BUFFALO RIVER ESTUARY SITUATION ASSESSMENT REPORT … River Estuary... · Draft Situation Assessment Report ... Thina holds a B.Sc. in Economics and Environmental Science as well

EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Buffalo River Estuary

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BUFFALO RIVER ESTUARY

SITUATION ASSESSMENT REPORT

Prepared for:

Department of Environmental Affairs: Oceans

and Coasts

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Prepared by:

EOH Coastal & Environmental Services

EAST LONDON 25 Tecoma Street, Berea

East London, 5214 043 726 7809

Also in Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Maputo www.cesnet.co.za | www.eoh.co.za

March 2016

http://www.cesnet.co.za/

http://www.eoh.co.za/

Draft Situation Assessment Report – March 2016

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THE PROJECT TEAM Dr Alan Carter – Team Leader, stakeholder engagement, legislation and policy and report review Alan is an Executive at EOH CES, holds a PhD in Marine Biology and is a certified Public Accountant, with extensive training and experience in both financial accounting and environmental science disciplines with international accounting firms in South Africa and the USA. He has 15 years’ experience in environmental management and has specialist skills in sanitation, coastal environments and industrial waste. Alan is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist under the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is a Certified Environmental Assessment Practitioner (CEAPSA). Amy Hunter – Project Manager, stakeholder engagement and data gathering Amy is an Environmental Consultant at EOH-CES. Amy holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Zoology as well as a B.Sc. Honours in Zoology, both from the University of Johannesburg. Her honours project investigated the role of a tenebrionid beetle in the ecology of Bakwena Cave, Pretoria. Her M.Sc project, through Stellenbosch University, was a study on the effects of probiotics on the physiological and biochemical development of hatchery raised dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus) larvae. Her professional interests and passion lies within coastal and marine ecology as well as the development of sustainable aquaculture in South Africa. Amy has experience in a wide variety of areas with particular focus on aquaculture EIAs, coastal development EIAs and EMPs as well as coastal management programmes Dr Cherie-Lynn Mack – Stakeholder engagement and data gathering Cherie-Lynn, is a Principal Environmental Consultant at EOH CES and holds a PhD and MSc (with distinction) degrees in Environmental Biotechnology, with a BSc degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry. She has postgraduate research experience in industrial and domestic wastewater treatment technologies, with particular emphasis on the coal and platinum mining industries. Her interests lie in the water sector, with experience in ecological reserve determination and water quality monitoring and analysis. She has experience in water quality analysis and industrial wastewater treatment research. She currently manages and provides environmental input into a number of renewable energy projects, including wind and solar energy facilities. Caitlin Smith – Data gathering Caitlin holds a BSc degree with majors in Geology and Geography as well as a BSc Honours degree in Geology both from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Caitlin has four years’ experience as a geologist in the heavy mineral sand mining industry. Caitlin is a Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat) under SACNASP. Thina Mgweba – Data gathering Thina holds a B.Sc. in Economics and Environmental Science as well as a B.Sc honours in environmental science both from Rhodes University. Her honours dissertation investigated climate change resilience and adaptation in the coastal villages of Hamburg, Eastern Cape. Her professional interests include the development of climate change strategies, environmental economic analyses as well as social impact.



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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Will complete Executive Summary when the rest of the report is complete.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 7

1.1. Background ..................................................................................................................... 7 1.2. Geographic context ......................................................................................................... 7 1.3. Purpose of Situation Assessment Report ........................................................................ 9

2. LEGISLATIVE INSTUMENTS AND RELATED STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMMES ......... 10 3. CATCHMENT CHARACTERISTICS ..................................................................................... 12

3.1. The Buffalo River Catchment (R20) ............................................................................... 12 3.2. Geology and Geomorphology ........................................................................................ 13 3.3. Climate and Runoff ........................................................................................................ 16 3.4. Land-use ....................................................................................................................... 16 3.5. Management of the catchment ...................................................................................... 18

3.5.1. Mzimvubu to Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency (CMA) ...................... 18 3.5.2. Adopt-a River Programme ..................................................................................... 19

3.6. Water use Monitoring .................................................................................................... 20 3.6.1. Amatole Water Supply System Reconciliation Strategy ......................................... 20

3.7. Water Quality monitoring: .............................................................................................. 20 3.7.1. The River Health Programme ................................................................................ 20 3.7.2. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality .................................................................... 21 3.7.3. Department of Water and Sanitation ...................................................................... 21

3.8. Water resource overview ............................................................................................... 23 3.8.1. Groundwater .......................................................................................................... 23 3.8.2. River status ............................................................................................................ 24

3.9. Catchment water quality ................................................................................................ 26 3.10. Ecological Reserve Study .............................................................................................. 29 3.11. Infrastructure ................................................................................................................. 29

4. OVERVIEW OF ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION AND STATE OF ESTUARY ............................ 31 4.1. Physical description and estuarine area of influence ..................................................... 31

4.1.1. Estuary Classification ............................................................................................. 31 4.1.2. Estuarine Functional Zone ..................................................................................... 31 4.1.3. Estuarine Zone of Influence ................................................................................... 32 4.1.4. Existing Infrastructure ............................................................................................ 33

4.2. Ecological Health Status ................................................................................................ 36 4.2.1. National Biodiversity Assessment – Estuary Component ....................................... 36 4.2.2. Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan ........................................................ 38

4.3. Abiotic Function ............................................................................................................. 39 4.3.1. Hydrology .............................................................................................................. 40 4.3.2. Hydrodynamics and Mouth State ........................................................................... 40 4.3.3. Water Chemistry (salinity) ...................................................................................... 40 4.3.4. Sediment Quality ................................................................................................... 41 4.3.5. Other physico-chemical parameters ....................................................................... 41 4.3.6. Estuarine water quality ........................................................................................... 42 4.3.7. Climate change ...................................................................................................... 44

4.4. Biotic Function ............................................................................................................... 45 4.4.1. Flora ...................................................................................................................... 45 4.4.2. Fauna .................................................................................................................... 49

5. ECOSYSTEM GOODS SERVICES AND THREATS TO ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING .... 50 5.1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 50 5.2. Socio-economic profile .................................................................................................. 51 5.3. Goods and services provided by the Buffalo River Estuary ............................................ 51

5.3.1. The resource.......................................................................................................... 51 5.3.2. Resource users ...................................................................................................... 52

5.4. Threats to ecological functioning and ecosystem services ............................................. 56 6. OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE EMP .................. 61

6.1. Introduction ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.2. Opportunities ................................................................................................................. 61


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6.2.1. TNPA Long Term Port Framework ......................................................................... 61 6.3. Constraints .................................................................................................................... 65

7. RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS MAJOR INFORMATION GAPS .............................. 66 8. REFERENCES...................................................................................................................... 67 APPENDIX A: STAKEHOLDERS ................................................................................................ 68 APPENDIX B: LEGISLATION ...................................................................................................... 71

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1: The locality of the Buffalo River Estuary within the Buffalo River Catchment ............................................ 8 Figure 1.2: An aerial image of the Buffalo River estuary and Port of East London ....................................................... 8 Figure 2.3: Maps from the coastal EMF that will have significant implications for spatial planning and development

along Buffalo River estuary.......................................................................................................................... 89 Figure 2.4: BCMM Biodiversity Priority Conservation Plan ..................................................................................... 96 Figure 3.1. Geology of the Buffalo River Catchment. ............................................................................................. 14 Figure 3.2. Topographical map of the Buffalo River Catchment. ............................................................................. 15 Figure 3.3. Land use map of the Buffalo River Catchment. ..................................................................................... 17 Figure 3.4. Land use map of the Buffalo River Estuary. .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 3.5: Port of East London Precinct Map (Port of East London: SEA (2007)) ...................................................... 34 Figure 3.6: Ecological category of the rivers within the Buffalo River catchment. ..................................................... 25 Figure 3.6: Da Gama Textiles industrial effluent stored in dams in the Buffalo River catchmentError! Bookmark not

defined. Figure 3.5: Infrastructure map for the Buffalo River Catchment. ............................................................................ 30 Figure 4.1: The Buffalo River Estuarine Functional Zone as indicated by the 5 m contour data. ................................. 32 Figure 4.2 Simplified Estuary Health Index ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4.4 Illustration of the distribution of Ecological Categories on a continuum ........ Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 4.3: The Terrestrial Critical Biodiversity Areas along the Buffalo River EFZ as defined by the ECBCP. ............... 39 Figure 4.4: Monitoring points within the Port of East London as part of the TNPA sediment quality monitoring

programme .................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 4.5: The 5 meter exclusion line (red) and the 10 meter precautionary line (orange) for the Buffalo River estuary.

................................................................................................................................................................. 45 Figure 5.1: Wards in the Buffalo River Catchment Area ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 6.1: East London Yacht Club ...................................................................................................................... 53 Figure 6.2: The Buffalo River Rowing Club ............................................................................................................ 53 Figure 6.3: The Buffalo River Ski Boat Club ........................................................................................................... 53 Figure 6.4: Sea Spirit Fisheries ............................................................................................................................. 54 Figure 6.5: The NSRI ........................................................................................................................................... 54 Figure 6.6: Latimers Landing ................................................................................................................................ 54 Figure 6.7: SAPS Water Wing ............................................................................................................................... 54 Figure 6.8: Mercedes Benz South Africa ............................................................................................................... 54 Figure 6.9: First Creek, where a large majority of effluent that enters the Buffalo River estuary is derived from. ....... 56 Figure 6.10: Second Creek, where a large majority of effluent that enters the Buffalo River estuary is derived from. . 56 Figure 6.11: A stormwater drain that discharges stormwater into the estuary from the port and surrounding areas .. 56 Figure 6.12: Fishermen’s footpaths and fishing spots where little vegetation is removed ......................................... 59 Figure 6.13: Industrial effluent being discharged into the Buffalo River Estuary ....................................................... 59 Figure 6.16: Floating and fixed jetties have been constructed within the Buffalo River estuary ................................. 60 Figure 6.17: The construction of slipways within the Buffalo River estuary .............................................................. 60 Figure 6.18: the presence of gabions to stabilise the banks of the Buffalo River estuary ........................................... 60 Figure 6.19: Quays within the Buffalo River estuary .............................................................................................. 60 Figure 6.20: Road and railway bridges that have been constructed within the Buffalo River estuary ......................... 60


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LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1: Impacts of extreme significance for various Eastern Cape sectors as identified in the preliminary risk

assessment process. ................................................................................................................................... 82 Table 2.2: Recommended programmes in response to the impacts of extreme significance identified in the systematic

risk assessment. ......................................................................................................................................... 83 Table 2.3: Description and Management Objective for each of the proposed Geographical Areas ............................ 90 Table 3.1: A summary of the Ecological Categories as defined by the NFEPA project .... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 3.2: Quality of effluent from waste water treatment works discharging into the Buffalo River catchment ........ 27 Table 3.1: Summary of the Provisional EcoClassification for estuaries in South Africa’s temperate regions resulting

from their Present Ecological Status, Ecological Importance, Protection Status and Recommended Ecological Category, as well as recommended mitigation measures to achieve Provisional Recommended Ecological

Categories for the water, land-use and development and fisheries sectors ......... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4.1: Estuarine Health Classes used to indicate the PES of South Africa’s estuariesError! Bookmark not

defined. Table 4.2: A detailed assessment of the health condition of the Buffalo River estuary (van Niekerk and Turpie,2012).

..................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4.1: The relationship between loss of ecosystem condition and functionality. Further detail in each management

category (A to F) provided in Table 3.1 (Van Niekerk et al. 2013) ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4.5: A summary of the individual abiotic (hydrology, hydrodynamics, water quality, physical habitat) and biotic

(microalgae, macrophytes, invertebrate, fish, bird) component categories; the aggregated Habitat and Biotic

Health categories and the Present Ecological Status for the Temperate estuaries Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4.6. Terrestrial Critical biodiversity Areas and Biodiversity Land Management Classes as described by the Eastern

Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan. ........................................................................................................... 38 Table 4.7: Summary of the Hydrodynamic condition (using mouth state as a proxy) of the temperate estuaries in South

Africa, including the key pressures contributing to modification ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4.8: Guideline sediment (Jackson, 2000) quality limits for South Africa. For sediment samples, target

contaminant concentrations should be the lower Action Level........................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4.8: Summary of the Hydrology condition of Temperate estuaries in South Africa, including the key shifts in

hydrological parameters contributing to modification ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4.9: Summary of the salinity health of the temperate estuaries in South Africa, including the key pressures

contributing to modification ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4.10: ............................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4.11: Summary of the water quality conditons of the Temperate estuaries in South Africa, including the key

pressures contributing to modification of water quality for degraded systems (rated less than a B) ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table 4.12. Guideline marine water (DWAF, 1995) quality limits for South Africa. ....... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 4.4: The vegetation types found within the Buffalo River Estuarine area of influent (Muncina and Rutherford,

2006) ......................................................................................................................................................... 47 Table 4.12: An overview of the Microalgae health of the Temperate estuaries and the key parameters and/or

pressures causing significantly modification in health condition (estuaries rated less than a B Category). .... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table 4.13: An overview of the macrophyte health of the temperate estuaries and the key parameters and/or

pressures causing significantly modification in health condition (estuaries rated less than a B Category) ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table 4.14: An overview of the invertebrate health of the Temperate estuaries and the key parameters and/or

pressures causing significantly modification in health condition (estuaries rated less than a B Category) ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table 4.15: An overview of the fish health of the Temperate estuaries and the key parameters and/or pressures

causing significant modification in health condition (estuaries rated less than a B Category)Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table 4.16: An overview of the bird health of the Temperate estuaries and the key parameters and/or pressures

causing significantly modification in health condition (Estuaries rated less than a B Category).Error! Bookmark not defined.


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Table 6.1: The ecosystem goods and services provided by the Buffalo River estuary. ............................................... 51 Table 6.2: The nature and significance of identified threats to the ecosystem goods and services provided by the

Buffalo River estuary. ................................................................................................................................. 57



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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

BCMM Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

CBA Critical Biodiversity Area

CSIR Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

DEA Department of Environmental Affairs

DEA: O+C Department of Environmental Affairs: Oceans and Coasts

DEDEAT Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism

DWS Department of Water and Sanitation

ECBCP Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (2007)

ECPHRA Eastern Cape Province Heritage Resources Agency

ECPTA Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

ICMA Integrated Coastal Management Act (Act No. 24 of 2008)

IDP Integrated Development Plan

MBSA Mercedes Benz South Africa

MLRA Marine Living Resources Act (Act No. 18 of 1998)

MSA Municipal Systems Act (Act No. 32 of 2000)

NBA National Biodiversity Assessment 2011

NCMP National Coastal Management Plan (2015)

NEM: BA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004)

NEM: PAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003)

NEMA National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998)

NEMP National Estuary Management Protocol (2013)

NHRA National Heritage Resources Agency

NMMU Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

NPA National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005)

PCC Provincial Coastal Committee

SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute

SDF Spatial Development Framework

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SPLUMA Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (Act No. 16 of 2013)

TNPA Transnet National Ports Authority



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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background Estuarine ecosystems are not isolated systems. They form an interface between marine and freshwater aquatic systems and are part of regional, national and global aquatic ecosystems either directly via water flows, or indirectly through the movement of fauna. In addition to the biota that these estuaries support, they provide a range of goods and services (uses) to the inhabitants of the estuarine regions. Disturbances to an estuary can influence a wide variety of habitats and organisms in the associated freshwater or marine ecosystem. Thus, the interaction between the systems and users creates a delicate balance, the sustainability of which needs to be maintained by implementing an appropriate management plan. The urgent need for Estuary Management Plans (EMPs) in South Africa became apparent during the development of the Integrated Coastal Management Act (Act 24 of 2008; ICMA). Historically, estuaries and the management thereof have not been adequately addressed by marine, freshwater and biodiversity conservation legislation. However, the ICMA recognises the importance of estuaries and their management, and outlines a National Estuarine Management Protocol (NEMP) to support this. The protocol identifies the need and minimum requirements for the development of EMPs, and also delegates responsibility to the relevant authorities and agencies in an attempt to help align and coordinate estuaries management at a local level. The NEMP identifies three phases in the development of an Estuary Management Plan. The phases are:

1. Scoping phase, which includes initial stakeholder engagement and the development of the Situation Assessment report

2. Objective setting phase where:

Vision and objectives for estuary management are identified,

Geographical boundaries of the estuary are delineated and graphically represented,

Spatial zonation of activities is determined

Management objectives and activities are described

An integrated monitoring plan is developed, and

Institutional capacity and arrangements are discussed. 3. Implementation phase, which is based on:

The development of an implementation strategy and project plans,

Continuous monitoring and performance evaluation, based on performance indicators, and

Review of the EMP every five years EOH Coastal & Environmental Services (EOH CES) has been contracted by DEA and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) to develop the Buffalo River Estuary Management Plan. This report fulfils the requirements of Phase 1, namely the Situation Assessment.

1.2. Geographic context The Buffalo River estuary is located within East London in the Eastern Cape. The Buffalo River is considered to be a small system of 125 km, with a catchment area of 1276 km2 (Figure 1). The Buffalo River originates in the Amatole Mountains where it passes through King Williams Town and through Zwelitsha and Mdantsane. It then passes through low altitude coastal forest in the lower reaches to the head of the estuary in East London.


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Figure 1.1: The locality of the Buffalo River Estuary within the Buffalo River Catchment The main feature of the Buffalo River estuary is the Port of East London, which is the only river port in South Africa (Figure 1.2)

Figure 1.2: An aerial image of the Buffalo River estuary and Port of East London



1.3. Purpose of Situation Assessment Report The Situation Assessment has been developed in order to provide a detailed background of the Buffalo River Estuary. The Situation Analysis also serves to inform the development of the EMP and the subsequent Implementation and Project Plans. The Situation Assessment reviews all existing local information available for the Buffalo River estuary as well as the catchment in the form of local research reports and management processes. A map of the estuary has been developed, which identifies different habitats and potential and existing management zones. The map also identifies and records all developments in at least a 1000m zone surrounding the estuary. The possible direct impacts of these and other local developments must be noted. The description of the current situation includes information on:

Legal requirements relevant to the Buffalo River estuary,

Requirements stipulated under existing institutional Management Strategies such as Catchment Management Strategies (CMSs), Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) (including Strategic Development Frameworks (SDF) and Water Services Development Plans (WSDPs), Ramsar & National Heritage Site Strategies, Protected Area & Conservation Plans relevant to the Buffalo River estuary,

The biophysical environment (present ecological health and important physical processes),

The socio-economic environment (such as demographics & economic profile, land-use and planning provisions, cultural & heritage resources, water supply & demand, waste management),

Conservation planning,

The exploitation of estuarine resources,

Mariculture activities,

Resource Directed Measures, such as classification and Reserve, and

Current institutional structures governing estuarine issues The estuary will be represented spatially in the form of a geographic information systems (GIS) map that will indicate the following:

Important biophysical features,

All protected/conservation areas,

Areas earmarked for rehabilitation,

Land-use and planning provisions of surrounding lands,

Infrastructure,

Cultural and heritage sites,

Recreational activities,

Living resource exploitation,

Mariculture activities,

Wastewater discharges,

Stormwater drains, and

Solid waste dumping sites. Finally, an assessment of the opportunities and constraints (legal obligations, constraints of tenure, prior usage, health and safety, natural hazards, for example) should be done to guide the development of the EMP.



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2. LEGISLATIVE INSTUMENTS AND RELATED STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMMES Various legislation and policy is relevant to the management of estuaries, and also specific to the Buffalo River estuary (such as local by-laws and sector plans). The following table summarises the relevance of the various legislation and policy to the Buffalo River estuary. A detailed description of the relevant legislation and policy is provided at Appendix B.

Relevant legislation and policy Relevance to the Buffalo River EMP

National legislation

The South African Constitution Provides for overall environmental protection

National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998) as amended

Provides environmental and sustainability principles relevant to the EMP and EIA requirements

National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (24 of 2008) (NEM: ICMA)

Provides specific coastal restrictions on activities in the estuary

Marine Living Resources Act (18 of 1998) (MLRA) Provides for the protection of living resources that are exploited in the estuary.

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (57 of 2003) (NEM:PAA)

Provides for protection of vulnerable or critical habitats within and around the estuary.

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004) – (NEM:BA)

Provides for the protection of all biodiversity within the Buffalo River estuary environment.

National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (39 of 2004) – (NEM:AQA)

Provides for the control of air emissions and air quality within the Buffalo River estuary environment.

National Water Act (36 of 1998) (NWA) Provides for the control of alien plant species located within the Buffalo River estuary environment.

National Forests Act (84 of 1998) Provides for the protection of any forest located within the Buffalo River estuary environment.

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (43 of 1983) (CARA)

Provides for the control of alien plant species located within the Buffalo River estuary environment.

National Ports Authority Act (5 of 2003)

Municipal Systems Act (32 of 2000) as amended

Water Services Act (108 of 1997)

National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999)

National Environmental Management: Waste Act (59 of 2008) – (NEDM:WA)

National Policy

National Climate Change Response White Paper (2012)

White Paper for Sustainable Coastal Development (2000)

Department of Water Affairs River Health Programme

White Paper on a National Commercial Ports Policy National Department of Transport (2002)



Relevant legislation and policy Relevance to the Buffalo River EMP

TNPA Environmental Policy

Other National policies that may have a bearing on the EMP includes (but is not limited to):

National Waste Management Strategy (2010)

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas (SRVA, 2010)

National Protected Area Expansion Strategy for South Africa (2008)

Provincial policy

Eastern Cape State of Environment Report (2010)

Eastern Cape Climate Change Response Strategy (2011)

Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP) (2007)

Eastern Cape Coastal Management Programme: 2013 Update

DEDEAT Coastal Environmental Management Framework (Kei Mouth to Cannon Rocks) (2012)

Other provincial policies and plans

Other Provincial policies that may have a bearing on the EMP includes (but is not limited to):

Eastern Cape Air Quality Management Plan 2013

Eastern Cape Provincial Integrated Waste Management Plan (PIWMP) 2010

EC Parks and Tourism Conserved Area Expansion Programme (2012)

Eastern Cape Sub-Tropical Thicket Ecosystem Planning (STEP) Project

Buffalo City Policy

BCMM Integrated Environmental Management Plan (IEMP) (2006)

BCMM Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (2006)

BCMM Integrated Waste Management Plan

BCMM Conservation plan and MOSS (2010)

BCMM MURP MOSS (2012)

BCMM Climate Change Strategy (2014)

BCMM Sanitation Policy and Strategy (2007)

BCMM – Trade Effluent By-law



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3. CATCHMENT CHARACTERISTICS

3.1. The Buffalo River Catchment (R20) The Buffalo River estuary is located at the mouth of the Buffalo River, in East London. The Buffalo River falls within the R20 tertiary catchment of the Mzimvubu to Tsitsikamma Water Management Area WMA 7 (Figure 3.1.)

Figure 3.1: The Buffalo River Catchment (R20) within the Mzimvubu to Tsitsikamma WMA (7). The major rivers in the catchment include the Buffalo, Mgqakwebe, Tshoxa, Ngqokweni, Tshabo, Yellowwoods. iZele and Cwengqwe rivers. There are four main dams in the catchment; Maden Dam and the much larger Rooikrantz Dam are situated near the source of the river, while Laing Dam and Bridle Drift Dam are located in the middle to lower reaches of the catchment. There are currently no mechanisms in place at any of these dams to allow for the release of water in a controlled pattern (i.e. for simulation of seasonal flows downstream of the dams). Upstream particularly, overflows from Maden Dam and a crack in the Rooikrantz Dam wall are the only releases to reach the rest of the catchment. Inflows from the other large rivers in the catchment make up the major flow in the Buffalo River (River Health Programme, 2004). The Buffalo River has its source in the seeps and sponges of the Amatola Mountains at an altitude of 1200 m. From its source the river descends through indigenous forest in a deeply incised channel, flanked by rock cliffs up to 120 m high. After only seven kilometres the river drains into the small, century-old Maden Dam and four kilometres downstream of the Maden Dam, into the much larger Rooikrantz Dam. Two major tributaries from the west join the middle section of the Buffalo River (Mgqakwebe just upstream of King William's Town and the Ngqokweni tributary at Zwelitsha). Another important tributary is the Yellowwoods, which flows from the north directly into Laing Dam. When full, Laing Dam covers 203 hectares. From Laing Dam, the Buffalo River flows eastwards for 40 kilometres to Bridle Drift Dam, the largest impoundment on the river. Small streams on the northern bank bring runoff directly into Bridle Drift



Dam from Mdantsane. From Bridle Drift Dam, the Buffalo River flows through low altitude coastal forest for twenty kilometres, before entering the Indian Ocean through the estuary harbour of East London (River Health Programme, 2004).

3.2. Geology and Geomorphology The geology of the Buffalo River Catchment is characterised by rocks of the Balfour Formation and Middleton Formation (Adelaide Subgroup, Beaufort Group). The Adelaide Subgroup consists of alternating layers of grey, fine-grained sandstone and greenish-grey, bluish-grey or greyish-red mudstone (Middleton Formation only). These sedimentary rocks have been intruded by dykes, sills and inclined sheets of Jurassic-age dolerite (indicated in red in Figure 3.2). The majority of the catchment consists of soils with minimal development, usually on hard or weathering rock (Leptosols, Regosols, Calcisols, Durisols). Soils with a marked clay accumulation occur closer to the estuary (Luvisols, Planosols, Solonetz). Elevations along the banks of the estuary average 60 – 80 masl. Refer to Figure 3.3 for a topographical map of the catchment.



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Figure 3.2. Geology of the Buffalo River Catchment.



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Figure 3.3. Topographical map of the Buffalo River Catchment.



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3.3. Climate and Runoff The Buffalo River Catchment has a warm and temperate climate. Temperatures are moderate in the coastal zone (8 - 39 °C) with a warm mean annual value of 21 °C. Inland temperatures vary between -2 and 42 °C with a mean annual value of 18 °C (State of Rivers Report: River Health Programme, 2004). The Buffalo River catchment receives mainly summer rainfall with (summer rainfall is approximately double that for winter). Mean annual rainfall over the whole catchment is 736 mm but the upper zone provides 40% of the runoff for the whole catchment (Situation Analysis of Water Quality in the Catchment of the Buffalo River: WRC Report No. 405/1/96).

3.4. Land-use Indigenous forest covers about 7% of the catchment area, while pine and blue gum plantations cover another 4%. A large proportion of the Buffalo River Catchment has been transformed (almost 17 % is considered to be degraded thicket and grassland). Urban built-up areas and industrial areas account for 12% of the catchment (Figure 3.4). Agriculture is widespread in the middle reaches of the catchment. Although subsistence farming is most common, local areas of intensive irrigation (less than 1%) provide fresh produce and other crops such as lucerne. Dryland cultivation accounts for about 8% of the total catchment. The lower reaches downstream of Bridle Drift Dam comprise coastal forest and the East London harbour, situated in the estuary. Approximately 560 ha of natural forest is conserved in the Umtiza Coastal Nature Reserve (State of Rivers Report: River Health Programme, 2004). Four dams occur along the Buffalo River with the largest (full supply volume of 101 m3), Bridle Drift Dam, located lower in the catchment. The area surrounding the estuary is largely transformed, with some thicket and bushland remaining (Figure 3.4). Urban/ built up areas around the estuary include the East London harbour, East London CBD, Gately, Greenfields, Woodbrook and Buffalo Flats suburbs.



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Figure 3.4. Land use map of the Buffalo River Catchment.



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3.5. Management of the catchment 3.5.1. Mzimvubu to Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency (CMA) The Mzimvubu to Tsitsikamma CMA is currently under development. The Business Case document was gazetted for public comment on the 29th of January 2016. The objective of the CMA will be to play a supportive role to the Department of Water and Sanitation in the WMA, with the overall aim of taking over much of the function of the DWS in terms of the following goals: Goal 1: Ensuring Effective Management of Water Use

Assisting and supporting the implementing of Water Conservation and Demand Management programmes

Monitoring water use for all users in the Water Management Area

Develop drought management measures and implement when necessary

Monitor the effect of climate change in the catchment management area

For water quantity, implement: o RQOs o Licensing o Monitoring o Punitive measures

Goal 2: Catchment Management, Rehabilitation and Land Use Management

Improve land use management through advocacy programmes

Manage and implement programmes to rehabilitate areas which have degraded either due to alien plant invasion or through poor land use practices, e.g. over grazing

Identify wetlands and protect or rehabilitate where necessary

Monitor the "fracking" process proposed for the Karoo region

Monitor and influence other planning processes where appropriate, e.g. WSDP, IDP, PGDP, SDFs etc.

Develop, manage and implement disaster management plans- mainly for floods but could also extend to toxic spills, cholera outbreaks etc.

Goal 3: Enhancing the Quality of Our Water Resources

Implement and manage SDC (Source Directed Controls)

Implement and manage RDM (Resource Directed Measures)

Regulate the effluent discharge at wastewater treatment works

Develop and implement a waste discharge charge system in the WMA

For water quality, implement: o RQOs o Licensing o Monitoring o Punitive measures

Goal 4: Enhancing Stakeholder Participation in Management of Water Resources

Develop, manage and implement community outreach, advocacy and capacity building programmes

Develop, manage or participate in stakeholder structures, e.g. Catchment Management Fora, Catchment Management Committees

Goal 5: Ensuring Financial Viability and Administrative Effectiveness

Implement a cost recovery financial model

Explore ways to widen the revenue base

Develop and implement a waste discharge revenue system



Devise mechanisms to provide financial assistance to resource poor farmers via subsidies

Ensure that water licenses are issued and renewed timeously

Consider and if feasible, invest in payment for ecosystems rehabilitation and seek funding for the same

Goal 6: Accessing High Quality Information that is Critical for Effective Catchment Management

Maintain a central database of information necessary for the functioning of the Catchment Management Agency

Establish the relevant infrastructure to support this Goal 7: Ensure Effective Governance Mechanisms

Ensure that the Governing Board is in place, meeting regularly and functional as a unit

Establish co-operative governance structure(s) with key National/Provincial departments

Establish and maintain a strong functional and cooperative relationship with Water User Associations

These functions will not be transferred to the CMA immediately upon establishment of the CMA, but will be phased in as the CMA builds capacity. As WMA 7 is a very large, it is proposed that the area be divided into four subregions based on hydrological boundaries: Region 1:

Zwartkops River Catchment

Gamtoos River Basin

Krom River Catchment Region 2:

Fish River Catchment

Bushmans/Kowie River Catchment

Sundays River Basin Region 3:

Kei River Basin

Amatole Catchments Region 4:

Mzimvubu Basin

Pondoland Coast

Mtata Basin

Mbhashe Basin The Buffalo River catchment will fall within Region 3. 3.5.2. Adopt-a River Programme In 2011, the Buffalo River was chosen as one of four flagship projects identified across the country as part of an initiative of the, then, Department of Water Affairs. The objective of the project was to clean up the Buffalo River and its immediate surroundings, from source to sea, as well as to provide life skills training for the participating beneficiaries. Amatola Water was appointed as the implementing agent for the project.



The project made use of women beneficiaries from areas closest to the river stretching from Stutterheim, through King William’s Town and Zwelitsha to East London. The women, wearing red work suits and bandanas, worked in teams to remove litter, water hyacinth and other physical obstructions from the river.

3.6. Water use Monitoring 3.6.1. Amatole Water Supply System Reconciliation Strategy

The Amatole Water Supply System (AWSS) Reconciliation Strategy was completed in 2008. The Strategy has as its aim to reconcile future water requirements with supply over a 30-year planning horizon, and to provide a framework for decision-making.

The Amatole Water Supply System serves some 1.0 million people, providing water to the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) and certain communities in the Amahlathi and Ngqushwa Local Municipalities, as well as to irrigators along the upper and middle reaches of the Kubusi River. This area is the second largest contributor to the Eastern Cape economy after Port Elizabeth and surrounding area, but is the economic hub of the Border-Kei region.

The main storage dams of the AWSS are the Gubu, Wriggleswade, Rooikrantz, Laing and Nahoon dams (owned by the Department of Water Affairs and operated by the Amatola Water Board) and the Maden and Bridledrift dams (owned and operated by the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality). The Gubu and Wriggleswade dams are located on the Kubusi River, the Maden, Rooikrantz, Laing and Bridledrift dams on the Buffalo River and the Nahoon Dam on the Nahoon River.

Through this strategy, there are currently studies taking place aimed at adapting the scheme (and dam) operating rules to allow for environmental flows within the systems. This would result in a potential return to seasonal flows in areas downstream of major dams. The knock-on effect of this will hopefully be an improvement in the quality of the biological components of the rivers affected.

3.7. Water Quality monitoring: 3.7.1. The River Health Programme The South African River Health Programme (RHP) primarily makes use of biological indicators (e.g. fish communities, riparian vegetation, aquatic invertebrate fauna) to assess the condition or health of river systems. The rationale for using biological monitoring is that the integrity of biota inhabiting river ecosystems provides a direct, holistic and integrated measure of the integrity or health of the river as a whole. The goal of the RHP is to serve as a source of information regarding the ecological state of river ecosystems in South Africa, in order to support the rational management of these natural resources. The objectives of the RHP are to:

Measure, assess and report on the ecological state of aquatic ecosystems;

Detect and report on spatial and temporal trends in the ecological state of aquatic ecosystems;

Identify and report on emerging problems regarding aquatic ecosystems;

Ensure that all reports provide scientifically and managerially relevant information for national aquatic ecosystem management.

The programme is the initiative of the Department of Water and Sanitation.



Figure 3.5 indicates the RHP sample sites within the R20 catchment. The Rivers Database, the repository for all RHP data, is currently operating with severely reduced functionality. Data obtained indicates that sampling of these sites is happening infrequently; 3 sites were last sampled in 2003, 5 in 2010, and 4 in 2014.

Figure 3.5: River Health Programme Sampling Sites within the R20 catchment. 3.7.2. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality The BCMM Scientific Services Department monitors the final effluent quality from the Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) discharging into the Buffalo River catchment (e.g. Zwelitsha, King Williams Town and Mdantsane). Figure 3.6 indicates the WWTWs in the catchment. More information on this can be found in Chapter 3.7. 3.7.3. Department of Water and Sanitation

RQIS provides national water resource managers with aquatic resource data, technical information, guidelines and procedures that support the strategic and operational requirements for assessment and protection of water resource quality. Functioning aquatic ecosystems and an adequate supply of usable water are fundamental to the survival and development of any nation, and particularly so for water-stressed countries like South Africa.

The national monitoring programmes mostly monitor "raw" surface water quality in rivers and dams and produce long-term trend reports and visualisations of, for example, chemistry, eutrophication, microbiology and ecosystems.

Figure 3.6 indicates the sites within the R20 catchment.

https://www.dwa.gov.za/iwqs/report.aspx

https://www.dwa.gov.za/iwqs/wms/data/000key.asp

https://www.dwa.gov.za/iwqs/eutrophication/NEMP/default.aspx

https://www.dwa.gov.za/iwqs/microbio/nmmp.aspx

https://www.dwa.gov.za/iwqs/rhp/naehmp.aspx



Figure 3.6: Department of Water and Sanitation: RQIS sample sites and Sewage Treatment Works within the catchment.



3.8. Water resource overview 3.8.1. Groundwater The Groundwater Resources Assessment 2 (GRA2) was funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation. The aim of the project was to quantify the groundwater resources of South Africa on a national scale. The project was carried out by a consortium of consultants comprising SRK Consulting, GEOSS, WSM and CSIR (SGWC) in close collaboration with key DWS (then DWA) personnel and was completed in June 2005. Figure 3.7 indicates that the Buffalo River catchment has an exploitation potential of 10 000 – 100 000 m3/km2/a, however, Figure 3.8 indicates that the catchment groundwater use is minimal, at only 0 – 1000 m3/km2/a (data from 2005). This is based on the fact that surface water resources are able to provide the water requirements for all water users within the catchment (based on 2005 GRA2 data).

Figure 3.7: Groundwater exploitation potential for the Eastern Cape. The R20 catchment is indicated in the inset.



Figure 3.8: Groundwater use in the Eastern Cape. The R20 catchment is indicated in the inset. 3.8.2. River status National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) The National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) project was a multi-partner project between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Water Research Commission (WRC), Department of Water Affairs (DWA), Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and South African National Parks (SANParks). The NFEPA project aimed to:

1. Identify Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (hereafter referred to as ‘FEPAs’) to meet national biodiversity goals for freshwater ecosystems; and

2. Develop a basis for enabling effective implementation of measures to protect FEPAs, including free flowing rivers.

The NFEPA project responds to the high levels of threat prevalent in river, wetland and estuary ecosystems of South Africa (Driver et al. 2005). It provides strategic spatial priorities for conserving the country’s freshwater ecosystems and supporting sustainable use of water resources. These strategic spatial priorities are known as Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas, or ‘FEPAs’.



Figure 3.9 indicates that there is a single FEPA river in the catchment; the Tshabo River. Most of the rivers in the upper catchment, including the upper reaches of the Buffalo River have been classified as Fish Support Areas or Fish Corridors, which are important to maintain as free-flowing to maintain migration routes for fish species. From below Laing Dam, the Buffalo River is unclassified. The Buffalo River is neither a free-flowing nor a flagship river.

Figure 3.9: Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA) status of the Buffalo River catchment. Desktop PESEIS Assessment The Department of Water and Sanitation undertook a desktop assessment of the water resources of South Africa at a sub-quaternary region (SQR) level in 2014. This information replaces the 1999 PESEIS assessment. The assessment also gives an indication of the ecological sustainability of an SQR in terms of the environmental importance (EI) and the environmental sensitivity (ES). The EI refers to biophysical aspects relating to the capacity of a river to function sustainably, while the ES considers attributes relating to the sensitivity of biophysical components to general environmental changes such as flow, physico-chemical and geomorphic modifications. The SQRs in the more heavily populated areas have been classified as D, which a single SQR is classified as Class B. This SQR includes the Cwengcwe River, which flows through pristine forest areas before its confluence with the Buffalo River downstream of Rooikrantz Dam (Figure 3.10).



Figure 3.10: River State in terms of Present Ecological Status in the R20 catchment. River Health Programme The State of the Buffalo River Report was completed in 2004 (River Health programme, 2004), where the following water quality issues were noted:

Forestry activities may be releasing herbicides and pesticides into the river.

Sewage discharges and overflowing sewerage systems that cannot cope with the load have a severe impact on the water quality of the river.

Poorly functioning sanitation infrastructure results in unacceptably high chemical oxygen demand, faecal coliform counts, nutrients and algal blooms (nutrients are mainly phosphorus and nitrogen compounds.)

Algal blooms are a serious problem in Laing Dam as they prevent light penetration through the water, thereby preventing natural reduction of iron and manganese and causing treatment problems for the Amatola Water, the operator of the associated water treatment works

The textile industry present in this section of the river contributes to the high salt concentrations in the Mlakalaka Stream, which enters the Buffalo River above Laing Dam.

3.9. Catchment water quality The Department of Water and Sanitation maintains a database of water quality for the country. The sample points in the Buffalo River catchment are indicated on Figure X in section 3.6. The water quality data along only the points within the Buffalo River itself, were interrogated and plotted as Figure 3.11. Figure 3.11 indicates the 5th, 25th, 75th and 95th percentile data for the parameters that can be used as indicators of pollution. These parameters are nitrate and phosphate (generally from STW, agriculture, etc.), sulphate (industry) and electrical conductivity (a proxy for turbidity and can be linked to biological pollution).



Figure X indicates the percentile data from upstream to downstream, and the major dams are indicated. What is immediately obvious is the major role these dams play as nutrient sinks. In particular, Laing and Bridle Drift dams appear to collect almost all of the nutrient load coming through from the King William’s Town area. Major nutrient loads quickly build up after Bridle Drift Dam, and these loads enter the Buffalo River estuary.

Figure 3.11: Percentile data indicating water quality trends along the Buffalo River. Recent data from the BCMM Scientific Services Department indicates that the final effluent from most of the Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) discharging into the Buffalo River catchment (e.g. Zwelitsha, King Williams Town and Mdantsane) show significant and regular non-compliance with permit requirements (see Table 3.1). Leachate from the nearby waste site at Second Creek probably also contributes significantly to the poor water quality issues in the river (Figure 3.12). Table 3.1: Compliance level of effluent quality from waste water treatment works discharging into the Buffalo River catchment

Limits Bhisho

Ponds Central WWTW

Breidbach Ponds

Dimbaza WWTW

Mdantsane WWTW

Potsdam WWTW

Schornville WWTW

Zwelitsha WWTW

pH 5.5-9.5 96.4 99.6 100.0 97.9 100.0 100.0 100.0 89.6

Suspended solids 25 32.1 44.4 14.3 53.2 50.0 42.0 37.5 29.2

Ammonia 10.0 48.1 68.9 29.6 91.5 98.0 96.0 75.0 97.9

Permanganate Value 10.0 25.0 13.0 0.0 95.7 64.0 58.0 89.6 91.7

Chemical Oxygen Demand 75 7.1 15.9 3.6 63.0 38.0 42.0 47.9 60.4

Dissolved Oxygen % >75 12.8 35.0 4.7

Cadmium 0.05 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Direction of flow

Direction of flow Direction of flow

Direction of flow



Copper 1.00 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Chromium 0.50 100.0 88.9 100.0 91.5 88.0 82.0 89.6 89.6

Lead 0.10 78.6 64.4 71.4 72.3 66.0 62.0 68.8 66.7

Manganese 0.40 100.0 100.0 96.4 95.7 100.0 100.0 97.9 100.0

Zinc 5.00 100.0 100.0 0.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 97.9 100.0

Faecal Coliforms 1000 3.7 26.5 0.0 6.5 0.0 0.0 4.3 12.8

E.coli 1000 3.7 32.7 0.0 6.5 0.0 0.0 6.3 12.8

Level of compliance < 50%

50-69%

70-89%

90-100%

Figure 3.12: Leachate seeping from the Second Creek land fill site and entering the Buffalo River Industrial effluent discharged upstream also probably contributes significantly to the poor state of the Buffalo River. The Da Gama Textile factory in Zwelitsha has holding dams where industrial effluent (dyes) is stored ultimately discharges into the Buffalo River. On one occasion, the holding dams over-flowed during periods of intense rain resulting in significant pollution of the Buffalo River and widespread death of fish (River Health Programme, 2004). Similarly, pollutants from the abandoned King William’s Town tannery are also likely to impact significantly on the quality of the Buffalo River water. While data on the likely contribution of these industrial activities are not available, of surrounding water resources is unknown, it is likely to be significant In addition to the Buffalo River, a number of other rivers and streams discharging into the harbour are also known to show poor water quality levels, particularly in the East London area (Table 3.2) (BCM Scientific Services data 2004).



Table 3.2: Water quality for some BCM rivers and streams discharging into the Buffalo River and Port

Water course % Non- Compliance with SA Water Quality Guidelines for bacteria (Total faecal coliforms)

Quigney stream 99%

Port Rex stream 98%

Bengal stream 63%

Valley stream 77%

Mc Jannet stream 86%

Gately stream 98%

Shangani stream 24%

Sitotana 35%

Mdantsane 24%

Buffalo River 29%

3.10. Ecological Reserve Study An ecological reserve study has been conducted for the Buffalo River but was not finalised. Acquiring the document is a challenge. However, Amatola Water is currently in the process of reviewing the flow recommendations due to proposals do alter the operational procedures for the water supply dams (Pers. Comm. Nikite Muller – Amatola Water). The Ecological Water Requirement (EWR) downstream of Bridledrift Dam is not considered a site of very high importance due to most of the impact not being flow related but rather related to point sources of pollution and the resulting poor water quality. Amatola Water feels that these issues should not be rectified using flow modification.

3.11. Infrastructure The Figure 3.14 below illustrates the significant infrastructure within the Buffalo River Catchment. This infrastructure includes roads, waste water treatment works (WWTW), the East London airport, East London harbour and bridges, etc. Da Gama Textiles is also illustrated in Figure 3.13. A tributary runs from Da Gama Textiles to the Jan Tshatshu Dam and ultimately into the Buffalo River.

Figure 3.13: The ponds located at De Gama Textiles that contribute to the contamination of the Buffalo River



30

Figure 3.14: Infrastructure map for the Buffalo River Catchment.



31

4. OVERVIEW OF ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION AND STATE OF ESTUARY

4.1. Physical description and estuarine area of influence The generally accepted definition of an estuary in South Africa is “a partially enclosed permanent water body, either continuously or periodically open to the sea on decadal time scales, extending as far as the upper limit of tidal action or salinity penetration. During floods an estuary can become a river mouth with no seawater entering the formerly estuarine area or when there is little or no fluvial input an estuary can be isolated from the sea by a sandbar and become a lagoon or lake which may become fresh or hypersaline” (van Niekerk and Turpie, 2012). Estuaries form a transition zone between river environments and marine environments. They are subject both to marine influences—such as tides, waves, and the influx of saline water—and to riverine influences—such as flows of fresh water and sediment. The inflows of both sea water and fresh water provide high levels of nutrients both in the water column and in sediment, making estuaries among the most productive natural habitats in the world. 4.1.1. Estuary Classification The estuarine classification system of Whitfield (1992) separates estuaries into permanently open estuaries, temporarily open/closed estuaries, estuarine lake systems, estuarine bays and river mouths. The Buffalo River Estuary is classified as permanently open. 4.1.2. Estuarine Functional Zone The ephemeral nature of estuarine habitat presents an assessment and planning challenge. Biodiversity protection requires the protection of habitat and ecological and evolutionary processes, and in order to achieve this, the space within which estuaries function must be defined in order to ensure their present and future health. A key starting point for the assessment of an estuarine ecosystem is to delineate the estuarine functional zone (EFZ). The EFZ includes not only the estuary water body but also supporting physical and biological processes and habitats necessary for estuarine function and health. The National Biodiversity Assessment: Estuary Technical Report (2012) delineated all EFZ’s in the country using available topographic and satellite data. The estuary mouth was used as the downstream boundary; and the upstream boundary was determined as the limit of tidal variation or salinity penetration, whichever penetrated the furthest (van Niekerk and Turpie, 2012). For the Buffalo River estuary, the EFZ correlated with the 5 m topographical contour (Figure 4.1). This includes any open water areas, estuarine habitat (sand and mudflats, rock and plant communities), and floodplain areas.



Figure 4.1: The Buffalo River Estuarine Functional Zone as indicated by the 5 m contour data. The upstream boundary of the Buffalo River Estuary was determined to fall approximately 7.8 km inland from the river mouth, or approximately 3.3 km downstream of the bridge across the Buffalo River on the Buffalo Pass road. 4.1.3. Estuarine Zone of Influence The location of the Buffalo River estuary in close proximity to significant urban and industrial activity indicates that the health of the estuary is closely linked to human activity. This location makes delineating the extent of this “Zone of Influence” in an attempt to capture the major anthropogenic impacts on estuarine health extremely difficult. In the absence of a clear delineation, Figure 4.2 indicates the major sources of surface water input into the estuary.



Figure 4.2: Non-point source anthropogenic influences on the health of the Buffalo River estuary. Approximately 17 perennial and non-perennial streams enter the Buffalo River within the estuary. The largest of these systems is Second Creek, a perennial stream with a catchment of approximately 2319 ha. This system collects stormwater and runoff from hardened surfaces from as far afield as the Wilsonia Industrial Area, and includes parts of Amalinda, Haven Hills, Scenery Park, Buffalo Flats, Braelyn and Duncan Village. The catchment incorporates both formal and informal housing settlements; as well as the Central Sewage Treatment Works and the now closed Second Creek Solid Waste Site. Other major sources of non-point source inputs into the estuary include stormwater runoff from residential areas on the West Bank, such as Greenfields, Rosemount, Orange Grove (including the Airport informal settlement), and runoff from the Gately and Woodbrook Industrial Areas, which includes the Mercedes Benz Facility and numerous other smaller facilities. The single largest point of influence on the health of the estuary is the Port of East London, which is located on both sides of the estuary, from the river mouth to approximately 2.4 km upstream of the mouth. The Port facilities include a dry dock for vessel repairs, loading docks for container ships, and space for smaller tenants such as the Ski Boat Club, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), and others. Surface water reaching the estuary from upstream of the estuary boundary also influences the health of the estuary. The quality of the freshwater entering the estuarine environment is discussed in Chapter 3.9. 4.1.4. Existing Infrastructure Port of East London Infrastructure intruding into the EFZ, or directly adjacent to the EFZ includes the Port of East London, situated at the mouth of the Buffalo River estuary. The Port of East London is a relatively specialised facility



that primarily handles industrial and agricultural cargo. However, serving the automotive industry is the primary focus of the port activities. Currently the Port of East London handles approximately 1.1 million tonnes of cargo per year. A 30 year forecast has been projected in the Transnet National Ports Authority Long-term Port Development Plan, which predicts that the capacity of the port will reach 1.8 million tonnes of cargo per year. The 30 year forecast for the Port of East London is indicated in Figure 4.3. Cargo Type 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2024 2034 2044

Automotive units

Annual growth

0.07 0.08

12.27%

0.08

8.37%

0.09

7.54%

0.09

7.54%

0.10

7.54%

0.11

5.20%

0.11

5.20%

0.13

5.21%

0.18

3.00%

0.24

3.00%

Break bulk Annual growth

0.07 0.07 0.19%

0.07 2.46%

0.07 2.22%

0.07 2.30%

0.07 1.94%

0.07 1.71%

0.08 1.75%

0.08 1.86%

0.10 2.88%

0.14 3.23%

Container TEUs Annual growth

0.05 0.05 0.00%

0.05 0.00%

0.06 20.00%

0.06 -

0.06 -

0.06 -

0.07 16.67%

0.07 -

0.10 -

0.14 -

Dry Bulk Annual growth

0.11 0.11 0.34%

0.11 1.74%

0.11 1.6%

0.11 1.59%

0.11 1.27%

0.12 0.85%

0.12 0.85%

0.12 0.85%

0.14 1.37%

0.16 1.37%

Liquid bulk Annual growth

0.81 0.91 13.47%

0.92 1.24%

0.94 1.21%

0.95 1.18%

0.96 1.22%

0.97 1.26%

0.98 1.35%

1.03 1.48%

1.31 2.94%

1.86 3.81%

Figure 4.3: The 30 year demand forecast for the Port of East London (TNPA Long-term Port Development Plan, 2015) The Port of East London currently has seven berths that provide a total of 2 204 meters of berth length. Two of the berths are allocated for multipurpose uses as well as a container terminal, which has a capacity of approximately 1.5 million tonnes per annum. The largest terminal is the liquid bulk terminal. It has a single berth with a current capacity of 3 million kilo litres per year. The dry bulk terminal also has a single berth with a capacity of 1 million tonnes per year. There is also a vehicle terminal an operational capacity of 200 000 units per year. However, the theoretical capacity was indicated to be 790 000 units per year. The current port layout is indicated in Figure 4.4.



Figure 4.4: The current layout of the Port of East London The East and West breakwalls of the Port are significant contributors to changes in the sediment dynamics of the estuary mouth. Regular maintenance dredging of the harbour areas also contributes to this change. Roads and railways The Buffalo Bridge (motor vehicle and rail bridge) and the Steve Biko Bridge (motor vehicle only) also fall within the EFZ, with bridge pilings acting as artificial physical habitat and as impedances to tidal flows. Slipways and jetties Many of the tenants of the port have constructed concrete slipways from which to launch vessels. The total number of slipways within the EFZ of the Buffalo River Estuary is five. Figure 4.5 indicated the location of each of the slipways. A number of floating jetties are also located within the EFZ of the Buffalo River estuary. Figure 4.6 indicates six floating jetties within the EFZ.

Break Bulk/MPT

Liquid Bulk

Dry Bulk

Automotive

Ship repair

Com Logistics

Maritime Com

Open Space

TNPA Other



Figure 4.5: the location of the five concrete slipways located within the EFZ of the Buffalo River estuary

Figure 4.6: the location of the six floating jetties within the EFZ of the Buffalo River estuary

4.2. Ecological Health Status 4.2.1. National Biodiversity Assessment – Estuary Component As part of the National Biodiversity Assessment 2011 (NBA), the Technical Report for Estuaries in South Africa included an assessment of the health condition of the estuaries (Also referred to as the Present



Ecological State (PES)). Six “PES” classes were used to describe the condition of the estuaries. The physical conditions of estuaries are highly dynamic when compared to other aquatic ecosystems. Therefore a shift from a dynamic to a more stable system is an indicator of severe degradation of an estuarine system. The six categories are described in Table 4.1 below: Table 4.1: Estuarine Health Classes used to indicate the PES relationship between ecosystem condition and functionality of South Africa’s estuaries.

Estuarine Health Class

Description Ecological State Functionality

A Unmodified, natural. Excellent

Retains Processes or Patterns

B Largely natural with few modifications. A small change in natural habitats and biota may have taken place but the ecosystem functions and processes are essentially unchanged.

Good

C Moderately modified. A loss and change of natural habitat and biota have occurred but the basic ecosystem functions and processes are still predominantly unchanged.

Fair Loss of Process or Patterns

D Largely modified. A large loss of natural habitat, biota and basic ecosystem functions and processes have occurred.

E Seriously modified. The loss of natural habitat, biota and basic ecosystem functions and processes are extensive.

Poor

Little/No Process or Patterns

F Critically/Extremely modified. Modifications have reached a critical level and the system has been modified completely with an almost complete loss of natural habitat and biota. In the worst instances the basic ecosystem functions and processes have been destroyed and the changes are irreversible.

A desktop National Estuarine Health Assessment was conducted for each of South Africa’s estuaries taking the following factors into consideration:

1. Abiotic

Hydrology

Hydrodynamics and mouth condition

Water chemistry (salinity, nutrients, turbidity, toxins)

Sediment processes 2. Biotic

Microalgae

Macrophytes

Invertebrates

Fish

Birds According to the findings of the NBA Estuary Technical Report, the health status of the Buffalo River estuary was categorised a Class D estuary: Largely modified with a large loss of natural habitat, biota and basic ecosystem functions and processes have occurred.



For a more detailed description of the methodology used to assess the health status of South Africa’s estuaries, please refer to the NBA Volume 3: Estuary Technical Report (Van Niekerk and Turpie, 2012). A similar classification was assigned in 2014, as part of a Water Research Commission project to provide provisional ecological classifications to the temperate estuaries in South Africa (Van Niekerk et al., 2014). Table 4.2: A summary of the individual abiotic and biotic component categories; and the Present Ecological Status for the Buffalo River estuary (Van Niekerk et al., 2014).

Component PES Category

Hydrology F

Mouth State B

Water Quality C/D

Physical Habitat D/E

Overall Habitat Health Score D

Microalgae D

Macrophytes C

Invertebrates D

Fish D

Birds E

Overall Biological Health Score D

Overall PES D

4.2.2. Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan The Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP) is a first attempt at detailed, low-level conservation mapping for land-use planning purposes. Specifically, the aims of the Plan were to map Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) through a systematic conservation planning process. The current biodiversity plan includes the mapping of priority aquatic and terrestrial features, land-use pressures, CBAs and develops guidelines for land and resource-use planning and decision-making. The main outputs of the ECBCP is the identification of CBAs (also called BLMC) which provides a recommended land use objective (Table 4.3). Table 4.3. Terrestrial Critical Biodiversity Areas and Biodiversity Land Management Classes as described by the Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan.

CBA map category

BLMC Recommended land use objective

Protected areas

CBA 1 Natural landscapes Maintain biodiversity in as natural state as possible. Manage for no biodiversity loss. Terrestrial CBA 1

(not degraded)

Terrestrial CBA 1 (degraded)

CBA 2 Near-natural landscapes

Maintain biodiversity in near natural state with minimal loss of ecosystem integrity. No transformation of natural habitat should be permitted. Terrestrial CBA 2

Other natural areas

CBA 3 Functional landscapes

Manage for sustainable development, keeping natural habitat intact in wetlands (including wetland buffers) and riparian zones.



Environmental authorisations should support ecosystem integrity.

Transformed areas

Transformed Transformed landscapes Manage for sustainable development.

The ECBCP maps CBAs based on extensive biological data and input from key stakeholders. The ECBCP, although mapped at a finer scale than the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (Driver et al., 2005) is still, for the large part high-levelled. Therefore it is imperative that the status of the environment needs to be verified on the ground before the management recommendations associated with the ECBCP are considered (Berliner and Desmet, 2007). In spite of these shortcomings, the ECBCP has been adopted by the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) as a strategic biodiversity for the Eastern Cape. The EFZ of the Buffalo River Estuary falls within a Terrestrial CBA 1 area in the upper reaches of the estuary and a Terrestrial CBA 2 area within the lower reaches of the estuary (Figure 4.4).

Figure 4.4: The Terrestrial Critical Biodiversity Areas along the Buffalo River EFZ as defined by the ECBCP. The ECBCP does not classify the Buffalo River estuary as an Aquatic CBA. There are a small number of freshwater CBAs identified in the catchment. These are indicated in Chapter 3.

4.3. Abiotic Function The physical habitat of an estuary is controlled by a number of abiotic factors. As indicated above, these are:

Hydrology (freshwater flow)

Hydrodynamics and mouth condition (sediment movement)

Water chemistry (salinity)

Water quality



The WRC desktop assessment of the Buffalo River estuary assigned a PES of D: Largely modified (Van Niekerk et al., 2014). 4.3.1. Hydrology The hydrological condition of an estuary is calculated from the extent to which current inflow patterns resemble those of the Reference state, estimated on the basis of two parameters; (i) general inflow patterns, with a focus on the changes in low flows, and (ii) the frequency and magnitude of flood events. According to the WRC report (Van Niekerk et al., 2014), the Reference MAR flowing into the Buffalo River estuary is 96.0 million m3/a. The Present volume is significantly reduced to 18.7 million m3/a. This reduction is due, mostly, to the presence of four large dams on the river upstream of the estuary. Abstraction from these dams to supply the water needs for the greater BCMM area and further afield has greatly reduced the inflow of fresh water into the estuary. As well as the reduction in overall flow volume, the variation in the flow (i.e. flow seasonality) has also changed significantly from the Reference state. Again, the dams play a major role in this change, but equally so does the significant increase in surface water runoff from hardened surfaces in the catchment. Van Niekerk et al. (2014) assigned a PES of F: Critically/Extremely modified to the hydrological condition of the Buffalo River estuary. 4.3.2. Hydrodynamics and Mouth State A range of anthropogenic pressures influence the hydrodynamics, and mouth state of an estuary. The most important of these are flow modification. A reduction in baseflows generally leads to an increase in mouth closure, while an increase in baseflows can lead to more open conditions. Artificial breaching is also seen as a critical modifier of mouth state of an estuary. Mouth stabilisation increases tidal flows, and therefore prevents or retards mouth closure. The construction of bridges, culverts and causeways reduces tidal flows within an estuary, while in contrast, canalisation tends to increase tidal velocities and reduces the occurrence mouth closure. The mouth of the Buffalo River is entirely canalised within the Port, and the breakwalls also contribute significantly to the maintenance of the “permanently open” state of the mouth. Both of these increase tidal velocities and limit the settling of any sediments within the mouth area. Van Niekerk et al. (2014) assigned a PES of B: Largely natural with few modifications to the hydrodynamic health of the Buffalo River estuary. 4.3.3. Water Chemistry (salinity) The salinity regime of an estuary is primarily influenced by its baseflows and mouth state. A significant increase in mouth closure reduces connectivity with the sea and generally results in a fresher estuary if baseflows have not been reduced to zero. Long-term artificial breaching can lead to infilling of estuarine channels and premature closure, which ultimately result in less seawater penetration Van Niekerk et al. (2014) assigned a PES of D: Largely modified to the salinity health of the Buffalo River estuary. Key pressures identified included flow modification, changes in the mouth state and channelisation.



4.3.4. Sediment Quality The CSIR undertook sediment quality studies within the Port of East London in 2013. Samples were taken at the points indicated in Figure4.5.

Figure 4.5: Location of sediment sampling points within the Port of East London. Note that the spoil disposal site is not indicated. The results of the study indicated:

Evidence of metal contamination of sediment at a few stations. However, with the exception of a copper concentration in sediment at a station situated immediately alongside the dry dock (E1) the magnitude of contamination was low.

The probability that metal concentrations in the sediment were exerting adverse effects to bottom-dwelling organisms, as evaluated by comparison to sediment quality guidelines defined by the Department of Environmental Affairs, was low. Thus, no metal concentrations exceeded the Level I and Level II of the sediment quality guidelines.

The sediment was suitable for openwater disposal at the dredged spoil disposal ground situated offshore of East London.

Metal concentrations in a single sediment sample collected from the registered dredged spoil disposal ground offshore of East London were very low. This was consistent with the findings of previous surveys. The low concentrations were not surprising considering the sediment at the disposal ground was almost completely dominated by sand. This indicates the disposal ground is in a dispersive environment. The accumulation of contaminants on the disposal ground due to contaminated spoil disposal is thus highly unlikely. 4.3.5. Other physico-chemical parameters The physical habitat of an estuary is affected by a wide range of pressures. Infrastructure development and cultivation of crops in the estuary functional zone (below the 5 m contour) is one of the leading causes of degradation/loss of habitat. Roads and related road infrastructure (e.g. bridges, culverts and causeways) lead to loss of connectivity and habitat. Road infrastructure was also one of the leading causes of infilling).



Poor land-use practises cause increased sedimentation and/or changes in the sediment structure (i.e. mud/sand ratios), which in turn causes loss of water column area and shifts in community structure of biota. While this pressure is especially prevalent along the Wild Coast (former Transkei), where overgrazing and subsistence agriculture is leading to severe land degradation, it was also noted in other large catchments that support significant agricultural activities, e.g. Breede, Goukou, Klein Brak. Loss of major resetting floods contribute to a long-term shift in physical habitat, leading to more stable systems with less possibility of changes in biotic community structure between events. Channelisation and the construction of levees result in habitat changes/loss in estuaries. Harbour and marina developments generally cause significant and irreversible change in physical habitat and a related loss/change in biotic components. Van Niekerk et al. (2014) assigned a PES of D/E: Largely modified to the physical habitat health of the Buffalo River estuary. 4.3.6. Estuarine water quality The key pressures contributing to modifications in water quality can be divided into:

Point source discharges discharging directly into the estuary (WWTWs/Industrial effluent);

Urban runoff;

Rural Settlement (mainly disturbance caused by livestock); and

Formal agricultural activities. The key pressure exerted on the Buffalo River estuary in terms of water quality indicated by Van Niekerk, et al. (2014) was urban runoff. The water quality condition was assigned a PES of C: Moderately Modified. Transnet Ports Authority Long-Term Ecological Monitoring Programme The TNPA has implemented Long-Term Ecological Monitoring Programmes for seven of the eight ports that it manages along the South African coastline. The purpose of the monitoring is to track long-term trends in environmental quality in the ports, to determine whether management action is required to improve environmental quality and to provide a yardstick against which to evaluate the success of actions that may be implemented. The CSIR were appointed to undertake the monitoring programme. Figure 4.6 indicates the locations at which samples (water column and sediments) were taken.



Figure 4.6: Location of positions where water quality, sediment quality, and benthic invertebrate community analysis was undertaken (Yellow text). Stations indicated in cyan text (stations denoted with a “Y” prefix) only in situ water quality monitoring was performed. Water quality in the Buffalo River estuary at the time of summer survey in 2013 could be classified as fair to poor (Figure 4.7). The indicators that resulted in this classification were high faecal indicator bacteria counts and elevated ammonia, copper and chlorophyll-a concentrations. There is little doubt the water quality impairment was to a large measure attributable to the introduction of bacteria and nutrients by the Buffalo River. However, the high copper concentrations evident at several stations in the port were almost certainly derived from port-associated activities.

Figure 4.7: Water quality scorecard for the summer survey. Water quality in the Buffalo River estuary at the time of winter survey in 2013 can, from an overall perspective, also be classified as fair to poor (Figure 4.8). The indicators that resulted in this classification were again high faecal indicator bacteria colony forming unit counts and elevated ammonia concentrations.



Figure 4.8: Water quality scorecard for the winter survey. Sediment is the predominant fate for particle reactive chemicals such as metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The analysis of sediment thus provides a better understanding of spatial extent and significance of contamination by these chemicals compared to water sample analysis. Only four metal concentrations were higher than expected for sediment in the Buffalo River estuary, and then only marginally higher. Hydrocarbon concentrations in sediment were low. The measurement of contaminants in water and sediment only provides an estimate of the potential effect of the contaminants on aquatic life. Analysis of the composition and structure of benthic invertebrate communities provides a direct measure of contaminant effects in sediment on sediment-dwelling organisms. However, determining whether sediment dwelling organisms are being adversely affected by contaminants in sediment is complicated in port environments. This is because these organisms are affected by other disturbances such as vessel propeller wash and dredging. Sediment-dwelling organisms are also affected by natural factors, such as the grain size of sediment and salinity of the water column. There was no evidence that benthic invertebrate communities were adversely affected by contaminants in the water column or sediment. Rather, it was apparent that natural factors such as sediment grain size and total organic content were responsible for differences between stations. This does not mean that port associated activities were not influencing these communities, but this is more likely restricted to impacts through dredging and vessel propeller wash. Metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations were measured in the tissue of mussels to determine whether they were accumulating these chemicals to excessive concentrations due to exposure to contaminated water and food. There was no evidence mussels at the single collection location in the estuary had accumulated these chemicals in their tissue to excessive concentrations. Sources of copper to the port area of the estuary should be investigated. The most likely source is vessel maintenance at the dry dock. Practices at this facility should be reviewed, so as to limit metal and other contaminant introduction to the estuary. 4.3.7. Climate change Infrastructure that is considered vulnerable to climate change, in particular sea level rise, is located below the 5 meter contour line that has been proposed to encompass the inundation areas that will potentially result from global warming. This 5 meter contour line has been proposed as an exclusion or “no-go” zone with regards to future development. A 10 meter precautionary zone has also been recommended. Figure 4.9 indicates the 5 meter exclusion line and the 10 meter precautionary line for the Buffalo River estuary.



Figure 4.9: The 5 meter exclusion line (red) and the 10 meter precautionary line (orange) for the Buffalo River estuary.

4.4. Biotic Function 4.4.1. Flora Terrestrial vegetation Mucina and Rutherford (2006) developed the National Vegetation map as part of a South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) funded project: “It was compiled in order to provide floristically based vegetation units of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland at a greater level of detail than had been available before.” The map was developed using a wealth of data from several contributors and has allowed for the best national vegetation map to date, the last being that of Acocks developed over 50 years ago. The SANBI Vegetation map informs finer scale bioregional plans such as in fall STEP. This SANBI Vegmap project has two main aims:

“to determine the variation in and units of southern African vegetation based on the analysis and synthesis of data from vegetation studies throughout the region, and

to compile a vegetation map. The aim of the map was to accurately reflect the distribution and variation on the vegetation and indicate the relationship of the vegetation with the environment. For this reason the collective expertise of vegetation scientists from universities and state departments were harnessed to make this project as comprehensive as possible.”

The map and accompanying book describes each vegetation type in detail, along with the most important species including endemic species and those that are biogeographically important. This is the most comprehensive data for vegetation types in South Africa. The following vegetation types are found within the area surrounding the Buffalo River estuary (Figure 4.10):



Albany Coastal Belt Albany Coastal Belt is widely spread in the Eastern Cape, primarily close to the coastline from Kei Mouth to the Sundays River, interrupted by many valleys. The vegetation is found on gently to moderately undulating landscapes and dissected hilltops slopes close to the coast, dominated by short grasslands punctuated by scattered bush clumps or solitary Acacia natalitia trees. Site assessment confirmed that the vegetation in this area is partially transformed and degraded due to human impact. This vegetation type is listed as “least threatened” by Mucina and Rutherford (2006). Albany Dune Strandveld Found along a narrow coastal strip of the Indian Ocean extending from the Sundays river to the south of Kei Mouth. The vegetation type consists of very dense, shrubby thicket composed mainly of sclerophyllous shrubs and several woody and herbaceous vines. It also includes low, dense thickets found on the seaward side of coastal dunes and rocky headlands. Bulbous geophystes and succulent herbs are important features of this vegetation types. This vegetation type is listed as “least threatened” by Mucina and Rutherford (2006). Buffels Thicket This vegetation type is found on steep slopes of river valleys in highly dissected hills and moderately undulating plains where short, dense and tangled thicket stands reach up to 10 meters. The dense thicket grades into more open, shorter thornveld at the edges of the valley slopes. Ceropegia radicans is a species endemic to this vegetation type. This vegetation type is listed as “vulnerable” by Mucina and Rutherford (2006). Scarp Forest This vegetation type is found on slopes and in secluded valleys between the coast and the Mistbelt. Trees include: White Stinkwood (Celtis africana), Forest Bushwillow (Combretum krausii) and Umzimbeet (Millettia grandis). The Natal Cycad (Encephalartos natalensis) may occur on the forest edges, usually among rocks. This vegetation type is listed as “least threatened” by Mucina and Rutherford (2006).



Figure 4.10: The vegetation types found within the Buffalo River Estuarine area of influent (Muncina and Rutherford, 2006) Microalgae Microalgae, as primary producers, form the base of food chains in estuaries. The group includes those living in the water column (phytoplankton) and those living on or in exposed intertidal or submerged surfaces (benthic microalgae). Phytoplankton biomass, using chlorophyll a as an index, indicates the river-estuary interface zone, a brackish zone in the estuary characterised by high biomass and diversity. As freshwater inflow decreases, the extent of the river-estuary interface zone changes and the flow requirements of the estuary are set based on the acceptable change. Phytoplankton biomass indicates the nutrient status of an estuary. For example, the Swartkops Estuary in the Eastern Cape Province receives sewage-contaminated fresh water and phytoplankton chlorophyll-a frequently exceeds 100 μg.l-1 in the upper reaches, which is typical of a eutrophic system where median chlorophyll a is persistently greater than 8 μg.l-1 (Snow, 2007). Species composition also indicates the nutrient and hydrodynamic status of an estuary. Dinoflagellates are typically abundant when the estuary is nutrient-rich and stratified. They occur in the middle reaches of an estuary where salinity is >5 ppt whereas cyanophytes (blue-green algae) are common in nutrient-rich water where salinity is <5 ppt. Van Niekerk et al. (2014) assigned a PES of D: Largely modified to the microalgae health of the Buffalo River estuary. The key pressures indicated were flow modification, reduced water quality, and changes in the macrophyte community. Macrophytes Intertidal and supratidal salt marshes are the dominant macrophyte habitats in temperate estuaries whereas reeds and sedges are prevalent in subtropical estuaries where there is higher rainfall and run-off.



Availability of fine sediment, suitable sediment salinity gradient and some degree of tidal flushing creates ideal habitat for the development of salt marsh in temperate estuaries. This is unique vegetation consisting mostly of herbaceous halophytes (plants tolerant of salinity). Macrophyte habitats provide important ecosystem services such as filtering and detoxification; they cycle nutrients by taking them up and releasing them again through decomposition processes. They provide a nursery for fish and protected habitats for a variety of other organisms. Salt marsh, mangrove and reed & sedge wetlands protect the land from floods and sea storms, sequester carbon and serve as a source of raw materials for humans. A diversity of macrophyte habitats creates sites desirable for recreation, tourism and research. As freshwater inflow maintains the structure and function of estuaries, any changes to this will have a negative influence on the macrophytes. Changes in flow velocity and subsequent sedimentation mostly results in macrophytes encroaching into open water areas. Changes in mouth state and water level can cause die back of macrophytes. Salinity influences species richness, biomass and community composition. In an estuary with a longitudinal salinity gradient different macrophytes will be distributed along the gradient. Deterioration in water quality is an increasing problem in South African estuaries. This results in reed expansion, increases in macroalgal blooms and invasive aquatics such as water hyacinth. Floating invasive aquatics frequently occur in the upper reaches of estuaries in response to agricultural return flow. Alien vegetation can displace estuarine macrophytes. This particularly occurs along the boundaries of estuaries where the ecotone between the terrestrial and estuarine habitat has been disturbed. In the Temperate estuaries common invasives are Acacia cyclops, Acacia longifolia, Acacia mearnsii, Lantana camara, Solanum americanum and Ricinus communis. Common reed Phragmites australis can spread and colonize disturbed ecotones characterised by low sediment and groundwater conductivity from adjacent development and freshwater run-off. Van Niekerk et al. (2014) assigned a PES of C: Moderately modified to the macrophyte health of the Buffalo River estuary. The key pressures indicated were flow velocity, salinity, reduced water quality, and physical habitat degradation.



4.4.2. Fauna Invertebrates Loss of, or changes in habitat significantly contribute to the decline in overall invertebrate health in an estuary. Changes in mouth state and a related loss of connectivity also influences overall invertebrate health in an estuary. Loss in flow variability and/or changes in baseflows are highlighted as a reason for a decline in invertebrate health, while the loss of resetting floods estimated to be significant in many estuaries. Shifts in the salinity regime also contribute. A decline in water quality (i.e. reduction in oxygen, increase turbidity or presence of toxins, e.g. herbicides and pesticides) further impacts on the invertebrate health in an estuary. In addition the loss or change in microalgae abundance in estuaries is also a significant factor in the reduction in invertebrate health. Van Niekerk et al. (2014) assigned a PES of D: Largely modified to the invertebrate health of the Buffalo River estuary. The key pressures indicated were loss of flow variability, loss of resettling floods, changes in the salinity regime, reduced water quality, physical habitat degradation, and changes in the microalgae and macrophyte communities. Fish Estuary size, mouth status and geographical location influence the production and value of individual estuaries. Estuarine biodiversity and fisheries considerations aside, estuaries are also important as nursery and source areas for marine fisheries. Coastwise, estuary-associated species comprise 85% of the catch of the commercial beach-seine and gillnet fisheries and 10% of that of the commercial and recreational boat linefisheries. Accounting for different degrees of estuary-association amongst fishes as well as differences in the value of individual fisheries, it is estimated that estuaries contribute 25% of the value of South African inshore marine fisheries (Lamberth & Turpie 2003). The total value of estuarine fisheries and estuary contribution to marine fisheries is R1.8-2 billion per annum (2014 rands adapted from Lamberth & Turpie 2003). Van Niekerk et al. (2014) assigned a PES of D: Largely modified to the fish health of the Buffalo River estuary. The key pressures indicated were loss of flow variability, loss of resettling floods, salinity, decreased water quality, physical habitat loss, changes in macroalgae community, changes in macrophyte community, and changes in food source (invertebrates). Birds In addition to being one of the most conspicuous forms of biodiversity in estuaries, birds are thought to play a significant ecological role in these systems, both in terms of the regulation of invertebrate and fish populations, and as an importer of nutrients into some systems. The waders, gulls and terns are the most numerous group overall, and tend to be the most common species on the larger estuarine systems, where they occur mainly on the intertidal areas in the lower parts of estuaries (Turpie and Clark 2007). The rest of the groups are associated with the channel areas, and some of them require marginal and bank vegetation. Most of these species are piscivorous, apart from the waterfowl which are predominantly herbivorous or omnivorious. While over 100 waterbird species have been recorded in estuaries, only 33 species were deemed to be dependent on estuaries (Turpie and Clark 2007). Van Niekerk et al. (2014) assigned a PES of E: Seriously modified to the bird health of the Buffalo River estuary. The key pressures indicated were physical habitat degradation, and changes in loss/change in macrophyte habitat, changes in food availability (invertebrates), and recreational activities.



50

5. ECOSYSTEM GOODS SERVICES AND THREATS TO ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING

5.1. Introduction The Buffalo River estuary is situated in the in town of East London in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Three Municipalities fall within the Buffalo River Catchment with a total of 48 electoral wards (Figure 5.1). These municipalities are the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (38 wards), the Amahlathi Local Municipality (9 wards) and the Ngqushwa Local Municipality (2 wards). The Buffalo River Catchment area has approximately 642 000 inhabitants and has one of the highest population densities in the Eastern Cape. The population density is highest in the middle and lower reaches of the catchment. The largest towns in this area are East London, Bhisho, King William’s Town, Zwelitsha and Mdanstane (River Health Programme, 2004).

Figure 5.1: Wards in the Buffalo River Catchment Area Estuarine ecosystems provide a variety of resources that contribute to their economic and social value. These resources contribute to the local and nation economic in two ways:

1. Direct contribution through the provision of subsistence resources as well as recreational resources, for example subsistence fisheries, tourism actives and cultural activities.

2. Indirect contribution through the provision of ecological services, for example providing nursery areas for economically important fish species (e.g. kob).



The resources provided by estuarine ecosystems are increasingly threatened by a variety of factors that can be attributed to both human activities (e.g. infrastructure development) and natural processes (e.g. climate change). It is important to understand the extent that these factors affect an estuarine system in order to effectively manage the sustainability of these resources.

5.2. Socio-economic profile The following is a summary of the socio-economic profile of the Buffalo River Catchment, largely drawn from the StatsSA 2011 –

Approximately 44% of the labour force is unemployed.

17% of households reported having no form of income, with approximately 62% of households reporting an annual income of R76 400 or less.

More than 91% of households’ main source of water is formally provided by a water services provider.

The majority of households (68%) have flush toilets connected to a sewage system or septic tank, with 27% using chemical, Pit or Bucket systems and 5% reported having no form of sanitation system.

Approximately 34% of households have no formal refuse removal. Agriculture is widespread in the middle reaches of the catchment, predominantly in the form of subsistence farming, goat, cattle and sheep farming are prevalent.

5.3. Goods and services provided by the Buffalo River Estuary

5.3.1. The resource Estuarine ecosystem goods and services are defined as the benefits that result from the ecological functioning of a healthy estuarine ecosystem. The ecosystem services that are provided are directly linked to the ecosystem goods. Table 5.1 identifies the ecosystem goods and services that are provided by the Buffalo River estuary. Table 5.1: The ecosystem goods and services provided by the Buffalo River estuary.

Ecosystem goods Ecosystem services

Clean air Air quality is improved and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced through the photosynthetic processes associated with the vegetation that is found along the banks of the Buffalo River estuary.

Improved water quality The Buffalo River Estuary contributes to the dilution and assimilation of waste that that enters the estuary as a result of activities that occur both within the estuarine zone and the catchment area. Waste is diluted by the water column as well as through the influence of tidal movements. Organic and inorganic wastes are also assimilated and accumulated in the sediment of the Buffalo River Estuary.

Natural resources Small scale subsistence and recreational fishing and bait collection is practiced in the Buffalo River estuary. However, the estuary does not support large scale or commercial fishing.

Habitat The Buffalo River estuary provides a nursery for fish and invertebrate species that require estuaries as a part of their life cycle. Examples of the species that have been recorded in the Buffalo River Estuary include dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicas), spotted grunter (Pomadasys commersonnii), blacktail (Diplodus sargus capensis) and mullet (Family Mugilidae).



Ecosystem goods Ecosystem services

The banks of the estuary provide a habitat for numerous bird species. Those that have been recorded include, but are not limited to, African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), goliath heron (Ardea goliath), numerous kingfisher species, sand piper species, turn species and seagull species. The transformed nature of the estuary mouth provides a sheltered habitat for mammals such as the resident bottle nosed dolphins (Tursiops sp.) and humpback dolphins (Sousa sp.).

Access to the coastal zone The Buffalo River estuary is the only river port in South Africa. The estuary mouth, although transformed and developed, provides safe access to the sea for port-related activities. The estuary also provides a sheltered refuge for various ships that have docked at the port. The port, and its associated access to the sea, provides an important link to the global market by facilitating the import and export market that operates from industry in East London. This forms an important part of the promotion of local economic development in East London. Important imported products that arrive at the Port of East London include grain and petro-chemical products. Important export products include automotive products.

Recreation Recreational activities take place within the Buffalo River estuary. These activities include rowing, yachting and ski boat launching and fishing. An active yacht club, ski boat club and rowing club operate within the Buffalo River estuary.

Tourism A small scale tourism industry has developed around the Buffalo River Estuary due to it being the only river port in South Africa. The historic Latimers Landing is a tourism landmark that is attributed to the rediscovery of the coelacanth. Other tourism operators are based in the Buffalo River Estuary, including a small scale cruise operator.

Research opportunities The Buffalo River estuary provides a number of research opportunities that cover a broad range of topics. Examples of these research topics include water quality, estuarine and marine ecology, ichthyology, microbiology, climate change, urban development, invasive species, etc.

Aesthetic/ Scenic value The Buffalo River Estuary provides aesthetic value through its unique topography, in particular the steep slopes that form the banks of the estuary, providing habitat for indigenous fauna and flora. The port also provides aesthetic value with regards to the infrastructure associated with it. This includes the restaurants, bars, yacht club and rowing club being located at the port.

5.3.2. Resource users Direct users Direct users utilise resources provided by the Buffalo River estuary for financial or recreational purposes and directly benefit from the utilisation of the resources provided by the estuary. The primary use associated with the Buffalo River Estuary is the use of the estuary mouth as South Africa’s only river port. It is through port activities that the majority of the economic value of the estuary is derived. Secondary to that are the recreation activities that are associated with the estuary.



The direct users include the tenants that are associated with the Port of East London, as well as members of the public who utilise the natural resources provided for both subsistence and recreational purposes (i.e. fishermen, bait collectors, etc.).The direct resource users associated with the Buffalo River estuary are:

BP South Africa

Chevron (Pty) Ltd

Engen

Total South Africa

Vukani Petroleum

East London Boating Association

Buffalo River Yacht Club (Figure 5.2)

Buffalo River Rowing Club (Figure 5.3)

East London Ski Boat club (Figure 5.4)

Sea Spirit Fisheries (Figure 5.5)

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) (Figure 5.6)

Latimers Landing (Figure 5.7)

Ballhoo Restaurant and Cruises

A&F Freeshore

Footprints café

South African Police Service (SAPS): Water Wing (Figure 5.8)

Mercedes Benz South Africa (Figure 5.9)

General public i.e. recreational and small scale subsistence fishermen

Figure 5.5: East London Yacht Club

Figure 5.3: The Buffalo River Rowing Club

Figure 5.4: The Buffalo River Ski Boat Club



Figure 5.5: Sea Spirit Fisheries

Figure 5.6: The NSRI

Figure 5.7: Latimers Landing

Figure 5.8: SAPS Water Wing

Figure 5.9: Mercedes Benz South Africa

A list of the tenants associated with the Port of East London and their contact details are provided in Appendix A. Indirect Users Indirect users are defined as users that indirectly rely on resources the Buffalo River estuary provide. Examples of ways in which the Buffalo River is indirectly utilised includes tourism, nursery areas for marine fish and waste water disposal.



Tourism: The tourism value of the Buffalo River estuary is found in the fact the East London port is the only river port in South Africa. Due to the transformed state of the Buffalo River estuary, the estuary itself is not promoted as a tourist attraction by the BCMM’s tourism campaign. Other tourism attractions within the Buffalo River estuary include:

Steve Biko Bridge – named after the famous anti-apartheid activist who died in 1977.

Historical Pontoon Road – IN the late 1900’s, Pontoon Road denoted the boundary of the port.

Latimer’s Landing – The jetty at Latimer’s Landing is representative as typical example of early wooden jetties and has been reported to be the only remaining wooden jetty in South Africa. Historical records show that it is the jetty where Ms Courtney-Latimer identified the coelacanth among the catch of a local fisherman. The jetty was subsequently named after her. An application has been submitted to the South African Heritage Resources Agency to refurbish the wooden jetty at Latimers Landing, which is in a poor condition.

Kings Warehouse

Victoria slipway

Princess Elizabeth Graving Dock

Hood Point lighthouse – constructed in 1895 Nursery areas for marine fish: Historically the Buffalo River estuary is likely to have been an important nursery area for a number of species whose juveniles are entirely dependent on estuaries, including flathead mullet, dusky kob and spotted grunter. Despite the transformed state of the Buffalo River estuary, the estuary does still fulfil this function as adult and juvenile specimens of the above mentioned species are caught be recreation fishermen. However, the actual productivity of the estuary has not been determined and further studies would be required to ascertain whether the transformed state of the estuary has affected its functioning as a nursery for marine fish species. Waste disposal/ water purification: Wetlands and estuaries are widely considered to have the capacity to dilute, absorb and/or recycle wastes, and are commonly used for this purpose. Although there are no major discharges directly into Buffalo River estuary, the influent rivers all carry a pollution load. First Creek (Figure 5.10) and Second Creek (Figure 5.11) are examples of influent rivers that contribute to the inflow of sewerage, stormwater, domestic and industrial run off into the Buffalo River estuary. Moreover, there are a number of stormwater drains from the port and surrounding developments discharging into the estuary (Figure 5.12).



Figure 5.10: First Creek, where a significant contribution of non-point source pollution enters the Buffalo River estuary is derived from.

Figure 5.11: Second Creek, where a significant contribution of non-point source pollution enters the Buffalo River estuary is derived from.

Figure 5.12: A stormwater drain that discharges stormwater into the estuary from the port and surrounding areas

5.4. Threats to ecological functioning and ecosystem services The NBA 2011 Estuary Technical Report identifies the major pressure that affect the ecological functioning of the Buffalo River estuary as being change in water flow and pollution. Habitat loss and fishing effort were considered minor threats to the Buffalo River estuary’s ecological functioning. With regards to the specific ecological goods and services provided by the Buffalo River Estuary, a variety of factors threaten the sustainability of these ecological goods and services. The nature and significance of the threats that impact the provision of these ecological goods and services are discussed in Table 5.2 below:



Table 5.2: The nature and significance of identified threats to the ecosystem goods and services provided by the Buffalo River estuary.

Ecosystem goods and services Nature of threats

Clean air - The air quality is improved and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced through the photosynthetic processes associated with the vegetation that is found along the banks of the Buffalo River estuary.

Due to the steep topography of the banks of the Buffalo River estuary, the vegetation along the banks for the majority of the EFZ remains fairly intact and is not significantly threatened.

Small foot paths have been noted along the banks of the estuary, which are utilised by subsistence fisherman (Figure 6.12). Very little clearing of vegetation associated with the paths created by the fishermen have been observed.

However, the banks of the estuary within the port area have been entirely transformed and very little vegetation remains.

Improved water quality - Estuaries contribute the dilution and assimilation of waste that that enters the Buffalo River estuary as a result of activities that occur both within the estuarine zone and the catchment area. Waste is diluted by the water column as well as through the influence of tidal movements. Organic and inorganic wastes are assimilated and accumulated in the sediment of the Buffalo River estuary.

The areas surrounding the Buffalo River EFZ are characterised by the presence of light industrial, formal residential and informal residential settlements.

Waste water treatment works, landfill sites, cemeteries and stormwater run-off directly impact the two primary tributaries that feed into the Buffalo River estuary. These developments severely threaten the water quality of the Buffalo River estuary.

Raw sewerage has previously been observed by tenants of the port flowing into the Buffalo River estuary (Pers. Comm. from Mark McArthur – Sea Spirit Fisheries).

Industrial effluent being discharged into the estuary has also been observed and is depicted in Figure 6.13. BCMM has indicated that laboratory test results on the effluent revealed high levels of zinc (Pers. Comm. Syanda Yamba).

Dredging activities associated with the maintenance of the port result in organic and inorganic wastes assimilated in the sediment being released back into the water column.

Activities associated with the upgrading of the port infrastructure can contribute to the deterioration of the water quality of these activities are not properly monitored. For example, drilling activities associated with the construction of a new quay in the harbour resulted in drilling fluid and oil being released into the estuary (Figure 6.14).

Other port activities may contribute to the deteriorating water quality. For example the accidental release of ballast water from ships (the Port of East London does not permit the release of ballast water within the harbour), cleaning activities that take place on ships that have docked (Figure 6.15) and activities that occur within the dry dock when maintenance operations on vessels are




underway.

Natural resources – small scale and subsistence fisheries,

Small scale subsistence and recreational fishing and bait collection is practiced in the Buffalo River estuary.

However, the estuary does not support large scale or commercial fishing.

Habitat - The Buffalo River estuary provides a nursery for fish and invertebrate species that require estuaries as a part of their life cycle. Some examples of these species that have been recorded in the Buffalo River estuary include dusky kob, spotted grunter, blacktail, and mullet. The banks of the estuary provide habitat for numerous bird species. Species that have been recorded include, but are not limited to, African fish eagle, goliath heron, numerous kingfisher species, sand piper species, turn species, seagull species to name a few. The transformed nature of the estuary mouth provides a sheltered habitat for mammals such as the resident bottle nosed dolphins and humpback dolphins.

The poor water quality of the Buffalo River estuary may negatively affected the functioning of the Buffalo River estuary as a nursery area. However, no studies have been conducted to assess the importance of the Buffalo River as a nursery for marine fish and invertebrates.

The banks of the mid- and upper reaches of the estuary are not heavily threatened by development. The steep topography of the banks of the estuary makes it difficult for development and clearing of vegetation to occur. However, the banks of the easterly mouth have been completely transformed by the port and little natural vegetation remains.

Infrastructure has been constructed within the EFZ, which affects the availability and condition of habitats available within the Buffalo River estuary for estuarine fauna and flora. This infrastructure includes jetties (Figure 6.16), slipways (Figure 6.17), gabions (Figure 6.18), quays (Figure 6.19) and road and railway bridges (Figure 6.20).

Access to the sea - The Buffalo River estuary is the only river port in South Africa. The estuary mouth, although transformed and developed, provides safe access to the sea for port-related activities. The estuary also provides a sheltered refuge for ships that have docked at the port. The port, and its associated access to the sea, provides an important link to the global market by facilitating the import and export market that operates from industry in East London. This forms an important part of the promotion of local economic development in East London. Important imported products that arrive at the Port of East London include grain and petro-chemical products. Important export products include automotive products.

The primary use of the Buffalo River estuary is the estuary mouth as South Africa’s only river port. The primary source of income derived from the estuary is through the port activities.

The NBA (2011) identifies changes water flow as a threat to the ecological functioning of the Buffalo River estuary. Water flow is affected by dams that are located up river within the catchment and agricultural activities occurring on the banks of the Buffalo river in the upper reaches of the catchment resulting in increased sedimentation of the river.

However, the estuary mouth is dredged by the port authority to enable ships to access the port. Therefore, the likelihood of sedimentation affecting access to the sea as minimal.

Recreation - Recreational activities take place within the Buffalo River estuary. These activities include rowing, yachting and ski boat launching and fishing. An active yacht club, ski boat club and rowing club operate within the Buffalo River estuary.

While recreational activities are not the primary use for the Buffalo River estuary, the poor water quality of the Buffalo River estuary severely threatens recreational activities that take place, particularly with regards to the rowing club, yacht club. Swimming in the estuary rarely takes place due to the water quality being an issue and the resulting fear of disease and illness.

Tourism - A small scale tourism industry has The tourism industry surrounding the Buffalo River




developed around the Buffalo River Estuary due to it being the only river port in South Africa. The historic Latimers Landing is a tourism landmark that is attributed to the rediscovery of the coelacanth. Other tourism operators operate out of the Buffalo River estuary, including a small scale cruise operator.

estuary is primarily focused on the facilities and infrastructure located at the port with only a small part being played by the aesthetic value of the estuary.

The poor water quality associated with the estuary negatively impacts the tourism potential of the estuary by lowering the aesthetic, health and safety value of the estuary.

Research opportunities - The Buffalo River estuary provides a number of research opportunities that cover a broad range of topics. Examples of these research topics include water quality, estuarine and marine ecology, ichthyology, microbiology, climate change, urban development, invasive species, etc.

With water quality having been identified as the primary threat to the ecosystem functioning of the Buffalo River estuary, and little research having been conducted on the ecology of the estuary as a whole, there are many research opportunities within the Buffalo River estuary.

Figure 6.12: Fishermen’s footpaths and fishing

spots where little vegetation is removed

Figure 6.13: Industrial effluent being discharged

into the Buffalo River Estuary

Figure 6.14: Port activities such as upgrading of quays and piers taking place in the Buffalo River

Estuary

Figure 6.15: A docked ship’s deck and anchor being

cleaned in the port



Figure 6.16: Floating and fixed jetties have been

constructed within the Buffalo River estuary

Figure 6.17: The construction of slipways within the

Buffalo River estuary

Figure 6.18: the presence of gabions to stabilise the

banks of the Buffalo River estuary

Figure 6.19: Quays within the Buffalo River estuary

Figure 6.20: Road and railway bridges that have been constructed within the Buffalo River estuary



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6. OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE EMP

6.1. Opportunities The opportunities for effective integrated management of the Bufflo River Estuary were identified through the desktop assessment and site visits as well as through stakeholder engagement. The opportunities that were identified are described in detail below. 6.1.1. TNPA Long Term Port Framework The East London area of land within the port limits is currently 131ha, making it the smallest port after Mossel Bay. This area includes narrow land on both sides of the river, and an off-site liquid bulk tank farm. The steepness of the surrounding topography and restrictions caused by the upstream bridges mean that there is very limited opportunity to acquire additional quayside area. Seaward expansion through reclamation on the outside of the breakwater is possible but is not considered financially viable. Seventy-three hectares of port land is zoned as open space or for other TNPA usage, this high percentage of the total area confirming the extent of steeply sloping ground. Ten hectares is used for the MPT operation, 18ha for liquid bulk operations, and 9ha for vehicle handling. Short Term Planning Planned in the short term is the acquisition of land north of the multi-purpose container terminal for TNPA back of port use which is dedicated to operations for the maritime commercial sector. An existing ship repair facility has also been repaired and will become operational in the short term for use.

Figure 6.1: Short term plan for the Port of East London Medium Term Planning



The medium term plan proposes to lengthen the main breakwater and develop a new secondary breakwater, together with a deepened entrance channel. This will allow larger vessels to make use of the port as a result of the increased protected turning area. The maritime commercial areas will also undergo further expansion throughout the port as its dedicated land usage increases.

Figure 6.2: The medium term plan for the Port of East London Long Term Planning The long term layout indicates the potential for a new two berth terminal to be developed on the breakwater, with a reclaimed cargo handling area. 6.1.2. Research

Fort Hare University is currently conducting research on water quality in the Buffalo River and the estuary.

There is potential to study the status of the Buffalo River Estuary as nursery ground for marine species.

There are climate change research opportunities that look at the effect of climate change of the ecological processes of a transformed estuarine system.



6.1.3. Water quality monitoring

CSIR developed a comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Plan in 2002. This plan needs to be reviewed and updated and then implemented within the Buffalo River Estuary.

TNPA have a water and sediment quality monitoring programme, which will also require review and will need to be updated.

DWS have a number of water quality monitoring programmes, which could benefit the integrated management requirements for the Buffalo River Estuary in terms of monitoring water quality within the catchment and the estuary itself.

BCMM also have a water quality monitoring programme. The Buffalo River Estuary will benefit from being incorporated into the BCMM water quality monitoring programme.

6.1.4. Infrastructure development

The construction of new bridge across Buffalo River Estuary has been proposed.

A permit application has been submitted to SAHRA for the proposed upgrade of Latimers Landing. The status of the application has not yet been confirmed.

6.1.5. Opportunities identified at the stakeholder workshop A stakeholder workshop was held on the 15th of March 2016 where a wide variety of stakeholder were present. Key stakeholder from DEA: Oceans and Coasts, DWS, TNPA and BCMM were present. Opportunities for the management of the Buffalo River Estuary were discussed and these opportunities include the following: Waste

Technical solutions for solid waste management need to be explored by engaging with engineers, particularly for Second Creek.

High-risk industries (E.g. Waste recycling facility) need to be targeted as major contributors to discharge into the Buffalo River Estuary and need to be held accountable. The implementation of a “polluter Pays” principal could be adopted.

A potential method of monitoring industrial waste that feeds into the Buffalo River Estuary is to ensure that Safety Disposal Certificates for hazardous waste be checked regularly by BCMM.

Some industrial facilities are audited while some are not. Therefore BCMM to improve auditing process.

BCMM would need to monitor and control the smaller, home-based body shops/ repair facilities in the areas surrounding the Bufflao River Estuary to minimise the amount of oil, petrol, paint and other related chemicals that are irresponsibly dumped and ultimately impact on the Buffalo River Estuary.

Litter control by BCMM needs to be improved to minimise the amount of solid waste that ends up in the Buffalo River Estuary.

Emergency Response plans for spillages of hazardous substances need to be developed and implemented.

Water quality monitoring

DWS have confirmed that they have current water quality data – EOH CES has been engaging directly with DWS to obtain this data.

Through Operation Phasiksa, the development and implementation of monitoring programmes can potentially be facilitated.



Better monitoring of trade effluent needs to be implemented.

BCMM participated in Green Drop programme and therefore should aim to maintain the Green Drop Status.

Cooperative governance

Establishment of an Estuary Management Forum with multifaceted stakeholder involvement needs to be prioritised.

The establishment of a BCMM Coastal Protection Unit is underway. DEDEAT are working with BCMM to outline the mandate of unit and the management of the Buffalo River Estuary could be incorporated into this Unit’s mandate.

Promote the sharing of best practice guidelines/protocols with regards to industrial waste disposal with private and government entities working together.

Collaboration between TNPA, BCMM, DEA: O+C, DWS Amatola Water, Industry, business, private entities, etc. needs to be prioritised.

There is an opportunity to link pollution and environmental issues with employment and local economic development in order to gain further institutional support for estuarine management.

Need to engage DTI, SALGA, BKCOB, ECPTA moving forward. Implementation, compliance and enforcement

A review of coastal bylaws to incorporate management issues relating to the Buffalo River Estuary could be considered.

Regulators need to apply the mechanisms that they have at their disposal.

Through Operation Phakisa, graduates can be employed to implement coastal and estuarine management through Working for the Coast programmes.

Research, education and awareness

There is an agreement in place that facilitates the sharing of information between universities (NMMU, FHU and WSU). A Memorandum of Understanding is already in place and this process is being facilitated by DEA.

Focus on creating awareness in communities about where their waste ends up needs to be implemented.

Petrol stations also need to be made aware of over filling tanks and the resulting pillage of fuel that washes into watercourses.

Tourism and recreation

East London Boating Association (ELBA) can contribute to the promotion of tourism through marketing of their regattas. ELBA has previously been approached to host the South African rowing championship but had to decline due to a lack of space to upgrade the rowing club infrastructure to be able to accommodate an event of this size. The annual Buffalo River Regatta has recently had Supersport coverage.

Protected areas

Identification of formalised conservation areas within the Estuarine Functional Zone needs to be prioritised in the EMP.



6.2. Constraints The constraints for the effective implementation of estuarine management objectives were identified during the desktop assessment, site visits and stakeholder engagement. The constraints that were identified are described below. 6.2.1. Data pertaining the Buffalo River Estuary No current water quality data for the estuary is available. Therefore it is difficult to determine the actual present state of the estuary. There is a lack of Buffalo River Estuary specific biotic data, with specific reference to birds, fish, invertebrates, mico-algae and macrophytes. Data from existing monitoring plans is often difficult to obtain. 6.2.2. Monitoring and enforcement Many current monitoring programmes have not been recently updated. Current monitoring programmes do not include biological monitoring. There is difficulty with regards to monitoring, capacity and enforcement within municipal structures, especially with regards to the enforcement of bylaws. There is a lack of coordination between public, private and government entities with regards to management of the estuary. 6.2.3. Estuarine Zone of Influence The estuarine zone of influence has not been finalised and incorporated a complex set of issues influences. This has implications with regards to the implementation of the estuarine management plan. 6.2.4. Challenges within the catchment A large majority of impacts affecting the Buffalo River Estuary are non-point sources of pollution and infrastructure, which occur within the catchment area. This has practical impacts on the implementation of the estuarine management plan, where implementation responsibilities may fall outside of the mandate of the implementing agents. 6.2.5. Infrastructure development The topography of the Buffalo River Estuary makes it difficult for expansion activities to take place. Expansion of the port and other businesses along the estuary are inhibited by the lack of space in which to expand and develop further. East London Boating Association (ELBA) have indicated that there is a need for them to expand their existing facilities to be able to host larger sporting events. However, there is limited space in which to expand to due to the topography of the area.



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7. RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS MAJOR INFORMATION GAPS

7.1. Major Information Gaps The major information gaps pertaining to the Stuation Assessment Report include the following:

A. There is a lack of current water quality data specific to the Buffalo River Estuary. B. There is a lack of current biotic data specific to the Buffalo River Estuary. C. The Ecological Reserve Study has been conducted but the information is difficult to access. D. The boundaries of the Estuarine Zone of Influence have not been finalised.

7.2. Recommendations to address gaps The following recommendations have been proposed to address the information gaps that have been identified:

A. There is a lack of current water quality data specific to the Buffalo River Estuary.

Current water quality data must be obtained from BCMM Scientific Services, BCMM Environmental Health and TNPA.

B. There is a lack of current biotic data specific to the Buffalo River Estuary.

Universities, SAIAB, East London Museum, BCMM Scientific Services and BCMM Environmental Health must assist in providing relevant information where available.

Unavailable information must be prioritised in the Buffalo River EMP as research opportunities.

C. The Ecological Reserve Study has been conducted but the information is difficult to access.

The Ecological Reserve Study must be finalised and the results must be made available.

D. The boundaries of the Estuarine Zone of Influence have not been finalised.

Collaboration between EOH CES, DEA: Oceans and Coasts, Universities, BCMM Scientific Services and BCMM Environmental Health must take place in order to finalise the boundaries of the EZI.



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8. REFERENCES Still to add reference list



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APPENDIX A: STAKEHOLDERS LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS Authorities and organs of State

Organisation Name Responsibility Resource Component (NEMP Protocol)

DEA: Oceans and Coasts Xola Mkefe Coastal Biodiversity Conservation

Conservation

DEA: Oceans and Coasts Luvuyo Bali Specialist Monitoring Services Conservation

DEA: Oceans and Coasts Daisy Kotsedi Coastal Biodiversity Conservation

Conservation

DEA: Oceans and Coasts Jabulile Nhleko Biodiversity and Coastal Research

Conservation

DEA: Oceans and Coasts Apiwe Mdunyelwa Coastal Biodiversity Conservation

Conservation

DEA: Oceans and Coasts Ntombovuyo Madlokazi

Coastal Biodiversity Conservation

Conservation

DEA: Oceans and Coasts Kwanela Meva Coastal Biodiversity Conservation

Conservation

SANBI Andrew Skowno Biodiversity Research, Assessment & Monitoring Lead Scientist (National Biodiversity Assessment)

Conservation

DEDEAT: Amathole Region Briant Noncembu Regional Manager Conservation (Regional)

DEDEAT: Amathole Region Ricky Hannan Coastal Zone Management Conservation (Regional)

DEDEAT: Amathole Region Leigh-Ann Kretzmann

Coastal Zone Management Conservation (Regional)

DEDEAT: Amathole Region Loyiso Nondlebe Coastal Zone Management Conservation (Regional)

DEDEAT: Provincial Sandiso Zide Coastal Zone Management Conservation (Provincial)

DEDEAT: Provincial Xolani Nikelo Coastal Zone Management Conservation (Provincial)

DWS: Amathole Region Lizna Fourie Water (regional), Waste water

DWS: Amathole Region Landile Jack Water (regional), Waste water

DWS: Amathole Region Mlondolozi Mbikwana

Water (regional), Waste water

Amatola Water Nikite Muller Environmental Specialist Water (Catchment Management Agency?)

DAFF: Fisheries Lungile Nodwala Assistant Director: North East Coast Compliance

Living Resources

BCMM Planning Raymond Foster Land use planning and development (Local

BCMM Planning Director

BCMM Engineering Director



BCMM Water and Sanitation

Mark Westerberg Municipality), Solid waste management, Waste Water, Recreational Water Quality

BCMM Environmental Health

Ernest Tapile

BCMM Integrated Environmental Management

Jane Gallow

BCMM Waste Management Nompelo Daniels

BCMM Scientific Services Deanne Karshagen

TNPA Nelson Mbatha Ports

TNPA Nozuko Litile Ports

TNPA Lumko Ncapai Ports

ECPHRA Sello Provincial Heritage Authority Heritage Areas

East London Port – Tenants

Tenant Name Responsibility Email

MBSA Reggy Robert Environmental Officer

[email protected]

E L Boating Assoc Carl Muller President [email protected]

E L Boating Assoc Mark Lindström [email protected]

Buffalo River Yacht Club Derek Strutt Commodore [email protected]

Department of Public Works Sherleen Minnē Branch Manager [email protected]

East London Boating Ass. Andre Van Wyk Commodore [email protected]

East London Ski Boat Club Clive Bell Commodore [email protected]

East London Ski Boat Club Fred Dryer [email protected]

East London Yacht Club Bruce Muller Commodore [email protected]

East London Yacht Club Deon Mc Intyre Rear Commodore

[email protected]

East London Yacht Club Roy Crossley [email protected]

East London Yacht Club Colin Wilke [email protected]

East London Yacht Club Graham Wentworth

[email protected]

Sea Spirit Mark McArthur Owner [email protected]

NSRI Geoff McGregor Station Commander

[email protected]

Office at Latimer's Landing John Barry Owner [email protected]

A & F Freeshore Alfredo Naidoo Owner [email protected]

Corpclo 2605 cc t/a Footprints Lisinda Heathcote Owner [email protected]

Buffalo Rowing Club Linda Warner Marketing Liason [email protected]

SAPS Water Wing

[email protected]

BPSA Derick Zantsi Depot Manager [email protected]

Chevron (Pty) Ltd Lwandile Kuboni Terminal Manager

[email protected]

Engen Jama Mandla Depot Manager [email protected]

Engen Mandla Jama Act Depot Manager

[email protected]

Total S A Shane Scheel Depot Manager [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

























Vukani Petroleum Glenn De Villiers Director [email protected]

SA Maritime Safety Assoc Branch Manager [email protected]

Other

Organisation Name Responsibility Email

SAIAB Nicky James Estuarine Specialist [email protected]

SAIAB Paul Cowley Icthyologist [email protected]

NMMU Janine Adams Estuarine Specialist [email protected]

NMMU Meredith Fernandes Estuarine Specialist [email protected]

CSIR Susan Taljaard [email protected]










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APPENDIX B: LEGISLATION NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION The South African Constitution South Africa's Constitution provides within its Bill of Rights that everyone has the right: to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, and a) to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations, through

reasonable legislature and other measures that: i. prevent pollution and ecological degradation;

ii. promote conservation; and iii. secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting

justifiable economic and social development National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998) as amended The objective of NEMA is: To provide for co-operative environmental governance by establishing principles for decision-making on matters affecting the environment, institutions that will promote co-operative governance and procedures for co-ordinating environmental functions exercised by organs of state. A key aspect of NEMA is that it provides a set of environmental management principles that apply throughout the Republic to the actions of all organs of state that may significantly affect the environment. Key principles include:

Development must be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable;

Environmental management must be integrated;

Equitable access to environmental resources, benefits and services to meet basic human needs and ensure human wellbeing must be pursued and special measures may be taken to ensure access thereto by categories of persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination;

Participation of all interested and affected parties in environmental governance must be promoted;

Decisions must take into account the interests, needs and values of all interested and affected parties;

Community wellbeing and empowerment must be promoted through environmental education and awareness, and the sharing of knowledge and experience;

Decisions must be taken in an open and transparent manner, and access to information must be provided in accordance with the law; and

There must be intergovernmental coordination and harmonisation of policies, legislation and actions relating to the environment

Another key element of NEMA are the EIA regulations. National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (24 of 2008) (NEM: ICMA) The Integrated Coastal Management Act (ICMA) seeks to facilitate the implementation of the White Paper for Sustainable Coastal Development and to simplify the legislative framework regulating the use of coastal resources. The objectives of the Act are as follows:

Sets out a new and integrated approach to managing the nation’s coastal resources in order to promote social equity and to make best economic use of coastal resources, whilst protecting the natural environment. Specifically, the Act seeks to:

Provide a legal and administrative framework that will promote cooperative, coordinated and integrated coastal management;



Preserve, protect and enhance the status of the coastal environment as the heritage of all;

Ensure that coastal resources are managed in the interest of the whole community;

Ensure that there is equitable access to the opportunities and benefits derived from the coast; and

Give effect to South Africa’s international law obligations. The ICMA identifies various classes of precautionary zones in the coastal zone, including:

Coastal Access Land (s 13)

Composition of coastal protection zone (s 16)

Purpose of coastal protection zone (s 17)

Establishment of coastal set-back lines (s 25)

Duty to avoid causing adverse effects on coastal environment (s 58)

Implementation of land use legislation in coastal protection zone (s 62) The ICMA also covers issues relating to:

Estuaries and estuarine management plans for individual estuaries (s 34).

Institutional arrangements and the establishment of a: o Provincial Coastal Committees (s 39) o Municipal Coastal Committees (clause 42)

Coastal management and a system of coastal management programmes within each sphere of government

Protection of coastal resources

Marine and coastal pollution control and restrictions concerning the regulation of the disposal of effluent and waste into estuaries and the sea (s 69-73).

Figure 2.1: Definition of the Coastal Zone Marine Living Resources Act (18 of 1998) (MLRA) The MLRA is the chief statute dealing with conservation and management of marine living resources. The objects of MLRA are to provide for the:



Conservation of marine ecosystems,

Long-term sustainable utilization of marine living resources;

Orderly access to exploitation, utilization and protection of certain marine living resources; and

Exercise of control over marine living resource in a fair and equitable manner to the benefit of all citizens of South Africa.

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (57 of 2003) (NEM:PAA) The Protected Areas Act mainly provides for the following:

Declaration of nature reserves and determination of the type of reserve declared;

Cooperative governance in the declaration and management of nature reserves;

A system of protected areas in order to manage and conserve biodiversity; and

Utilization and participation of local communities in the management of protected areas. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004) – (NEM:BA) The Biodiversity Act mainly provides for the following:

Management and conservation of biological diversity;

Use of biological resource in a sustainable manner;

Equitable sharing of benefits arising from bio-prospecting; and

Cooperative governance in biodiversity management and conservation. National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (39 of 2004) – (NEM:AQA) The Air Quality Act has repealed the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act 45 of 1965 (APPA), and therefore the Air Quality Act is the principal legislation regulating air quality. The objects of the Air Quality Act are to:

Give effect to section 24(b) of the Constitution in order to enhance the quality of ambient air for the sake of securing an environment that is not harmful to the health and well-being of people; and, o Protect the environment by providing reasonable measures for: o Protection and enhancement of the quality of air in the Republic; o Prevention of air pollution and ecological degradation; and

Securing ecologically sustainable development while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

National Water Act (36 of 1998) (NWA) The NWA replaces and repeals all previous legislation pertaining to water, and should be seen against the legislative background of the Water Services Act 108 of 1997. The NWA is concerned with the overall management, equitable allocation and conservation of water resources in South Africa. To this end, it requires registration of water users and licenses to be obtained for water use except for certain limited instances set out in the Act. These instances include domestic use, certain recreational use, where the use occurs in terms of an existing lawful use or where the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has issued a general authorisation that obviates the need for a permit. The Act further provides for the establishment of catchment management agencies for the integrated management of all aspects of water use in South Africa. National Forests Act (84 of 1998)



The National Forest Act (NFA) provides for conservation and sustainable forestry management. In order to achieve this, the Act inter alia provides for special measures to protect trees and forests. Chapter 3 states that “no person may cut, disturb, damage, or destroy any living tree in or remove any such tree from a natural forest” unless a licence to do so has been issued or an exemption published in the Government Gazette. Any person, entity or organ of state must obtain a permit to remove any indigenous or protected trees or clearing of any woodland, thicket or forest. The requirements for licensing are dealt with under section 23 of the Act. Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (43 of 1983) (CARA) CARA is the chief statute that deals with agricultural resources. The object of CARA is to provide for the conservation of the natural agricultural resources of South Africa by the maintenance of the production potential of land. In order to maintain production potential of land, CARA provides for the following mechanisms; namely:

Combating and prevention of erosion and weakening and destruction of water sources;

Protection of vegetation; and

Combating of weeds and invader plants. Regulations under CARA (CARA Regulations) prescribes control measures which all land users have to comply, in respect of a number of matters, including the:

Cultivation of virgin soil;

Protection of cultivated land;

Utilisation and protection of the veld;

Control of weed and invader plants; and

Prevention and control of veld fires and the restoration and reclamation of eroded land. National Ports Authority Act (5 of 2003) The objectives of the Act are to:

Promote the development of an effective and productive South African ports industry that is capable of contributing to the economic growth and development of our country;

Establish appropriate institutional arrangements to support the governance of ports;

Promote and improve efficiency and performance in the management and operation of ports;

Enhance transparency in the management of ports;

Strengthen the State’s capacity to: o Separate operations from the landlord function within ports; o Encourage employee participation, in order to motivate management and workers; and o Facilitate the development of technology, information systems and managerial expertise

through private sector involvement and participation; and

Promote the development of an integrated regional production and distribution system in support of Government’s policies.

The National Ports Act (12 of 2005) makes specific provision for conducting an SEA as part of the Port Planning process in addition to other environmental management obligations. The relevant sections include: Section 10 - Ports under jurisdiction of Authority Amongst other things, this section specifically provides that: (4) When exercising the powers referred to in subsections (2) and (3), the Minister must:

- Follow an open and transparent process, which must include a viability study, and a strategic environmental impact assessment.



Section 11 - Functions of Authority With respect to the main functions of TNPA, the following is relevant to the SEA, where the TNPA must:

Control land use within ports, and has the power to lease land under such conditions as the Authority may determine;

Maintain the sustainability of the ports and their surroundings;

Regulate and control pollution and the protection of the environment within the port limits;

Prescribe the limits within which and the levels to which dredging may be carried out in the ports and the approaches thereto;

Section 12 – Aims of Authority With respect to activities within ports, the TNPA must aim to:

Integrate biophysical, social and economic issues in all forms of decision making with regard to port development and operations.

Section 56 - Agreements in port operations and services With respect to entering into agreements (e.g. lease agreements) TNPA has certain authorizations which could be relevant to maintaining the environmental integrity of the land under its control and promoting sustainable development, such as:

Design, construct, rehabilitate, develop, finance, maintain or operate a port terminal or port facility, or provide services relating thereto;

Monitor and annually review performance with regard to the operation of the terminal or facility and the provision of the relevant services in terms of a performance standard specified in the agreement.

Section 69 – Protection of environment This section refers specifically to environmental matters, where TNPA must:

In the performance of its functions ensure that a fair and reasonable balance is achieved between the protection of the environment and the establishment, development and maintenance of ports.

Ensure that sustainable and transparent port planning processes are undertaken when formulating any port development framework.

Ensure that stakeholders are consulted and that all relevant biophysical and economic aspects are taken into account when undertaking any port planning process.

Section 80 – Port regulations In terms of this section, TNPA may, make rules for the control and management of ports and the approaches thereto and for the maintenance of safety, security and good order in ports, in particular regarding the:

Protection of the environment within ports, the cleaning of land and waters of the ports and the prevention of oil, filth, rubbish or any other matter from being thrown into the sea, including the discharge of ballast water;

Prohibition of the loading, handling or discharging of dangerous cargoes at wharves where such loading, handling or discharging appears especially dangerous to the public;

Limits within which, and the levels to which, dredging may be carried out in ports and approaches thereto.

Municipal Systems Act (32 of 2000) as amended The objectives of the Act are to:

Provide for the core principles, mechanisms and processes that are necessary to enable municipalities to move progressively towards the social and economic upliftment of local communities, and ensure universal access to essential services that are affordable to all;



Define the legal nature of a municipality as including the local community within the municipal area, working in partnership with the municipality’s political and administrative structures;

Establish a simple and enabling framework for the core processes of planning, performance management, resource mobilisation and organisational change which underpin the notion of developmental local government;

Establish a framework for support, promote overall social and economic upliftment of communities in harmony with their local natural environment;

Section 4 (2) of the Act indicates that the council of a municipality has the duty to (amongst other things):

Strive to ensure that municipal services are provided to the local community in a financially and environmentally sustainable manner;

Promote a safe and healthy environment in the municipality. Chapter 5 of the Act deals with Integrated Development Planning (IDP) where section 26 provides that an IDP must reflect (amongst other things):

The municipal council’; vision for the long term development of the municipality with special emphasis on the municipality’s most critical development and internal transformation needs:

The council’s development strategies which must be aligned with any national or provincial sectoral plans and planning requirements binding on the municipality in terms of legislation;

A spatial development framework which must include the provision of basic Water Services Act (108 of 1997) BCMM is a Water Services Authority where according to the Water Services Act, it has the following responsibilities: To ensure efficient, affordable, economical and sustainable access to water services by all consumers and potential consumers in the BCMM area of jurisdiction. However, the duty of the BCMM to provide water service is subject to a number of requirements. These requirements include (amongst other things):

the availability of resources;

the need for an equitable allocation of resources to all consumers and potential consumers within the authority’s area of jurisdiction;

the need to regulate access to water services in an equitable way;

the duty of consumers to pay reasonable charges, which must be in accordance with any prescribed norms and standards for tariffs for water services;

the duty to conserve water resources;

the nature, topography, zoning and situation of the land in question; and

the right of the relevant water services authority to limit or discontinue the provision of water services if there is a failure to comply with reasonable conditions set for the provision of such services.

The Water Services Act requires BCMM to draft a Water Services Development Plan (WSDP), which must contain (amongst other things), the following information:

existing water services;

existing industrial water use within the area of jurisdiction of BCMM;

existing industrial effluent disposed of within the area of jurisdiction of BCMM;

the future provision of water services and water for industrial use and the future disposal of industrial effluent. including—

- the water services providers which will provide those water services; - the contracts and proposed contracts with those water services providers; - the proposed infrastructure necessary; - water sources to be used and the quantity of water to be obtained from and discharged

into each source;



- estimated capital and operating costs of those water services and the financial arrangements for funding those water services, including the tariff structures;

- any water services institution that will assist the ADM; - the operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of existing and future infrastructure;

the number and location of persons to whom water services cannot be provided within the next

existing and proposed water conservation, recycling and environmental protection measures. National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) The following are some of the general powers and duties of local authorities (BCMM) under NHRA; namely:

Duty to identify and manage Grade III heritage resources and heritage resources which are deemed to fall within the competence of local authorities in term of the NHRA;

Duty to give heritage resources authorities assistance in the performance of their functions;

When revising their IDP or SDF or any relevant sector plan, duty to compile inventories of the heritage resources that fall within their areas of jurisdiction, and to submit such inventories to the provincial heritage resources authority, for inclusion in a provincial heritage register;

When revising their IDP or SDF or any relevant sector plan, duty to investigate the need for the designation of heritage areas to protect places of environmental or cultural interest within their jurisdictions; and

Power to designate any area or land to be a heritage area on the grounds of its environmental or cultural interest or the presence of heritage resources, after consultation with the relevant provincial heritage resources authority and the owners of property in the area and any affected communities.

National Environmental Management: Waste Act (59 of 2008) – (NEDM:WA) Still to add information NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY National Climate Change Response White Paper (2012) The South African National Climate Change White Paper (2012) indicates that Government:

Regards climate change as one of the greatest threats to sustainable development; and

Believes that climate change has the potential to undo or undermine many of the positive advances made in meeting South Africa’s own development goals.

The White Paper is the key policy document framing the South African response to the challenges of climate change. In terms of the White Paper, South Africa will implement the following strategies in order to achieve its climate change response objectives possibly relevant to the current EMP, include:

Taking a balanced approach to both climate change mitigation and adaptation responses in terms of prioritisation, focus, action and resource allocation.

The short-term prioritisation of adaptation interventions that address immediate threats to the health and well-being of South Africans including interventions in the water, agriculture and health sectors.

The mainstreaming of climate change response into all national, provincial and local planning regimes.

The recognition that sustainable development is also climate friendly development and that that; the more sustainable our development path is, the easier it will be to build resilience to climate change impacts.

White Paper for Sustainable Coastal Development (2000)



The White Paper for Sustainable Coastal Development in South Africa sets out policies that aim to achieve sustainable coastal development through integrated coastal management and is particularly relevant to coastal development. The vision for the South African coast is “rooted in the understanding that our coast is a national asset and belongs to all the people of South Africa. It recognises that our coast is a place of value, opportunity and potential. It is a diverse, special and distinctive place and is also a driving force in the national economy, whose products account for about 35% of our national Gross Domestic Product, and its future development potential is enormous. To harness this potential, we need to manage our coast wisely”. The Policy sets out a vision for the coast, and principles, goals and objectives for coastal management, together with a Plan of Action for implementation. Principles for Coastal Management The following principles underpin the Policy:

Principle Explanation

National asset

The coast must be retained as a national asset, with public rights to access and benefit from the many opportunities provided by coastal resources.

Economic development

Coastal economic development opportunities must be optimised to meet society’s needs and to promote the wellbeing of coastal communities.

Social equity

Coastal management efforts must ensure that all people, including future generations, enjoy the rights of human dignity, equality and freedom.

Ecological integrity

The diversity, health and productivity of coastal ecosystems must be maintained and, where appropriate, rehabilitated.

Holism

The coast must be treated as a distinctive and indivisible system, recognising the interrelationships between coastal users and ecosystems and between the land, sea and air.

Risk aversion and precaution

Coastal management efforts must adopt a risk-averse and precautionary approach under conditions of uncertainty

Accountability and responsibility

Coastal management is a shared responsibility. All people must be held responsible for the consequences of their actions, including financial responsibility for negative impacts.

Duty of care

All people and organisations must act with due care to avoid negative impacts on the coastal environment and coastal resources.

Integration and participation

A dedicated, co-ordinated and integrated coastal management approach must be developed and conducted in a participatory, inclusive and transparent manner.

Co-operative governance

Partnerships between government, the private sector and civil society must be built in order to ensure co-responsibility for coastal management and to empower stakeholders to participate effectively.

Goals and Objectives



The Policy sets out a number of goals and objectives for coastal management. A summary of items specifically relevant to the conservation of biodiversity within coastal environments is provided at Appendix A. Plan of Action The policy provides a plan of action for implementation of the policy, and addresses the following issues relevant to biodiversity conservation in coastal locations:

- Introducing effective planning and development mechanisms and incentives for effective coastal management

- Developing and implementing a representative system of coastal protected areas

- Introducing mechanisms and incentives to avoid physical development in high risk coastal areas

- Creating incentives to promote better estuary and river mouth management practices

- Improving

- Rehabilitating degraded coastal areas and resources. Department of Water Affairs River Health Programme The Department of Water Affairs (and Forestry), in 1994, initiated the formation of the River Health Programme (RHP) to serve as a source of information regarding the overall ecological status of river ecosystems in South Africa in order to support the rational management of the natural resources under the protection of the Department. In order to achieve the goal as stated above, the objectives of the RHP as outlined on the programme website are to:

Measure, assess and report on the ecological state of aquatic ecosystems;

Detect and report on spatial and temporal trends in the ecological state of aquatic ecosystems;

Identify and report on emerging problems regarding aquatic ecosystems;

Ensure that all reports provide scientifically and managerially relevant information for national aquatic ecosystem management.

Other projects that fall under the RHP umbrella include:

The National Estuaries Monitoring Programme

Wetland Monitoring Programme White Paper on a National Commercial Ports Policy National Department of Transport (2002) The White Paper on a National Commercial Ports Policy National Department of Transport (2002) recommends the following specifically with respect to environmental management within ports: “Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) should be used for the proactive integration of environmental issues with social and economic issues at the policy and planning level. The SEA should ensure close alignment with the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) process in the region/city surrounding the port.” TNPA Environmental Policy TNPA Environmental Policy specifically provides that each port must conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), as part of its integrated port planning process, to determine the optimum approach to environmental management at the strategic level. The Port of East London’s Master Plan also indicates that future development options for the Port have not previously been subjected to a strategic environmental scrutiny. With the changing development needs of the Port, the need for an SEA has become increasingly necessary, particularly given the nature of the activities and the sensitive coastal environment in which ports typically operate.



Other relevant policy Other National policies that may have a bearing on the EMP includes (but is not limited to):

National Waste Management Strategy (2010)

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas (SRVA, 2010)

National Protected Area Expansion Strategy for South Africa (2008) PROVINCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND PLANS Eastern Cape State of Environment Report (2010) The second Eastern Cape State of the Environment Report (SoER) was completed in 2010 where environmental issues were addressed under three broad categories:

Biophysical Environment

Socio-Economic Environment

Environmental Governance Areas potentially relevant to the EMP include: A. Biophysical Environment (a) Terrestrial Environment

Habitat fragmentation and destruction threatens numerous species and ecological processes in the Eastern Cape

Alien invasive vegetation is spreading throughout the region, and this is having detrimental impacts on land use and biodiversity. Alien vegetation is also prevalent within most water courses negatively effecting water resources

The Eastern Cape has a host of Red Data Species outside of protected areas

Poor management of areas of high conservation value outside of protected areas

Illegal bush clearing outside of EIA approved activities and DWAF permits

High percentage of natural habitats that have been transformed to agricultural and urban environments

Demand for coastal properties and associated development (Ribbon development) is leading to transformation within the coastal zone

All major industrial centres are along the coastline

Health of estuaries in urban areas is poor as a result of industrial effluent and waste

Unsustainable resource use (e.g. sand mining, fishing, etc.)

Unsustainable harvesting of plants for medicinal purposes, firewood, curios, furniture and building is having a major impact on local species diversity, as it places selective pressure on endangered and threatened species

(b) Water Resources and Supply

Need for formal domestic solid waste handling as well as the installation of adequate non-polluting toilet facilities

Flows in rivers and streams are highly regulated by impoundments. Stream flows are limited, particularly during periods of drought

River systems are highly polluted

Riparian habitats and wetlands are highly transformed or infested with alien vegetation

Poor catchment management (land clearing, degradation, improper agricultural practices) results in flooding and damage to infrastructure (dams and weirs)



(c) Atmosphere Climate Change

Changing weather patterns result in increased severe weather events (floods, droughts, etc).

Rainfall variability influences agriculture (planting routines, seasonal agriculture) (d) Marine and Coast

Health of estuaries in urban areas is poor as a result of industrial effluent and waste

Ribbon development along the coastline

Unsustainable resource use

Percentage of coastline that is protected is low

High percentage of formal dwellings along the coastline

All major industrial centres are along the coastline C. Environmental Governance (a) Capacity Building Environmental awareness and education Limited environmental awareness and education has been identified as an issue directly related to authorities responsible for environmental governance. More specifically, a need for education regarding environmental legislation is necessary to solve the problem at a strategic level. Furthermore, a lack of monitoring due to insufficient capacity compounds the problem. (b) EIA Regulations Non-compliance with the EIA regulations, waste management policies, and other non-conformances occur throughout the area, although at different intensities. Monitoring compliance by Local and Provincial Authorities is important, however, their capacity to do so is insufficient and hence monitoring and prosecution of transgressors is not at the required level. (c) Alignment of planning processes Provincial and municipal authorities exercising functions which may affect the environment should incorporate assessment of their operational plans against the various bioregions of the Eastern Cape and their annual and medium term planning. Eastern Cape Climate Change Response Strategy (2011) The Eastern Cape Climate Change Response Strategy (ECCCRS) was completed in March 2011 and is the first generation climate change strategy for the Province. The manifestations of climate change in South Africa and the Eastern Cape are likely to include:

Higher temperatures;

Altered rainfall patterns;

More frequent or intense extreme weather events including heat-waves, droughts, storms and floods; and

Rising sea levels (which, associated with more intense storm surges and floods, may result in local inundation and coastal erosion).



Although little research has been conducted for sea-level rise impacts on the Eastern Cape, useful information exists for the City of Cape Town and Durban. Studies for these cities give local sea level rise scenarios ranging from 2m to 6.5m depending on exposure. The effects of climate change such as temperature increases and sea-level rise may have significant knock-on effects which combine to threaten the environmental, economic and social systems of the Province. These effects also threaten the continuity and functioning of provincial and local governance institutions and their associated mandate in the Eastern Cape A climate change risk assessment matrix was developed as part of the ECCCRS. The risk assessment matrix aims to facilitate a step-wise approach to understanding which climate change impacts may affect the Province, how serious these impacts are likely to be, and which provincial plans, agencies and departmental and municipal mandates are directly affected. The following systems, sectors or infrastructure types were assessed:

Agricultural Sector

Air Quality Systems

Biodiversity Systems

Coastal and Marine Systems

Energy Services Infrastructure

Fisheries & Aquaculture Sector

Forestry Sector

Geology & Soils Systems

Health Services Infrastructure

Social & Economic Systems

Tourism Sector

Transport Infrastructure

Water Resources Systems

Water Services Infrastructure Climate change risks assessed as being of extreme significance are given in the table below. Note that these risks were assessed at the scale, and in the context of, the various mandates of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government. Table 2.1: Impacts of extreme significance for various Eastern Cape sectors as identified in the preliminary risk assessment process.

Climate Change Manifestation

2nd Order Impact 3rd Order Impact Systems/sectors/ Infrastructure

Increased storm severity/ Extreme weather events.

Increased inundation and loss of coastal land, wetlands and estuaries

Increased damage to/loss of coastal property and infrastructure and increased insurance premiums

Coastal and Marine Systems


Increased storm surges coupled with sea level rise and flooding from both climate change causes and catchment hardening.

Direct threat to livelihoods, services and infrastructure in coastal low lying areas.



Coupled with more intense rain, catchment hardening due to urban development, and reduced integrity of water catchments: increased risk of flooding

Direct threat to infrastructure within flood-prone areas; Direct threat to human life.




Climate Change Manifestation

2nd Order Impact 3rd Order Impact Systems/sectors/ Infrastructure

or flash floods

Higher mean temperatures

Increased evaporation, reduced soil moisture, reduced runoff and river base flow.

Compounded by reduced MAP, systemic water shortages will limit economic growth potential to the south-west.


Sea level rise Coupled with storm surges and flood events exacerbated by catchment hardening, inundation and wave damage to coastal low lying areas.

Direct threat to livelihoods, services and infrastructure in coastal low lying areas.



Increased frequency of storm surges

Reduced safety of personnel and increased frequency of injury or loss of life

Transport infrastructure

ACTION PLANS The ECCCRS deals with the development of provincial response programmes and plans to climate change. Adaptation The impacts of climate change will, to greater and lesser degrees, affect every Provincial department, development plan and municipality. Likewise, climate change responses are cross sectoral. Effective response processes are cross-cutting and cannot be dealt with by each sector or department in isolation. Rather, integrated response programmes are required where multiple sectors and departments contribute to a common climate change issue to ensure effective adaptation responses. A programmatic framework for such multi-sectoral planning is described in the Table 3 below. Table 2.2: Recommended programmes in response to the impacts of extreme significance identified in the systematic risk assessment.

Adaptation Category Adaptation objective

Coastal Infrastructure and Livelihoods

Increased resilience of coastal infrastructure and resources to the effects of sea-level rise, storm-surges, flooding and increased sea temperature (fisheries). Improved response to the impacts of extreme coastal events.

Water Scarcity

Mainstreaming climate change induced water scarcity in institutional decision-making and planning in water stressed areas in the Eastern Cape Province. Effective water resources management and efficient water use throughout the Eastern Cape Province.

Flood Management Flood prevention Reducing vulnerability to flooding events; Improved response to the impacts of flooding events

Detailed draft adaptive response options and response programmes have been developed for each adaptation category.



EC Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP) (2007) The ECBCP is a first attempt at detailed, low-level conservation mapping for land-use planning purposes. Specifically, the aims of the Plan were to map critical biodiversity areas through a systematic conservation planning process. The ECBCP provides a map of the CBAs, based on extensive biological data and input from key stakeholders. The ECBCP, although mapped at a finer scale than the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (Driver et al., 2005) is still, for the large part, inaccurate and “course”. The current biodiversity plan includes the mapping of priority aquatic features, land-use pressures, and critical biodiversity areas and develops guidelines for land and resource-use planning and decision-making. The conservation outputs of the ECBCP that are relevant to the Qumbu Wind Energy Facility and are considered in this report are “critical biodiversity areas” or CBAs, which are allocated the following management categories:

1. BLMC 1 (or CBA 1): Maintain in a natural state 2. BLMC 2 (or CBA 2): Maintain in a near-natural state BLMC 3:Functional landscapes 3. BLMC 4:

a. Urban b. Cultivated c. Plantation

The ECBCP is a conservation planning tool, which, if used, may result in direct conflict with the reality on the ground or may in fact re-affirm conservation values of an area. Since the accuracy of the ECBCP is only as good as site confirmation, the confidence of the conservation values derived from the ECBCP cannot be given much weight. As such, this plan should only be used as a guideline tool until such time as the database is fine-tuned with the necessary resolution and level of detail it wishes to speak to. Eastern Cape Coastal Management Programme: 2013 Update The ECCMP is intended to build on and update existing provincial coastal policies, and provide an updated, coherent, integrated and coordinated framework and directive for coastal management and decision‐making, as per the ICM Act legislative requirements. It establishes mechanisms for the comprehensive participation of representatives from all sectors of coastal communities, as well as providing management tools to empower decision-makers to manage and utilise the coast. In addition, the ECCMP provides an input into local planning initiatives, such as Integrated Development Plans and Spatial Development Frameworks of coastal municipalities. Vision

We, the people of the Eastern Cape, recognise the intrinsic value, and appreciate the scenic beauty, diversity

and richness of our unique coastline

We aim to take ownership of the coast and foster a spirit of custodianship and shared responsibility as our coast is a unique and shared asset, which has social, cultural, ecological and economic value.

We aspire to manage the coast in an integrated manner that takes both the spiritual and biological value

into account.

We strive to utilise the natural resources of our diverse coastline in a sustainable and equitable manner, which maximises the benefits for all people of the province and ensures the long term maintenance of



biodiversity and ecological integrity of coastal habitats.

We strive to promote the sustainable development and alleviate poverty in an equitable and participatory manner that considers the requirements of all stakeholders and takes cognisance of the conservation and

biological importance of our coastline as well as national and provincial interests.

We seek to guide the management of the Eastern Cape coast in a way that eliminated the threats of unsustainable utilisation of the coastal resources while optimising the opportunities that can be derives

from the coastal zone.

Guiding principles for the Eastern Cape coast The following guiding principles have been adopted for the Eastern Cape coastline, and are largely the same principles reflected in the National White Paper for Sustainable Coastal Development.

The coast must be retained as a national asset for the benefit and enjoyment of all people of the province.

Coastal economic development opportunities must be optimised to meet society’s needs and to promote the wellbeing of coastal communities through sustainable activities that do not compromise the long term opportunities for people living in the coastal zone.

Coastal management efforts must ensure that all people, including future generations, enjoy the rights of human dignity, equality and freedom. Access to resources and benefits from the many opportunities provided by coastal resources must be made available to the public in an equitable manner.

The diversity, health and productivity of coastal ecosystems must be maintained and, where appropriate, rehabilitated.

The coast must be treated as a distinctive and indivisible system, recognising the interrelationships between coastal users and ecosystems and between the land, sea and air.

Coastal management efforts must adopt a risk‐averse and precautionary approach under conditions of uncertainty.

Coastal management is a shared responsibility. All people must be held responsible for the consequence of their actions or lack of actions, including financial responsibility for negative impacts.

All people and organisations must act with due care to avoid negative impacts on the coastal environment and coastal resources.

A dedicated, co‐ordinated and integrated coastal management approach must be developed and conducted in a participatory, inclusive and transparent manner.

Partnerships between government, the private sector and civil society must be built in order to ensure co‐responsibility for coastal management and to empower stakeholders to participate effectively.

PRIORITY AREA FEATURES OF PRIORITY AREA

1: Cooperative Governance

Participation of all stakeholders, coastal governance & co‐responsibility;

Integrated, co‐ordinated decision making, planning and management;

Continued learning and practical implementation of programmes and processes; and

Compliance with International conventions, protocols and agreements.

2: Coastal Planning And Development

Emphasis on local economic development opportunities and approval procedures;



PRIORITY AREA FEATURES OF PRIORITY AREA

Identification and exploitation of sustainable livelihood opportunities; and

Holistic planning and development processes with emphasis on sustainable and equitable spatial development trends in the coastal zone.

3: Climate Change And Dynamic Coastal Processes

Responding to dynamic coastal process through increased resilience of natural and social systems; and

Phased retreat of infrastructure in high risk areas.

4: Land And Marine‐Based Sources Of Pollution

Reducing and responding to land and marine based sources of pollution in the coastal zone; and

Adherence to the waste management hierarchy of reduce, reuse, recycle.

5: Estuaries

Establishing and implementing a strategy to improve the management and protection of estuarine resources; and

Securing sufficient financial resources to fund and implement identified actions, research projects, initiatives, and advisory forums.

6: The Facilitation Of Coastal Access

Promoting and managing access to coastal public property;

Promoting and facilitating equitable access to coastal resources and coastal public property;

Recognising the importance of access preservation; and

Promoting custodianship and stewardship of the coastal zone.

7: Awareness, Education, Training, Capacity Building And Information 8: Compliance, Monitoring And Enforcement

Facilitation of knowledge production and exchange;

Promotion of knowledge sharing of coastal issues; and

Instilling a sense of ownership of the coastal zone amongst all stakeholders.

Facilitation of compliance with applicable coastal legislation; and

Promotion of the environmental management inspectorate and facilitation of environmental management inspectors.

9: Natural Resource Management

The maintenance of ecosystem integrity and health;

To assess and effectively manage coastal protected areas , including marine protected areas; and

To identify and rehabilitate damaged and degraded coastal ecosystems and habitats.

DEDEAT Coastal Environmental Management Framework (Kei Mouth to Cannon Rocks) (2012) The Coastal EMF, which will soon be gazetted, will guide development along the coastal zone between Cannon Rocks and Kei Mouth. The planning domain of the EMF includes the following:

- The coastal zone 1.5 km in land of the high water mark.

- 3km to 5 km up estuaries of high conservation value or of high usage



The primary objective of the EMF is to facilitate the conservation of important natural resources (e.g. biodiversity, prime agricultural land etc.) and rapid development within the study area. The EMF was structured to address this objective via the development of the following products, which serve to inform and guide land-use planning and decision-making:

A Status Quo Assessment, which included a composite site sensitivity map for the entire study area;

A Desired State of the Environment (DSoE) plan, including associated land-use management guidelines;

A proposed set of Geographical Areas and associated proposed Inclusions and Exclusions for various listed activities as specified in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (27 of 1998);

Figure 2.2: EMF study domain The objective of the Desired State of the Environment phase was to produce a spatial plan that could serve as a spatial planning framework for the coastal zone for the next ten year period (i.e. from 2010 to 2020), which would inform the revision of future provincial, municipal and local Spatial Development Frameworks and thereby facilitate more efficient, integrated and sustainable development within the study area. As an example, the Desired State of the Environment Plan for portions of the BCMM coastline is provided in Figure 2.3 below.



88



89

Figure 2.3: Maps from the coastal EMF that will have significant implications for spatial planning and development along Buffalo River estuary.

The DSoE plan was assessed against the Status Quo Report and existing land-use strategies and plans for the study area (e.g. SDFs), per Municipality. The assessment drew attention to variances between such plans and the DSoE Plan and highlighted required amendments to the Municipal SDFs and other plans in order to facilitate sustainable coastal development within the study area. The assessment also identified suitable areas for additional urban growth beyond the urban edges of the current SDFs and highlighted key natural resource features requiring safe-guarding and improved integration to the SDFs. The key findings of the assessment were as follows: Land use planning guidelines for EMF land categories The EMF provides land use planning guidelines for the various land categories. The main EMF land categories are described below:

Desired environmental state

Land-use objectives

Conservation Zone No further loss of natural habitat should occur

These areas of land can act as possible offset receiving areas

Mimic or maintain natural ecological processes

Priority for regular environmental monitoring by DEDEA, , etc.

Prioritise Conservation Zone for land care projects, such as WfW, etc.)

An Ecological Management Plan should be compiled for key Conservation Zones

Areas not formally protected should be zoned as POS 3 or proclaimed as a protected area in terms of NEM: Protected Areas Act. Title deed restrictions.

Degraded areas should be restored or rehabilitated

Development Guidelines - See EMF page 160

Sustainable ecological management

No further loss of natural habitat should occur

Maintain connectivity between Conservation Zones

Maintain all natural ecological process areas (e.g. thicket, grassland, etc)

No cultivation of development of pastures, agri-industry, urban residential,



Desired environmental state

Land-use objectives

mining or more extensive land use than current state to be permitted

No additional land use rights should be granted

Priority for regular environmental monitoring by DEDEA, Ngqushwa LM, etc.

Prioritise these areas for land care projects, such as WfW, etc.)

An Ecological Management Plan should be compiled if possible

Development Guidelines - See EMF page 163

Agriculture Protect agriculture land use in the rural landscape

Restrict fragmentation of agricultural landscapes and promote their consolidation

Maintain viable agricultural unit and encourage sustainable farming practices

Provide for small=scale farming and facilitate agrarian reform

Recommendations and land-use management guidelines - See EMF page 164

Residential See EMF page 165

Residential low density

Residential mixed use

Commercial

Resort

Management Objective for each of the proposed Geographical Areas Nine different Geographical Areas were identified for the study area, each with different land-use objectives and management requirements (see Table 2.3 below for descriptions). Table 2.3: Description and Management Objective for each of the proposed Geographical Areas

No. Geographical Area Management Objective

1 Entire study area Discourage certain inappropriate activities in the coastal zone (e.g. commercial afforestation)

2 Sites of visual importance, including key estuaries and other aesthetic features (e.g. beaches, Dias Cross site, Morgan Bay cliffs, Haga Haga cliffs, Cove Rock, etc.)

Safeguard important visual/aesthetic features of eco-tourism importance.

3 Sensitive Ecological Sites Safeguard key ecological processes, ecosystem services, ecosystems and species of special concern

4 Sustainable Ecological Management Zone Maintain current extensive agricultural practices. Promote more sustainable forms of agriculture

5 Non-sensitive Sites Facilitate the extension or upgrading of existing facilities or infrastructure for the bulk transportation of water, sewage or stormwater

6 Certain current or proposed sites of developed open space

Facilitate the installation of certain infrastructure of key public amenity sites where threats to the coastal and estuarine environment are low (e.g. public ablutions, parking areas, etc.)

7 Non-sensitive sites in urban areas that are appropriate for residential, mixed, retail, commercial and recreational use; or route determination of roads and design associated physical infrastructure

Facilitate residential, mixed, retail, commercial or recreational use; or route determination of roads and designs associated physical infrastructure

8 Sites zoned or identified in Municipal SDF for Facilitate light industrial activities



industrial purposes in the coastal zone, which are suitable for light industrial activities

9 Sites zoned or identified in Municipal SDF for industrial purposes in the coastal zone, which are suitable for heavy industrial activities

Facilitate heavy industrial activities

Other provincial policies and plans Other Provincial policies that may have a bearing on the EMP includes (but is not limited to):

Eastern Cape Air Quality Management Plan 2013

Eastern Cape Provincial Integrated Waste Management Plan (PIWMP) 2010

EC Parks and Tourism Conserved Area Expansion Programme (2012)

Eastern Cape Sub-Tropical Thicket Ecosystem Planning (STEP) Project MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND PLANS Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Integrated Environmental Management Plan (IEMP) (2006) BCMM initiated a process in 2005 to develop an IEMP with the following main objectives:

Conduct a baseline assessment or audit of the state of the BCMM environment

Ensure alignment of BCMM activities with relevant environmental legislation and policy

Provide input on institutional arrangements relating to environmental management in BCMM

Develop measures to manage high priority environmental issues in BCMM

Ensure appropriate stakeholder and public participation and dissemination of information during the process

Identify cross-cutting issues relating to environmental management in BCMM

Develop and environmental policy for BCMM

Promote environmental capacity and awareness in BCMM

Establish an effective and efficient system to monitor and measure progress in policy implementation.

State of Environment Report The main purpose of the BCMM SoER was to provide a baseline assessment of the main environmental issues and challenges facing BCMM. A comprehensive list of environmental issues and challenges facing BCMM was developed based on the baseline assessment process. Issue prioritization A set of criteria was used to determine the high priority environmental issues in BCMM QUALITY OF MARINE AND FRESH WATER RESOURCES

Contaminated rivers and streams throughout BCM

The Buffalo River is under high pollution pressure

Contamination of marine and fresh water resources

Quality of ground water (Little if any data is available on groundwater quality)

Potential loss of recreational use of fresh water resources due to poor water quality

Heavy metal or other pathogen content of sewage effluent is not determined

Heavy metal, other hazardous pathogens or pesticides content of rivers and streams is not determined

Storm water is a significant cause of fresh and sea water pollution in BCMM

Possible environmental health risks associated with storm water run-off.

Environmental health risks associated with contaminated marine and fresh water resources



Non-compliant effluent discharges

Illegal discharges of raw sewage into the sea (Hood Point) and rivers (Buffalo River)

Inappropriate on-site disposal of sewage sludge and screened material

Massive problem is storm water ingress into sewers

No formal process for recording or responding to non-compliances.

Environmental Health Risks associated with cemeteries

Likely contamination of storm water from BCM workshops

Industrial pollutants in BCM affect the quality of water and land and impact on the health of various organisms including humans

Pollution of land and water, and health risks associated with poor waste management practices

No monitoring of toxic substances FRESH WATER RESOURCES

Depletion of BCM water resources

Significant water losses and wastage

Lack of water recycling BIODIVERSITY

Loss of thicket vegetation,

Loss of biodiversity

Habitat change

Loss of sensitive environments and biodiversity, and habitat degradation

Loss of biodiversity and habitat degradation in commonage areas

Location of housing projects in environmentally sensitive areas

Development outside the urban edge resulting in urban sprawl METROPOLITAN OPEN SPACE

Loss of Metropolitan Open Space (MOS)

Loss of urban green areas and sensitive environments

Poor state and management of certain existing MOS areas. Many areas of open space are subjected to illegal dumping

BCM OPERATIONS

No environmental guidelines for BCM sub-contractors and operators

Likely contamination of storm water from BCM workshops WASTE MANAGAMENT

Limited recycling

Illegal dumping



Leachate seeping from the Second Creek land fill site and entering the Buffalo River

Algal blooms in the Bridle Drift Dam Evidence of algal bloom lining the Bridle Drift Dam

Stock-piling of sludge cake on site at the Mdantsane WWTW Burying of sewage screenings on site at the Mdantsane WWTW



Discharge of raw sewage to the sea at Hood Point Marine Outfall

Environmental Management Action Plans (EMAPs) for priority issues Separate Environmental Management Action Plans (EMAPs) were developed for high priority environmental issues in BCMM. The following 15 EMAPs were developed for issues of high concern. Response

Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting Programme for BCM

Monitoring and Reporting of Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW)

Trade Waste Disposal Monitoring and Reporting Programme

Sewage Sludge Management Plan

Spatial Development Planning Guidelines

Public and Private Open Space (POS) Management Plan

Invasive Alien Plant Species Management Plan

BCM Conservation Plan

General BCM Environmental Awareness Programme

BCM Environmental Performance Audit programme BCMM Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (2006) The BCMM Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZMP) was completed in 2006. The BCMM coastline is one of its greatest assets and extends for a distance of 72 km from Kwelera River in the east to the Keiskamma River in the west. The BCMM IDP identified the need for a coastal management plan as a high priority issue. The ICZMP followed the thematic framework of the White Paper for Sustainable Coastal Development in South Africa and the ECCMP. The process the identification and prioritisation of environmental pressures provide specific management recommendations to deal with these pressures, and establish an appropriate framework for improved management of the BCMM coastline. A baseline assessment was conducted which culminated in the preparation of a State of Coasts Report for the BCMM where the following main issues were identified:

CAP 1: Spatial Planning and Development

CAP 2: Estuarine Management

CAP 3: Recreational management



CAP 4: Protected Areas and Nature Reserve Management

CAP 5: Consumptive Resource Management The CAPs provide detailed objectives and targets and allocate responsibility for specific actions the responsible implementing authorities, timeframes and priorities for implementation of the actions arising. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Integrated Waste Management Plan The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality IWMP is currently undergoing a review process (BCMM IDP review, 2012/2013). The IDP situation assessment outlines the major waste-related challenges facing the Metro, which are anticipated to be addressed in the revised IWMP.

Key issues Response

Negative impacts

Insufficient waste transfer stations, permit issues and site management issues all lead to widespread illegal dumping

Opportunities Recycling and Waste Minimization Waste Buy-back centre at the Oriental Plaza in East London

Constraints Only two operational landfill sites

The Roundhill landfill site has reached its capacity (two sites), requiring the construction of a third cell.

BCMM Conservation plan and MOSS (2010) The BCMM State of Environment Report identified a number of issues that are directly linked to the conservation and management of open space within the municipal area where identified threats to open space (in no particular order of importance) included:

Decline in Public Open Space

Loss of thicket vegetation, loss of biodiversity and habitat change

Loss of urban green areas and sensitive environments

Loss of faunal populations and loss of faunal biodiversity

Faunal habitat change and destruction

Spatial fragmentation

Aesthetically inappropriate development.

Non-compliance with relevant environmental and planning legislation and policy

Erosion and sedimentation of commonage Pressures or causes of threats to open space (in no particular order of importance) included:

Rapid urbanisation

Urban sprawl and ribbon development

Population increase

High demand for coastal property

Lack of awareness about the need to conserve open space

Informal settlements

Poor management of communal grazing or commonage areas

Development outside the urban edge resulting in urban sprawl

Illegal dumping of refuse

Mining of stone and sand

The spread of invasive alien species and displacement of indigenous species.

Removal of indigenous vegetation

Encroachment from residential houses

Demand for developable land for housing from upper to lower income brackets



Demand for developable land for industrial and commercial development

Demand for developable land to meet housing backlogs

Lack of relevant by-laws

Lack of political commitment

Figure 2.4: BCMM Biodiversity Priority Conservation Plan BCMM initiated the Conservation Plan and MOSS project with the following main objectives:

1. Assess the current conservation status of all land in BCMM 2. Assess land-use pressures 3. Identify conservation priorities 4. Contribute to the development of an open space system/protected area design

BCMM Conservation and MOSS Management Plans The BCMM Conservation and MOSS Management Plans (CMMPs) are programmes or activities that should be undertaken by BCM to achieve the Conservation and MOSS objectives already stated and to prevent adverse impacts of land use activities on natural and cultural resources of importance to BCM. CMMPs should be developed for high priority issues and policy objectives The following CMMPs have been developed:

001 - Detailed Mdantsane MOSS

002 - Quinera Estuary Nature Reserve

003 - King William’s Town Nature Reserve

004 - Environmental off-sets and environmental servitude policy

005 - Commonage Management Plan



006 - Proclamation of nature reserves BCMM MURP MOSS (2012) An Environmental Process Layer was been completed for the Mdantsane Urban Renewal Plan (MURP) MOSS. This layer allows sensitive areas within cadastral parcels to be assessed. In developing the environmental process layer, buffer zones around the core process areas have been included. The inclusion of buffer zones is in accordance with the cautionary principle of the National Environmental Management Act (1998):

Rivers and water courses - a 50m buffer zone, which would apply where the 1:100 year floodline is not known. The 50m setback is a policy recommendation of the National Department of Water Affairs.

Thicket - a 50m Buffer Zone was included in the thicket layer.

Slopes - a buffer area of 30m around areas of 1:5 slopes was included.

Probably best for BCM officials to use – BCM IEMP – Spatial Planning – SDFs and rezoning applications

Way forward – Enforcement of MOSS – Appropriate zonings for MOSS – MOSS servitudes – MOSS land acquisition – Offsets and contributions to MOSS

Map indicating ecosystem process areas (clipped to MOSS extent) for areas within the urban edge – Central Coast of BCMM



DISTRICT AND METRO CLIMATE CHANGE REPORTS BCMM Climate Change Strategy (2014) The assessment identified the following primary manifestations of climate change that are expected to be relevant to BCMM:

Average monthly temperatures will increase by 1.5 to 2.5 OC;

There will be more extremely hot days and heat waves;

There will be fewer cold and frost days;

Annual average precipitation may increase in certain areas or decrease in others (see figures below);

The way in which precipitation occurs will change, namely: o Increased variability from year to year; o Heavier and more intense rain; o Higher likelihood of destructive storms; o Shorter return period for floods; and o Between very wet periods, longer dry spells and increased likelihood/ severity of droughts.

Atmospheric CO2 concentrations will be elevated; and

Sea level rise (see figure below) coupled with high tides, stronger storm surges and higher frequency flooding will increase the chances of extreme high-water events, local inundation and coastal erosion.

Projected change in mean maximum temperature in ADM during January - 2045 relative to present.

Projected change in mean maximum temperature in ADM during July - 2045 relative to present.

Projected change in precipitation in BCMM - 2045 relative to present. Spring Season.

Projected change in precipitation in BCMM - 2045 relative to present. Summer Season.

Impacts of climate change in BCMM



The climate change impacts within BCMM will be diverse and will have the following potential impacts on the various sectors and systems relevant to BCMM. The following climate change related risks were determined to be of extreme significance in BCMM that are relevant to the EMP, include:

Direct threat to human life associated with extreme weather events including storms and floods and storm surges;

Increased exposure of settlements located in flood and inundation-prone areas;

Loss of coastal infrastructure and coastal ecosystems from increased coastal erosion and inundation from sea level rise, storm surges and flooding events;

Threats to low lying coastal settlements from coastal inundation including direct threats to human life;

Disaster management: Increased incidence of intense storm, flooding, droughts, house and wildfires, coastal inundation, and extremely hot days.

Increased frequency and intensity of coastal storms and associated impacts.

Recent damage to coastal property from severe storms

Climate change response themes and the role of BCMM The following section deals with key themes relating to climate change adaptation and mitigation opportunities in BCMM. Climate change adaptation by BCMM Based on the outcomes of the BCMM climate change risk and vulnerability assessment, detailed responses are proposed for the following main themes:

Water scarcity risks;

Coastal erosion and inundation;

Stormwater and flooding;

Human health;

Food security and subsistence agriculture; and

Disaster management and municipal infrastructure Mainstreaming climate change in BCMM decision-making Climate change response is a highly cross-cutting and does not fit completely into any one competency or directorate. Rather, climate change needs to be dealt with at the level of the organisation as a whole in terms of response themes or programmes.



This means that relevant directorates should: Carry out their existing social and economic development mandates while keeping climate change response in mind; Systematically consider climate change adaptation requirements and mitigation opportunities when developing sector plans; and Where the opportunity exists, pro-actively source climate change adaptation and mitigation donor and grant funding in support of programmes or projects that promote climate change resilience or mitigation as one of their outcomes. BCMM Sanitation Policy and Strategy (2007) The BCMM State of Sanitation Report provided a baseline and snap-shot view of the current state of sanitation services in BCMM. Some of the main challenges described include:

The existing poor state of the bulk sanitation infrastructure

The lack of appropriate sanitation in rural, peri-urban and informal communities.

The environmental health risks associated with the poor state of sanitation services.

Lack of integrated planning

Lack of capacity and resources to provide adequate sanitation services Detailed strategies have been developed through wide consultation inn order to implement high priority policy issues and objectives. The emphasis has been on pragmatic and implementable strategies rather than vague and unrealistic strategies. Strategies have in turn resulted in the development of eight detailed Sanitation Action Plans 1. Sanitation education and awareness plan 2. Programme for the identification of acceptable sanitation options 3. Improved environmental monitoring reporting & response programme 4. Plan to achieve viable sanitation services 5. Sanitation by-product beneficiation project 6. Programme for phasing out of communal toilets 7. Programme to promote water saving and water conservation awareness 8. Programme to achieve an integrated approach to sanitation and long-term planning The significant environmental and health risks associated with inadequate and aging infrastructure and sanitation service capacity, and existing inappropriate non-waterborne sanitation technologies. There are four major problem areas that need to be tackled;

Clear the sanitation backlog by the year 2010.

Provide appropriate sanitation solutions to the clearance of the housing backlog within 10-15 years.

Eliminate of the bucket system.

Reduce the need of communal toilets in residential areas and other forms of inappropriate (outdoors) sanitation.

Upgrade existing waterborne sanitation infrastructure The challenges facing BCM are exacerbated by financial constraints and competing resources. In addition, housing backlogs, increasing population requiring housing and the need to rectify the disparity in access to sanitation services between different communities is likely to further challenge BCM on sanitation related matters.

Documents

BUFFALO RIVER ESTUARY SITUATION ASSESSMENT REPORT … River Estuary... · Draft Situation Assessment Report ... Thina holds a B.Sc. in Economics and Environmental Science as well