IS VESTED IN SiVEST IN TERMS OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT (ACT 98 OF 1978) AND NO USE OR REPRODUCTION OR DUPLICATION THEREOF MAY OCCUR WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR"

SSI

PROPOSED 132KV POWERLINE FROM THE KABOKWENI SUBSTATION TO THE CLAU-CLAU SUBSTATION IN NGODINI,

MPUMALANGA

WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT Contents Page 1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................1 2 TERMS OF REFERENCE ................................................................................................1 3 SITE DESCRIPTION.........................................................................................................1

3.1 LOCALITY ....................................................................................................................1 3.2 CLIMATE......................................................................................................................1 3.3 GEOLOGY & SOILS.......................................................................................................2 3.4 TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE ......................................................................................2 3.5 VEGETATION COVER....................................................................................................2

4 WETLAND DELINEATION...............................................................................................4 4.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................4 4.2 DELINEATION METHOD.................................................................................................5 4.3 DELINEATION RESULTS ................................................................................................6

4.3.1 Terrain indicators and hydro-geomorphology .....................................................6 4.3.2 Soil indicators .....................................................................................................6 4.3.3 Vegetation indicators ..........................................................................................7

5 BROAD ECOLOGICAL HEALTH ....................................................................................7 6 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ...............................................................................9 7 POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES ..................9 8 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................................10

Tables

Table 1: Relationship between degree of wetness (wetland zone), soil-physio-chemistry and vegetation (after Kotze et al, 1994)

Figures

Figure 1: Environmental Features Figure 2: Cross section through a wetland, indicating how the soil wetness and vegetation

indicators change along a gradient of decreasing wetness. (Reproduced from Kotze (1996), DWAF Guidelines)

Figure 3: Wetland and Buffers

SSI

PROPOSED 132KV POWERLINE FROM THE KABOKWENI SUBSTATION TO THE CLAU-CLAU SUBSTATION IN NGODINI,

MPUMALANGA

WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT

1 INTRODUCTION Eskom is proposing to establish a 132kV powerline from the existing Kabokweni substation to the new proposed Clau-Clau substation. Two routes for the powerline have been proposed, namely a preferred option referred to as ‘Option 1’ and an alternative option referred to as ‘Option 2’ as shown in Figure 1. SSI Environmental Division, on behalf of the Eskom, has appointed SiVEST to delineate the wetlands that are crossed or are in close proximity to the alternative Option 2. Under the National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998), wetlands are protected ecosystems and should not be disturbed or damaged by any activity. As a result, it is necessary to delineate the outer boundary of the wetland areas that stand to be impacted upon by the proposed powerline development. This will ensure that the full extent of the wetland is taken into account in the design of the proposed powerline. This report presents the results of the wetland delineation.

2 TERMS OF REFERENCE

SiVEST was required to carry out the following scope of work during this investigation: Identify the outer edge of the temporary zone of all wetlands that stand to be impacted

upon by the proposed powerline Option 2; Identify and assess potential impacts on the wetlands that may arise from the

development of the powerline; and Provide measures for the mitigation of negative impacts and monitoring of the

enhancement of the wetland ‘goods and services’ in these areas. 3 SITE DESCRIPTION 3.1 Locality

The proposed powerline route is located in the Ngodini Township, 3.5km north-east of the Kruger-Mpumalanga International Airport just outside of Nelspruit and White River in Mpumalanga Province.

3.2 Climate

The proposed route falls within the Malelane Mountain Bushveld vegetation unit as defined by Mucina and Rutherford (2006). This area is a summer rainfall area with dry winters. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 801mm, increasing with altitude, and mean annual potential evaporation is 1900mm. The mountain tops experience occasional mist.

SSI prepared by: SiVEST Environmental Division 10657: Proposed 132kV Powerline from the Kabokweni Substation, Ngodini: Wetland Delineation Report Revision No: 1 27 October 2010 Page 1 of 10


3.3 Geology & Soils According to the Environmental Protection Atlas (ENPAT) dataset, the geology of the area comprises Granite and Granite gneiss. The soils derived from these geologies generally comprise well drained, fine to coarse grained sand and the soil profiles are relatively shallow with the exception of the alluvial valley bottom areas.

3.4 Topography and Drainage The local topography is characterised by deeply incised streams, rivers and floodplains flanked by steep sided valleys and rounded mountain tops. The sandy soils derived from the underlying geology are generally well drained and are highly erodibe as evidenced by the regular occurrence of dongas along overgrazed slopes.

3.5 Vegetation Cover

At a broad-scale, the project site occurs within the Malelane Mountain Bushveld vegetation unit as defined by Mucina and Rutherford (2006). This vegetation unit comprises open savannah on mountains and higher-lying slopes, with an open to dense, short mountain bushveld on rocky outcrops and lower lying areas (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006). The field visit indicated that the vegetation communities within the watercourses and on the floodplains, hillsides and mountain tops were generally moderately to highly disturbed, with the exception of some of the more rural areas in the vicinity of the southern parts of the two proposed routes. Large dongas and erosion were prevalent along most of the rivers, streams and wetlands that were crossed by the two proposed routes.

KWABOKWENI POWERLINE

FIGURE 1:ENVIRONMENTAL

FEATURES THIS MAP HAS BEEN PREPARED UNDER THE CONTROLSESTABLISHED BY THE SIVEST QUALITY MANAGEMENTSYSTEM AND MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SETAQUALITY GRADING SYSTEM THAT IS ISO COMPLIANT

"COPYRIGHT IS VESTED IN SiVEST IN TERMS OF THE COPYRIGHTACT (ACT 98 OF 1978) AND NO USE OR REPRODUCTION OR

DUPLICATION THEREOF MAY OCCUR WITHOUT THE WRITTENCONSENT OF THE AUTHOR"

4 PENCARROW CRESCENTLA LUCIA RIDGE OFFICE ESTATEUMHLANGA ROCKS, 4320SOUTH AFRICA

Phone: +27 31 5811500Fax: +27 31 5662371e-mail: [email protected]

Project No Map Ref No DatePrepared By10657 10657/F1-01 R. EDWARDS 25/10/2010

±0 130 260

Meters

ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION

Legend

Route Option 1

Route Option 2

Watercourses

4 WETLAND DELINEATION 4.1 Introduction

Wetlands are defined as those areas that have water on the surface or within the root zone for long enough periods through the year to allow for the development of anaerobic conditions. These conditions create unique soil conditions (hydric soils) and support vegetation adapted to these flood conditions. In terms of Section 1 of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998), wetlands are legally defined as: (1)…land which is transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface, or the land is periodically covered with shallow water, and which land in normal circumstances supports or would support vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soil. Hydric soils develop a grey or sometimes greenish or blue-grey colour, as a result of the chemical reduction of iron (gleying). Hydric soils that are seasonally flooded are characterised by the formation of mottles, which are relatively insoluble, enabling them to remain in the soil long after it has been drained. Consequently it is possible to identify wetland areas on the basis of soil colour, using a standard colour chart, as matrix hue and chroma decrease, while mottle hue and chroma initially increase and then decrease the more saturated the soils become (Table 1).

Table 1: Relationship between degree of wetness (wetland zone), soil-physio-chemistry and vegetation (after Kotze et al, 1994)

Degree of wetness Temporary Seasonal Permanent / Semi-

permanent Soil Depth (0cm –10cm)

Matrix chroma: 1-3 Few / no mottles Low / intermediate OM Non-sulphuric

Matrix chroma: 0-2 Many mottles Intermediate OM Seldom sulphuric

Matrix chroma: 0-1 Few / no mottles High OM Often sulphuric

Soil Depth (40cm – 50cm)

Few / many mottles Matrix chroma: 0-2

Many mottles Matrix chroma: 0-2

No / few mottles Matrix chroma: 0-1

Vegetation Predominantly grass species

Predominantly sedges and grasses

Predominantly reeds and sedges

Vegetation distribution within wetlands is very closely linked to the flooding regime. Terrestrial plants are not tolerant of flooding within the root zone for periods long enough to cause anaerobic conditions, and are thus found on higher ground. The distribution of wetland plants is related to their tolerance of different flooding conditions, and their distribution within a system can be used as an indication of the wetness of an area. Typically, indicators of soil wetness based on soil morphology correspond closely with vegetation distribution, since hydrology affects soils and vegetation in systematic and predictable ways. However, in systems where the hydrological regime has been modified due to human activities, vegetation distribution will not vary systematically with soil morphology. The response of vegetation to alteration of hydrological conditions is rapid (months/years), whereas the response of soil morphology to such alteration is slow (centuries). Therefore, lowering of the water table or reduction of surface flows, may lead to rapid establishment of terrestrial vegetation, whereas the soil morphology will retain indicators of wetness for a lengthy period.

Soil morphology forms the basis of wetland delineation nationally, following international protocols, mainly because it provides a long-term indication of the “natural” hydrological regime. However, soil morphology cannot be considered to necessarily reflect the current


hydrological conditions of the site where the hydrological regime has been altered, and in such circumstances vegetation provides the best indication of the distribution of wetlands as it best reflects current hydrological conditions.

Figure 2: Cross section through a wetland, indicating how the soil wetness and vegetation indicators change along a gradient of decreasing wetness, from the middle to the edge of the wetland. (Reproduced from Kotze (1996), DWAF Guidelines)

Terrestrial Some erosion No baseflow No residual pools Terrestrial plants No mottles No wetland vegetation

Temporarily waterlogged Yellow-brown soils Few mottles Mixture of Terrestrial and

wetland plants Some Wetland Vegetation Intermittent baseflow

Seasonally waterlogged Mixture of wetland and

terrestrial grasses Significant wetland vegetation

(Hydrophilic grasses and sedges)

Deposition of Coarse material Seasonal Base Flow Often Residual Pools Grey soils Many mottles

Permanently waterlogged Significant Wetland Vegetation (Sedges, reeds, bulrushes) Permanent Base Flow Permanent Inundation Grey soils Few mottles

4.2 Delineation Method

The outer edge of the temporary zone of the wetland area on site was delineated according to the method contained within the DWAF guideline ‘A practical field procedure for the identification and delineation of wetlands and riparian areas’ (DWAF, 2005). The guideline document stipulates that consideration be given to four specific wetland indicators required to determine the outer edge of the temporary boundary of a wetland. These indicators are: Terrain Unit (Hydrogeomorphic setting) Soil Form Soil Wetness Vegetation

In practice, the soil wetness indicator is the most important indicator for determining the outer boundary of wetlands and the other three indicators are better used in a confirmatory role. In this study soil wetness indicators were used to determine the outer edge of the temporary boundary of the wetland and vegetation was used to confirm the boundary. In addition, a description of the hydrogeomorphic setting has been provided to facilitate an understanding of the interaction between the hydrological and geomorphological factors responsible for the existence of the wetland. Sampling was carried along the valley bottom areas that are traversed by Option 2. At each sample point, soil was sampled at 0-10cm and 40-50cm. The value and chroma were


recorded for each sample, as well as the degree of mottling. Vegetation sampling was carried out in a 5m radius surrounding each of the sample sites. Mapping of the wetland was carried out using ArcGIS 9 and was based on the field data collected. Soil and vegetation change indicated the interface between wetland and non-wetlands. These boundaries were then extrapolated to follow local contours, but also took into account the hydraulic conductivity of the soils and their effect on drainage.

4.3 Delineation Results

Soil sampling within the valley bottom areas proposed to be crossed by, or in close proximity to, route Option 2 identified the presence of a temporarily to seasonally saturated floodplain wetland and channelled valley bottom wetland unit associated with a highly incised perennial river in the northern parts of the route and a narrow un-channelled valley bottom wetland in the more rural areas in the southern parts of the route as shown in Figure 3. Isolated areas of permanent wetland were identified within and along the bed and banks of the perennial stream in the northern parts of the route. The floodplain / channelled valley bottom wetland is referred to as Wetland Unit A and the un-channelled valley bottom wetland as Wetland Unit B.

4.3.1 Terrain indicators and hydro-geomorphology

Wetland Unit A – Floodplain / Channelled Valley Bottom Wetland The seasonal floodplain / channelled valley bottom wetland is located on the highly disturbed valley bottom of the main perennial stream that runs through Ngodini. At present, the channel appears to be unstable and incising as evidenced by the occurrence of extensive cut banks that mark the termination of the northern extent of the floodplain, and the occurrence of a number of deeply incised dongas draining into the floodplain and channel. In addition, the bed of the stream was observed being artificially raised and an extensive weir and cascading feature was being constructed to curb the incision of the channel which has repeatedly washed away a causeway road crossing. This indicates the instability of the channel and the amount of incision that is and was taking place. Wetland Unit B – Valley-head / Un-channelled Valley Bottom wetland The narrow un-channelled valley bottom wetland east of the proposed powerline route is located in the head of a small, relatively gently sloping valley draining eastwards. No channels or dongas were present within the wetland assessed.

4.3.2 Soil indicators

Wetland Unit A – Floodplain / Channelled Valley Bottom Wetland The majority of the floodplain / channelled valley bottom wetland is characterised by temporary and seasonally waterlogged, very sandy, hydric soils with some permanently water logged, sandy, hydric soils occurring within and around the main channel. The majority of the temporary waterlogged hydric soils within the floodplain where characterised by chroma values of 2 and few to moderate amounts of faint to distinct orange mottles indicating the reduction and re-precipitation of iron oxides characteristic of temporarily saturated soils. In terms of texture, the soils comprised course to fine sand of alluvial origin. Soils in the seasonally wet portions of the site had low matrix chroma values raging from 1 to 2 and moderate amounts of distinct orange mottles indicating the seasonal saturation and drying of the soils. The texture of the seasonal hydric soils ranged from fine sand to sandy silt. Due to the incised nature of the main channel, much of the sandy floodplain soils were dry and some low lying areas in the valley bottom did not show any evidence of hydric soil indicators despite being colonised by facultative and obligate wetland plants species. These apparently



non-hydric alluvial soils were likely deposited relatively recently and as such have not been static for enough time to develop hydric soil indicators. These sandy floodplain soils were included as part of the floodplain wetland boundary.

Wetland Unit B – Valley-head / Un-channelled Valley Bottom wetland The narrow un-channelled valley bottom wetland was characterised by a narrow corridor of temporarily and seasonally waterlogged, sandy, hydric soils in the lowest parts of the valley bottom. The majority of the hydric soils within the narrow valley bottom wetland where characterised by chroma values of 2 and few to moderate amounts of faint to distinct orange mottles. In terms of texture, the soils comprised fine sand derived from the underlying parent material.

4.3.3 Vegetation indicators

Wetland Unit A – Floodplain / Channelled Valley Bottom Wetland A number of different, highly disturbed, vegetation communities were observed to have colonised the temporary and seasonal floodplain areas that were investigated. In the western areas the sandy floodplain soils were predominantly colonised by Cynodon dactylon, Imperata cylindrica and Phragmites mauritianus. C. dactylon and I. cylindrica are known facultative wetland species that are adapted to, and tolerant of, moist and saturated soils conditions but which can also live in terrestrial environments. I. cylindrica in particular is generally a good indicator of temporary and seasonally saturated conditions. P. mauritianus, on the other hand, is a hydrophyte that is specially adapted to wetland environments and as an obligate, can only survive in wetland environments. As a result this species is a strong indicator of wetland conditions. The more permanently wet areas associated with the stream channel were colonised by a mix of common hydrophytes that are usually associated with permanently saturated conditions, namely Cyperus dives, Typha capensis and Phragmites australis. Wetland Unit B – Valley-head / Un-channelled Valley Bottom wetland The temporary wetland areas were generally colonised by some terrestrial grasses. The seasonal areas in the lower lying portion of the valley bottom were dominated by Pycreus macranthus, a good indicator of seasonal wetland conditions.

5 BROAD ECOLOGICAL HEALTH

Wetland Unit A – Floodplain / Channelled Valley Bottom Wetland The vegetation communities within the floodplain wetland are highly disturbed due to the high level of erosion and sedimentation that is currently taking place within the floodplain and along the main stream channel, and due to the high level of grazing and direct human disturbances. As a result, the vegetation communities comprised mixes of alien invasive plants like Lantana camara and Ipomoea indica as well as the mono-dominance of pioneer hydrophytes. As these communities form the basis for ecological functioning, it can be assumed that the health of the system is relatively poor. Despite the poor ecological health of the system, the system can still be considered to provide some ecosystem services to society – socially and in terms of flood attenuation services. Wetland Unit B – Valley-head / Un-channelled Valley Bottom wetland The wetland is substantially less disturbed than floodplain wetland but some disturbance resulting from overgrazing is present. Nevertheless, the health of this system moderate to good.

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KWABOKWENI POWERLINE

FIGURE 3:WETLANDS &

IN THE VACINITY OFROUTE OPTION 2 THIS MAP HAS BEEN PREPARED UNDER THE CONTROLS

ESTABLISHED BY THE SIVEST QUALITY MANAGEMENTSYSTEM AND MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SETAQUALITY GRADING SYSTEM THAT IS ISO COMPLIANT

"COPYRIGHT IS VESTED IN SiVEST IN TERMS OF THE COPYRIGHTACT (ACT 98 OF 1978) AND NO USE OR REPRODUCTION OR

DUPLICATION THEREOF MAY OCCUR WITHOUT THE WRITTENCONSENT OF THE AUTHOR"

4 PENCARROW CRESCENTLA LUCIA RIDGE OFFICE ESTATEUMHLANGA ROCKS, 4320SOUTH AFRICA

Phone: +27 31 5811500Fax: +27 31 5662371e-mail: [email protected]

Project No Map Ref No DatePrepared By10657 10657/F3-01 R. EDWARDS 25/10/2010

±0 110 220

Meters

ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION

Legend

!( Approx. Tower Location

Route Option 2

Wetland

Stream

Donga Edge

20m Buffer

10m Buffer

Approx. Wetland Boundary

Wetland Unit A

Wetland Unit B

6 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

It is important to note that no geo-referenced aerial photography was available for the site and that the Google images used in Figures 1 and 3 were not accurately geo-referenced. As a result the delineation had to rely purely on the location of the auger holes and GPS points of the edge of watercourses, dongas and cut-banks. Thus, the approximate southern boundary line of Wetland Unit A, provided for reference purposes, (shown in Figure 3) provides a very rough indication of the southern wetland boundary. Proper geo-referenced aerial photography is required to confirm the southern boundary with any confidence if the powerline route were to be modified to cross this boundary.

7 POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES

As can be seen in Figure 3, route Option 2 traverses the northern edge of the floodplain wetland (Wetland Unit A) and two stream courses and thus stands to impact the current health of these systems. Assuming that towers will need to be placed at each of the bends and that towers will be needed at approximately 200m intervals, it appears that potential tower points 3 and 4 may coincide with the wetland unit. With regards to the impacts on Wetland Unit B, the powerline route is located some distance from the un-channelled valley bottom wetland identified and as such should not impact this system provided the mitigation measures recommended below are adhered to.

The potential direct impacts on the Wetland Unit A associated with the proposed overhead powerline route are: • The clearing and excavation of wetland vegetation at the pylon location. • The potential clearing and compaction of wetland vegetation and soil for the construction

of temporary accesses / haulage roads for the heavy construction vehicles transporting the constructing the pylon structures.

The potential indirect impacts arising from the two direct impacts mentioned above are: • The erosion and/or sedimentation of the wetland downslope of the pylon location and the

access roads during the construction phase as a result of poor stormwater management and/or poor pylon and/or access road location. It is important to note that the areas below the powerline route are highly erodible.

• Alien vegetation encroachment associated with the abovementioned disturbances. Although Wetland Unit A is already highly eroded in places and alien vegetation encroachment is high in the drier areas, the location of certain pylons/towers within the wetland, the placing of access roads and potential poor construction of the pylons/towers and/or poor stormwater control during the construction phase would definitely lead to the further degradation of the floodplain wetland system. In addition to the impacts on the floodplain wetland, the location of pylons/towers and access roads in or within close proximity to the floodplain wetland could have some significant impacts, in terms of safety and financial implications for the project. Safety issues will occur if the pylons/towers are planned in close proximity to the edge of large dongas and bank-cuts that appear unstable at present and which are possibly eroding upslope. Financial issues may arise from getting stuck within the floodplain, rehabilitating the floodplain or instability of the pylon foundations as a result of erosion and/or soil saturation. The recommended mitigation measures to minimise the abovementioned impacts are as follows: Design phase measures: • The pylons/towers should not be located within 20m of the wetlands and streams

identified within this study. To ensure this, the location of potential tower points 3 and 4 should be relocated and the spanning length altered.


• In light of the possible headward migration of existing dongas onsite, the pylons/towers should not be located within 10m of the dongas identified within this study. If this is not always possible, the stability of the donga should be determined to ensure the stability of the pylon.

• Temporary access and haulage routes must be designed prior to construction commencing to ensure that the most preferable access and haulage routes for each pylon site has been identified. Where these access routes have to cross wetland areas, a running track to protect the underlying vegetation and spread the load of vehicles moving over it should be constructed through the wetlands.

• Ideally the access and haulage routes should not be located within 20m of the wetlands, streams and dongas identified within this study.

• The pylon construction and assembly site must not occur within 20m of the identified wetlands.

Construction phase measures: • Runoff from the pylon/tower construction and assembly sites and the access/haulage

routes must be controlled during the construction phase and any erosion associated with construction disturbances must remediated immediately.

• The pylon/tower construction and assembly areas and access/haulage routes must be reduced to a minimum size and should be cordoned off using snow fencing and all areas outside these areas considered no-go areas.

• All areas cleared during the construction phase must be re-grassed using deep rooted indigenous vegetation. If the re-grassing takes place in winter, the grassed area will need to be irrigated regularly. To avoid unnecessary maintenance, the re-grassing should tales place at the start of the first rains during September or October.

The mitigation measures above must also be applied to construction work in the vicinity of the two stream course crossings and Wetland Unit B where relevant.

8 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

The Option 2 route stands to have some significant long term impacts on Wetland Unit A and the two steam courses if the mitigation measures recommended in Section 6 above are not strictly adhered to. Although highly disturbed, it is important that the powerline project does not exacerbate the current erosion and disturbance issues that currently occur within and around the floodplain wetland.


SiVEST Environmental Division 4 Pencarrow Crescent, La Lucia Ridge Office Estate Umhlanga Rocks. 4320. South Africa PO Box1899, Umhlanga Rocks.4320. South Africa Tel + 27 31 566 2201 Fax +27 31 566 2371 Email [email protected] www.sivest.co.za Contact Person: Ryan Edwards Tel No.: 031 581 1578 Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

APPENDIX D5: SPECIALIST LETTER OF INDEPENDENCE

Documents

APPENDIX D3: HERITAGErhdhv.co.za/media/sub_transmission/Appendix D3 - D5.pdf · 2012-08-19 · I, J.A. van Schalkwyk, declare that I do not have any financial or personal interest