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FINAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT IN SUPPORT OF A BASIC ASSESSMENT APPLICATION

FOR THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A POULTRY FARM (EGG PRODUCTION) AND

ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON PORTIONS 106 AND 108 OF FARM ELANDSFONTEIN

334IQ, WALKERVILLE,MIDVAAL LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, SEDIBENG DISTRICT, GAUTENG

PROVINCE

GDARD REFERENCE NO: 002/14-15/0174

PROPONENT: THUMO ACRES

PREPARED BY: TSHIKOVHA ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNICATION CONSULTING

MARCH 2015

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Compiled By Reviewed By Approved By

Name Slindile Buthelezi Mpho Ramalivhana Gift Mutonhere

Designation Environmental Assessment Practitioner

Environmental Units Manager Operations Manager

Signature

Date March 2015 March 2015 March 2015

COPYRIGHT RESERVED

This technical report has been produced for Thumo Acres. The intellectual property contained in this

report remains vested in Tshikovha Environmental and Communication Consulting. No part of the report

may be produced in any manner without written permission from Tshikovha Environmental and

Communication Consulting or Thumo Acres.

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Details of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner

The Environmental Impact Regulations GNR.543 Chapter 3 section 16 requires the proponent to

appoint an Environmental Assessment Practitioner to manage the application. Thumo Acres

(proponent) has met the requirement by appointing TECC as the Environmental Assessment

Practitioner. The table below details the expertise of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner who

will be handling the application.

EAP Experience

Moudy Mudzielwana

Moudy Mudzielwana has Bachelor of Environmental

Science Degree obtained from the University of Venda. He

is the Director of Tshikovha Environmental and

Communication Consulting. He is a fully member of IAIASA

and IWMSA. He was involved in the following projects:

Development of General Waste Facilities Standards,

Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture , Conservation and

Environment, Capacity building on waste management for

91 local municipalities, Development of an integrated Waste

Management Plan for Amajuba District Municipality, Basic

Assessment for 46 sites in Motheo District Municipality,

Environmental Basic Assessment for Transnet Yard

Lighting, Environmental Scoping Impact Assessment for

Tokologo Bulk Water Supply, Environmental Scoping

Impact Assessment for Construction of a Gas pipeline for

Sasol. He has worked for EnviroServ Waste Management

as Site supervisor where he was responsible with the

following projects: Margolis closed landfill site, Midrand

closed landfill site, Nuttfield Closed site, Rosslyn H: h landfill

site, Chloorkop general landfill site. He has worked for BKS

as an Environmental Scientist where he was involved in the

following projects: Social audits to identify possible impacts

as a result of relocation during construction of dams in KZN,

EIA for the proposed construction of a Sulphonation Plant in

Wadeville, Facilitation of Public meetings for the Cemetery

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development projects in Greater Tubatse and Develop

Integrated Waste Management Plan. He also worked for

Synergistic Environmental Services as an Environmental

Scientist where he was responsible with the following

projects: Public Participation coordination and logistic

preparation for public meetings, Sishen South Mine and

Public Participation coordination and logistic preparation for

public meetings, Leeuwpan Coal Mine. He also works for

Zitholele Consulting as an Environmental Consultant where

he was responsible for the following projects: EIA

Exemptions for Rufus Seakamela Molalakgori,

Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Menties, Segakgapeng

roads upgrading in Mogalakwena Local Municipality, EIA

Exemption Rooibok/ Rietfontein and Mushi water supply,

Magalakwena Local Municipality, EIA Scoping for Mabula/

Irmansdale Water Supply, Mogalakwena Local Municipality,

Audit Thulamela Landfill site, Thulamela Municipality, EIA

Scoping for the relocation of Babsfontein Substation by

Eskom, EIA for the proposed toll roads in N17 by SANRAL.

He also works for Environ-fill Waste Management as

Trainee Supervisor where he was responsible for the

following project sites: Simmer and Jack, Weltevreden

General Landfill Sites, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan, Lilbron

Parys, Deelkraal, NgwatI Local Municipality, Luipardsvle,

Mogale City, Ngodwana (hazardous landfill site) SAPPI,

Pappas Quarry (hazardous landfill site), MMC. He also

worked for EMS Group of Company as an Environmental

Associate where he was responsible with the following

projects: EIA Scoping, Public Participation, EMP for

Tsosoloso, Vlakfontein, Mololeki, Duduza, Putfontein

Township developments, EIA Scoping, public participation

for the Upgrading of Kraaipan Road , BVI Consulting

Engineers, EIA Scoping and Exemption, Public

Participation, EMP for Klipgat and Winterveldt water

pipelines, Madisha and Associates, Remediation of polluted

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sites in Hluhluwe, Polokwane, Aquatic Club (Vaal River

Vereeniging) Total.

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List of all organs of state and State Departments where the draft report has been submitted, their full contact details and contact person

Kindly note that: 1. This Basic Assessment Report is the standard report required by GDARD in terms of the EIA Regulations,

2010. 2. This application form is current as of 2 August 2010. It is the responsibility of the EAP to ascertain whether

subsequent versions of the form have been published or produced by the competent authority.

3. A draft Basic Assessment Report must be submitted to all State Departments administering a law relating to a matter likely to be affected by the activity to be undertaken. The draft reports must be submitted to the relevant State Departments and on the same day, two CD’s of draft reports must also be submitted to the Competent Authority (GDARD) with a signed proof of such submission of draft report to the relevant State Departments.

4. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not

necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with typing.

5. Selected boxes must be indicated by a cross and, when the form is completed electronically, must also be

highlighted. 6. An incomplete report shall be rejected. 7. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of

material information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it may result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations.

8. Five (5) copies (3 hard copies and 2 CDs-PDF) of the final report and attachments must be handed in at offices

of the relevant competent authority, as detailed below. 9. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted. Only hand delivered or posted applications will be accepted. 10. Unless protected by law, and clearly indicated as such, all information filled in on this application will become

public information on receipt by the competent authority. The applicant/EAP must provide any interested and affected party with the information contained in this application on request, during any stage of the application process.

DEPARTMENTAL DETAILS Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Attention: Administrative Unit of the Sustainable Utilisation of the Environment (SUE) Branch P.O. Box 8769 Johannesburg 2000 Administrative Unit of the Sustainable Utilisation of the Environment (SUE) Branch 18

th floor Glen Cairn Building

73 Market Street, Johannesburg Admin Unit telephone number: (011) 355 1345 Department central telephone number: (011) 355 1900

(For official use only)

Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) Development

Basic Assessment Report in terms of the National

Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of

1998), as amended, and the Environmental Impact

Assessment Regulations, 2010 (Version 1)

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Submission to State Departments (Number 3 above)

Has a draft report for this application been submitted to all State Departments administering a law relating to a matter likely to be affected as a result of this activity?

Is a list of State Departments referred to above been attached to this report?

if no, state reasons for not attaching the list.

N/A

SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION 1. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

Project title (must be the same name as per application form):

File Reference Number:

Application Number:

Date Received:

Yes

Yes

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PROJECT TITLE

The proposed establishment of poultry farm (egg production) and associated infrastructure on Portions 106 and 108 of Farm

Elandsfontein 334IQ, Walkerville, Midvaal Local Municipality, Sedibeng District, Gauteng Province REF: 002/14-15/0174.

SITE LOCATION

The properties on which the activity is proposed are described as Portions 106 and 108 of Farm Elandsfontein 334IQ, Walkerville,

Midvaal Local Municipality (Figure 1 &3). These properties are owned by the project applicant, Thumo Acres. The total size of the

site is 17 hectares; the footprint of the proposed project will be 17 hectares, which will consist of two coops to be positioned on the

eastern side of the farm house. The geographical coordinates of the site are: S 26º 23’50.9’’ and E 27º 54’ 57.00’’.The site can be

accessed using the R550 which is a provincial road on the north western side of portion 106 of the farm Elandsfontein. through a

gravel road on the western side of the site as depicted on Figure 2 below. The town of Westonaria lies 28km from the proposed

site.

Figure 1:Locality of the site

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Figure 2:Photograph showing the access route

Figure 3: Google Earth image showing the proposed site and access route

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PROPOSED ACTIVITY

Tshikovha Environmental and Communication Consulting (TECC) was appointed by Thumo Acres (Project Proponent) to act as

an independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner in the undertaking of the Basic Assessment process as required by

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

The project entails the construction of two coops. Each coop will have the capacity to house 40 000 chickens, when combined the

quantity of chickens to be housed will be 80 000. However there is potential to increase the number of chickens to 1 000 000.

Should the quantity of chickens increase, the size of infrastructure will increase, such as the size of the trucks transporting the

eggs will also increase to ensure that there is no increased impact on the traffic through increased vehicular movement, thus

minimizing significant impacts on the environment. The study area is currently zoned agricultural and covers an area of 17ha in

extent.

The proposed coop system is to be fully automated where temperature, humidity and lighting will be electronically controlled. The

type of system also records the chicken’s water and feed intake and the rate of mortality. The chickens will be placed in cages. A

packing and sorting area which will be consisting of the offices inside will be constructed for the sorting and packaging of eggs.

The coops will be designed in such a way as to prevent the spread of diseases, protect the chickens from birds and ensure

optimum ventilation to keep poops dry reducing odour and sicknesses.

For this reason the preferred design of the coops will be the mechanically ventilated coop.

The following activities will be triggered by the proposed activity:

The proposed project triggers the following listed activities as per GNR 983 which is guided by the National Environmental

Management Act, 1998 ( Act No. 107 of 1998). The Basic Assessment process will be undertaken.

Activity 5

The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the concentration of:

(ii) more than 5 000 poultry per facility situated outside an urban area, excluding chicks younger than 20 days,

Activity 8

The construction of a hatchery or agri-industrial infrastructure outside industrial complexes where the development footprint covers

an area of 2 000 square metres or more

Activity 23

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The transformation of undeveloped, vacant or derelict land to –

(ii) residential, retail, commercial, recreational, industrial or institutional use, outside an urban area and where the total area to be

transformed is bigger than 1 hectare but less than 20 hectares;

DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

Climate

The proposed study site is located in an area that experiences climate typical of the Highveld geographical region and falls within

the summer rainfall region. The region is characterised by hot summers and mild to cold, dry winters, with the average maximum

daytime temperature in January around 26˚C, dropping to an average maximum of around 16˚C in June. The average rainfall for

this area is usually between 600 and 800 millimetres annually with the maximum precipitation occurring between October and

April (summer months). Precipitation is usually in the form of thunderstorms and the area is prone to frost occurring during the

winter (from mid-April to September).

Sensitive Areas

A critical biodiversity area is found 65m south of the site. An ecological support area can be found 440m away from the site. The

study area is zoned agricultural and the land is currently lying vacant.

Geology of Walkerville

According to the 1:250 000 scale Geological Series Map, sheet number 2628 East Rand, the site is underlain by andesitic lavas of

the Hekpoort Formation, Pretoria Group, Transvaal Sequence. The Hekpoort volcanism marks a major volcanic event within the

Transvaal Supergroup. Although limited regional data (Button, 1973; Sharpe et al., 1983; Engelbrecht, 1986) indicate that

volcaniclastic rocks within the Hekpoort Formation are subordinate to basaltic-andesitic lava flows, in the preserved Transvaal

Basin.

Soil

The area is humid to sub humid and is in the region of the Weinerts value of less than 5 where chemical weathering is a dominant

type of weathering hence sandy clay soil is encountered on site due to weathering of basaltic andesite of the Hekpoort

Formation.The soil map (Figure 5) indicates that the soil potential of the site for the proposed project is low; therefore the area is

not a prime agricultural area.

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Figure 4: Soil map of the site

Hydrogeology

The groundwater level on the borehole located on site was at 19 mbgl during the site visit; given the lithology and the depth of

water table in the area; the proposed project will not impact on groundwater resources. A non-perennial river- Rietspruit is located

60m south of the site. A water body is also found 90m south of the site.

Fauna

No fauna was found on the site and the surrounding areas, the only animals found on site are domesticated animals.

Conservation Areas

No conservation areas were found on the site or in the proximity of the site however critical biodiversity areas are located 65m

away from the site.

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Natural Features

No natural areas or areas of cultural or heritage importance can be found on the site. The site is already developed with

infrastructure such as dwellings and boreholes existing on site.

Flora

The study area has largely been developed and very little natural vegetation occurs (Figure 6. The main vegetation on site is

grass with a few scattered shrubs. A small portion of the study area i.e. Portion 106 falls within the Soweto Highveld Grassland.

Figure 5: Photograph showing the existing vegetation on site

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN ESTABLISHING A POULTRY FARM FOR THE PRODUCTION OF EGGS

Layers are chickens which produce eggs for commercial purposes. These eggs provide humans with protein. There are different

breeds one can use in the poultry industry, and the chicken breed to be used for the proposed development is the Hy-Line Silver

Brown which has a mortality rate of 0. 1%. An egg producer buys point of lay pullets (young females which are about to start

laying eggs) at about eighteen weeks, which are ready to lay eggs. A typical chicken will lay eggs for about eighty weeks after

which the chickens significantly decline in productivity. There is a large market for cull hens in South Africa and unproductive

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chickens will be sold to end users such as abattoirs and markets in the nearby townships who sell chickens. The following

activities shall occur during the construction and operational phases of the project:

INSTALLATION OF SECURITY MEASURES

Security is of importance in any development and will be necessary during each phase of the proposed development. There will

be establishment of a guard room whereby security personnel will be available on a 24hour basis.

Methods to ensure adequate security on the site are as follows:

The facility will have to be fenced and gated;

Installation of electrical fencing;

Signage in order to alert people of the electricity fences;

Establishment of a guard room; and

There will 24 hour security on the farm.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES:

The key activities that will take place during the construction phase of the proposed activity are as follows;

The area will be completely fenced off prior to construction;

The construction of a concrete slab where coops are to be assembled;

The construction of two coops for the concentration of 80 000 chickens; the coops will consist of battery cages where 6-8

chickens will be placed in each cage;

The construction of a small generator house next to the coops;

The construction of two rooms just before you enter the coops, the first room is for the storage of water to spray in the coops

during high temperatures weather conditions and the second room is the control area;

The construction of a packing and sorting area which will consist of offices;

The establishment of two automated silos for the storage of chicken feed;

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One borehole will be constructed in addition to the two existing boreholes which currently have the capacity of 5000L;

The establishment of biosecurity infrastructure;

Establishment of storm water management measures;

Establishment and installation of all associated services (e.g. Ablution services, septic tank, security/guard area,); and

Disposal of construction and general waste.

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Bio-Security Infrastructure

Micro-organisms (Pathogens) that cause disease are bought to a poultry farm through many ways. Pathogens can be carried in

the air by people, vehicles, wild birds, flies and rats. The poultry feed and drinking water can also be contaminated. All staff will

undergo training before the farm starts operating.

Strict biosecurity measures are important in a poultry farm as diseases are easily transmitted. In order to ensure that no diseases

are brought to the site and that people who exit the site do not contract any disease, there will be strict access control:

Casual visitors will be kept out;

The gates will be kept locked and the property will be fenced off;

The buildings will be completely closed in a light tight environment;

Managers/visitors/service personnel should preferably restrict themselves to only one farm per day;

People will be inducted prior to entry i.e. disinfection of people (i.e. footbath at every coop) and also undergo disinfection

when exiting the farm;

Clean overalls and gumboots will be provided after disinfection; and

Vehicles will be sprayed with disinfectants when entering and exiting the farm.

The waste water from disinfection processes will be channelled to a septic tank which will have a French drain and will be pumped

out by a private contractor and removed from the farm as and when necessary. Staff will shower on site and wear clean protective

clothing (Personal Protective Clothing); the staff packaging the eggs must have clean hands. One of the main problems with

layers is a bacterium called Salmonella which causes food poisoning in humans, so sanitizers will be kept around the facility.

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Chicken poops will be dried by ventilation to reduce odour and sickness and then removed from the coops every three days.

There are no poultry houses near the site therefore the risk of infection of airborne diseases is lowered. After every annual cycle

there will be a rest period where coops will be kept empty for approximately 3 weeks for disinfection and cleaning. The farm will be

electrically fenced, gated and bunded, creating a bio-secure area. The following ablution facilities will be needed:

2 Showers (1 male and 1 female);

2 toilets and urinals for male workers;

2 toilets for female workers; and

2 wash hand basins.

Ventilation

Heat stress in poultry is a serious problem for the industry. Mortality during extremely hot weather can be significant, especially

when combined with high humidity. Under normal conditions, chickens do a good job of cooling themselves with physiological and

behavioural mechanisms but these mechanisms fail at high temperatures. The normal body temperature of poultry is 420 C, so if

chickens are not able to cool themselves and their body temperature increases to 450 C then chickens begin to die. One of the

keys to minimizing mortalities and production losses during hot weather is proper ventilation system design. There must be

enough air movement in the coops to take out the dust, hot air and the smell of ammonia. The chickens need fresh, cool air in

order to stay healthy. The system will be fully automated where the temperature, humidity and lighting will be electronically

controlled (Figure 6). As mentioned above chickens do not function well in high temperatures which is why there will be a room

just before entry to the coops where water will be kept and when the temperature is too high this water will be sprayed as very

small water droplets that float inside the coops, these droplets remove heat as they evaporate this is known as fogging and will

take place automatically in response to the rise in temperature. The optimum environmental temperature for layers is 180 C-240C.

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Figure 6: Preferred alternative; mechanically ventilated housing system

Figure 7: Alternative 1 Naturally ventilated housing system

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Figure 8: Alternative 3 Deep litter

Figure 9: An example of battery cages

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Odour Management

Mechanical ventilation plays an integral role in poultry farming as it reduces the ammonia level in the coops. The reduction of

ammonia in the coops results in significant reduction of odour problems and is essential for environmentally acceptable

agricultural systems. The ventilated manure belt battery solves environmental problems. Rapid drying of manure virtually

eliminates organic changes in the manure. This reduces ammonia emission. Manure will be dried by ventilation to reduce odour

and will then be removed from the coops every three days after which manure will be packaged and then transported or collected

to/by farmers and nurseries. The manure will leave the farm within three days. Ventilation is important as it has the following

benefits:

Reduces ammonia and odour emissions;

Chickens benefit from an optimum house environment;

Ideal conditions for high laying performance for each season of the year;

No flies problem; and

Dry manure is easier to dispose of.

Air is channelled, via air ducts, into the individual cages, to chickens and manure. Fresh air can be warmed up with an air mixer

(mixing fresh air with house air) or heat exchanger. Both systems are controlled automatically. This additional ventilation aids in

chickens comfort and more uniform temperature throughout the coops.

Common Diseases In Chickens

New castle diseases;

Avian Influenza;

Infectious Bronchitis; and

Mycoplasma (MG and MS).

Vaccinations

Vermin is one of the factors that can lead to a decrease in productivity in a poultry farm. Vermin is described as parasites,

infestations and undesirables (insects, rats) which lead to mortalities and need to be managed. Vaccination is an important way of

preventing diseases. Different regional epidemic situations require suitably adapted vaccination programmes. Vaccination will be

guided by the advice of a qualified veterinarian and poultry health service. Only healthy chickens should be vaccinated. There are

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various methods of vaccination:

Drinking water vaccinations;

Spray vaccinations;

Aerosol spray; and

Eye drop.

Rodent Control

Rodent control is pertinent in poultry production as rats are harmful to chickens, eat food and spread diseases. The following

measures should be considered in the management of rodents.

Habitat Reduction

The Vegetation around the coops should be kept short, any spilled feed cleaned up and all hideouts should be dismantled.

Rodents should be exposed as they are vulnerable to predation.

Traps

Traps are another way to control rodents. Traps include snap traps, sticky traps and mechanical “tin cat” traps.

Predators

Cats and dogs can assist in the control rodents. Cats and dogs can be kept in the facility for this purpose.

Decontamination and Cleaning of the Facility

Cleaning and decontamination are key components of routine biosecurity in a poultry farm. Decontamination against disease

organisms such as: viruses, bacteria, parasites and moulds that may be present at a poultry farm or at the end of a disease

outbreak. The usual methods for decontamination include the use of disinfectants, detergents/soap, sunlight and heat (direct flame

or steam).Cleaning is referred to as the removal of foreign materials like dust, soil and organic material such as: droppings, blood

and secretions. There are two methods of cleaning in a poultry farm namely;

Dry Cleaning

Using a broom, brush, shovel, rag or compressed air to remove dust, soil and dry organic material. Avian Influenza or Newcastle

as it may cause aerosolization of the virus, which is the process or act of converting some physical substance into particles small

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and light enough to be carried on the air i.e. into an aerosol, which can increase of spreading the virus.

Wet Cleaning

Using detergent/soap and water -soak the area and scrub to remove remaining organic material one should soak the area and

scrub to remove remaining organic material as well as dirt and grease;

For washing the floor in the coops you can use common detergent powder; and

Wet cleaning reduces the risk of aerosolization of virus.

Disinfection should take place after cleaning as disinfectants lose effectiveness when in contact with disease agents. Organic

material such as: manure, blood, dust, or dirt absorb disinfectants and makes them less effective. Therefore disinfectants are less

reliable. Disinfectants are those chemicals that slow disease agents’ activity, multiplication and their growth or kill disease agents.

There are different types of disinfectants on the market i.e. Halogens, Alcohols Oxidizing agents etc. However disinfectants are

dangerous and should be used with caution.

Lighting

Egg production is stimulated by daylight. The facility will be in a light tight environment as layers need approximately 16 hours of

light per day to ensure productivity. A generator house will be constructed close to the coops to provide for the energy needs of

the facility in periods of power shortages. Energy efficient, fluorescent lights will be utilized.

Feed Management

Two automated Silos will be constructed to store chicken feed. The feed will leave the silos via a conveyor belt to the cages. The

chickens can easily reach the feed in the trough positioned outside of the cage. The most important advantage of this is that the

chickens can reach the feed without standing in it. This system prevents any contamination of the feed which could impact

negatively on bio-security. Figure 10 shows the automated feeding system.

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Figure 10: The automated feeding system

Provision of Water

Cool, clean and fresh water must be available in the entire facility at all times. The nipple system will be used to supply chickens

with water The chickens will poke at the material to collect water ensuring that no water is wasted and the area is kept clean and

hygienic. The nipple drinker line in the start tier can be adjusted in height centrally according to the size of the birds, there will be

two nipples per cage therefore, an adequate water supply is provided. This system reduces the probability of leaks, keeps dirt out

thus, water is kept clean.

Water from rivers, dams and boreholes is not hygienic; it can be polluted with pathogens such as E.coli especially if this water is

contaminated with manure. Water that will be used at the farm will be disinfected by the use of chlorine to kill any pathogens.

Water will be tested twice, before and after the rain season.

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Figure 11: Water supply

Litter

Litter management is very important in poultry production systems as poops should not fall directly on the floor. Floors in coops

are usually concrete, wood, or earthen and litter is used to cover the floor. Litter dilutes manure and absorbs moisture, and

captures nutrients for spreading where desired outside. Common litter materials are Wood shavings, Straw and Hay, Chopped

Cardboard, Shredded Paper, and Sawdust. The material to be used for the proposed project is wood shavings, they are relatively

cheap, very absorbent and easy to use. Shavings keep smells down and reduce ammonia in the air from droppings that can cause

respiratory and eye problems.

Egg Collection

Eggs are perishable foodstuffs and it is important to handle them carefully. Frequent collection is essential each day in order to

limit the number of dirty eggs. The eggs will be collected by an automated system. An egg tray (Figure 12) cradles eggs and

assists with entering eggs on the belt. From there a finger belt collector (a series of rubber ‘fingers’) gently holds eggs to ensure a

safe ride down to the cross-conveyor. The ‘fingers’ can safely accept two eggs at a time, transporting eggs more quickly. Eggs will

be collected using an automated egg counter (Figure 12), this system makes egg collection simpler, reduces the number of

cracked eggs and prevents theft. The eggs will then go to the packing and sorting area where they will be packaged and then

stored in a cool room at temperatures ranging from 150 C to 180 C. The eggs will then be taken to dispatch where they will be sold.

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require

Figure 12: Eggs on conveyor belts

Figure 13: Egg collection

Rest Period

Each poultry house will move through an approximately eighty week cycle. The cycle starts when the new chickens arrive at the

farm at eighteen weeks old.

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Chickens will be kept in the coops for approximately eighty weeks during which they produce eggs. After the period has passed

the chickens are sold live as culls.

The coops will then be dry cleaned and disinfected before new chickens are brought in. Before the new chickens are brought to

the farm there has to be a rest period. This a period during which the entire facility is cleaned and left empty for two to three

weeks. During this period any viruses that have not been killed during disinfection will die as they cannot survive very long without

a host.

WASTE AND EFFLUENT MANAGEMENT

In poultry production, waste management is perhaps the most challenging factor to consider. The correct management of waste

on the farm is obviously crucial. All waste is to be disposed of at Walkerville landfill site. No burning or burying will be done on

site

Waste Water

There will be waste water emanating from ablution facilities (toilets and disinfection area).Grey and sewerage waste water will be

channeled to a septic tank system with a french drain and sewerage will be removed as and when necessary by a private

contractor.

Manure Removal

Manure is a byproduct of egg production and needs to be disposed of in the correct manner. The dried manure is transported from

all tiers to a cross conveyor which runs from the belt into the manure store or container and packaged, the manure will only be

stored in the facility for a maximum period of 3 days after which it will be loaded onto a truck and transported from the farm.

Manure will be removed from the coops every three days as the manure will be dried and will not pose a significant hazard. The

recommended practice for the proposed project is to make the waste (faeces) and litter available to entities in the fertilizing or

composting business. After the manure is dried it will be sold to end users such as farmers and nurseries.

Domestic Waste

General waste will be collected and disposed of (e.g. paper, plastic, glass bottles, etc.) by the Midvaal Local Municipality.

Egg Shells

Any shells with odd shapes, wrinkles, abnormal pigmentation, fly spots and blood or faecal stains will be removed from the farm.

Egg shells can be used to improve compost and as fertilizer in the garden which can be sold to farmers and nurseries.

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Cracked Eggs

Cracked eggs and dirty eggs will be collected and separated, all cracked eggs will be collected before they enter the conveyor belt

and then removed. Leakers (cracks with torn membranes) and eggs with very dirty shells should not be sold for human

consumption. Cracked eggs with intact membranes may be sold to bakeries.

Disposal of Mortalities

As the chicken breed for the proposed poultry farm is Hy- line Silver and has a significantly low mortality rate of 0, 1% therefore it

is not anticipated that there will be a high number of mortalities. However, all mortalities that may occur will be disposed of in the

hazardous waste landfill site as recommended by the Sedibeng District Environmental Health Department.

Mass mortalities

Mass mortalities due to disease outbreaks are usually state controlled operations. Mass mortalities will be investigated promptly,

and the following should be done:

Notify the state veterinarian.

The state vet must visit the site.

The state vet will place the property, or the specific chicken site or house that is infected, under quarantine.

Depending on the disease and severity, the chickens can be slaughtered on site or transported to a abattoir with a red cross

permit.

All Mortalities will be disposed-off on a hazardous waste landfill site.

Litter

Litter will be removed from the floor every three days and arrangements will be made to sell the litter to entities in the fertilizing or

composting business.

The following will also need to be considered during the operational phase of the proposed development;

Storm water management such as diversion of clean storm water around the site to enter the natural drainage patterns;

Upgrading and maintenance of the existing access roads if and when necessary; and

Eskom electricity is the main power supplier however; a generator house will be constructed to provide energy in the event of

27

a power failure.

.DECOMMISSIONING PHASE:

No decommissioning is foreseen in the near future for the proposed project. However, should the coops be decommissioned in

future and depending on the end land use at the time, this phase will entail the demolishing of infrastructure and rehabilitation of

the site.

Rehabilitation:

A rehabilitation plan will be developed should the coops be decommissioned and rehabilitation be implemented.

NEED AND DESIRABILITY

Agriculture in South Africa

During the 2014 budget speech by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Gauteng (GDARD) it was

highlighted that Gauteng Province falls within the highly intensive, diversified commercial and subsistence agricultural zones of

South Africa therefore, the department will focus on the Maize Triangle Project known for its grain cropping, ranching and dairy,

poultry and piggery farms. According to the Walkerville Town Planning Scheme 1994 and Midvaal Spatial Development

Framework proposed project area is marked for agricultural purposes only.

Despite its relatively small share of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), primary agriculture is an important sector in the

South African economy. Agriculture remains a significant provider of employment, especially in the rural areas, and a major earner

of foreign exchange. The primary agricultural sector has grown by an average of approximately 9,9% per annum since 1970, while

the total economy has grown by 12,9% per annum over the same period, resulting in a drop in agriculture’s share of the GDP from

7,1% in 1970 to 2,6% in 2013.

Due to the inequalities of the past, black farmers have not had much success in the farming industry.. However in recent years

more and more black farmers are emerging as they are striving to improve their standards of living and contribute to the economy

of the country. The poultry industry is increasingly relevant in terms of socio-economic development, especially among previously

disadvantaged South Africans. The relative affordability of poultry makes it an important source of protein for millions of low-

income South Africans, thus contributing to the zero hunger ambition of the government.

According to the 2013 Final Report “Assessment of Cooperatives in the poultry industry”, small-scale farmers are common in the

industry; 49% of egg production is accounted for by Small Medium and Micro enterprises (SMME’s). However, ownership is not

the only factor to consider. A large number of small-scale poultry producers conduct business informally. This contributes to

employment and productivity of the sector but is largely unaccounted for. SAPA (South African Poultry Association) reports that an

estimated 1554 small- scale farmers from previously disadvantaged communities have been established by government.

28

According to the Midvaal Integrated Development Plan 2013-2018 some of the Gauteng’s provincial government strategies are:

Creating decent work and building a growing, inclusive economy;

Stimulating rural development and food security; and

Building cohesive and sustainable communities.

Farmers are crucial in driving the promotion of economic growth, by creating jobs and increasing the local GDP. Farmer’s also

support the government’s efforts to secure the country’s food security needs.

Considering the above challenges and governmental vision, Thumo Acres has proposed to establish a poultry farm on Portions

106 and 108 of Farm Elandsfontein 334IQ, Walkerville. The proposed poultry farm objectives are to egg production. Thumo Acres

has considered that eggs are important for the for various reasons such as follows:

Conversion of food to feed

Maize, soybeans, offal from animal industries, minerals, vitamins and many other products not readily acceptable by humans, are

mixed and fed as balanced diets for broilers and layers to produce meat and eggs. Thus converting low quality products into highly

nutritious food for mankind. Eggs are the most balanced source of nutrients for humans. The proteins in eggs are used as

standard against which all other proteins are evaluated in their ability to support growth in young animals and humans.

Efficient converters of feed to food

Poultry, compared to cattle, has low energy requirements to maintain their own bodies and are therefore very efficient converters

of feed to meat and eggs.

Nutritional value

o Eggs contain the highest quality food protein known – it is often the standard by which all other proteins are judged;

o Eggs are second only to mother's milk for human nutrition;

o In addition to the 9 essential amino acids (essential proteins that the body cannot create itself), there are 9 another amino

acids in an egg;

o A moderate amount of fat (± 5 grams) is found in a large egg yolk;

o An egg yolk is one of the few foods that contain Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, which is good for the immune system;

29

o One large egg contains 213 mg cholesterol, which needs to be present in the body to produce vitamin D; and

o One large egg provides 3% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for calcium-essential for building and

maintaining bones and teeth and other functions associated with the blood and muscles. Calcium is mostly found in the

yolk.

Socio-economic benefits of the Poultry industry

The poultry industry has the following benefits:

The proposed project will increase the local GDP through the provision of employment and support to other businesses in the

area in the following sectors and stages of the project .i.e.

Construction Phase

o During the construction phase there will be socio-economic benefits to the company that supplies the infrastructure

for the design of the coops as well as the provision of jobs for the construction personnel. Most of this material where

possible, shall be sourced from local hardware stores and suppliers.

Operational Phase

o The creation of approximately 20 employment opportunities during the operational phase;

o Transport company delivering chickens to the farm;

o The companies delivering the feed to the farm; and

o The transporting company as well as the companies buying the eggs.

Provision of a cheap form of protein to society in the form of eggs;

The production of eggs will diversify the agricultural product of the area;

Supply of eggs into the market resulting in increased food security; and

An increase in the amount of locally produced eggs would lessen the need for importation of eggs and therefore help to keep

egg prices low.

Select the appropriate box

The application is for an upgrade of an existing development

The application is for a new development

X Other, specify

30

Does the activity also require any authorisation other than NEMA EIA authorisation If yes, describe the legislation and the Competent Authority administering such legislation

N/A

If yes, have you applied for the authorisation(s)? YES NO If yes, have you received approval(s)? (attach in appropriate appendix) YES NO

2. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES

List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are applicable to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations: Title of legislation, policy or guideline: Administering authority: Promulgation

Date:

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act,1996

(Act No. 108 of 1996)

National 18 December

1996

National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No.

No. 107 of 1998)

National & Provincial 27 November

1998

National Environmental Management Act EIA

Regulations GN R544, 18 June 2010, Activity 5 , 8 and

23 of Listing Notice 1 of 2010

Gauteng Department of

Agriculture and Rural

Development.

18 June 2010

National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) National and Provincial 20 August 1998

National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act National and Provincial 7 June 2004

Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of

1993)

National & Provincial 23 June 1993

National Environmental Management Air Quality Act,

2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004)

National &Provincial 11 September

2004

National Health Act, 2003 (Act No.61 of 2003) National &Provincial 2003

National Environmental Management Waste Act, 2008( National & Provincial 1 July 2009

YES NO

31

Act No. 59 of 2008)

Animal Disease Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984) National & Provincial 1 October 1996

Animal Health Act, 2002 (Act No. 7 of 2002) National & Provincial 24 July 2002

Animal Protection Act,1962 (Act No. 71 of 1962) National 1 December

1962

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act,1983 (Act

No. 43 of 1983)

Department of

Agriculture Forestry and

Fisheries

1 June 1984

Policies and guidelines

DEAT General Guideline to Environmental Impact

Assessment Regulations

Department of

Environmental Affairs

and Tourism

DEAT Guide to Public Participation Department of

Environmental Affairs

DEAT Guide to Assessment of Alternatives and Impact Department of

Environmental Affairs

Midvaal Local Municipality bylaws Midvaal Local

Municipality

3. ALTERNATIVES

Describe the proposal and alternatives that are considered in this application. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity could be accomplished. The determination of whether the site or activity (including different processes etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment.

32

The no-go option must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. Do not include the no go option into the alternative table below. Note: After receipt of this report the competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent. Provide a description of the alternatives considered

No. Alternative type, either alternative: site on property, properties, activity, design, technology, operational or other(provide details of “other”)

Description

The proposed project entails the construction of a poultry farm for egg production on 17 hectares of

land. Initially two coops will be constructed on the eastern side of the farm house. The coops will have

a collective footprint of 17 hectares and each coop will house 40 000 chickens.

The proposed activity will comprise of the following:

Two coops;

Packing and sorting area;

Ablution facilities;

Transportation of the Eggs;

Security, Guard Room; and

Electrical Fencing.

Note: No site alternative has been considered as the site is considered suitable to the proposed

activity. Furthermore the site is owned by the proponent. The area is zoned as agricultural and the

surrounding land uses are agricultural i.e. pig farming and cattle farming. The proposed activity will not

result in major disturbances or changes to the receiving environment as the study area is already

largely disturbed and developed.

1 Proposal- Design alternative (Preferred alternative)

In commercial poultry two main types of coops are used namely:

1. Mechanically ventilated coops (Battery cages) in which climate

control is possible by means of extraction fans and cooling pads.

2. Naturally ventilated coops which depend on air displacement by

33

current winds ( on the floor).

3. Deep Litter/free range (outside).

The section below discusses the three types of housing alternatives

as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives.

1. Preferred alternative-mechanically ventilated (Battery Cages)

This alternative is the most efficient and economical way to keep

layers. Mechanical ventilation systems use fans to bring air into a

building and are appropriate in light-controlled pullet and layers

coops. This structure consists of a shed with insulated panels

forming the inside, the side and roofs. This system cools buildings

during the hot summer conditions by means of extraction fans.

Providing optimum environmental conditions to enable chickens to

put on weight, which plays a role in the production of eggs. Well-

designed systems provide for adequate air exchange capacity and

uniform air distribution.

Fans

The primary purpose of circulation fans is to provide air movement

over the chickens in order to remove body heat. The faster the air

moves, the more heat is removed from the layers. It is essential that

every chicken be exposed to adequate air movement. Layers in

dead-air spots, such as the corners of the building, are often the first

to die during extreme hot conditions. The air exchange capacity of a

mechanical ventilation system is provided by fans. Fans discharge a

volume of air per minute from the building and in concert with inlets

and a static pressure difference, cause fresh air to enter the building

to replace the exhausted air.

Advantages

Because their energy goes into producing eggs and not

exercising; the chickens consume less feed and lay more eggs;

34

The chickens are safe from predators and unfavourable weather;

The feed intake in winter is lower than with free range chickens

because the chickens are kept reasonably warm inside the

coops;

Egg collection and vaccination procedures are easier;

The eggs are generally cleaner, being laid on wire egg floors and

not in nesting material which may be contaminated with faeces.

- Better Indoor Air Quality

Ventilation systems can significantly maintain internal air quality by

removing allergens, pollutants, and moisture that can also cause

mould problems.

- More Control

When buildings rely on air flow through walls, roofs, and windows for

ventilation, there is no control over the source or amount of air that

comes into the coops. Mechanical ventilation systems, however,

provide proper fresh air- flow along with appropriate locations for

intake and exhaust.

- Improved Comfort

Mechanical ventilation systems allow a constant flow of outside air

into the coops and can also provide filtration, dehumidification, and

conditioning of the incoming outside air.

No transmission of air borne diseases.

Protection from other birds that could harm the chickens.

Disadvantages

High construction and maintenance costs

For a project of this magnitude it is feasible to construct the coops

35

using the mechanically ventilated system which does not depend on

weather conditions, therefore there will be less mortality as a result

of heat.

2 Alternative 1

2. Alternative 1-Naturally ventilated coops (on the floor)

Open houses use natural ventilation, which relies mainly on wind

and differences in temperature. If there is a strong wind blowing and

the temperature inside the house is much higher than outside,

natural ventilation works well. The hot air will rise out of the roof

openings and be replaced by cool air, which sinks to the level of the

birds. If there is no wind and the temperature inside and outside the

house is the same, natural ventilation is not efficient. During calm,

hot weather circulation fans may be needed to provide air flow (wind

chill) over the chickens.

Advantages

Lower cost.

Lower maintenance.

Disadvantages

Takes up a large amount of space;

More challenging to control periodic replacement of opening

coverings;

Rain/snow/sun entrance to building;

Open sided buildings are dependent on air movement by the

wind therefore in summer mortalities may be high if no wind is

blowing; and

Open sided buildings can result in the transmission of air borne

diseases such as Avian Influenza as buildings are not

36

completely sheltered.

3. Alternative 2- Deep Litter/free range

Deep litter farming is the practice of having chickens that are raised

mainly outside of coops and runs and only enter the coop at night.

The chickens are allowed to roam free and forage for their food.

Advantages

Chickens are able to roam freely during the day.

The cost of free range chickens is less.

Disadvantages

Mortality rates are generally high;

Feed intake is substantially higher yet egg production is lower;

In addition to the usual vaccinations, the chickens need to be

dosed for worms which they pick up in the pastures;

Egg collection is more time consuming;

There is an increased risk of the eggs being contaminated with

Salmonella; and

The chickens may stray into neighboring homesteads and deep

litter/free range chicken farming makes them more prone to

predators.

37

No-go Option

The no-go alternative would mean that the site would remain in its present state. The site is zoned

agricultural therefore; the proposed land use would be suited to the zoning. The agricultural potential of

the soil i.e. low renders the site unsuitable for crop farming. Though it is noted that no environmental

impact would occur as a result of the no-go alternative, the benefits of the proposed project such as job

creation, skills transfer and increase in revenue for local businesses would not be realised if the status

quo is maintained.

Direct impacts

No costs associated with construction, service expansion or security.

No disturbance or potential loss of topsoil.

No creation of unskilled, semi-skilled or skilled jobs.

No generation of noise and dust.

No alteration in demand on service provision in the area.

There will be no upliftment of females in the agricultural sector

Indirect Impacts

No increase in the potential establishment of alien vegetation.

No increase in revenue for local construction material suppliers.

Cumulative Impacts

The opportunity to provide people from the local community with job opportunities in the construction

and operational phase will be lost.

Advantages

The site will remain its existing condition; the vacant land will not be imposed upon by any

development.

38

Disadvantages

The site is not a prime agricultural area due to the quality of the soil, consideration of the no-go

alternative means the land remains un-used for agricultural purposes.

No skills development

Reduced growth of local economy i.e. local GDP

In the event that no alternative(s) has/have been provided, a motivation must be included in the table

below.

N/A

NOTE: The numbering in the above table must be consistently applied throughout the application report and process 4. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY Indicate the total physical size (footprint) of the proposal as well as alternatives. Footprints are to include all new infrastructure (roads, services etc.), impermeable surfaces and landscaped areas: Size of the activity:

Proposed activity 17Hectares Alternatives: Alternative 1 (if any)

Alternative 2 (if any)

Ha/ m2

or, for linear activities: Length of the activity:

Proposed activity N/A Alternatives: Alternative 1 (if any)

Alternative 2 (if any)

k/km Indicate the size of the site(s) or servitudes (within which the above footprints will occur): Size of the site/servitude:

Proposed activity 17 hectares Alternatives: Alternative 1 (if any)

Alternative 2 (if any)

Ha/m2

5. SITE ACCESS Proposal

Does ready access to the site exist, or is access directly from an existing road? YES NO

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built m

Describe the type of access road planned:

No access road will be constructed; the existing gravel road on the south of the farm will be used to gain

access to the site.

Include the position of the access road on the site plan.

39

Alternative 1

Does ready access to the site exist, or is access directly from an existing road? YES NO

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built m

Describe the type of access road planned:

N/A Include the position of the access road on the site plan.

Alternative 2 (N/A) Does ready access to the site exist, or is access directly from an existing road? YES NO

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built m

Describe the type of access road planned:

N/A Include the position of the access road on the site plan.

PLEASE NOTE: Points 6 to 8 of Section A must be duplicated where relevant for alternatives

(only complete when applicable)

6. SITE OR ROUTE PLAN

A detailed site or route (for linear activities) plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this document. The site or route plans must indicate the following: the scale of the plan, which must be at least a scale of 1:2000 ( scale can not be larger than 1:2000 i.e. scale

can not be 1:2500 but could where applicable be 1:1500) the property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50m of the site; the current land use as well as the land use zoning of each of the properties adjoining the site or sites; the exact position of each element of the application as well as any other structures on the site; the position of services, including electricity supply cables (indicate above or underground), water supply

pipelines, boreholes, street lights, sewage pipelines, septic tanks, storm water infrastructure and telecommunication infrastructure;

walls and fencing including details of the height and construction material; servitudes indicating the purpose of the servitude; sensitive environmental elements on and within 100m of the site or sites including (but not limited thereto):

Rivers and wetlands; the 1:100 and 1:50 year flood line; ridges; cultural and historical features; areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species);

for gentle slopes the 1m contour intervals must be indicated on the plan and whenever the slope of the site exceeds 1:10, the 500mm contours must be indicated on the plan; and

the positions from where photographs of the site were taken. Where a watercourse is located on the site at least one cross section of the water course must be included (to

allow the 32m position from the bank to be clearly indicated)

7. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Colour photographs from the center of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under the appropriate Appendix. It should be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, where applicable. 8. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION

A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of 1:200 for activities that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity. To be attached in the appropriate Appendix.

Section A 6-8 has been duplicated N/A Number of times

40

SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

Note: Complete Section B for the proposal and alternative(s) (if necessary) Further: Instructions for completion of Section B for linear activities

1) For linear activities (pipelines etc) it may be necessary to complete Section B for each section of the site that has a significantly different environment.

2) Indicate on a plan(s) the different environments identified 3) Complete Section B for each of the above areas identified 4) Attach to this form in a chronological order 5) Each copy of Section B must clearly indicate the corresponding sections of the route at the top of the next

page.

Instructions for completion of Section B for location/route alternatives 1) For each location/route alternative identified the entire Section B needs to be completed 2) Each alterative location/route needs to be clearly indicated at the top of the next page 3) Attach the above documents in a chronological order

(complete only when appropriate)

Instructions for completion of Section B when both location/route alternatives and linear activities are applicable for the application Section B is to be completed and attachments order in the following way

All significantly different environments identified for Alternative 1 is to be completed and attached in a chronological order; then

All significantly different environments identified for Alternative 2 is to be completed and attached chronological order, etc.

Section B - Section of Route (complete only when appropriate for above)

Section B – Location/route Alternative No. (complete only when appropriate for above)

1. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Property description: Portion 106 and 108 of Farm Elandsfontein 334IQ (Farm name, portion etc.)

2. ACTIVITY POSITION Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in decimal degrees. The degrees should have at least six decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection.

Alternative: Proposal Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

S 26º 23’50.9’’ E 27º 54’ 57.00’’

In the case of linear activities: N/A Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

Section B has been duplicated for sections of the route "insert No. of duplicates" times

Section B has been duplicated for location/route alternatives "insert No. of duplicates" times

41

Starting point of the activity o

o

Middle point of the activity o

o

End point of the activity o o

For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide co-ordinates taken every 250 meters along the route and attached in the appropriate Appendix

Addendum of route alternatives attached

3. GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the site.

Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

4. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site.

Ridgeline Plateau Side slope of

hill/ridge Valley Plain

Undulating plain/low hills

River front

5. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE

a) Is the site located on any of the following?

Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep) YES NO Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas

YES NO

Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil YES NO Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) YES NO Soils with high clay content (clay fraction more than 40%) YES NO Any other unstable soil or geological feature YES NO An area sensitive to erosion

YES NO

(Information in respect of the above will often be available at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by Geological Survey may also be used).

b) are any caves located on the site(s) YES NO If yes to above provide location details in terms of latitude and longitude and indicate location on site or route map(s) Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

o o

c) are any caves located within a 300m radius of the site(s) YES NO If yes to above provide location details in terms of latitude and longitude and indicate location on site or route map(s) Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

o o

d) are any sinkholes located within a 300m radius of the site(s) YES NO If yes to above provide location details in terms of latitude and longitude and indicate location on site or route map(s) Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

o o

If any of the answers to the above are “YES” or “unsure”, specialist input may be requested by the Department

42

6. AGRICULTURE Does the site have high potential agriculture as contemplated in the Gauteng Agricultural Potential Atlas (GAPA 3)?

YES NO

Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies in respect of the above. 7. GROUNDCOVER To be noted that the location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s). Indicate the types of groundcover present on the site and include the estimated percentage found on site

Natural veld - good condition

% =

Natural veld with scattered aliens

% =30

Natural veld with heavy alien infestation

% =

Veld dominated by alien species

% =

Landscaped (vegetation)

% =

Sport field % =

Cultivated land % =

Paved surface (hard landscaping)

% =30

Building or other structure % =20

Bare soil % =20

Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the groundcover and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies.

Are there any rare or endangered flora or fauna species (including red list species) present on the site

YES NO

If YES, specify and explain:

N/A Are there any rare or endangered flora or fauna species (including red list species) present within a 200m (if within urban area as defined in the Regulations) or within 600m (if outside the urban area as defined in the Regulations) radius of the site.

YES NO

If YES, specify and explain:

N/A Are there any special or sensitive habitats or other natural features present on the site? YES NO If YES, specify and explain:

N/A Was a specialist consulted to assist with completing this section YES NO If yes complete specialist details

Name of the specialist:

Qualification(s) of the specialist:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Are any further specialist studies recommended by the specialist? YES NO

If YES, specify:

If YES, is such a report(s) attached? YES NO

If YES list the specialist reports attached below

Signature of specialist: Date:

Please note; If more than one specialist was consulted to assist with the filling in of this section then this table must be appropriately duplicated

43

8. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA Using the associated number of the relevant current land use or prominent feature from the table below, fill in the position of these land-uses in the vacant blocks below which represent a 500m radius around the site

√1. Vacant land √2. River,

stream, wetland 3. Nature conservation

area 4. Public open space 5. Koppie or ridge

6. Dam or reservoir √7. Agriculture 8. Low density

residential 9. Medium to high density residential

10. Informal residential

11. Old age home 12. Retail 13. Offices 14. Commercial &

warehousing

15. Light industrial

16. Heavy industrialAN

17. Hospitality

facility 18. Church

19. Education facilities

20. Sport facilities

21. Golf course/polo fields

22. AirportN

23. Train station or shunting yard

N

24. Railway lineN

25. Major road (4 lanes or more)

N

26. Sewage treatment plant

A

27. Landfill or waste treatment

siteA

28. Historical building 29. Graveyard 30. Archeological

site

31. Open cast mine 32. Underground

mine 33.Spoil heap or

slimes damA

34. Small Holdings

Other land uses (describe):

Note: More than one (1) Land-use may be indicated in a block Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the land use character of the area and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. Specialist reports that look at health & air quality and noise impacts may be required for any feature above and in particular those features marked with an “

A“ and with an

“N”

respectively.

Have specialist reports been attached YES NO If yes indicate the type of reports below

N/A

NORTH

WEST

1 1 1 7 7

EAST

1 1 1 7 7

1 1 7 7

1 1 1 1 7

2 2 2 1 7

SOUTH

NOTE: Each block represents an area of 250m X250m

= Site

44

9. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT Describe the existing social and economic characteristics of the area and the community condition as baseline information to assess the potential social, economic and community impacts.

Unemployment is a major issue in South Africa. The proposed project’s main objective is to

establish a sell centre within and outside Walkerville promoting the selling of egg, thereby

generating an income out of the products. During the construction phase 15 to 19 people are going

to be employed. Although the proposed project will be operating automatically during the

operational phase, there are still going to be a number of job opportunities that will be created.

During the operational phase 20 people will be trained on poultry farming and employed.

There are also additional opportunities that will arise as a result of this proposed project,; these

include provision of service opportunities for:

Chicken coops construction companies

Transport companies delivering chickens to the farm

Transporting companies and companies buying live chickens

Transporting companies buying eggs

Chicken feed companies

Contracting companies for collecting manure to farms and nurseries

Transporting companies collecting cracked eggs to bakeries.

Security Companies for security services to ensure safety

Companies supplying and installing electric fencing and security measures for the facility

10. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES Please be advised that if section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 is applicable to your proposal or alternatives, then you are requested to furnish this Department with written comment from the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) – Attach comment in appropriate annexure 38. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (7), (8) and (9), any person who intends to undertake a development categorised as- (a) the construction of a road, wall, powerline, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or barrier

exceeding 300m in length; (b) the construction of a bridge or similar structure exceeding 50m in length; (c) any development or other activity which will change the character of a site- (i) exceeding 5 000 m2 in extent; or (ii) involving three or more existing erven or subdivisions thereof; or (iii) involving three or more erven or divisions thereof which have been consolidated within the past five years; or (iv) the costs of which will exceed a sum set in terms of regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources

authority; (d) the re-zoning of a site exceeding 10 000 m2 in extent; or

45

(e) any other category of development provided for in regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority, must at the very earliest stages of initiating such a development, notify the responsible heritage resources authority and furnish it with details regarding the location, nature and extent of the proposed development.

Are there any signs of culturally (aesthetic, social, spiritual, environmental) or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including archaeological or palaeontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the site?

YES NO

If YES, explain:

N/A If uncertain, the Department may request that specialist input be provided to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site.

Briefly explain the findings of the specialist if one was already appointed:

N/A Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? YES NO Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)?

YES NO

If yes, please attached the comments from SAHRA in the appropriate Appendix

SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

1. ADVERTISEMENT

The Environmental Assessment Practitioner must follow any relevant guidelines adopted by the competent authority in respect of public participation and must at least – 1(a) Fix a site notice at a conspicuous place, on the boundary of a property where it is intended to undertake the

activity which states that an application will be submitted to the competent authority in terms of these regulations and which provides information on the proposed nature and location of the activity, where further information on the proposed activity can be obtained and the manner in which representations on the application may be made;

1(b) inform landowners and occupiers of adjacent land of the applicant’s intention to submit an application to the competent authority;

1(c) inform landowners and occupiers of land within 100 metres of the boundary of the property where it is proposed to undertake the activity and whom may be directly affected by the proposed activity of the applicant’s intention to submit an application to the competent authority;

1(d) inform the ward councillor and any organisation that represents the community in the area of the applicant’s intention to submit an application to the competent authority;

1(e) inform the municipality which has jurisdiction over the area in which the proposed activity will be undertaken of the applicant’s intention to submit an application to the competent authority; and

1(f) inform any organ of state that may have jurisdiction over any aspect of the activity of the applicant’s intention to submit an application to the competent authority; and

1(g) place an advertisement in one local newspaper and any Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing notice to the public of applications made in terms of these regulations.

2. LOCAL AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION

Local authorities are key interested and affected parties in each application and no decision on any application will be made before the relevant local authority is provided with the opportunity to give input. The planning and the environmental sections of the local authority must be informed of the application at least thirty (30) calendar days before the submission of the application to the competent authority (GDARD).

Has any comment been received from the local authority? YES NO

If “YES”, briefly describe the comment below (also attach any correspondence to and from the local authority to this application):

46

The Midvaal Local Municipality Department of Development Planning and Housing in a letter that was

written on 22 of December 2014 indicated that they have no objections to the proposed development

and the area is earmarked for agricultural purposes only. (Letter is attached in appendices)

Name Comment Response

Ms N Nobusuku Mali

Midvaal Local Municipality:

Waste Management

Tshikovha Environmental

Communication and Consulting

Company should submit the

Integrated Waste Management

Plan detailing how waste will

be managed on the farm

Due to the scale of the

proposed development an

IWMP is not required and all

waste issues is discussed in

detail in the Environmental

Management Programme

(EMPr).

If “NO” briefly explain why no comments have been received

N/A

3. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS

Any stakeholder that has a direct interest in the activity, site or property, such as servitude holders and service providers, should be informed of the application at least thirty (30) calendar days before the submission of the application and be provided with the opportunity to comment.

Has any comment been received from stakeholders? YES NO If “YES”, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach copies of any correspondence to and from the stakeholders to this application):

47

A meeting was held on the 16th of January 2015 with the Sedibeng District and Midvaal Local

Municipality Environmental Health and Social Services Department as the stakeholder for the proposed

development. This was followed up with a letter that was received via email on 11 February 2015 from

Mr T Sibozana, the Environmental Officer outlining that the Department had no objections to the

proposed project, but they however also indicated some suggestions highlighting that:

Three days may be too long in managing the effects of ammonia.

The roof for the chicken coops should be ventilated to reduce mortality rate of chickens

Rain water should be harvested to reduce high consumption of groundwater.

The Environmental Health Department from Sedibeng District also indicated that they had no objections

to the proposed development in the letter dated 16 February 2015 from Ms. S Hlabane, Director

Sedibeng DHS. They also made a suggestion that; all waste from the proposed poultry farm including

broken eggs and dead carcases must be properly disposed-off in order to avoid nuisance during

production.

If “NO” briefly explain why no comments have been received

Comments have been received from various stakeholders and responses have been provided, see

comments and response report attached in the appendices.

4. GENERAL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

The Environmental Assessment Practitioner must ensure that the public participation is adequate and must determine whether a public meeting or any other additional measure is appropriate or not based on the particular nature of each case. Special attention should be given to the involvement of local community structures such as Ward Committees and ratepayers associations. Please note that public concerns that emerge at a later stage that should have been addressed may cause the competent authority to withdraw any authorisation it may have issued if it becomes apparent that the public participation process was inadequate. The practitioner must record all comments and respond to each comment of the public / interested and affected party before the application is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a Comments and Responses Report as prescribed in the regulations and be attached to this application. 5. APPENDICES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION All public participation information is to be attached in the appropriate Appendix. The information in this Appendix is

to be ordered as detailed below

Appendix 1 – Proof of site notice

Appendix 2 – Written notices issued to those persons detailed in 1(b) to 1(f) above

Appendix 3 – Proof of newspaper advertisements

Appendix 4 –Communications to and from persons detailed in Point 2 and 3 above

Appendix 5 – Minutes of any public and/or stakeholder meetings

Appendix 6 - Comments and Responses Report

Appendix 7 –Comments from I&APs on Basic Assessment (BA) Report

Appendix 8 –Comments from I&APs on amendments to the BA Report

48

Appendix 9 – Copy of the register of I&APs

Appendix 10 – Comments from I&APs on the application

Appendix 11 - Other

SECTION D: RESOURCE USE AND PROCESS DETAILS

Note: Section D is to be completed for the proposal and alternative(s) (if necessary)

Instructions for completion of Section D for alternatives

1) For each alternative under investigation, where such alternatives will have different resource and process details (e.g. technology alternative), the entire Section D needs to be completed

4) Each alterative needs to be clearly indicated in the box below 5) Attach the above documents in a chronological order

(complete only when appropriate)

Section D Alternative No. "insert alternative number" (complete only when appropriate for above)

1. WASTE, EFFLUENT, AND EMISSION MANAGEMENT Solid waste management

Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase? YES NO

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 10-20m3 How will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

Section D has been duplicated for alternatives "insert No. of duplicates" times

49

There is not much waste that is expected during construction phase, with waste being limited to; empty

cement bags, concrete remains, remains of the roofing material, glass, and plastic which is fairly easy to

manage.

Solid Waste will be managed as follows:

Waste bins will be provided on site and when they are full they will be disposed- off in a skip bin

which will be disposed at Walkerville landfill site

Food waste will be collected and disposed of at a Safe Disposal site

It is recommended that a contractor be appointed during the construction phase to handle all waste

on the site.

Litter bins will be placed at strategic locations around the site.

Topsoil generated by cut and fill activities will be utilized by spreading the soil onto the areas that are

to be grassed on site.

Empty cement bags will be disposed-off in Walkerville landfill site.

Detailed Environmental Management Requirements during construction have been covered in the

Environmental Management Programme attached as one of the appendices

Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

The construction waste will be disposed-off in Walkerville landfill site.

Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? YES NO

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 5m3

50

How will the solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

Domestic waste generated during the operational phase will be collected by the Midvaal Local

Municipality and manure will be sold to farmers and nurseries.

Chicken waste will be removed on the conveyor belts every three days as it will be dried to prevent

odour. The poops will be stored in a container and then packed in bags and will be sold as manure to

farmers and nurseries, the maximum period for storage on the farm is three days, after which it will

transported away from the facility.

Should there be any mortality from a communicable disease or even if this is only suspected, the State

veterinarian must immediately be consulted to determine the cause of death. If the mortality was due to

a communicable disease. Dead chickens will be disposed-off on a hazardous waste landfill site as

suggested by the Sedibeng District Municipality (Environmental Health Department) on a meeting held

on the 16th of January 2015 with the Stakeholders in the Midvaal Local Municipality’s library.

Has the municipality or relevant service provider confirmed that sufficient air space exists for treating/disposing of the solid waste to be generated by this activity?

YES NO

Where will the solid waste be disposed if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)?

Note:

The operational phase will not result in large volumes of solid waste. General waste will be disposed off

at Walkerville Landfill Site.

Note: If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the relevant legislation? YES NO If yes, inform the competent authority and request a change to an application for scoping and EIA.

Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility? YES NO If yes, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. Describe the measures, if any, that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of materials:

Recommendations will be made that owner of the facility provide waste bins labelled in according to

the different recyclable materials, e.g. glass, paper and plastics. More details regarding the

management of waste are provided in the Environmental Management Programme attached.

Liquid effluent (other than domestic sewage)

Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system?

YES NO

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? N/A m3 If yes, has the municipality confirmed that sufficient capacity exist for treating / disposing of the liquid effluent to be generated by this activity(ies)?

YES NO

Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site? Yes NO If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? N/A m3 If yes describe the nature of the effluent and how it will be disposed.

N/A

51

Note that if effluent is to be treated or disposed on site the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA

Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility? YES NO

If yes, provide the particulars of the facility: Details of the service provider will be provided before commencement

Facility name:

Contact person:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any:

Water from rain shall be harvested into the tank for possible use. There is no immediate plan for water

recycling or re use of water.

Liquid effluent (domestic sewage)

Will the activity produce domestic effluent that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system? YES NO

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 1m3 If yes, has the municipality confirmed that sufficient capacity exist for treating / disposing of the domestic effluent to be generated by this activity(ies)?

YES NO

Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site? YES NO If yes describe how it will be treated and disposed off.

N/A

Emissions into the atmosphere

Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere? YES NO If yes, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO If yes, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

If no, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration:

Minor odours from the poops may occur, however the coops will be mechanically ventilated keeping the

entire poops dry thus reducing odour. Poultry farming is not a listed activity in terms of the Atmospheric

Pollution Prevention Act.

2. WATER USE

Indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity

municipal Directly from water board

Groundwater river, stream, dam or lake

other the activity will not use water

If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural feature, please indicate

the volume that will be extracted per month: +/- 225 000 If Yes, please attach proof of assurance of water supply, e.g. yield of borehole, in the appropriate Appendix

Does the activity require a water use permit from the Department of Water Affairs? YES NO If yes, list the permits required

N/A If yes, have you applied for the water use permit(s)? YES NO If yes, have you received approval(s)? (attached in appropriate appendix) YES NO 3. POWER SUPPLY

Please indicate the source of power supply eg. Municipality / Eskom / Renewable energy source

Electricity – Midvaal Local Municipality will provide electricity for household and commercial (farm

52

related) consumption. A generator will also be used to in cases where there is no power as the system

also relies heavily on automation.

If power supply is not available, where will power be sourced from?

N/A

4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient:

The proposed activity will require about 16 hours of light in order for the chickens to be productive and

there will be a ventilation system within the coops. A generator house will be constructed to provide for

some of the energy needs on site. Energy efficient light bulbs (Fluorescent lights) will also be utilised.

Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any:

In addition to the electricity provided by Eskom a generator will also be used. There is potential for the

use of wind turbines in the future.

SECTION E: IMPACT ASSESSMENT The assessment of impacts must adhere to the minimum requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2006, and should take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also be addressed in the assessment of impacts.

1. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES Summarise the issues raised by interested and affected parties.

The community of Walkerville has welcomed the project, but they also expressed concerns regarding

the project. Amongst concerns that were raised are summarised in the table below; A full detailed

comments and response report is attached in the appendices.

Name Comment

Steve Vorster How will the site be accessed

How many trucks will enter and leave the site on a daily basis

Samantha Voster Will the automated system not generate noise, how will you heat

the facility?

53

Summary of response from the practitioner to the issues raised by the interested and affected parties (A full response must be provided in the Comments and Response Report that must be attached to this report):

In terms of accessing site it will be accessed via gravel road from the Western direction from R550

Approximately two trucks, but this will not be on a daily basis.

No noise will be created by the automated system. Electricity will be used to heat the facility. There is

potential to explore alternative ways to provide power such as wind turbines in the future.

2. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONAL

PHASE

Briefly describe the methodology utilised in the rating of significance of impacts

The proposed project will result in various environmental impacts. The tables below assess the potential

Environmental Impacts associated with the proposed poultry farm. The tables discuss the significance

of the environmental impacts of the proposed activity before and after mitigation. Environmental Impacts

are assessed by different criteria to assign relative significance to each predicted impact associated with

an activity. The criteria to be used to evaluate the impacts of this activity are as follows: nature, extent,

duration, intensity and probability of occurrence.

Nature: A brief written statement of the environmental aspect being impacted upon by a

particular action of activity;

Extent: The area over which the impact will be expressed;

Duration: Indicates what the lifetime of the impact will be;

Intensity: Describes whether an impact is destructive or benign; and

Probability: Describes the likelihood of the impact actually occurring.

Significance is determined through a synthesis of impact characteristics. Significance is an indication of

54

the importance of the impact of both physical extent and time scale, and therefore indicates the level of

mitigation required. The total number of points scored for each impact indicates the level of significance

of the impact.

Significance is derived using the following formula:

Significance=Extent+ Duration +Intensity x Probability of Occurrence

Degree to which the impact can be reversed

The reversibility or temporal scale of an impact is directly linked to the duration of impacts. For e.g.

permanent impacts are irreversible impacts, whereas, short impacts are immediately reversible.

Immediately reversible – Short term impacts

Quickly reversible- Medium term impacts

Reversible over time – Long term impacts

Irreversible – This is where the impacts are permanent.

Cumulative Impacts- Cumulative impact, in relation to an activity, means the impact of an activity

that in itself may not be significant, but may become significant when added

to the existing and potential impacts eventuating from similar or diverse

activities or undertakings in the area.

Degree to which the impacts may cause irreplaceable loss of resources (Intensity or severity of an

impact)

The degrees to which an impact may cause irreplaceable loss of resources are determined based on the

outcome of the impact risk assessment. High risk impacts in sensitive areas are more likely to result in

irreplaceable loss of resources compared to low risk impacts

High – Disturbance or pristine areas that have important conservation value. Destruction of rare or

endangered species

Medium – Disturbance of areas that have potential have potential conservation value or rare of use as

resources, Complete change in species occurrence or variety

Low – Disturbance of degraded areas, which have little conservation value. Minor change is species

occurrence or variety

55

Table 1: Criteria for evaluating impacts

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION

EXTENT National (4)

The whole of

South Africa.

Regional (3)

Provincial and parts

of neighbouring

provinces.

Local (2)

Within a radius of

2km of the

construction site.

Site (1)

Within the

construction site.

DURATION Permanent (4)

Mitigation either

by man or by

natural process

will not occur in

such a way or in

such a time

span that the

impact can be

transient.

Long term (3)

The impact will

continue or last for

the entire

operational life of

the development,

but will be mitigated

by direct human

action or by natural

processes

thereafter. The only

class of impact

which will be non-

transitory.

Medium-Term (2)

The impact will

last for the period

of the construction

phase, where

after it will be

entirely negated.

Short-Term (1)

The impact will either

disappear with

mitigation or will be

mitigated through

natural process in a

span shorter than the

construction phase.

INTENSITY Very high (4)

Natural , cultural

and social

functions and

processes are

altered to extent

that they

permanently

High (3)

Natural, cultural and

social functions and

processes are

altered to extent

that they

temporarily cease.

Moderate (2)

Affected

environment is

altered, but

natural, cultural

and social

functions and

processes

continue albeit in

Low (1)

Impact affects the

environment in such a

way that natural,

cultural and social

functions and

processes are not

affected.

56

Table 2: Significance rating of classified impacts

Low Impact(3-10points) A low impact has no permanent impact of significance. Mitigation

measures are feasible and are readily instituted as part of a standing

design, construction or operating procedure.

Medium Impact (11-20

points)

Mitigation is possible with additional design and construction inputs.

High Impact (21-

30points)

The design of the site may be affected. Mitigation with possible

remediation are needed during the construction and/or operational

phases. The effects of the impact may affect the broader environment.

Very High Impact(31-

48points)

Permanent and important impacts. The design of the site may be affected.

Intensive remediation is needed during construction and/or operational

phases. Any activity which results in a “very high impact” is likely to be a

fatal flaw

Status Denotes the perceived effect of the impact on the affected area

Positive(+) Beneficial impact.

Negative (-) Deleterious or adverse impact.

Neutral (/) Impact is neither beneficial nor adverse.

cease. a modified way.

PROBABILITY

OF

OCCURANCE

Definite (4)

Impact will

certainly occur

Highly probable

(3)

Most likely that the

impact will occur.

Possible (2)

The impact may

occur.

Improbable (1)

Likelihood of the

impact materialising is

very low.

57

Briefly describe and compare the potential impacts (as appropriate), significance rating of impacts, proposed mitigation and significance rating of impacts after mitigation that are likely to occur as a result of the construction phase for the various alternatives of the proposed development. This must include an assessment of the significance of all impacts.

IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

No specific impacts related to the design of the layer houses were identified during the construction

phase, however consideration of the potential impacts during the construction phase have been

considered in the tables below.

Traffic

Nature Negative

Direct Impact Increased traffic congestion could possibly occur as a result of construction vehicles

moving onto and off the site during construction. Trucks will be delivering the

buildings in pack form, as well as cement, however the number of construction trips

is not expected to be high. Traffic on the road is generally low, thus the impact would

not be significant.

Indirect Impact Increased traffic may result in increased traffic congestion.

Cumulative

Impact

Increased risk in road safety.

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Short Term (1)

Intensity Low (1) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-8)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

58

Mitigation

measures

There will be no traffic congestion as result of a proposed development however

notice of construction work should be placed with speed limit of 30 km/h

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Short Term (1)

Intensity Low (1) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-4)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Topsoil Removal/Erosion

Nature Negative

Direct Impact In order to construct the concrete slabs of the coops, although minimal, topsoil will

need to be removed; this could result in the degradation and loss of topsoil due to

construction activities as well as surface and storm water runoff.

Indirect Impact Some species are adapted to specific environments; the loss of topsoil could result

in the loss of micro habitats.

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

59

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term(2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-10)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

Topsoil shall be stripped from all areas that are to be utilized during the

construction period and where permanent structures and access is required only.

Only the minimal vegetation must be cleared

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-5)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Loss of Biodiversity

60

Nature Negative

Direct Impact Vegetation Clearance

Although minimal, vegetation will need to be cleared during site establishment in

order to make provision for the coops. Site clearing for the proposed development

will result in the removal of current vegetation (which is dominated by shrubs and

grass).

Indirect Impact None expected

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-10)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

Vegetation clearing shall take place in a phased manner in order to retain

vegetation cover for as long as possible.

Reseed cleared areas to prevent soil erosion

All construction areas must be demarcated prior construction to ensure that the

footprint of impacts are limited

Before clearing of vegetation the contractor shall ensure that all litter and non-

61

organic materials are removed from the area to be cleared.

.Fencing should not impact on indigenous plants

All indigenous plant material removed from the cleared areas shall be stockpiled

and mulching. All remaining vegetation shall be removed and disposed-off in a

landfill site

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-5)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Waste Management

Nature Negative

Direct Impact The construction phase will result in generation of general waste. The concrete slab,

the buildings will arrive on site in a pack form therefore will no large quantities of

waste will be generated during the construction phase of the project. Domestic waste

will also be generated.

Indirect Impact Domestic and general waste generated by construction workers during the

construction could negatively impact on the aesthetics.

62

Cumulative

Impact

Littering and surface water pollution.

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site(1) Duration Short Term (1)

Intensity Moderate(2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-8)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

All general waste is to be disposed of at Walkerville landfill site

Waste Bins should be positioned around the site for use by construction

personnel. These bins should be emptied and waste transported to the

Walkerville landfill site.

Adequate toilet facilities must be provided for all staff members as standard

construction practice.

All solid waste generated during construction, other than natural materials such

as soil and rock, shall be disposed of off-site to the Walkerville landfill site.

Different types of waste should be separated and placed in different bins/skips.

Refuse collection and storage must be done in a way that will not cause a health

nuisance.

Construction personnel should be instructed not to dump any building materials

on the untransformed vegetation around the site.

63

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Short Term (1)

Intensity Short-term (1) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-3)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Immediately Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

64

Surface Water Contamination

Nature Negative

Direct Impact There will be concrete mixing in order to construct the concrete slab in the coops, if

care is not taken, there could be spillages which could have adverse impacts on

ground and surface water during wet weather conditions.

Indirect Impact Impacts on water quality, soil erosion.

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity High (3) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Medium (-14)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

Sufficient ablution facilities should be provided during the construction phase and

these facilities should be maintained.

The river and buffer area (approximately 60m and 90m) must be demarcated as

a no-go area.

Cement mixing shall only be done at specifically selected areas.

Cleaning of cement mixing and handling equipment shall be done using proper

cleaning trays.

65

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term(2)

Intensity Moderate(2) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-5)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Low

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Storm Water Management

Nature Negative

Direct Impact The facility construction may result in possible storm water issues on site dependent

on rain capacity at the time however the impact will be minimal since site

surrounding is vegetation

Indirect Impact Storm water accumulation could result in erosion.

Cumulative

Impact

Possible stormwater during rains may push away waste carcases from site to the

neighbouring farms where contact of stormwater and any other farming activity may

lead to odours and contamination

Magnitude

before

mitigation

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term(2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

66

measures

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-10)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

In terms of SABS 0400-1990 of the National Building Regulations, on site

drainage will be provided prior to construction to combat soil erosion.

The storm water system, especially the discharge points, must be monitored

No waste or refuse must be allowed to access the storm water infrastructure.

Storm water should be channeled within site

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site(1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Low (1) Probability Possible (2)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-8)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

67

Safety and Security

Nature Negative

Direct Impact Increased economic activities could result in impacts such as crime.

Indirect Impact The safety of staff and customers may be compromised as result of crime.

Cumulative

Impact

Increase of crime creating and unsafe community.

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Short Term(2)

Intensity Moderate(2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Medium (-12)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

Clear sign boards should be erected at the entrance to the site to indicate that a

construction area is being entered and safety precautions should be followed.

Notification signs must be posted around the site warning residents and visitors

about the hazards around the construction site.

The proponent of the development should appoint the services of a security

company that will monitor the proposed development activity on a 24-hour 7-days

per week basis.

Magnitude after

mitigation

Extent Local (2) Duration Short Term (2)

68

measures Intensity Moderate(2) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-6)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Immediately Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Air Quality

Nature Negative

Direct Impact Dust will remain minimal since this is not anticipated to be a busy or labour intensive

construction site

Indirect Impact None expected

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Short Term (1)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-5)

69

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

The speed of vehicles within the site to be strictly controlled to between 30 -

45km/h.

Areas generating dust particles should be sprinkled with water to reduce dust

blowing out over the area and should be enclosed where possible to mitigate

effects of wind on them.

The clearing of vegetation should be limited to the development area and should

be undertaken prior to the commencement of construction activities

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Short Term (1)

Intensity Low (1) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-3)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Immediately Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Noise

70

Nature Negative

Direct Impact Increased levels of noise during construction, however no high levels of noise are

anticipated, noise will be created by the construction personnel as well as during the

assembly of the coops.

Indirect Impact None expected

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Short term(1) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-8)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

Construction activities should be restricted to 07:00hrs to 17:00hrs during

weekdays and 08:00hrs to 13:00hrs during weekends.

Equipment, machinery and vehicles should be well maintained and serviced

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Short Term (2)

Intensity Low (1) Probability Improbable (1)

71

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-4)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Immediately Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Socio-Economic

Nature Positive

Direct Impact Job Creation

The construction phase will entail clearing land, laying concrete slabs and erecting

the pre-fabricated coops on site, ventilation and lighting.

15 to 19 labourers are going to be employed on construction phase; 4 skilled

labours, 4 unskilled labour ant the rest will be general workers.

Bricklaying (for construction of a biosecurity facility) is a job opportunity that will be

created by the project, assembling of coops of which will require skilled, unskilled

and general workers inputs.

Installation of electric fence to ensure that the site secured properly.

Installation of ventilation, battery cages and lighting in coops

Indirect Impact Jobs will also be created in industries that provide goods, materials and services.

Cumulative

Impact

Skills development

The development will lead to an increase in the level of local employment in the

72

area as both short term and long term employment will be created.

The facility will help towards meeting the growing demand for poultry products in

this country.

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity High (3)

Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Positive Medium (+14)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

Employment opportunities should be offered to locals especially where non-

skilled labour is concerned, this will give the locals some form of ownership of

the project. Equal opportunities should be given to females, males, youth and the

disabled.

Workers are to be made aware of the fact that employment is temporary and will

cease at the end of the contract period.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity High(3) Probability Definite(4)

Significance With

mitigation

Positive High (+28)

73

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

OPERATIONAL PHASE

The following impacts are related to the design of the coops during the operational phase of the

proposed development. The impacts are as follows:

Odours.

Biosecurity.

Security.

Odours

Proposed Alternative-Mechanically Ventilated Coops

Nature Negative

Direct Impact If the coops are not ventilated the chicken manure will result in odours.

Indirect Impact The lack of adequate ventilation will result in heat stress which will lead to

mortalities.

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

Extent Local (2) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Highly Possible (3)

74

measures

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative High (-24)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

Install the mechanically ventilated coops.

Disinfect the coops as often as possible.

Keep the coops clean to reduce odour.

Install fans to ventilate the coops

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-10)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Odours

Alternative 1-Naturally Ventilated

75

Nature Negative

Direct Impact If there is no adequate ventilation chicken poops will result in odours.

Indirect Impact Odours could result in negative health impacts to the surrounding people.

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Highly Probable (3)

Significance Without

mitigation

High Impact (-24)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Quickly Reversible

Mitigation

measures

Keep the coops clean to reduce the odour from poops.

Use fans to provide air flow.

Remove manure regularly to reduce accumulation of odour.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Possible (2)

Significance With

mitigation

Medium Impact (-16)

76

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Odours

Alternative 2-Deep Litter/Free Range System

Nature Negative

Direct Impact If the area is not well ventilated this will result in odours.

Indirect Impact Odours could result in negative health impacts to the surrounding people.

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Highly Probable (3)

Significance Without

mitigation

High Impact (-24)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Quickly Reversible

77

Mitigation

measures

Keep the houses clean to reduce the odour from poops.

Use fans to provide air flow.

Remove poops regularly to reduce accumulation of odour.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Possible (2)

Significance With

mitigation

Medium Impact (-16)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Biosecurity/Infectious Diseases

Preferred Alternative-Mechanically Ventilated Coop

Nature Negative

Direct Impact The potential exposure of workers to infectious diseases. There is also a risk of

spreading diseases to neighbouring farms.

Indirect Impact If workers become infected illness this would result in absenteeism.

Cumulative

Impact

Potential for disease outbreak due to proximity as well of adjacent cattle and pig

farms.

78

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Medium (-16)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

Casual visitors will be kept out.

The gates will be kept locked and the property will be fenced off, the buildings will

be completely closed.

Managers/visitors/service personnel should preferably restrict themselves to only

one farm per day.

People will be inducted prior to entry when exiting the farm i.e. disinfection of

people (i.e. footbath at every coop).

Clean overalls and gumboots will be provided after disinfection; and

Vehicles will be sprayed with disinfectants when entering and exiting the farm.

The design of the coops will be mechanically ventilated coops which limit the

transmission of infectious diseases.

The site manager should monitor and control diseases on a daily basis by

ensuring that chickens are healthy.

Workers should be adequately trained to follow all safety procedures and wear

protective equipment provided.

Comprehensive records should be kept. Proper sanitary facilities must be

provided, i.e.: wash room with showering facilities.

79

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-5)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Biosecurity/Infectious Diseases

Alternative 1-Naturally ventilated

Nature Negative

Direct Impact The potential exposure of workers to infectious diseases. The negative impact is

increased as the layer house is not completely covered

Indirect Impact There is also a risk of spreading diseases to neighbouring farms

Cumulative

Impact

Increased diseases as chickens are exposed to airborne diseases.

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Highly Probable (3)

80

Significance Without

mitigation

High Impact (-24)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

Casual visitors will be kept out.

The gates will be kept locked and the property will be fenced off, the buildings

will be completely closed.

Managers/visitors/service personnel should preferably restrict themselves to only

one farm per day.

People will be inducted prior to entry when exiting the farm i.e. disinfection of

people (i.e. footbath at every coop).

Clean overalls and gumboots will be provided after disinfection; and

Vehicles will be sprayed with disinfectants when entering and exiting the farm.

The site manager should monitor and control diseases on a daily basis by

ensuring that chickens are healthy.

Workers should be adequately trained to follow all safety procedures and wear

protective equipment provided.

Comprehensive records should be kept. Proper sanitary facilities must be

provided, i.e.: wash room with showering facilities.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Possible (2)

Significance With

mitigation

Medium Impact (-16)

81

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Reversible Overtime

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Biosecurity/Infectious Diseases

Alternative 2-Deep litter/Free range

Nature Negative

Direct Impact The potential exposure of workers to infectious diseases. There is also a risk of

spreading diseases to neighbouring farms. Thus negative impact is increased as the

chickens are free to roam around.

Indirect Impact There is also a risk of spreading diseases to neighbouring farms

Cumulative

Impact

Increased diseases as chickens are exposed to airborne diseases.

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Highly Probable (3)

Significance Without

mitigation

High Impact (-24)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

82

Mitigation

measures

Casual visitors will be kept out.

The gates will be kept locked and the property will be fenced off, the buildings

will be completely closed.

Managers/visitors/service personnel should preferably restrict themselves to only

one farm per day.

People will be inducted prior to entry when exiting the farm i.e. disinfection of

people (i.e. footbath at every coop).

Clean overalls and gumboots will be provided after disinfection; and

Vehicles will be sprayed with disinfectants when entering and exiting the farm.

The site manager should monitor and control diseases on a daily basis by

ensuring that chickens are healthy.

Workers should be adequately trained to follow all safety procedures and wear

protective equipment provided.

Comprehensive records should be kept. Proper sanitary facilities must be

provided, i.e.: wash room with showering facilities.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Possible (2)

Significance With

mitigation

Medium Impact (-16)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Reversible Overtime

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

83

Security

Preferred Alternative-Mechanically Ventilated

Nature Negative

Direct Impact The design of the coops is of importance in order to ensure that the chickens are

safe from theft as the area is prone to crime.

Indirect Impact Crime creating unsafe working conditions for the workers.

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Medium Impact (-14)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Quickly Reversible

Mitigation

measures

There should be 24hour security on the farm.

Set traps for rodents and predators to ensure they do not eat the chickens.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Improbable (1)

84

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-6)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Security

Alternative 1-Naturally Ventilated

Nature Negative

Direct Impact The design of the coops is of importance in order to ensure that the chickens are

safe from theft as the area is prone to crime, the chickens will not be completely

closed off with the naturally ventilated layer house.

Indirect Impact Decrease in productivity if the chickens are stolen.

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High (3) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Medium Impact (-14)

85

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

There should be 24hour security on the farm.

Set traps for rodents and predators to ensure they do not eat the chickens.

Ensure that the chickens are not able to leave the shelter.

The sides of the layer house should consist of curtains so that predators are not

able to enter the house.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Highly Probable (3)

Significance With

mitigation

Medium Impact (-18)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Security

Alternative 2- Deep litter/free range

Nature Negative

Direct Impact The design of the coops is of importance in order to ensure that the chickens are

safe from theft as the area is prone to crime, the chickens will not be completely

86

closed off with the naturally ventilated layer house.

Indirect Impact Decrease in productivity if the chickens are stolen.

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Highly Probable (3)

Significance Without

mitigation

Medium Impact (-18)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

There should be 24hour security on the farm.

The movement of chickens around the farm should be monitored.

There should be specific times where chickens can be allowed to roam around.

The chickens should sleep under shelter.

Set traps for rodents and predators to ensure they do not eat the chickens.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance With

mitigation

Medium Impact (-12)

87

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

All possible impacts of the proposed activity were given consideration in the tables below.

Traffic

Nature Negative

Direct Impact Increase in vehicular traffic during the transportation of eggs; however this impact

will not be high in significance as eggs will not be transported every day. Should the

concentration of chickens increase then the size of trucks will also be increased.

Indirect Impact None expected

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Short Term (1)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-10)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

88

Mitigation

measures

There should be speed limits and signage indicating the limits, speed will be

restricted to 30km/hr.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Short Term (2)

Intensity Low (1) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-5)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Soil Contamination

Nature Negative

Direct Impact The wash water from the disinfection area could contaminate the soil.

Indirect Impact None expected

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude Extent Site (1) Duration Short Term (1)

89

before

mitigation

measures

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-8)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

The contractor must ensure that drip trays are always be available to collect any

fluid that may result from accidental spillage, overflow and/or servicing. All

equipment that leaks must be repaired immediately and/or removed from the site

when necessary.

Divert dirty water (water used to clean containers and from the disinfection area)

to a sceptic tank and nowhere else. This water must not be allowed to seep into

the soil or run towards the non-perennial watercourse south of the site of the

proposed development.

Store chicken carcasses in a lined or sealed container prior to the removal and

disposal of the carcasses. Do not bury the carcasses on site.

Layer facilities must be lined and bunded to avoid any run-offs of polluted water

onto unprotected soil.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site(1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-5)

Degree to which the impact Quickly Reversible

90

can be reversed

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Solid Waste Management

Nature Negative

Direct Impact During the operational phase of the proposed development waste will be generated

in the form of carcasses, manure, egg shells, cracked eggs and domestic waste. If

solid waste is not well managed it could lead to the spread of diseases.

There will be some hazardous substances in the form of vaccines and detergents

used during disinfection, if exposed these could contaminate the soil and surface

water.

Indirect Impact If solid waste such as carcasses and manure is not well managed this could lead to

the spread of diseases.

Cumulative

Impact

If waste is not disposed off appropriately , it could lead to the spread of vermin which

could impact upon the health of farm workers and the chickens.

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site(1) Duration Long Term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-10)

91

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

Non-hazardous waste generated during operation, must be disposed-off site at the

Walkerville landfill site.

The poultry farm shall be kept neat and clean at all times.

Manure will be removed from the site to local farmers and nurseries every three

days.

No on-site dumping of any waste materials, vegetation, litter or refuse shall occur.

Refuse collection and storage must be done in a way that will not cause a health

nuisance.

All mortalities will be disposed-off in a hazardous waste landfill site as suggested

by the Sedibeng District Municipality (Environmental Health Department)

Chickens which have died as a result of a communicable disease will be disposed-

off as per the recommendations of a veterinarian.

Bins should not be allowed to become overfull and shall be emptied at least once

a week by the Midvaal Local Municipality.

Cracked eggs will be sold to for making liquid eggs to bakeries.

Egg shells will be used for composting and fertilizers to farmers and nurseries.

No hazardous chemical must be discarded in the sewage or storm water system.

Proper storage of cleaning materials in a lockable, well ventilated building.

92

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity Low (1) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-5)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Reversible Overtime

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Waste Management, Sewerage/Effluent

Nature Negative

Direct Impact There are two potential sources of effluent; sewerage from ablution facilities and

chemical waste effluent from cleaning of the coops. Wastewater will be generated

during the cleaning/disinfecting stage. If waste water is not channelled to the septic

tank this could lead to the spread of diseases and odours.

Indirect Impact Pollution of the soil will have a negative impact on the existing grass and shrubs and

associated micro-habitats.

Cumulative

Impact

Ground and surface water pollution

Magnitude Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term (2)

93

before

mitigation

measures

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-10)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

All manure/egg shells and carcasses must be handled in accordance with the

National Environmental Management Waste Act, 2008 (Act No.59 of 2008)

Septic tanks should be installed to accommodate the human waste from ablution

blocks.

All waste water should be channelled to the septic tank which will then be

pumped by a contractor as often as necessary.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-5)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources.

Low

94

Storm Water Management

Nature Negative

Direct Impact During the operational phase, the development will probably render a portion of the

site with impermeable surfaces. This will result in increased storm water runoff post-

development. The concrete slabs and coops will increase storm water runoff.

Indirect Impact Ponding as a result of uncontrolled storm water.

Cumulative

Impact

Poor storm water management can lead to soil erosion.

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Medium (-12)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

The storm water system, especially the discharge points, must be inspected and

damaged areas must be repaired if required.

No waste or refuse must be allowed to access the storm water infrastructure.

Discharge points must be inspected for blockages of any kind; these must be

removed timeously to ensure the efficient operation of the storm water

management system.

Storm water should be channeled to avoid ponding on-site.

95

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-6)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Reversible Overtime

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Safety and Security

Nature Negative

Direct Impact There will be a guard area for the operational life of the development to attend to and

prevent crime incidents.

Indirect Impact Crime incidents will increase costs for the proponent in terms of security measures.

Cumulative

Impact

Crime creating an unsafe community.

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

96

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Medium (-12)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

The proponent of the development will hire the services of a security company

that will monitor the proposed development activity on a 24-hour 7-days per

week basis.

Security should be vigilant as to who gains access to the site.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Medium (-12)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Reversible Overtime

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

97

Socio-Economic

Nature Positive

Direct Impact The proposed development will result in long term employment opportunities for the

locals, and supply them with skills development.

Indirect Impact The proposed activity will result in employment in the following industries:

Transport companies delivering chickens to the farm

Transport companies and companies buying the live chickens

Transport companies or companies buying the eggs

Cumulative

Impact

The development will lead to an increase in local employment.

Skills development

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity High (3)

Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Positive Medium (+14)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

Employment opportunities should be offered to locals especially where non-skilled

labour is concerned, this will give the locals some form of ownership of the project.

Equal opportunities should be given to females, males, youth and the disabled.

98

Payment should comply with applicable Labour Law legislation in terms of

minimum wages.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity High(3) Probability Definite(4)

Significance With

mitigation

Positive High (+32)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

List any specialist reports that were used to fill in the above tables. Such reports are to be attached in the appropriate Appendix.

N/A

99

3. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE DECOMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASE

Briefly describe and compare the potential impacts (as appropriate), significance rating of impacts, proposed mitigation and significance rating of impacts after mitigation that are likely to occur as a result of the decommissioning and closure phase for the various alternatives of the proposed development. This must include an assessment of the significance of all impacts.

No specific impacts related to the design of the layer houses were identified during the

decommissioning phase, however consideration of the potential impacts during the decommissioning

phase have been considered in the tables below.

Rehabilitation

Nature Negative

Direct Impact Before commencement of the activity the site was cleared to make provision for the

buildings, if the disturbed environment is not rehabilitated, this could lead to

permanent damage to biodiversity.

Indirect Impact Permanent destruction of habitats and ecological process.

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Medium (-12)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

100

Mitigation

measures

No planting work shall take place until all decommissioning activities in the area to

be vegetated have been completed.

Prior to the final vegetation\rehabilitation of the site, all remnants of building

materials, concrete foundations, material stockpiles must be removed from the

site.

Before replacing topsoil, remove all visible weeds from the placement area and

from the topsoil.

Areas where vegetation has failed to establish must be identified and replanted

with indigenous grass species.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-5)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Reversible Overtime

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Waste Management

Nature Negative

Direct Impact It is important to manage waste during the closure and decommissioning phase just

as it has been done during the construction and operational phases to ensure that

the area is returned to as close a state as before commencement of poultry farming.

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Failure to manage waste could lead to odours.

Indirect Impact Poor aesthetics littering, poor health to people and animals.

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-10)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

All waste is to be disposed of at approved landfill sites. No burning or burying

is permitted.

Where possible waste should be reused and recycled

Litter is to be placed in the designated waste bins and collected according to the

municipality waste service collection schedule.

Waste from demolition activities should be placed in skips and disposed of by the

contractor/proponent at the Walkerville landfill site.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Low (1) Probability Improbable (1)

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Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-4)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Soil Erosion

Nature Negative

Direct Impact After the demolition of the coops, the exposed soil could lead to soil erosion.

Indirect Impact Permanent loss of micro- habitats.

Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-10)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

103

Mitigation

measures

The soil that was excavated during construction should be back-filled.

Re-establishment of indigenous vegetation cover on disturbed areas must take

place as soon as possible once activities in that area have ceased.

Site monitoring should be carried out until vegetation is completely re-

established.

Rehabilitation of erosion channels must be undertaken.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Low (1) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-4)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

Soil Contamination

Nature Negative

Direct Impact If wash water from the disinfection area leaks to soil this could result in soil

contamination.

Indirect Impact Permanent loss of micro habitats

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Cumulative

Impact

None expected

Magnitude

before

mitigation

measures

Extent Site (1) Duration Long Term (3)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Possible (2)

Significance Without

mitigation

Negative Low (-12)

Degree to which

the impact can

be mitigated

Medium

Mitigation

measures

All Portable septic/chemical toilets must be removed without sewage spillage.

Magnitude after

mitigation

measures

Extent Local (2) Duration Medium Term (2)

Intensity Moderate (2) Probability Improbable (1)

Significance With

mitigation

Negative Low (-6)

Degree to which the impact

can be reversed

Quickly Reversible

Degree to which the impact

may cause irreplaceable loss

of resources

Low

List any specialist reports that were used to fill in the above tables. Such reports are to be attached in the appropriate Appendix.

105

N/A

4. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Describe potential impacts that, on their own may not be significant, but is significant when added to the impact of other activities or existing impacts in the environment. Substantiate response:

Cumulative impacts are those impacts which when assessed in isolation may produce impacts that are

environmentally acceptable but which when combined with other impacts, may become significant. The

potential cumulative impacts that have been identified for the proposed development are as follows;

Waste Management;

Health/ Infectious Diseases;

Storm water management;

Security and Safety; and

Socio Economic Impacts.

The proposed development will fit into the existing farming in the area and contribute to employment

availability due to the proposed nature of the development it is expected that the proposed development

will generate job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labourers during the construction and

operational phases of development.

The site is currently zoned agricultural, the vegetation on site is mostly scattered with shrubs and grass,

the soil is of poor quality and the area is not a prime agricultural area, therefore the proposed project will

not result in significant biophysical impacts.

A management plan will have to be enforced through the EMPr to ensure the proper handling of waste

such as manure and carcasses on the site. All mortalities will be disposed of as per the

recommendations of a state veterinarian. Waste water emanating from ablution facilities (i.e. disinfection

and toilets) will be channelled to the septic tank and will then be pumped by a private contractor as often

as necessary.

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5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement that sums up the impact that the proposal and its alternatives may have on the environment after the management and mitigation of impacts have been taken into account with specific reference to types of impact, duration of impacts, likelihood of potential impacts actually occurring and the significance of impacts.

Proposal :MECHANICALLY VENTILATED COOPS

The contents of this report has sought to identify and assess key issues relating to the proposed

establishment of a poultry farm (egg production) and associated infrastructure on Portions 106 and 108

of Farm Elandsfontein 334IQ,Walkerville, Midvaal Local Municipality, within the Sedibeng District

Municipality.

The proposed site is adjacent to similar land uses which are agricultural activities. The area is already

largely disturbed and developed; therefore the impacts are not high in significance. Most of the impacts

will be limited to the site. The majority of the impacts from the construction to the decommissioning

phases are negative medium and negative low before mitigation, when mitigation is implemented the

impacts are significantly reduced to negative low.

It is recommended that if measures indicated in the Environmental Management Programme are

adhered to impacts will be largely mitigated. Positive impacts such as creation of job opportunities are

also anticipated.

Alternative 1 :NATURALLY VENTILATED COOPS

The proposed activity is a small development where similar agricultural activities are already taking

place. Therefore the impacts are not high in significance. Most of the impacts from the construction to

the decommissioning phases are negative medium and negative low before mitigation, when mitigation

is implemented the impacts are reduced to negative low.

Waste needs to be managed at every phase of the proposed development as waste can need to

biosecurity issues which can lead to the transmission of diseases.

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Alternative 2 DEEP LITTER/FREE RANGE

The proposed activity is for a small development where similar agricultural activities are already taking

place. Therefore the impacts are not high in significance. Most of the impacts from the construction to

the decommissioning phases are negative medium and negative low before mitigation, when mitigation

is implemented the impacts are reduced to negative low.

The most significant factors that could lead to potentially high significance are biosecurity and waste

management. However the significance impacts can be reduced when applying mitigation measures.

This alternative is quite risky in terms of biosecurity, and biosecurity on the farm.

NO-GO ALTERNATIVE (COMPULSORY)

Should the “no-go” alternative be identified as the preferred alternative, then the following situations will

occur:

The property will retain its current status. This may lead to degradation of the site. This option does not

optimize or promote the best use of the land in this area. In addition not using the site for any economic

activities does not provide opportunity for job creation within the local community. Business activities

provide entrepreneurial opportunities as well as job opportunities, while the environmental impact will be

fairly insignificant. The no go alternative will contribute negatively towards food security. Based on these

reasons the “No-Go” alternative is not recommended.

6. IMPACT SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSAL OR PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

For proposal: MECHANICALLY VENTILATED COOPS (Preferred alternative)

Significant environmental impacts associated with the EIA process include:

Positive Socio-economic impacts on the local community;

Impacts on biodiversity;

Waste management;

Storm water management;

Safety and security;

108

Noise;

Increased traffic volumes;

Removal of Topsoil;

Air quality; and

Noise

The preferred alternative also poses impacts to the environment and is expensive however, this option

is best as there is proper ventilation within coops and chickens are able to live comfortably.

109

For alternative: ALTERNATIVE 1- NATURALLY VENTILATED COOPS

Significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed project include:

Positive Socio-economic impacts on the local community;

Impacts on biodiversity;

Waste management;

Storm water management;

Safety and security;

Noise;

Removal of Topsoil;

Air quality; and

Noise.

The naturally ventilated coop will result in increased mortalities especially during the summer months

due to heat stress. The coops are not completely covered this could result in the transmission of air

borne diseases. The open sided design does not protect the chickens from birds outside.

For alternative: ALTERNATIVE 2-DEEP LITTER/FREE RANGE

Significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed project include:

Positive Socio-economic impacts on the local community;

Impacts on biodiversity;

Waste management;

Storm water management;

Safety and security;

Noise;

110

Removal of Topsoil;

Air quality; and

Noise

The deep litter leads to increased negative impacts as one has needs control over the chickens. With

this alternative one experience difficulties with diseases, security. This system makes the process of

egg collection and vaccination problematic. Furthermore the chickens are exposed to predators and bad

weather thus they are susceptible to high rates of mortalities.

Having assessed the significance of impacts of the proposal and alternative(s), please provide an overall summary and reasons for selecting the proposal or preferred alternative.

Having assessed the three methods of housing chickens, the mechanically ventilated coop is preferred

due to the following reasons:

The mechanically ventilated coops prevent the rapid spread of diseases.

There is less mortality as there is no heat stress due to the fact that temperature can be controlled.

The preferred alternative ensures that there is good indoor air quality.

The design of the this alternative minimizes odours.

Ventilation has the following benefits

Removal of heat produced by the chickens;

Removal of moisture produced by the chickens and leaking water lines;

Removal of ammonia from the excreta; and

Removal of dust from feed and bedding.

In consolidation thereof, no environmental fatal flaws were identified to be associated with the proposed

facility. Majority of impacts identified can be suitably mitigated to acceptable levels, provided that

specifications are stipulated in the Environmental Management Programme are followed and adhered

to.

111

7. RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER

Is the information contained in this report and the documentation attached hereto sufficient to make a decision in respect of the activity applied for (in the view of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner).

YES NO

If “NO”, indicate the aspects that require further assessment before a decision can be made (list the aspects that require further assessment):

N/A If “YES”, please list any recommended conditions, including mitigation measures that should be considered for inclusion in any authorisation that may be granted by the competent authority in respect of the application:

Generally all recommendations indicated in the EMPr should be implemented and adhered to. Some of

the key mitigation measures to be implemented include the following:

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Socio-Economic

The project proponent should strive to employ local labour and assist with skills development in as far

as applicable.

Solid Waste Storage

Solid waste storage should be in designated areas only. If it is not re-used where possible, it must be

disposed-off appropriately.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency should be considered in the design, with such aspects as insulation, energy efficient

appliances and lighting e.g. the use of Fluorescent lights.

Restriction of vehicular and human movement

Movement of humans and traffic should be restricted to construction sites, roads, buffer zones and

designated areas.

Temporary ablution facilities

Temporary ablution (toilets) for construction workers should be placed on level, stable land and checked

daily. Any problems resulting in pollution should not persist for a period of more than 24 hours. The

Project proponent has the responsibility for cleaning up any pollution that may occur. Toilets should not

be placed within 100m of a water body.

112

Construction Schedule

Construction should occur during daylight hours only from 07:00hrs to 17:00pm and if construction takes

place during weekends it should be from 08:00 to 13:00hrs.

Dust Suppression

Digging of foundations or any other activity that will result in the production of fugitive dust should occur

on windless days only. A reasonable speed limit (30km/h) should be adhered to when utilizing the

access roads to prevent/limit dust.

Construction Site Security For Community Safety

There should be provision of security especially during night time to prevent criminal activity that will

threaten the security of people.

Waste Removal

Waste generated during the construction phase of the proposed project should be disposed of as often

as necessary, before it becomes a pollution threat, this will be the responsibility of the contractor or

project proponent as the municipality has scheduled dates for waste collection.

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Chicken Manure Removal and Carcass Disposal

Chicken Manure will be sold to end uses such as farmers and nurseries. Whilst temporarily stored on

site the manure must be dried to a level at which obnoxious and harmful odour production will not occur.

Possible methods that could be used to prevent odours is the drying out of manure to lower levels of

odours emanating from the manure.

All mortalities will be disposed of as per the recommendations of a state veterinarian. The temporary

storage area for mortalities must be a covered area that has access control to prevent the unlawful

removal of mortalities. In the event of temporary storage, mortalities must be stored in sealed bins prior

to disposal.

Ablution Facilities

Waste water emanating from ablution facilities will be channeled to the septic tank. Ablution facilities

should be monitored daily.

113

Employment opportunities

The local community of Walkerville should be given priority in terms of employment opportunities.

Vehicular and Human Movement

Vehicular and human movement should be restricted to buffer zones, roads, and designated areas.

Disposal of Carcasses

All mortalities will be disposed- off in a manner prescribed by the state veterinarian..

Potential for outbreak of disease

Veterinarians must be consulted to ensure the optimum health of the chickens, and advise on measures

that will reduce risk of disease.

DECOMMISIONING PHASE

Rubble and Littering

Any rubble stockpiled should be placed in an area with the least impact.

Any waste or building rubble generated during the decommissioning phase should be recycled,

where possible.

Rubble and litter that is not recycled should be removed from the site and disposed- off at a licensed

facility.

Personnel should be instructed not to litter on site

Faunal and Floral Biodiversity

Areas and routes should be demarcated where vehicles may move in order to minimise impact on

surrounding natural veld.

Maintain intact habitat wherever possible.

Dust

Land clearing should not be conducted under strong windy conditions.

8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (EMPr)

114

If the EAP answers yes to Point 7 above then an EMP is to be attached to this report as an Appendix EMPr attached YES

SECTION F: APPENDIXES The following appendixes must be attached as appropriate: It is required that if more than one item is enclosed that a table of contents is included in the appendix

Appendix A: Site plan(s)/Locality map

Appendix B: Photograph

Appendix C: Facility illustration(s)

Appendix D: Route position information

Appendix E: Public Participation Information

Appendix F: Water use license(s) authorisation, SAHRA information, service letters from municipalities,

water supply information N/A

Appendix G: Specialist reports N/A NO SPECIALIST STUDIES CONDUCTED

Appendix H: EMPr

Appendix I: Other information

CHECKLIST To ensure that all information that the Department needs to be able to process this application, please check that:

Where requested, supporting documentation has been attached; All relevant sections of the form have been completed; and