draft environmental management programme for the … · management plans required in terms of...

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

FOR THE

PROPOSED EXPANSION OF A FREE-RANGE CHICKEN

FACILITY AND CLEARANCE OF LAND FOR

AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES ON FARMS 440, RE/441

(WITTEKOP) AND 478 (ANNEX WITTEKOP), WORCESTER

DEA&DP Ref. E12/2/4/1-B2/33-1118/11

Prepared for: Sunset Chickens cc

May 2012

Prepared by: Boland Environmental Consultants CC

PO Box 250, Worcester, 6849

Tel 023 347 0336 Fax 023 347 5336

[email protected]

DRAFT Environmental Management Programme Expansion of the free-range chicken farm on Farms 440, RE/441 (Wittekop) and 478 (Annex Wittekop), Worcester

DEA&DP Reference: E12/2/4/1-B2/33-1118/11 2

CONTENTS

1. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................... 3

2. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION ....................................................................................................... 3

2.1. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA ............................................... 4

2.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT ................................................................. 4

2.3. CONSERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES ACT...................................................... 4

2.4. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT ..................................... 4

2.5. WESTERN CAPE LAND USE PLANNING ORDINANCE ........................................................... 5

2.6. NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES ACT ................................................................................ 5

3. DESCRIPTIVE OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................... 6

3.1. LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................ 6

3.2. RELEVANT ACTIVITIES .............................................................................................................. 7

3.2.1 Construction ........................................................................................................................... 7

3.2.2 Operational ............................................................................................................................. 8

3.2.3 Decommissioning ................................................................................................................... 9

3.3. THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT .............................................................................................. 9

4. SUMMARY OF IMPACTS PRIOR TO MITIGATION ............................................................... 10

4.1. CONSTRUCTION PHASE IMPACTS PRIOR TO MITIGATION:............................................... 11

4.2. OPERATIONAL PHASE IMPACTS: ........................................................................................... 12

4.3. DECOMMISSIONING PHASE IMPACTS: ................................................................................. 16

5. CONSTRUCTION PHASE MANAGEMENT PLAN (C-EMP) ................................................. 17

5.1. GENERAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY ................................................................................... 17

5.2. MITIGATION MEASURES DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE ...................................... 17

5.3. FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE .................................... 21

5.4. HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT ................................................................................... 22

5.5. EMERGENCIES PROTOCOL .................................................................................................... 22

5.6. COMMUNICATION OF MANAGEMENT ACTIONS .................................................................. 23

5.7. ENFORCEMENT OF SITE USE RULES ................................................................................... 23

5.8. NON-COMPLIANCE................................................................................................................... 24

5.9. RECORD KEEPING ................................................................................................................... 24

5.10. AUDITING ................................................................................................................................ 24

6. OPERATIONAL PHASE MANAGEMENT PLAN (O-EMP) .................................................... 26

6.1. MITIGATION MEASURES DURING THE OPERATIONAL PHASE .......................................... 26

6.2. GENERAL MORTALITY DISPOSAL PROCEDURE (TO BE ADAPTED BY APPLICANT) ...... 30

6.3 RECORD KEEPING .................................................................................................................... 30

6.4. AUDITING .................................................................................................................................. 30

7. DECOMMISSIONING PHASE (D-EMP) .................................................................................... 32

8. ANNEXURES



1. BACKGROUND

This Environmental Management Programme (EMP) provides an operational framework and serves

as a guideline document with regards to the construction, operational and decommissioning phase

activities associated with the expansion of a free-range chicken farm and clearance of land for

agricultural purposes on Farms 440, RE/441 (Wittekop) and 478 (Annex Wittekop), Worcester.

This EMP contains guidelines, operating procedures and rehabilitation/pollution control requirements

which will be binding after approval of the EMP. It is essential that the EMP be carefully studied,

understood, implemented and adhered to at all times. Expansion or adaptation of this management

plan may be required in specific circumstances, but may require approval by the Competent Authority

which is in this case, the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development

Planning (DEA&DP).

The Applicant, Sunset Chickens cc, proposed to expand the current small-scale free-range poultry

facility on adjoining Farms 440, RE/441 (Wittekop) and 478 (Annex Wittekop) near Worcester,

Western Cape Provence. Land will also be cleared for related agricultural activities.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations 2010, promulgated in terms of the National

Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA), specifies activities that require

authorization from the relevant authorities, based on the findings of an environmental assessment,

before such activities can be implemented (Government Notice (GN) No. R. 543 - 547 of 2010). The

proposed project constitutes activities listed in Schedule 1 (GNR 544 No. 18 & 32) and Schedule 3

(GNR 546 No. 14).

This EMP is required to conform to conditions as set out in the Environmental Regulations GN 543 of

2010.

The EMP has been drafted taking into account the Western Cape Provincial Guideline for

Environmental Management Plans (2005).

The scope and the level of detail have been adjusted to an appropriately restricted level, reflecting the

following considerations:

• The assessment of impacts

• Mitigation & monitoring requirements

• Legal requirements

• The complexity of the project activities

In addition, this EMP has been drafted taking into consideration such comments as have been

received from Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) with regard to the proposed development.

Start-up, development (daily/weekly/monthly) and post development checklists will be included in

Annexure E of the Final BAR to facilitate site inspections by the Environmental Control Officer.

2. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION

The legislation that is relevant to this development is briefly outlined below.



2.1. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) states that everyone has a right to

a non-threatening environment and that reasonable measure are applied to protect the environment.

This includes preventing pollution and promoting conservation and environmentally sustainable

development, while promoting justifiable social and economic development.

2.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT

The National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA), as amended, makes

provision for the identification and assessment of activities that are potentially detrimental to the

environment and which require authorization from the relevant authorities based on the findings of an

environmental assessment. NEMA is a National Act, which is enforced by the Department of

Environmental Affairs (DEA). These powers are delegated in the Western Cape to the Department of

Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP).

According to the regulations of Section 24(5) of NEMA (EIA Regulations 2010), authorisation is

required for the following activities related to the proposed development:

Government Notice R544 of 2010, listed activities:

18: The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 5 cubic metres into, or the dredging,

excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock from (i) a

watercourse;

Government Notice R546 of 2010, listed activities:

14: The clearance of an area of 5 hectares or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the

vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation..., (a) In... Western Cape: All areas outside

urban areas.

*NOTE: A Basic Assessment process was undertaken to assess the impacts as required for activities

listed in Government Notices R543 and R546.

2.3. CONSERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES ACT

The purpose of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983) provides for control

over the utilization of the natural agricultural resources in order to promote the conservation of the

soil, the water sources, vegetation and to combat weeds and invader plants.

2.4. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) is part of

a suite of legislation falling under NEMA, which includes the Waste Act, Protected Areas Act, the Air

Quality Bill and the Coastal Zone Bill. Chapter 4 of NEMBA deals with threatened and protected

ecosystems and species and related threatened processes and restricted activities. The need to

protect listed ecosystems is addressed (Section 54). Section 73 deals with Duty of Care relating to



invasive species, while Section 76(2) calls for development of invasive species monitoring, control

and eradication plans by all organs of state in all spheres of government, as part of environmental

management plans required in terms of Section 11 of NEMA.

2.5. WESTERN CAPE LAND USE PLANNING ORDINANCE

The Western Cape Land Use Planning Ordinance 15 of 1985 aims to regulate land use planning and

related matters, including zoning schemes.

The properties are currently zoned Agricultural Zone I. An application for (i) subdivision, (ii)

consolidation, (iii) consent use and (iv) the registration of a dam servitude in terms of the Land Use

Planning Ordinance (Ordinance 15 of 1985) is being facilitated by BolandPlan Town and Regional

Planners, and is running parallel to, but distinct from the environmental authorisation process.

(i) Subdivision: of Farm 441 into Remainder 441 and proposed Portion A.

(ii) Consolidation: proposed Portion A of Farm 441 (Wittekop), Worcester with Portion 1 of Farm 443,

Worcester; and proposed Remainder of Farm 441 (Wittekop), Worcester with Farm 478 (Annex

Wittekop), Worcester.

(iii) Consent Use on Agricultural Zone I for Intensive Feed Farming (chickens) on the proposed

consolidated Farms RE/441 and 478, Worcester and Farm 440, Worcester.

(iv) Registration of a dam servitude: on the consolidated Farms RE/441 and 478, Worcester.

2.6. NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES ACT

The protection and management of South Africa’s heritage resources are controlled by the National

Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999). South African National Heritage Resources Agency

(SAHRA) is the enforcing authority and in the Western Cape, SAHRA have, in most cases, delegated

this authority to Heritage Western Cape (HWC).

In terms of Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act, SAHRA and/or HWC will require a

Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) where certain categories of development are proposed. Section

38(8) also makes provision for the assessment of heritage impacts as part of an EIA/Basic

Assessment process and indicates that if such an assessment is found to be adequate, a separate

HIA is not required.

The National Heritage Resources Act requires relevant authorities to be notified regarding this

proposed development, as the following activity is relevant:

•••• any development or other activity which will change the character of a site exceeding 5 000 m²

in extent;

Furthermore, in terms of Section 34(1), no person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a

structure, which is older than 60 years without a permit issued by the SAHRA, or the responsible

resources authority. Nor may anyone destroy, damage, alter, exhume or remove from its original

position, or otherwise disturb, any grave or burial ground older than 60 years, which is situated



outside a formal cemetery administered by a local authority, without a permit issued by the SAHRA, or

a provincial heritage authority, in terms of Section 36 (3). In terms of Section 35 (4), no person may

destroy, damage, excavate, alter or remove from its original position, or collect, any archaeological

material or object, without a permit issued by the SAHRA, or the responsible resources authority.

An Archaeological Study was conducted by Mr. Jonathan Kaplan from the Agency for Cultural

Resource Management and reports submitted to HWC along with the Basic Assessment Report.

Findings of the Palaeontological Study completed in 2011 for the adjacent property (Farm 450/6,

Nuwerus) were also included in the HIA together with an integrated set of recommendations.

A Record of Decision from HWC regarding the proposed expansion of the free-range chicken farm is

pending.

3. DESCRIPTIVE OVERVIEW

3.1. LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION

The development site is located on Farms 440, RE/441 (Wittekop) and 478 (Annex Wittekop),

Worcester, hereafter referred to as the Subject Land. The Subject Land is located in the Breede

Valley Municipal area, approximately 16 km SE of Worcester adjacent to the R60 (TR31/1) towards

Robertson. See Annexure A – Locality Maps.

The Subject Land stretches across three adjoining farms, owned by the same landowner (Nardus

Family Trust). The terrain comprises undulating plains with West – East trending low hills and intact,

natural vegetation. The vegetation consists of Robertson Karoo (Least Threatened), classified as

Worcester Renosterveld Karoo (Least Threatened) according to the more recent CAPE Fine-Scale

Biodiversity Planning Project.

Existing development and activities on the Subject Land comprise the existing small-scale free-range

poultry facility, a farm dam on RE/441, a number of farm tracks (2-spoor “jeep” tracks), a dilapidated

farm house on RE/441, old water furrows (previously used to transfer water between small farm dams

on the current and surrounding farms) as well as other general farming activities. Existing access

roads are used to access the farms. Other features present on the farm include a number of unnamed

ephemeral watercourses that cross the farms in a SW to NE direction. These drainage lines

correspond with the Other Ecological Support Areas (OESA) identified by the CAPE Fine-Scale

Biodiversity Planning Project Map.

Property location(s): Worcester

Farm number and

portion

Farm 440, RE/441 (Wittekop) & 478 (Annex Wittekop),

Worcester

Property size

Farm 440, Worcester: 122.5169 ha

Remainder of Farm 441, Wittekop: 343.3 ha

Farm 478, Annex Wittekop: 18.5454 ha

Development

footprint size

Development footprint: 216 ha

Actual land clearance: 16 ha



SG21 Digit code(s)

Farm 440, Worcester: C08500000000044000000

Proposed Remainder of Farm 441 (Wittekop), Worcester:

C08500000000044100000

Farm 478 (Annex Wittekop), Worcester:

C08500000000047800000

Coordinates:

Latitude (S) 33° 42‘ 57.01“

Longitude (E) 19° 36‘ 31.14“

Street address: Robertson Road (R60)

Magisterial District or

Town: Worcester

Closest City/Town: Worcester Distance 16 (km)

Zoning of Property: Agriculture I

3.2. RELEVANT ACTIVITIES

3.2.1 Construction

The construction phase described for the purposes of this EMP consist of the following activities:

Identification of construction, sensitive and NO-Go areas

• Areas of No-Go, including perimeter buffer areas and water courses will be clearly flagged

and avoided for the construction of chicken houses and associated infrastructure. Tracks

and fence lines should be monitored and maintained to reduce impact on these areas.

• The sensitive archaeological area at proposed chicken houses 11 & 12, should be avoided by

moving the houses at least 30 – 40 m north/north east.

• Construction areas including lay-down, parking and work areas will be identified, demarcated

and fenced off if necessary.

Alteration or clearing of natural vegetation

• Clearing, levelling and compacting of a 16 ha of indigenous vegetation to construct the

chicken houses and associated infrastructure (e.g. fodder camps).

• Clearing of indigenous vegetation to create internal 3m wide gravel /dirt roads.

• Indigenous plant species are to be used when planting supplementary food and shelter for

chickens.

Construction of access and internal roads

• Construction of internal roads and fence lines through ephemeral watercourses.

• Upgrading and widening of existing gravel access road, at most 4m.

• Stormwater control measures such as appropriately spaced diversion humps and gullies will

be constructed to prevent erosion from runoff.



Erection of fencing

• The existing perimeter fences should be inspected and mended where necessary.

• Perimeter fences that cut across the ephemeral watercourses should be modified, where

possible, to allow free movement of animals i.e. replace mesh wiring with widely spaced

smooth wire strands.

• Any traps and snares found should be removed.

3.2.2 Operational

The operational phase described for the purposes of this EMP consist of the following activities:

• Growing free-range chickens in a sustained and humane manner.

• Transportation of chickens to and from the site.

• Implementation of strict and detailed biosecurity protocol/programme according to prescribed

national and international standards.

• Suitable signage will be installed at strategic positions to restrict admissions, as part of the

biosecurity measures.

• The continuous inspection, collection and recording of dead chickens and other hazardous

material according to a proper Mortality Disposal Procedure.

• The implementation of a vermin, pest and problem-animal control programmes.

• Recording of any dangerous and/or problem animals attracted to the site.

• Workers should receive ongoing environmental awareness programmes.

• Cleaning and disinfecting of chicken houses.

• Proper disposal of waste, including the removal of manure and bedding material.

• Inspection and maintenance of gravel roads to ensure they remain clear of debris and

erosion.

• Inspection and maintenance of boundary and perimeter fences to ensure they remain clear of

debris and erosion.

• Planting of lucerne, grass or other forms of supplementary feed for chickens in fodder camps

next to chicken houses.

• Removal and control of alien invasive plants and weeds that may establish themselves on the

Subject Land.

• Passive security systems might be installed to warn of intrusion or security breaches.

• Setting up of permanent (clearly marked) vegetation monitoring test and control plots to

monitor any changes to the vegetation imposed by trampling, overgrazing, etc. of chickens.

The methodology below is to be followed (based on recommendations made by the Botanical

Specialist – Ms J. Krige).

Vegetation Monitoring during Operational Phase:

• One test plot and one control plot of 5m x 5m each should be set up at the following intervals

from one of the chicken houses:

• 10 m (directly outside the cleared buffer area around the chicken house)

� 50 m

� 100 m

� 200 m

� 300 m (outer boundary of the 9 ha foraging area)

• The control plot should be a fenced plot, preventing chickens from entering the site while the

test plot should be an open plot, clearly marked by 4 posts, allowing chickens to enter the site.

• At each interval, both the test and control plot should be placed in a similar setting (either an



open area or heuweltjie or part of a heuweltjie) to allow for comparative assessments between

tests and controls.

• The plots should be monitored every 6 months (autumn and spring) to assess the level of

disturbance.

• Should the proposed development have a significant detrimental impact on vegetation cover

and composition beyond 50 m, it is recommended that the 9 ha foraging areas be significantly

reduced. This will allow for natural corridors between each of the 24 chicken houses which will

remain free of impacts caused by chickens and will prevent large scale deterioration and

erosion over the entire property.

• Additionally the number of chickens should be significantly reduced to prevent over grazing.

3.2.3 Decommissioning

The decommissioning phase described for the purposes of this EMP consist of the following activities:

• Chicken houses and associated infrastructure should be dismantled.

• A hierarchical waste management approach should be adopted, namely:

o re-using whole components and infrastructure,

o recycling all useful materials such as metals, glass and plastics,

o energy and material recovery at a gasification plant or similar,

o safe disposal of remaining waste portions at a licensed incineration or landfill site.

• Concreted areas should be broken up and building rubble recycled or disposed of at a

licensed landfill site.

• Compacted areas such as roads should be ripped and rehabilitated using local vegetation.

• Disturbed or eroded areas should be rehabilitated using suitable methods and natural local

vegetation.

• All rehabilitation should be supervised by a suitably qualified professional such as a botanist,

hydrologist or engineer.

3.3. THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

The Subject Land is currently zoned for agricultural use (Agriculture I). The site consists of natural

karoo veld utilized for the existing free-range chickens and small stock grazing. The Subject Land in

its current state has a low agricultural potential and only 10 ha existing water “rights”. The Applicant

proposes to apply for additional water rights in the future.

The site is traversed by old defunct water furrows previously used to connect farm dams and

divert/transport water between farm dams on the Subject Land and surrounding properties. These

furrows are now overgrown with vegetation and not functioning.

The Subject Land is located within an undulating plain and comprise low hills (NW - SE trending),

traversed by small ephemeral water courses (flowing SW to NE). According to the CAPE Fine-Scale

Plan Critical Biodiversity Areas Map there is several ecological support areas located on the site

which corresponds to the various unnamed ephemeral water courses running through the Subject



Land. Ecological processes should be maintained within these buffer/supporting areas. The

remainder of the Subject Land is characterised as “Other Natural Areas”. There are no identified

terrestrial or aquatic Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) present on the Subject Land. See Annexure B

– Site Layout.

The Subject Land is in a fairly pristine condition and comprises a large area of natural habitat. Low

mounds or Termitaria (heuweltjies) are prominent features within the otherwise homogenous

landscape. According to the NSBA 2004 the Subject Land consists of Robertson Karoo vegetation

which is considered “Least Threatened”. The more recent CAPE Fine-Scale Biodiversity Planning

project (FSP) classified the vegetation on site as Worcester Renosterveld Karoo (Least Threatened).

The oldest rocks are found in the south of the Subject Land, consisting of Ecca Shales of the Karoo

Super Group. The Ecca rocks are covered by the younger Uitenhage Group Enon Conglomerates,

which have been known to contain important fossils in other areas.

The Subject Land is located within the Succulent Karoo biome, which shows relatively high numbers

of reptiles. A number of reptiles and small mammals will occur naturally on the Subject Land.

Mammals that are commonly found in the Robertson Karoo region include amongst others, Cape

Grey Mongoose (Galerella pulverulenta), Scrub Hare (Lepus saxatilis), Cape Porcupine (Hystrix

africaeaustralis), Cape Grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis) and Caracal (Caracal caracal). Notable

reptiles include Angulate Tortoise/Ploegskaarskilpad (Chersina angulata), Leopard Tortoise

(Stigmochelys pardalis) and Parrot Beaked Padloper (Homopus areolatus).

4. SUMMARY OF IMPACTS PRIOR TO MITIGATION

The Basic Assessment identified various potential impacts associated with the proposed

development:

The most significant negative impacts associated with the construction phase of the proposed

development relate to the transformation of ecological support areas through the construction of

internal roads and fence lines through ephemeral watercourses.

The most significant negative impacts are, however, associated with the operational phase of the

proposed expanded free-range chicken facility. These relate to the transformation and impact on

natural vegetation and ecological support areas. Land transformation by means of potential erosion

due to trampling and changes in the soil chemistry and fertility due to high amounts of chicken

manure, also scored relatively high during the impact assessment. Waste (mostly manure and

hazardous such as dead chickens) and biosecurity are the most significant potential impacts, prior to

mitigation. All impacts are of Medium to Low significance after the implementation of the mitigation

proposed.

Negative impacts associated with the decommissioning phase relate to erosion due to exposed land

and the disturbance to biodiversity and the generation of waste.

Positive impacts associated with the proposed development will be socio-economically related,

specifically local and regional economic upliftment and development through the creation of

employment opportunities during all phases; aiding in food security; and providing the public with a

healthier food option (meat) produced in a more humane and sustainable manner.



4.1. Construction Phase Impacts prior to mitigation:

4.1.1. Negative Impacts of Low Significance for the construction phase prior to mitigation

NEGATIVE IMPACTS

(LOW) DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT

Hydrology: Storm water

and drainage

The development will result in a marginal increase in storm

water run-off, especially where vegetation will be cleared for the

construction of chicken houses, roads and associated

infrastructure. This will require some management to prevent soil

erosion.

Land transformation:

Erosion Exposed land might be susceptible to wind and water erosion.

Land transformation: Dust

levels

The proposed development may result in increased dust levels

during the construction phase.


Noise levels

Increased noise levels due to earthmoving and construction

equipment.


Visual impact

Land clearing and soil preparation could create a temporary

visual impact.

Floral biodiversity

Vegetation (and geophytes) will be impacted where earthmoving

activities (vegetation clearing and bulldozing / disturbance of the

topsoil) are necessary during the construction period. The

development will however not result in a complete removal of

this vegetation within the development site. The local loss of this

vegetation type due to the proposed development on the Subject

Land will have a small overall effect and will not endanger the

future of this vegetation type.

Increased traffic volume The transportation of construction equipment and materials to

the site will increase traffic levels in the area.

Waste – Sewage/effluent/

hydrocarbons

Little or no sewage will be generated during land clearing and

construction.

Spillage and/or leakage of hydrocarbons by construction

vehicles and machinery may cause chemical contamination of

soil and groundwater.

Waste – Building rubble

and littering

There will not be a significant amount of building rubble

generated during the construction phase. Construction workers

might litter during this phase.

Heritage

The proposed development will not have an impact of great

significance on archaeological or palaeontological remains that

might be encountered during implementation of the project.

4.1.2. Negative Impacts of Medium-Low Significance for the construction phase prior to mitigation

NEGATIVE IMPACTS

(MEDIUM-LOW) DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT

Hydrology – Water supply Water supply will be sourced from the farm dam and borehole on

Farm RE/441 during the construction phase.

Faunal biodiversity The loss, transformation and fragmentation of potential faunal

habitat due to the clearance of land for the construction of



chicken houses and associated infrastructure.

The development will lead to a local loss of the habitat within a

fairly homogeneous area. Fauna and other organisms that utilise

the area will have other similar habitat still available to them

(adjacent natural areas of similar homogeneous habitat). Apart

from ephemeral water courses traversing the Subject Land, no

specialised habitats such as quartz patches or rocky outcrops

are evident on the site.

Poaching of wild animals by construction workers can cause a

local negative impact.

Veldfire Machinery and human activity will increase veldfire risk levels,

especially during the dry season.

4.1.3. Negative Impacts of Medium Significance for the construction phase prior to mitigation

NEGATIVE IMPACTS

(MEDIUM) DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT

Land transformation –

Loss of ecological

processes (Ecological

Support Areas)

The construction of roads and fence lines through the ephemeral

watercourses and chicken houses within 32m buffers will impact on

Ecological Support Areas (ESAs) and the level of ecological

connectivity (corridors) that they offer. Houses were, however,

proposed to be constructed outside these buffer zones.

4.1.4. Positive Impacts identified for the construction phase prior to mitigation

POSITIVE IMPACTS DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT

Socio-Economic –

upliftment of quality of life

Approximately 15 new employment opportunities will be created

during the construction phase. Approximately 75% of the expected

value of these employment opportunities will be accrued to

previously disadvantaged individuals.

4.2. OPERATIONAL PHASE IMPACTS:

4.2.1. Negative Impacts of Low Significance for the operational phase prior to mitigation

NEGATIVE IMPACTS

(LOW) DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT

Land transformation – Dust

levels

The proposed development may result in increased dust levels

during the operational phase.

Land transformation – Noise

levels

The farm is situated in a rural area and the farmers in the area

should be accustomed to the sound of working tractors and

machinery. The chickens themselves are not expected to

generate any significant levels of noise during the operational

phase. Some noise could arise in relation to the expected

increase in traffic to and from the site, especially at the end of a

production cycle.



Heritage

The proposed development is not expected to have any

significant impact on archaeological or palaeontological remains

during the operational phase, should proposed houses 11 and

12 be moved at least 30 – 40m north/north east.

4.2.2. Negative Impacts of Medium-Low Significance for the operational phase prior to mitigation

NEGATIVE IMPACTS

(MEDIUM-LOW) DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT

Hydrology – Storm water and

drainage

The roofs of chicken houses and other buildings will increase

storm water runoff.

Hardened surfaces around chicken houses due to trampling,

nesting and foraging by chickens will increase storm water runoff

and subsequent erosion (loss of topsoil).

Hydrology – Water supply Water use for chickens and irrigation purposes.

Land transformation – Soil

chemistry and fertility

Soil chemical properties and vegetation yield can however be

negatively affected if large amounts of manure is applied over

long periods of time.

No storage and processing of waste will however occur on site.

Manure and bedding material will be removed from site by a

contractor on a regular basis. The Applicant will retain a certain

quantity on his own lands for fertilization purposes.

It is therefore not expected that manure will negatively affect soil

properties and vegetation production, but this aspect must be

taken into consideration, should manure loads be left to build up

in the veld.

Land transformation – Visual

impacts

The proposed expansion is consistent with the existing

agricultural land use of the property and surrounding areas.

All buildings and associated infrastructure will be sited as

unobtrusively as possible. A natural buffer zone will be

maintained between the chicken houses and neighbouring

farms. Indigenous trees and shrubs will be planted and

maintained to reduce visibility from adjoining roads and

properties.

Increased traffic volume The transportation of chickens to and from the site will increase

traffic levels in the area.

Veldfire Machinery and human activity will increase veldfire risk levels,

especially during the dry seasons.

4.2.3. Negative Impacts of Medium Significance for the operational phase prior to mitigation

NEGATIVE IMPACTS DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT

Land transformation - Erosion

Hardened surfaces around chicken houses due to trampling,

nesting and foraging by chickens. Construction of chicken

houses and associated infrastructure against steep slopes.



Land transformation – Loss

of ecological processes

(Ecological Support Areas)

The construction of roads and fence lines through the ephemeral

watercourses will impact on Ecological Support Areas (ESAs)

and the level of ecological connectivity (corridors) that they offer.

No chicken houses will be constructed within 32m from any

ephemeral watercourse. No disposal or irrigation of grey water

will occur within a 100m buffer on either side of any watercourse.

Ablution facilities for farm workers will be placed further than

100m from any ephemeral watercourse.

Land transformation – Odour

nuisance levels

It is not possible to avoid all odours, but it is expected that the

ventilated houses and free-range pastures will emanate less

odour than the conventional closed intensive broiler houses.

Chicken houses will be located well away from any human

settlements and houses will be cleaned and disinfected after

every production cycle.

No storage and processing of waste will occur on the farm.

Subject to good management of poultry, housing systems and

waste disposal, odour should not present a significant impact.

Faunal biodiversity

Potential faunal habitat will be lost, transformed and fragmented

due to the clearance of land and the construction of

infrastructure. Animals may get entangled in boundary fences

that cross the water courses (ecological corridors).

Poaching of wild animals (by means of hunting without permits,

trapping and snaring) by farm workers can cause a local

negative impact.

The potential attraction of predators and problem animals to the

foraging chickens might interfere with natural predator-prey

relationships of the area and can also cause infestation of

problem animals, e.g. rodents which are carriers of certain

diseases.

Floral biodiversity

Approximately 16 ha natural veld will be cleared for the

construction of chicken houses and associated infrastructure.

Trampling and the concentration of chickens around chicken

houses will impact on natural vegetation.

Waste – Sewage/effluent/

hydrocarbons

There are two potential sources of effluent – sewage from

ablution facilities and grey water from house wash down

procedures.

Relatively small amounts of waste water are generated during

the cleaning and disinfecting of chicken houses which occurs at

the end of each production cycle.

The Applicant proposes to use biodegradable detergents. All

chemicals used during the cleaning and disinfecting processes

should break down swiftly once they are exposed to sunlight. It

is proposed to reuse the grey water for irrigation purposes, e.g.



orchards and olive groves.

4.2.4. Negative Impacts of High-Medium Significance for the operational phase prior to mitigation


Waste – Solid waste

Chicken manure and bedding material will be removed from site

by a registered contractor on a regular basis. The Applicant will

retain a certain quantity on his own lands for fertilization

purposes. No on site storage or processing will take place. If the

manure is not removed from site regularly, it can lead to nitrate

leaching into the soil and ammonium nitrate emissions into the

air.

Chicken mortalities will be handled as hazardous waste and will

be safely disposed of at the registered Vissershok Landfill site.

A nominal amount of additional general waste related to chicken

farming and other agriculture activities will be produced during

the operational phase.

Biosecurity (health)

Biosecurity in poultry operations is of the utmost importance to

ensure healthy flocks perform according to the required

standards and to prevent transition of diseases.

People and vehicle movement are two of the main means of

transmitting disease between flocks or farms.

The potential exposure of workers to infectious diseases is a

health hazard.

The potential transition of diseases from wild animals to

chickens and vice versa is a health hazard.

4.2.5. Positive Impacts for the operational phase prior to mitigation

POSITIVE IMPACTS DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT

Socio-Economic: Economic

upliftment

Approximately 15 permanent employment opportunities will be

created during the operational phase. Approximately 60% of the

expected value of the employment opportunities will be accrued

to previously disadvantaged individuals.

The proposed expansion of the free-range chicken farm will

make the farms economically more viable. It will also ensure that

the recently built Sunset Suppliers Chicken Abattoir in Worcester

will become economically viable. The farm will be the abattoir’s

main source of meat since there are no other large-scale free-

range chicken farms in the Worcester area.

Socio-Economic: Food

security

The local production and subsequent processing of meat at the

Sunset Suppliers Chicken Abattoir in Worcester will boost the



economy of Worcester and surrounds, while aiding in securing

the local availability and access to an additional food source.

Socio-Economic: Healthier

food option produced in a

more humane and

sustainable manner

Free-range products are generally more expensive compared to

commercially produced products. The demand for free-range

products is however escalating due to an increased demand for

healthy living and an increased awareness regarding animal

welfare.

Free-range chicken meat is a healthier food option compared to

meat that is produced in the conventional intensive broiler

industry.

The proposed expansion will thus supply an alternative food

source to the population that is produced in a more humane and

sustainable manner.

The Applicant proposes to base the proposed development on a

permaculture system which is based on core values and

ecological design principles that seek to develop sustainable

agricultural systems.

The proposed development has the potential to set a positive

precedent for sustainable agriculture in South Africa.

4.3. DECOMMISSIONING PHASE IMPACTS:

4.3.1. Negative Impacts of Low Significance for the decommissioning phase prior to mitigation


Hydrology – Storm water and

drainage

The storm water generated off the area should decline, however

the newly rehabilitated areas have an associated erosion risk.

Decommissioning may impact on adjacent natural vegetation by

means of trampling and dumping of decommissioned

infrastructure. Exposed areas may be susceptible to alien

invasion and soil erosion.

Land transformation – Dust

levels

Additional dust generated by earth moving activities during the

construction phase.

Land transformation – Noise

levels

Increased noise levels due to earth moving and construction

activities.

Land transformation – Visual

impact

Land clearing and soil preparation could create a temporary

visual impact.

Increased traffic volume The transportation of demolition vehicles and equipment to the

site will increase traffic levels in the area.

Waste – Rubble and littering Building rubble might be generated during the demolition phase.

Personnel might litter during this phase.



4.3.2. Negative Impacts of Medium–Low Significance for the decommissioning phase prior to

mitigation


Land transformation –

Erosion Exposed land might be sensitive to wind and water erosion.

Faunal and floral biodiversity Trucks and other machinery may damage vegetation and natural

faunal habitat.

5. CONSTRUCTION PHASE MANAGEMENT PLAN (C-EMP)

The overall goal for the construction phase is to undertake the activities associated with the

expansion of the free-range chicken farm in a way that:

� Ensures that activities are properly managed in respect of environmental aspects and

impacts. Protects the natural environment from degradation and harm.

� Ensures the development achieves its positive socio-economic impact.

� Complies with legislation.

5.1. GENERAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

� Appointment of the Environmental Control Officer (Annexure D).

� A start-up, development (daily/weekly) and post construction checklist will be included in

Annexure E of the Final BAR to facilitate site inspection by the Environmental Control Officer.

5.2. MITIGATION MEASURES DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

All appropriate mitigation measures should be implemented by the Applicant for the duration of the

construction phase.

Objective Mitigation: Action/control

Protection of

floral

biodiversity -

indigenous

plant species

and vegetation

type

� Extensive earth moving activities and leveling is highly undesirable.

Vegetation cover should be left intact where possible, except for

development areas such as the chicken houses and roads. A certain

amount of damage is expected during construction phase.

� Where vegetation cover is too high, trimming back to at most to 0.5m

height is recommended instead of the complete removal of vegetation.

� Selected succulents (Crassula, Gasteria, Haworthia & Tylecodon

paniculatus) should be relocated before construction commences to buffer

areas on the Subject Land.

� Indigenous plant species must be used for the establishment of paddocks,

pastures and natural barriers.

� Disturbance or removal of the topsoil should be prevented as far as

possible to reduce the risk of erosion and to prevent the impact on

dormant geophytes. Wherever topsoil is disturbed, geophytes should be

removed and relocated to buffer areas.



� Physical disturbance (i.e. removal of topsoil) to heuweltjies should be

prevented as far as possible as they contain the highest richness of

geophytes, plant and animal species.

� Vegetation within corridors and buffer areas (along fences and water

courses) should not be disturbed, removed or trimmed.

� Vegetation debris and building rubble should not be dumped on adjacent

natural vegetation.

� Internal roads should be selected in areas where the minimum amount of

vegetation is disturbed.

� Dust levels should be kept to a minimum to avoid smothering of sensitive

areas by windblown sediments.

� Experimental plots should be set up and monitored according to

specifications made by the Botanical Specialist to investigate the level of

disturbance caused onto vegetation cover and composition to prevent

overgrazing and large scale erosion. See Section 3.2.2 of this EMP. Also

see Appendix G – Botanical Impact Assessment attached to the Basic

Assessment Report.

Protection of

biodiversity –

ecological

processes

� No construction of chicken houses and associated infrastructure (except

roads and fence lines if necessary) should occur within 32m from any

watercourse on either side of any ephemeral watercourse, measured from

the edge of the watercourse.

� Proper construction and maintenance operations of roads and fence lines

must be followed to reduce impact and obstruction of Ecological Support

Areas (watercourses).

� It is recommended that the 9ha forage camps only be partly fenced around

the chicken houses to separate chicken flocks, while maintaining

ecological connectivity in the form of ecological corridors. See Annexure

B – Site Layout for proposed fence lines.

� No disposal or irrigation of grey water should occur within a 100m buffer

on either side of any watercourse.

� Natural vegetation should remain intact to allow for natural storm water

infiltration and dust management.

� No development, trimming or removal of any vegetation should take place

within the ephemeral water courses or perimeter buffer areas.

Protection of

faunal

biodiversity

� Maintain intact habitat wherever possible.

� A minimum buffer of 32m should be maintained along all watercourses on

site.

� Speed on internal roads should be restricted to prevent road mortality with

the use of speed humps and road signage.

� Poaching (hunting without permits, trapping and snaring) of local wildlife

must be strictly prohibited.

� Parked construction vehicles and machinery must be inspected before

they are moved to ensure that no slow- moving animals (e.g. tortoises) are

killed while hiding beneath the vehicles.

� Animals must be allowed to cross the site unharmed during the

construction phase.

� Ground nesting birds must be allowed to passively vacate the area if they

are come across during construction.

� Artificial food and refuse should be kept out of reach of animals to prevent

problem-animals from becoming a nuisance or danger to construction

workers, staff and local indigenous species residing on or near the site.

Refuse should be removed from site regularly.



� The sections of the fence lines that cross watercourses (ecological

corridors) should be removed or modified to allow free movement of

animals, if and where possible. A widely spaced, smooth wire fence that

allows animals through can be used.

Storm water

management

� The Applicant should only clear the land necessary to accommodate the

development to reduce potential erosion.

� Physical disturbance to topsoil should be restricted to demarcated areas

(chicken houses, roads and associated infrastructure).

� The existing furrows that traverse the Subject Land should remain intact

and should allow unobstructed flow of storm water.

� Runoff from larger storm events should be led into existing water furrows.

� Storm water bumps/furrows or adequate drainage structures must be used

on internal gravel roads.

� Proper erosion measures should be implemented where storm water is

discharged into storm water channels.

Reduce risk of

erosion

� Internal roads must be constructed in areas where the minimum amount of

vegetation will be disturbed.

� Steep gradients must be avoided for the construction of chicken houses

and associated infrastructure.

� Effective storm water measures must be implemented.

� The removal of natural vegetation should be prevented as far as possible.

� Physical disturbance to topsoil and construction should preferable take

place in the dry season to lower the potential for surface water pollution

and erosion.

� Any eroded area must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further

damage.

� Physical disturbance to topsoil should be restricted to development areas

i.e. chicken houses, roads and associated infrastructure.

� Disturbances within and around the development area caused by the

construction activities should be prevented as far possible, and

rehabilitated once construction is completed. Rehabilitation should include

re-vegetating the exposed areas with local indigenous species and/or

stabilizing the soil.

� Dust levels should be kept to a minimum to avoid smothering of sensitive

areas by windblown sediments. Planting of vineyards (altogether 4 ha)

should be conducted parallel with natural contours as far as possible.

Protection of

water resources

� Water abstraction should be kept to a minimum and personnel should be

instructed not to waste water.

� Storm water from the roofs of buildings should be captured in rain water

tanks. This could also be used for drinking water.

� Should the water use values exceed the General Authorisation values,

formal written notice should be provided to the BOCMA.

� Should the water resource chance, written notice should be provided to the

BOCMA.

� Physical disturbance to topsoil and construction should preferable take

place in the dry season to lower the potential for surface water pollution

and erosion.

Protection of

heritage

resources:

Archaeology &

Palaeontological

� Chicken houses no. 11 and 12 on Farm 440 must be moved at least 30 –

40m north/north east of their present location.

� If any archaeological or palaeontological (e.g. human remains, bones,

teeth, fossil wood, plant- or shell-rich beds) material is found or exposed

during earthmoving and construction, work must cease, the site should be



demarcated and Jonathan Kaplan (Cellular: 082 321 0172) or Heritage

Western Cape (Tel: 021 483 9692) must be notified immediately.

� The material should not be removed until inspected by an archaeologist.

Minimisation of

visual impact

� The Applicant should only clear the land necessary to accommodate the development.

� Cleared areas should be exposed for the shortest time possible and

subsequently used for the construction of houses and infrastructure, and

forage camps planted with lucerne/grass.

� Layout and construction of roads and infrastructure should be planned with

due cognisance of the topography.

� Rehabilitate areas disturbed during construction to prevent visual scarring.

� A “no development” buffer area must be maintained between the chicken

houses and neighbouring farms.

� Reduce the construction period through careful planning and productive

implementation of resources.

� Plan the placement of lay-down areas and any potential temporary

construction camps in order to minimise vegetation clearing.

� Restrict the activities and movement of construction workers and vehicles

to the immediate construction site and existing access roads.

� Ensure that rubble, litter and disused construction materials are managed

and removed regularly.

� Ensure that all infrastructure and the site and general surrounds are

maintained in a neat and attractive way;

� Reduce and control construction dust through the use of approved dust

suppression techniques.

� Restrict construction activities to daylight hours (08h00 – 17h00) in order

to negate or reduce the visual impacts associated with lighting.

� Rehabilitate all disturbed areas, construction areas, road servitudes and

cut and fill slopes to acceptable visual standards.

Minimisation of

Dust

� Earthworks and vegetation clearing / trimming should not be undertaken

during very windy conditions.

� Cleared land should be exposed for a minimum time possible and

rehabilitated after construction.

� Rehabilitation should include mulching and re-vegetation to stabilise the

soil.

� Any soil, and only areas intended for development, must be exposed for

the minimum time possible once cleared of vegetation to avoid prolonged

exposure to wind and water erosion and to minimize dust generation.

� Working areas and road surfaces used by heavy vehicles will be sprayed

with water whenever necessary if conditions result in extensive dust

generation.

� Water used for dust suppression purposes must be used in moderation

and should not be wasted.

� Appropriate speed limit must be maintained on all gravel roads for the

duration of the construction phase.

Minimisation of

Noise

� All construction equipment, including vehicles, must be properly and

appropriately maintained in order to minimise noise generation.

� Noise levels will be kept to a minimum by limiting operation of heavy

earthmoving equipment and construction activities to normal working

hours, and to normal work days (i.e. Monday to Friday, between 08h00

and 17h00).

� Silencers (sound bafflers) should be used to ensure effective sound

dampening, if necessary.



Waste and

effluent

management

� Construction vehicles and machinery should be properly maintained to

prevent contamination of soil and water through the spillage or leakage of

hydrocarbons such as petrol and diesel. All vehicles leaking fuel or other

liquids should immediately be removed to the maintenance area and

repaired. Spills should be cleaned up promptly and disposed of correctly.

� A vehicle maintenance area must be established at least 100 meters from

any water sources. The maintenance area must have a concrete

foundation to prevent pollution of soil. Fuel tanks and areas where

hydrocarbons (diesel tanks) are present need to be bunded and sealed.

These need to be regularly inspected to ensure that no leaks are

occurring.

� Portable toilets should be supplied for personnel during the construction

phase.

� Waste and litter drums should be placed at strategic points for use by

personnel and emptied regularly to the Worcester Municipal landfill site.

� All construction waste and building rubble must be removed by the

installation contractors.

� Ready-mix concrete should be delivered and there should be no on-site

concrete mixing permitted.

� Any building waste must be transported to the Worcester Municipal landfill

site at the Developer’s cost.

Minimisation of

traffic impact

� Construction vehicles may only park on specific demarcated areas.

� Appropriate traffic safety measures should be put into place to ensure the

safety of travellers on the R60.

� Appropriate traffic warning signs shall be maintained. Trained and

equipped flagmen shall be used where the access road intersects with

public roads.

� All public roads shall be kept clear of mud and sand. If this material is

deposited onto public roads by construction activities it must be cleared

regularly.

� The Applicant must ensure that traffic flow is not impeded by avoiding the

transportation of materials during the peak traffic periods from 07:00 to

08:00 and 16:00 to 18:00.

Socio-economic

development

� Local workers, companies and contractors should be used as far as

possible during the construction phase.

Protection of

Agricultural

resources

� Officials from the Department of Agriculture Western Cape or National

Department of agriculture Forestry and Fisheries: Land Use and Soil

Management should be allowed to visit the farm without consultation or

prior notice for the entire construction period.

� An agricultural specialist in natural resources should be appointed as part

of the installation team. The agricultural specialist must periodically visit

the site to make recommendations with regard to the protection of natural

resources or identify risks and impose preventative measures for the

identified possible negative impacts.

5.3. FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

� The Applicant should appoint a Fire Officer who shall be responsible for ensuring immediate and

appropriate actions in the event of a fire and shall ensure that employees are aware of the

procedure to be followed.



� The Fire Officer shall ensure that there is basic fire-fighting equipment available on Site at all

times.

� The Fire Officer shall ensure that the basic fire-fighting equipment is to the satisfaction of the

Local Fire Services.

� Any fires which occur shall be reported to the Fire Officer immediately.

� Smoking shall not be permitted in those areas where it is a fire or health hazard.

� All incidents must be recorded in a Log Book. The date, time, the names of persons involved, a

short description of incident and the final outcome must be recorded.

5.4. HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT

� The Applicant shall appoint a Safety Officer who has been sufficiently trained to deal with

medical emergencies.

� The Applicant shall develop a set of Health and Safety Rules and Procedures for the construction

phase of this development, in accordance with the Construction Regulations, 2003 of the

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

� Dangerous zones (e.g. scaffolding, heavy vehicles, electrical) must be clearly demarcated.

� The rules and procedures should include emergency telephone numbers and shall be displayed

on a visible notice board that is accessible to all employees and workers on site.

� Any new recruits or casual workers employed by the Applicant for this project should be provided

with basic health and safety awareness training as part of their induction.

� No unauthorised firearms are permitted on Site.



� It is recommended that a designated person(s) should undergo training on the correct handling of

snakes and snakebite treatment in case these situations present themselves during construction

or operation. Most snakes can be translocated with the correct skills and equipment.

5.5. EMERGENCIES PROTOCOL

� Fire: The Applicant shall advise the Fire Officer and relevant authority of a fire as soon as one

starts and shall not wait until he can no longer control it. The Applicant shall ensure that his

employees are aware of the procedure to be followed in the event of a fire.

� Hydrocarbon (fuel & oil) leaks and spillages: The Applicant shall ensure that his employees

are aware of the procedure to be followed for dealing with spills and leaks, which shall include

notifying the Environmental Control Officer and the relevant authorities.

� All vehicles leaking fuel or other liquids should immediately be removed to the

maintenance area and repaired.

� In the event of a hydrocarbon spillage, the soil must be excavated and treated and

adequately disposed.

� The Applicant shall ensure that the necessary materials and equipment for dealing with

spills and leaks are present on site at all times.

� The clean-up of sewerage spills and any damage caused by the spill or leak shall be for

the Applicant’s account. The Applicant shall ensure that the Health and Safety officer is

available for the duration of the construction period.

� Raw Sewerage spills (from portable toilets): The Applicant shall ensure that his staff is aware of

the procedure to be followed for dealing with spills and leaks.

� The Applicant shall ensure that the necessary materials and equipment for dealing with

spills and leaks are present on site at all times.

� The clean-up of sewerage spills and any damage caused by the spill or leak shall be for

the Applicant’s account.



� Snake bite: It is recommended that a designated person(s) should undergo training on the correct

handling of snakes and snakebite treatment in case these situations present themselves during

construction or operation. Most snakes can be translocated with the correct skills and equipment. It

is suggested that snake capture and handling equipment be kept on site. Emergency contact

numbers must be kept on site in case of a snakebite which will require immediate treatment in

certain cases.

� Emergency telephone numbers shall be displayed on a visible notice board that is accessible to

all employees and workers on site.

Emergency Medical Services: 08600 10 177

Police: 08600 10 111

Worcester Hospital: 023 348 1100

Worcester Fire Brigade: 023 342 2430

Breede Valley Municipality Sewerage, Water & Electricity: 023 348 8000



5.6. COMMUNICATION OF MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

� The Environmental Control Officer is responsible for communicating the management actions of

the EMP to the labour force during the initial site orientation and to coordinate and facilitate

weekly tool-box meetings.

� Telephone numbers of emergency services, including the local fire fighting service, shall be

posted conspicuously on site, either in the Applicant’s site office or the nearest telephone. In the

event of an emergency, the Applicant shall contact the relevant authority or emergency service.

� The Applicant shall erect and maintain accessible public information boards. Such boards shall

include details of the Environmental Control Officer for complaints by members of the public.

� The Applicant shall keep a “Complaints Register” on site. The Register shall contain all contact

details of the person who made the complaint, and information regarding the complaint itself.

� All incidents must be recorded in a “Log Book”. The date, time, the names of persons involved, a


� A copy of the Environmental Authorisation must be kept at the property where the activities will be

undertaken. The authorisation must be produced to any authorised official of the DEA&DP who

requests to see it and must be made available for inspection by any employee or agent of the

holder of the authorisation who works or undertakes work at the property.

5.7. ENFORCEMENT OF SITE USE RULES

� The Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning stipulates that the Applicant

must appoint a suitably experienced Environmental Control Officer (ECO) for the construction

phase of the development before commencement of any land clearing or construction activities

and to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Environmental Authorisation and EMP for the

construction phase.

� The Environmental Control Officer can report failure to comply with the C-EMP to the Department

of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Non-compliance with a condition of the

Environmental Authorisation may result in the suspension of the authorisation and may render the

holder liable for criminal prosecution.



� In addition to this, the Environmental Control Officer has the power to remove from Site any

person who is in contravention of the C-EMP, and if necessary, the Environmental Control Officer

can suspend the part or all of the works, as required.

� Department officials shall be given access to the property for the purpose of assessing and/or

monitoring compliance with the conditions contained in the Environmental Authorisation, at all

reasonable times.

5.8. NON-COMPLIANCE

� DEA&DP in their environmental authorisation stipulate that: “The Department of Environmental

Affairs & Development Planning reserves the right as a result of non-compliance with a condition

of this authorisation to withdraw the authorisation and render the holder liable for criminal

prosecution.”

� Non-compliance with the conditions of the EMP constitutes a breach of Contract for which the

Applicant may be liable to pay penalties. These penalties imposed will be per incident. The

amount of the penalty will depend on the seriousness of the contravention, and thus the

Environmental Control Officer must use his judgement in determining the amount of the penalty.

5.9. RECORD KEEPING

� The Environmental Control Officer will keep a record of all activities on site, meetings attended,

accidents or incidents, verbal or written complaints received, cases of non-compliance with the C-

EMP together with corrective action taken and penalties issued. This information will be recorded

in an appropriate manner by the Environmental Control Officer in a site diary.

� In addition, the Environmental Control Officer’s daily, weekly and monthly checklist on Site will be

kept in order to ensure compliance with the C-EMP (Annexure E).

� At the end of each month, a compliance certificate needs to be completed and submitted to the

Developer for his records and safe-keeping. The weekly and month end checklists need to be

attached to the compliance certificate.

� The Environmental Control Officer will keep a photographic record of progress and all incidents or

events that take place on site. Such photographs shall be properly dated. The photographs

should be kept safe and may be called for in disputes regarding environmental management.

5.10. AUDITING

The purpose of auditing is to monitor compliance with this C-EMP and measure its effectiveness in

mitigating environmental impact. To this end, the following will be required:

� An internal review procedure will be established by the Environmental Control Officer to monitor

the progress and implementation of the C-EMP. Any modifications to the C-EMP will be issued

as variation orders by the Environmental Control Officer and registered in the records of the

Environmental Control Officer.

� At the end of the construction period, a report outlining the implementation of the C-EMP and

highlighting any problems or issues that arose during the construction period will be compiled by

the Environmental Control Officer.

� The following documents and information should be taken into consideration when completing this

audit:

� log book (site diary)

� completed start-up, daily/weekly, monthly and closure checklists



� compliance certificates

� photographic records

� public complaints register

� The post-completion audit shall be submitted to the Applicant and the relevant DEA&DP case

officer. This report will contain recommendations for how future EMPs can be improved or revised

to limit, mitigate or rectify any potential environmental impacts.



6. OPERATIONAL PHASE MANAGEMENT PLAN (O-EMP)

The key to successful free-ranging is good land management. This applies to the nature of the land

itself, the degree of shelter it offers, how it is fenced to defer predators and how pasture is managed

and maintained.

The overall goal for the operational phase is to undertake the activities associated with the expanded

free-range chicken farm in a way that:

� Ensures that activities are properly managed in respect of environmental aspects and

impacts. Protects the natural environment from degradation and harm.

� Ensures that the development is properly managed in terms of the required biosecurity

measures.

� Ensures the development achieves its positive socio-economic impact.

� Complies with legislation, permits and authorisations.

6.1. MITIGATION MEASURES DURING THE OPERATIONAL PHASE


operational phase.


Protection of

Biodiversity –

Vegetation type

and indigenous

plant species

� Overstocking should be prevented.

� No additional vegetation should be cleared during the operational phase.

� Existing roads must be used as far as possible.

� Indigenous species (also water-wise) must be used for the establishment

of paddocks, pasture and natural barriers.

� Manual trimming (if necessary) of vegetation around chicken houses

should be conducted on foot (without use of machinery apart from petrol

brush cutters if necessary).

� Experimental plots should be set up and monitored according to

specifications made by the Botanical Specialist to investigate the level of

disturbance caused onto vegetation cover and composition to prevent

overgrazing and large scale erosion. See Section 3.2.2 of this EMP for the

proposed methodology. Also see Appendix G – Botanical Impact

Assessment attached to the Basic Assessment Report.

� If it is found that the development has a significant detrimental impact on

the vegetation, it is recommended that the 9 ha forage areas be

significantly reduced. Additionally the number of chickens should be

reduced to prevent overgrazing and subsequent large scale erosion.

� Alien invasive plants should be cleared and measures put in place to

control further spread.

� Rotational grazing is a desirable management tool, which allows for the

active management of damaged ground as well as minimizing the risk of a

build-up of parasites.

Protection of

Biodiversity -

Animals

� Maintain intact habitat and ecological corridors wherever possible.

� Provide additional natural shelter in the pasture (veld) for chickens.

External shade by way of either trees or artificial structure must be

provided at the rate of 4m2 shade per 1 000 birds. See Southern African

Poultry Association’s Code of Practice (2011) for more information.



� Provision must be made for outside cover to reduce stress reactions from

sightings of overhead predators (birds-of-prey).

� Domestic animals (cats and dogs) should not be allowed into the enclosed

range area.

� Water courses should be maintained to serve as ecological corridors.

� The existing perimeter fence crossing the water courses should be

removed or modified to allow the free movement of animals, where

possible.

� Any animals encountered within the development areas must be safely

relocated to adjacent natural areas, and not harmed in any way.

� Ground nesting birds must be left unharmed and allowed to passively

vacate the area if they are come across.

� Poaching (hunting without permits, trapping or snaring) of local wildlife


� Speed on internal roads should be restricted to prevent road mortality with

the use of speed humps and road signage.

� Artificial food and refuse should be kept out of reach of wild animals to

prevent problem animals from becoming a nuisance or danger to staff and

local indigenous species residing on or near the site. Refuse should be

removed from site regularly.

� Educate operational personnel, if the need arises, about the importance of

conservation and to understand that exploitation of local resources are

prohibited.

� If it is suspected that losses are too great due to predators and problem

animals, it is recommended that the 9ha camps be reduced to smaller,

fenced camps (the traditional “jackal proof”) to obtain more control over the

operations.

� CapeNature should be contacted regarding proper Problem Animal

Management in the event of an increase in the encounter with and loss

due to problem-animals, before any eradication or control programmes are

implemented.

� Management should have ready access to a competent Veterinarian.

Storm water

management

� Overstocking, overgrazing and subsequent erosion should be prevented.

� Storm water from the roofs on buildings should be captured in rain water

tanks. This could be used for drinking water at the chicken houses,

irrigation and for cleaning and disinfecting purposes.

� The existing furrows that traverse the Subject Land should remain intact

and should be maintained to allow unobstructed flow of storm water.

� Storm water diversions / furrows along internal gravel roads should be

maintained. Any signs of erosion should immediately be addressed.

Reduce risk of

Erosion

� Overstocking, overgrazing and subsequent erosion should be prevented.

� Effective storm water measures must be implemented.

� Any erosion sites must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further

damage.

� Disturbances within and around the development area caused by the

construction activities should be rehabilitated once construction is

completed (re-vegetated or stabilise the soil).

� Experimental plots should be set up according to specification made by the

Botanical Specialist to monitor impact on vegetation and large scale

erosion.

Protection of soil

resources

� No storage or processing of waste should occur on site.

� Manure and bedding material should be removed from site a contractor on



a regular basis.

Protection of water

resources

� Water abstraction should be within the amounts stipulated by the farm’s

existing water use rights, including additional availability from the borehole

on Farm RE/441.

� Should the water use values exceed the General Authorisation values,

formal written notice should be provided to the BOCMA.

� Should the water resource chance, written notice should be provided to the

BOCMA.The use of rainwater collected off the roofs of buildings should

reduce the need for additional surface and groundwater.

� High pressure equipment should be used for the cleaning and disinfecting

of chicken houses to reduce water usage.

� No disposal or irrigation of grey water should occur within a 100m buffer

on either side of any watercourse on site.

� Water use can be reduced by using indigenous grass species for the

establishment of paddocks e.g. the hardy, drought-resistant Foxtail buffalo

grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) instead of lucerne that requires large amounts of

water.

Protection of

Heritage resources

– Archaeological &

Palaeontological

� If any archaeological or palaeontological (e.g. human remains, bones,

teeth, fossil wood, plant- or shell-rich beds) material is found or exposed

during earthmoving and construction, work must cease, the site should be

demarcated and Jonathan Kaplan (Cellular: 082 321 0172) or Heritage

Western Cape (Tel: 021 483 9692) must be notified immediately.

� The material should not be removed until inspected by an archaeologist.

Reduce Visual

impact to public

roads

� A “no development” buffer area must be maintained between the chicken

houses and neighbouring farms.

� The height of all buildings on site should be kept as low as possible to

reduce visual impact.

� Indigenous trees such as Acacia karoo (Soetdoring) and Searsia

pendolina (Witkaree) (previously known as Rhus pendolina) should be

planted as a visual barrier.

� Making use of motion detectors on security lighting. This will allow the site

to remain in relative darkness, until lighting is required for security or

maintenance purposes.

Reduce Odour

levels

� Manure and bedding material should be removed from site on a regular

basis by a registered contractor.

� No storage and processing of waste should occur on site.

� A detailed Mortality Disposal Procedure (MDP) should be compiled and

implemented by the Applicant according to which dead chickens are

collected and disposed off on a daily basis. See general MDP below.

� Biosecurity and optimum hygiene practices should be applied on a daily

basis.

Minimise Dust � Overstocking, overgrazing and subsequent wind erosion should be

prevented.

� Cleared areas should be exposed for the shortest time possible.

� Land clearing should not be conducted under strong windy conditions.

Prevention of

veldfires

� Open fires (e.g. cooking) should not be left unattended.

� Cigarette buds should be safely disposed of and not thrown into the veld.

� A fire break should be created and maintained around the perimeter of the

farm.

� The Applicant should ensure that fire-fighting equipment is available in the

event of an accidental fire breaking out.

� A fire officer should be appointed and all workers should be made aware of



fire fighting procedures.

Effluent

management

� Septic tanks should be installed further than 100m on either side of any

watercourse.

� It is recommended that the quality of grey water from house wash down

procedures first be sampled and analysed by a registered laboratory

before reusing it for irrigation purposes.

� Evapotranspiration ponds can be used as an alternative measure of safely

disposing grey water from house wash down procedures if it is found that

the quantity or quality of the water is not sufficient for irrigation purposes.

� The quantity of grey water used for irrigation purposes should be kept

below the thresholds stipulated in the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998)

General Authorisations.

� Surface and groundwater quality should also be routinely sampled and

analysed for potential pollutants.

Solid waste

management

� Chicken manure and bedding material should be removed from site on a

regular basis.

� Dead chickens and other hazardous material should be collected from the

veld and chicken houses on a daily basis.

� A mortality register should be kept.

� Mortalities should be stored in closeable bio-hazard bins at a suitable and

controlled holding facility until they are removed from site and disposed of

at the Vissershok Waste Disposal Site.

� Biosecurity and optimum hygiene practices should be applied throughout

the daily collection process and all the bins should be washed and

disinfected prior to delivery to the farm.

� Flies, rodents and other vermin should be strictly controlled.

� A Mortality Disposal Procedure (MDP) should be implemented.

� Workers should be instructed not to litter on site.

� General and household waste should be properly disposed of on a regular

basis at the Worcester Landfill Site.

Biosecurity � A detailed bio-security protocol/programme should be compiled and

implemented by the Applicant according to prescribed national and

international standards.

� Natural buffer zones around chicken houses should be maintained.

� Restricted admission (e.g. functional fence with gates that can be locked,

access control, restricting visitors to the minimum).

� Transit facilities (e.g. at the site office) where private clothes and foot

wear are exchanged for farm clothes and foot wear, reduce the risk of

diseases being carried onto the farm.

� Proper sanitary facilities must be provided for staff, i.e. wash rooms with

showering facilities. Distinction should be made between the “private

clothes area” and the “site clothes area”.

� Vehicles must be disinfected. If not, they must be left at a safe parking

area a distance away from chicken houses.

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

wear protective equipment provided.

� Water drinking troughs for chickens should be flushed and cleaned on a

regular basis, i.e. daily to at least three times per week to provide

protection against microbial contamination and the build-up of bio-film.

High pressure equipment creates sufficient velocity and turbulence to

remove bio-film.

� Dead chickens and other hazardous material should be collected from the



veld and chicken houses on a daily basis. A mortality register should be

kept.

� Mortalities should be stored in closeable bio-hazard bins at a suitable and

controlled holding facility until they are removed from site and disposed of

at the Vissershok Waste Disposal Site.

� Biosecurity and optimum hygiene practices should be applied throughout

the daily collection process and all the bins should be washed and

disinfected prior to delivery to the farm.

� Flies and other vermin should be strictly controlled.

� A Mortality Disposal Procedure (MDP) should be implemented.

Socio-economic

development -

employment

� Local workers, companies and contractors should be used as far as

possible during the operational phase.

6.2. GENERAL MORTALITY DISPOSAL PROCEDURE (TO BE ADAPTED BY

APPLICANT)

� All daily mortalities will be collected from the veld and out of the chicken houses by farm staff.

Mortalities will be assessed and counted. A register containing information on possible cause of

death, number and mass of mortalities should be kept.

� Mortalities will then be packed into closeable bio-hazard bins.

� Waste bins are to be stored on site at a suitable and controlled holding facility until they are

collected by or delivered at the Sunset Suppliers Chicken Abattoir in Worcester, from where

they’ll be transported to the Vissershok Waste Disposal Site (licensed hazardous disposal

facility). Mortalities stored for longer than 1 day should be refrigerated, preferably frozen to

prevent excess decomposition.

� Bio-security and optimum hygiene practices should be applied throughout the daily collection

process and all the bins should be washed and disinfected prior to delivery to the farm.

6.3 RECORD KEEPING

� The Environmental Control Officer will keep a record of all activities on site, meetings attended,

accidents or incidents, verbal or written complaints received, cases of non-compliance with the

Operational EMP together with corrective action taken and any penalties issued. This information

will be recorded in an appropriate manner by the Environmental Control Officer.

� At the end of each inspection, a compliance report will be submitted to the Developer for his

records and safe-keeping. The checklists need to be attached to the report.

� The Environmental Control Officer will keep a photographic record of progress and all incidents or

events that take place on site. Such photographs shall be properly dated. The photographs

should be kept safe and may be called for in disputes regarding environmental management.

6.4. AUDITING

The purpose of auditing is to monitor compliance with this Operational EMP (O-EMP) and measure its

effectiveness in mitigating environmental impact. To this end, the following will be required:



� A review procedure will be established by the Environmental Control Officer to monitor the

progress and implementation of the O-EMP. Any modifications to the O-EMP will be issued as

variation orders by the Environmental Control Officer and registered in the records of the


� An environmental compliance report outlining the implementation of the O-EMP and highlighting

any problems or issues that arose during the quarterly period will be compiled by the


� The following documents and information should be taken into consideration when completing this

audit:

� log book (site diary)

� completed quarterly checklists

� compliance certificates (if applicable)

� photographic records

� public complaints register

� The completed quarterly checklist and compliance report will be sent to the Applicant and the

Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning. This report will contain

recommendations for how future EMPs can be improved or revised to limit, mitigate or rectify any

potential environmental impacts.



7. DECOMMISSIONING PHASE (D-EMP)


decommissioning phase.


Reduce impact on

Biodiversity

� The buffer areas should remain intact.

� Infrastructure must be removed from the site.

� Concrete foundations and roads must be broken up and ripped.

� All rubble must be removed from site and safely disposed of.

� No disturbances should occur within the watercourses.

� Trampling of adjacent natural vegetation should be avoided.

� Decommissioned infrastructure should be placed at demarcated laydown

areas prior to removal.

� Bare areas should be re-vegetated with local indigenous species to

prevent alien infestation and soil erosion.

� Eroded areas must be rehabilitated.

� Disturbed areas should be rehabilitated to acceptable visual standards.

� A soil and vegetation specialist should be consulted if necessary.

� Poaching (hunting without permits, trapping and snaring) of local wildlife


Waste

management

� Materials should be reused or recycled where possible.

8. ANNEXURES (To be provided with Final BAR)

Annexure A – Locality maps

Annexure B – Site layout

Annexure C – Environmental Authorization (when issued)

Annexure D – Letter of Appointment: Environmental Control Officer

Annexure E – Project start-up, Development and Post Development Checklists (to be included in Final

BAR)

draft environmental management programme for the … · management plans required in terms of...

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