environmental assessment - goveia.met.gov.na/screening/609_final_esr_walenga_poultry.pdf ·...

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

FOR THE PROPOSED POULTRY FARM AND FOOD

PROCESSING PLANT IN ONATSI, OSHANA REGION-

NAMIBIA

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT

DRAFT

AUGUST 2019

Prepared for: Walenga Foods (Pty) Ltd

Postal Address: P.O. Box 91128, Klein

Windhoek

Contact Person: Mr. John Walenga

Cell: +264 (0) 81 127 3622

Email: [email protected]

Prepared by: Junior Baiano Industrial

Consultants cc

Postal Address: PO Box 23537, Windhoek

Contact Person: Fredrich Nghiyolwa

Contact number: +264 (61) 219 773

Cell: +264 (0) 81 1472029

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Company Confidential

Junior Baiano Industrial Consultants cc | © 2019 Page 1 of 46

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................. 1

1. CHAPTER ONE: BACKGROUND ........................................................................................ 4

1.1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 4

1.2. PROJECT LOCATION ........................................................................................................... 4

1.3. PROJECT OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................... 6

1.4. ACCESSIBILITY .................................................................................................................. 8

1.5. INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES .......................................................................................... 8

1.6. NEED AND DESIRABILITY .................................................................................................... 8

1.7. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................................................... 9

1.7.1. SITE LOCATION ALTERNATIVES ......................................................................................... 9

1.7.2. SERVICES INFRASTRUCTURE ALTERNATIVES ....................................................................... 10

1.7.3. NO-GO ALTERNATIVE ................................................................................................. 10

2. CHAPTER TWO: POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ......................... 11

2.1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 11

3. CHAPTER THREE: RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT .............................................................. 22

3.1. CLIMATE ....................................................................................................................... 22

3.2. TOPOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................ 22

3.3. GEOLOGY AND SOILS ....................................................................................................... 22

4. CHAPER FOUR: PUBLIC CONSULTATION ....................................................................... 27

4.1. OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................... 27

5. CHAPTER FIVE: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS .......................... 32

5.1. OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................... 32

5.2. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ................................................................................................ 32

6. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................... 42



List of Figures

Figure 1: Proposed Poultry Farm and Food Processing Plant 5

Figure 2: Chicken Poultry Warehouse 7

Figure 3: Construction Activity on site 8

Figure 4: Sandy loamy soils hardened due to water settling over long periods of time

in the rainy season 23

Figure 5: Trees found on the project site 25

Figure 6:EIA Public meeting venue. 29

Figure 7: Notices displayed around town and on site 30

List of Tables

Table 1: Services Infrastructure Alternatives 10

Table 2: Relevant legislation, policies and international statutes applicable to the

project 12

Table 3: Common Plant Species occurring on the project area 24

Table 4: Details of public notification of the EIA study 28

Table 5: Key findings of the public consultation process: 31

Table 6: Assessment Criteria (Adopted from ECC-Namibia, 2017) 32

Table 7: Impact Significance (Adopted from ECC-Namibia, 2017) 33

Table 8: Environmental Impacts Assessment 34



Acronyms

TERMS DEFINITION

BID Background Information Document

EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioners

ECC Environmental Clearance Certificate

ECO Environmental Control Officer

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

GHG Greenhouse Gasses

ISO International Organization for Standardization

I&APs Interested and Affected Parties

JBIC Junior Baiano Industrial Consultants

MET: DEA Ministry of Environment and Tourism’s Directorate of

Environmental Affairs

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED POULTRY FARM AND FOOD PROCESSING PLANT, ONATSI, ONDANGWA, OSHANA REGION-NAMIBIA



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Junior Baiano Industrial Consultants (JBIC) cc has been engaged by Walenga Foods

(Pty) Ltd to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and develop an

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the proposed poultry farm and food

processing plant project in Ondangwa, Oshana Region-Namibia and to apply for an

Environmental Clearance Certificate for the proposed project.

The proposed establishment triggered the application for an Environmental Clearance

Certificate (ECC) as the following listed activity will be triggered by the proposed

activities.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE TREATMENT, HANDLING AND STORAGE:

Activity 9.2 any process or activity which requires a permit, license or other

form of authorization

Public Participation Process

Interested and Affected Parties were notified of the project through site notices,

newspaper adverts and a public meeting. All relevant information regarding

consultation is covered in Chapter 4 of this document and attached in Appendix A.

Environmental Impacts

Pollution due to waste generation from construction and operation activities.

Surface and groundwater pollution caused operational activities.

Odour emitted during farming activities.

Transmission of disease from poultry to wildlife or other animals.

Increase in pests if not controlled well.

Impacts on vegetation, landscape and biodiversity due to construction and

operation activities.

Mitigation measures are outlined in Chapter 6 on how to minimise these potential

impacts.




Social Impacts

The project is generally expected to contribute to improving the livelihoods of the local

community of Ondangwa through the employment opportunities and increased food

production (chicken meat and eggs).

Conclusion

The environmental impact assessment process for the proposed poultry farm and food

processing plant was conducted in accordance to the Environmental Management Act

2007 and EMA Regulation 2012. Further consideration was given to relevant

legislation throughout the entire process to ensure a successful assessment process.

Impacts likely to occur during project phases (operation and decommissioning) were

assessed and relevant mitigation measures were outlined to minimise the potential

impacts of the development. Based on the assessment, the overall project

demonstrates the provision of job creation opportunities and community development.

Impacts with negative effects were also identified and mitigation measures were

summarized within the EMP to ensure sustainable implementation.

Recommendations

To alleviate any negative impacts that may emanate from the construction, operation

and decommissioning phases of the development, relevant and cost-effective

management and mitigation measures will be put in place as per the EMP. The

following recommendations are proposed:

a) Waste Management Recommendations

A significant amount of wastewater will be generated from the site and this

should be effectively managed.

As such wastewater reticulation system should be regularly monitored and

maintained in good working conditions and odours managed to make the

facility environmentally friendly.

Odour at the poultry site should be effectively managed such that it does not

disturb the communities within the area.




The use of pesticides should be monitored and controlled such that it does not

pollute the surface and groundwater.

The disposal of chicken carcasses, feed and excrement should be properly

disposed of.

b) Environment Management Plan Recommendations

The management actions within the EMP is recommended to be set as a

condition for approval of the ECC. This is to ensure that the project reduces its

potential impacts at the project site and to the surrounding environment.




1. CHAPTER ONE: BACKGROUND

1.1. INTRODUCTION

Walenga Foods (Pty) Ltd (hereafter referred to as Walenga Foods) has identified the

need for the improvement in local agricultural produce, because of the existing trends

in food imports in Namibia. In this respect, the proponent has taken on a venture to

develop and operate a poultry farm for eggs and broiler chicken for supply in Northern

Namibia and the rest of the country. In addition, due to the need to improve the industry

in terms of processing and packaging, the proponent also envisaged operating a food

processing and packaging facility on the same site. This is set to improve industry,

food supply and local GDP for Ondangwa.

In terms of the Namibian environmental legislation (Environmental Management Act

(No. 7 of 2007)), an Environmental Clearance Certificate is required from the Ministry

of Environment and Tourism (MET) before the project can proceed. As such, Walenga

Foods has appointed JBIC to conduct an Environmental Assessment (EA) and

develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the proposed project.

In this respect, this document forms part of the application to be made to the DEA’s

office for an Environmental Clearance certificate for the proposed poultry farm and

food processing plant project, in accordance with the guidelines and statutes of the

Environmental Management Act No.7 of 2007 and the Environmental Impact

Assessment Regulations (GN 30 in GG 4878 of 6 February 2012).

1.2. PROJECT LOCATION

The proposed project site is located approximately 2.5 km south-west of Ondangwa

Town, Oshana Region-Namibia. Figure 1 below depicts the locality of the proposed

facility.




Figure 1: Proposed Poultry Farm and Food Processing Plant




1.3. PROJECT OVERVIEW

Walenga Foods (PTY) LTD intends to engage in poultry farming and food packaging

and processing in Ondangwa. The overall development will entail the following:

Chicken Coops: There is an ongoing development of chicken coops to house

different types of chicken to be reared on site. This includes layers for egg

production and broilers for meat production.

Storage Warehouse: Because of the proposed nature of business, Walenga

Foods will need to store different kinds of feeds, chemicals, equipment and

other necessities on the farm. In addition, the food-processing factory will need

the raw products for processing. Hence, the need for a storage

facility/warehouse for all different needs accordingly.

Food Processing Factory: Food processing and packaging may involve

utilisation of heavy-duty machinery housed in an appropriate structure. Thus, a

processing shell is envisaged on site.

The proposed site has been partially developed whilst some of the structures are

still to be constructed. The pictures below illustrate the activities currently taking

place on site as well as the construction that is currently being carried out on site.




Figure 2: Chicken Poultry Warehouse




Figure 3: Construction Activity on site

1.4. ACCESSIBILITY

Th project site is accessed via a gravel road that branches off from the existing B1

main road. Part of the access road within the site is proposed to be paved in future.

1.5. INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES

Water: The site is already connected to the existing water connection of Ondangwa.

Sewer: A septic tank is installed on site.

Electricity: The site is connected to the electricity reticulation network of Ondangwa.

1.6. NEED AND DESIRABILITY

The economic and social development goals of Namibia are embodied in Vision 2030

and the National Development Plan 5 (NDP 5) 2017/2018 – 2021/2022. In addition,

the Government has developed the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) 2016/2017 –

2019/2020, which complements the Vision 2030 and NDP 5. All three plans set the

goals, targets, and strategies for Namibia to move on a path to economic prosperity

through a concerted strategy for the development of Namibia’s economic growth.

These plans also include specific growth targets milestones and strategies for the

sustainable deployment of Namibia’s resources to achieve the stated economic and

social development goals.




Several rural farmers have realised the potential of poultry farming and have dived into

this venture in the past few years. Poultry is reported to have been the second biggest

contributor to the Namibian agricultural production value chain in 2018 (New Era,

2018). Until 2012 Namibia imported most of its poultry products as such, there exists

a high demand for homegrown chicken in Namibia (New Era, 2018). In recent years

the government introduced a restriction on the importation of poultry products thus

enabling the local market to increase without threat from imports (New Era, 2018).

Additionally, with the increased drought experienced in the country poultry farming

aims to contribute to food provision and security in the region.

In this respect, Walenga Foods recognised the need for locally produced poultry

products in Ondangwa. The proponent further intends to make available processing

and packaging activities which aim to offer additional products to Ondangwa. The

proposed project will thus benefit the economy of the town of Ondangwa and the wider

Oshana Region.

1.7. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

1.7.1. SITE LOCATION ALTERNATIVES

Poultry farming is not as intensive and does not require as much space as other

methods of farming. Thus, there exists various site location alternatives which can be

considered:

Within town: This site would need to be located within an area which is suitable

for agricultural production and processing. It should not be within a residential

area.

Farm: Farms are generally better suited for agricultural activities as they are

located further from town and thus reduces disturbance to residents. However,

farms often are not connected to the needed services.

The proposed poultry farm and processing plant is located on a plot that is located 2.5

km south west of the town of Ondangwa. The site has already been acquired and



Junior Baiano Industrial Consultants cc | © 2019

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partially developed by the proponent and is thus the preferred site for the proposed

development. No further site location alternatives are considered in the EIA process.

1.7.2. SERVICES INFRASTRUCTURE ALTERNATIVES

The table below outlines the current services provision on site and further indicates

possible alternatives which can be considered in future. The project is already

developed, and services are already installed thus no alternatives have been

considered within the design.

Table 1: Services Infrastructure Alternatives

Services Current Alternative

Water Ondangwa Municipal

Services

Borehole

Sewer Septic Tank Ondangwa Municipal

Services

Electricity Ondangwa Municipal

Services

Solar Energy

1.7.3. NO-GO ALTERNATIVE

Should the proposed project not proceed, the plot will remain developed with the

infrastructure for a poultry farm but would not be utilised. The proponent would not be

able to supply the proposed produce and the local people will not be able to purchase

locally produced poultry products. As such the associated impacts both positive and

negative would not be experienced.

The status quo needs to be measured against the proposed facility to determine

whether the environmental and socio-economic benefits warrant the approval thereof

or whether the status quo should be maintained.




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2. CHAPTER TWO: POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

FRAMEWORK

2.1. INTRODUCTION

An important part of the EIA is identifying and reviewing the administrative, policy and

legislative situation concerning the proposed activity, to inform the proponent about

the requirements to be fulfilled in undertaking the proposed activities. This section

looks at the legislative framework within which the proposed project will operate under.

The focus is on the compliance with the legislation during the planning, construction

and operational phases. All relevant legislation, policies and international statutes

applying to the project are highlighted in Error! Reference source not found. below

as specified in the Environmental Management Act, 2007 (Act No.7 of 2007) and the

regulations for Environmental Impact Assessment as set out in the Schedule of

Government Notice No. 30 (2012).

The pursuit of sustainability is guided by a sound legislative framework. In this section,

relevant legal instruments as well as their relevant provisions have been surveyed. An

explanation is provided regarding how these provisions apply to this project.




Table 2: Relevant legislation, policies and international statutes applicable to the project

LEGISLATION/POLICY/GUIDING

DOCUMENT

PROVISION PROJECT IMPLICATION

The Constitution of the Republic of

Namibia (1990)

Articles 91(c) and 95(i) commits the state to

actively promote and sustain environmental

welfare of the nation by formulating and

institutionalizing policies to accomplish the

sustainable objectives which include:

Guarding against overutilization of

biological natural resources,

Limiting over-exploitation of non-renewable

resources,

Ensuring ecosystem functionality,

Maintain biological diversity.

Through the identification of potential impacts

and the provision of mitigation measures, the

implementation of the environmental

management plan will enable the development

to conform to the constitution in terms of

environmental management and sustainability.

Vision 2030 and National

Development Plans

Namibia’s overall Development ambitions are

articulated in the Nations Vision 2030. At the

operational level, five-yearly national development

plans (NDP’s) are prepared in extensive

consultations led by the National Planning

The proposed project should strive to be in line

with the four pillars of sustainable development.





DOCUMENT


Commission in the Office of the President.

Currently the Government has so far launched a

5th NDP which pursues the four integrated pillars

of sustainable development: economic

progression, social transformation, environmental

sustainability and good governance.

Environmental Assessment Policy

of Namibia 1994

The Environmental Assessment Policy of

Namibia requires that all projects, policies,

programmes, and plans that have detrimental

effect on the environment must be

accompanied by an EIA.

The policy provides a definition to the term

“Environment” broadly interpreted to include

biophysical, social, economic, cultural,

historical and political components and

provides reference to the inclusion of

alternatives in all projects, policies,

programmes and plans.

The proposed poultry farm and packaging and

processing plant will only commence after being

awarded an environmental clearance

certificate, thus by abiding to the requirements

of the Environmental Assessment Policy of

Namibia. The EIA and EMP will cater for the

sustainable management of biophysical and

socio-economic environment.





DOCUMENT


Environmental Management Act No.

07 of 2007

The Act aims to promote the sustainable

management of the environment and the use of

natural resources by establishing principles for

decision-making on matters affecting the

environment;

To provide for a process of assessment and

control of projects which may have significant

effects on the environment;

The Act gives legislative effect to the

Environmental Impact Assessment Policy.

Moreover, the act also provides procedure for

adequate public participation during the

environmental assessment process.

This document is compiled in line with

the objectives of the EMA. EIA guiding

procedures developed by MET were

also used in the course of this project.

Public Health Act (No. 36 of 1919) Section 119: “No person shall cause a nuisance or

shall suffer to exist on any land or premises owned

or occupied by him or of which he is in charge any

nuisance or other condition liable to be injurious or

dangerous to health.”

The project proponent will ensure that all

legal requirements of the project in relation

to protection of the health of their

employees and surrounding residents is

protected.





DOCUMENT


Personal protective equipment shall be

provided for employees in construction.

The development shall follow requirements

and specification in relation to water supply

and sewerage handling so as not to

threaten public health of future residents on

this piece of land.

Soil Conservation Act 76 of 1969 The objective of this Act is to:

Make provision for the combating and

prevention of soil erosion,

Promote the conservation, protection and

improvement of the soil, vegetation, sources

and resources of the Republic.

Soil protection measures will be employed and

preservation of trees as much as possible.

Nature Conservation Ordinance

1996

To consolidate and amend the laws relating to the

conservation of nature; the establishment of game

parks and nature reserves; the control of problem

animals; and to provide for matters incidental

thereto.

The proposed project implementation is not

located in any known or demarcated

conservation area, national park or unique

environments. The project site was selected





DOCUMENT


with this ordinance in mind to ensure that

Namibian nature is conserved.

Protected Areas and Wildlife

Management Bill

The bill recognizes that biological diversity

must be maintained, and where necessary,

rehabilitated and that essential ecological

processes and life support systems be

maintained.

It protects all indigenous species and control

the exploitation of all plants and wildlife.

Environmental recommendations and

considerations on this project have to ensure

that the proposed activities will not fall within the

boundaries of any protected area and that the

project will not destroy or cause harm to

significant vegetation and animals on site.

Forest Act, 2001 (Act No. 12 of

2001)

The Act gives provision for the protection of various

plant species through the Ministry of Agriculture,

Water and Forestry (MAWF), Directorate of

Forestry).

Land clearing of an extensive piece of land

will be done upon approval from the

Directorate of Forestry.

The proponent will also have to ensure that

there is no indiscriminate cutting down of

trees during construction and operation





DOCUMENT


National Rangeland Policy and

Strategy, 2012

The policy aims at enabling resource users

(farmers and managers) to manage their

rangeland resources in a sustainable manner and

sustainable in that they are economically viable,

socially acceptable, environmentally friendly and

politically conducive.

This proposed project will ensure that the local

community benefits both economically and

socially from the project, this in line with the

recently declared Harambee Prosperity Plan

and NDP 4&5.

National Biodiversity Strategy and

Action Plan (NBSAP2)

The action plan was operationalised in a bid to

make aware the critical importance of biodiversity

conservation in Namibia putting together

management of matters to do with ecosystems

protection, biosafety, biosystematics protection on

both terrestrial and aquatic systems.

The project proponent should recognise the

need for ecosystems protection to manage the

changing climatic environment.

Wetland Policy, 2004 The policy provides a platform for the

conservation and wise use of wetlands, thus

promoting inter-generational equity regarding

wetland resource utilization.

Furthermore, it facilitates the Nation’s efforts to

meet its commitments as a signatory to the

In compliance to this Policy, the development

will ensure a standard environmental planning

such that it does not affect any wetlands within

its locale through recognition of wetlands to

promote the conservation and wise utilization of

wetlands resources.

.





DOCUMENT


International Convention on Wetlands

(Ramsar) and other Multinational

Environmental Agreements (MEA’s).

Water Resources Management Act,

2013 (Act No. 11 of 2013)

This Act provides for the management, protection,

development, use and conservation of water

resources. This also forms the regulation and

monitoring of water resources.

Water supply will be provided by Ondangwa

Town council.

National Heritage Act 27 of 2004 Heritage resources to be conserved in

development.

During the project implementation as soon as

objects of cultural and heritage interests are

observed such as graves, artefacts and any

other object believed to be order than 50 years,

all measures will be taken protect these objects

until the National Heritage Council of Namibia

have been informed, and approval to proceed

with the operations granted accordingly by the

Council.

National Monuments Act of Namibia

(No. 28 of 1969) as amended until

1979

“No person shall destroy, damage, excavate, alter,

remove from its original site or export from

Namibia:

The proposed site of development is not within

any known monument site both movable or

immovable as specified in the Act, however in





DOCUMENT


(a) any meteorite or fossil; or

(b) any drawing or painting on stone or a

petroglyph known or commonly believed to

have been

executed by any people who inhabited or

visited Namibia before the year 1900 AD; or

(c) any implement, ornament or structure

known or commonly believed to have been

used as a

mace, used or erected by people referred to

in paragraph (b); or

(d) the anthropological or archaeological

contents of graves, caves, rock shelters,

middens, shell

mounds or other sites used by such people;

or

(e) any other archaeological or

palaeontological finds, material or object;

except under the authority of and in

such an instance that any material or sites or

archeologic importance are identified, it will be

the responsibility of the developer to notify the

relevant commission.





DOCUMENT


accordance with a permit issued under this

section.

Pollution Control and Waste

Management Bill

Amongst others, the bill aims to “prevent and

regulate the discharge of pollutants to the air, water

and land”. Of particular reference to the project is:

Section 21 “(1) Subject to sub-section (4)

and section 22, no person shall cause or

permit the discharge of pollutants or waste

into any water or watercourse.”

Section 55 “(1) No person may produce,

collect, transport, sort, recover, treat, store,

dispose of or otherwise manage waste in a

manner that results in or creates a

significant risk of harm to human health or

the environment.”

The project proponent must ensure that waste

is effectively managed and disposed of to

ensure that pollution does not occur on site and

in the surroundings.

Convection on Biological Diversity

(CBD)

Namibia is a signatory of the Convention on

Biological Diversity and thus is obliged to conserve

its biodiversity.

The project must ensure the preservation of

tree species by not removing any significant

trees on site.





DOCUMENT


United Nations Convection to

combat Desertification

Namibia is bound to prevent excessive land

degradation that may threaten livelihoods.

It will be the responsibility of the proponent to

conserve vegetation on and around the area, to

avoid encroachment of the desert environs in

the area.




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3. CHAPTER THREE: RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

3.1. Climate

Classification of climate: Semi-arid climate with hot summers and warm winters. During

winter the days are generally mild with cool nights.

Average rainfall: 400-450 mm per year (Mendelsohn, Jarvis, Roberts & Roberston,

2002)

Average Evaporation: Evaporation in the area is averaged 3000 to 3200 mm.

Precipitation: Sporadic and unpredictable, high intensity, highly localised storm

events between December and March.

Temperature: The average annual temperature for Ondangwa is more than 22 °C.

The maximum temperature for Ondangwa during the hottest month is recorded between 34

- 36 °C whereas the minimum temperature during the coldest month of the year is recorded

to be between 4 - 6 °C (Mendelsohn et al., 2002).

Humidity: The relative humidity during the least humid month of the year (i.e. September)

is around 10-20% and the most humid month is March with 80-90% humidity. Namibia has

a low humidity in general, and the lack of moisture in the air has a major impact on its climate

by reducing cloud cover and rain and increases the rate of evaporation (Mendelsohn et al.,

2002).

Wind direction: Predominantly easterly wind with increased wind speed experienced

during midday as compared to the morning and the evenings. The wind speed is generally

low ranging between 1-10km/h (Mendelsohn et al., 2002).

3.2. Topography

The site area has a generally flat terrain implying the importance of a well-drained

development to avoid flooding on the area.

3.3. Geology and soils

Ondangwa forms part of the Kalahari Group geological division, which covers most of the

northern and eastern parts of Namibia (Mendelsohn et al., 2002). The dominant rock type in

the area is the Kalahari and Namib Sands. The site area composed of fine sandy loamy

soils as depicted in Figure 6 below.




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Figure 4: Sandy loamy soils hardened due to water settling over long periods of

time in the rainy season

3.4. Hydrology

Ondangwa forms part of the Cuvelai-Etosha groundwater Basin which comprises of the

Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions. Most of the land surface of the basin

is relatively flat. All groundwater within the basin flows toward the Etosha pan.

The Cuvelai basin additionally consist of oshanas which are shallow , interconnected flood

channels and pans through which surface water flows slowly and often form pools of water

depending on the intensity of the floods (Ministry of Agriculture Water and Rural

Development, 2011). The villages and towns located within the Cuvelai Basin are supplied

with water from the Calueque Dam, north of the Angolan border, via an extensive system of

canals and pipelines.




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3.5. Biological Environment

3.5.1. Flora

Ondangwa forms part of the Cuvelai Drainage biome which is dominated by floodplain

grasslands or woodlands. In northern Namibia the vegetation is classified as Savannah bush

and comprises a number of Acacia species and numerous species of perennial thorn trees

in the bushes and shrubs and grass on the flat slopes (Lawrence, 1971). Table 2 below

provides a summary of the common plant species that occur within the subject area. The

site has mostly been disturbed and thus not many trees and plants occur on the site. Figure

9 illustrates some trees present on the subject site.

Table 3: Common Plant Species occurring on the project area

Species Common name Status

Acacia arenaria Sand acacia

Acacia erioloba Camel thorn Protected

Acacia fleckii Sand-veld Acacia

Acacia hebeclada

Acacia hebeclada subsp.

tristis Candle-pod Acacia

Acacia karroo Sweet - thorn

Acacia luederitzii Kalahari Acacia

Acacia nilotica Scented-pod Acacia

Acacia senegal Three-hook Acacia

Acacia sieberiana Paper-bark Acacia

Acacia tortilis Umbrella-thorn

Adansonia digitata Baobab Protected

Albizia anthelmintica Worm-cure

Albizia/Aru Protected

Albizia versicolor Poison-pod albizia

Berchemia discolor Bird-plum Protected




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Figure 5: Trees found on the project site




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3.6. Fauna

The Ondangwa area is dominated by human inhabitants which resulted in movement of wild

animals away from the area. The EIA team researched and established that around the

proposed project has minimum number of wildlife. This could mostly be the case due the

presence inhabitants and economic activities that possibly scared away wildlife. Some form

of human encroachment in the area may also have contributed to low number of wildlife due

to loss and fragmented habitats.




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4. CHAPER FOUR: PUBLIC CONSULTATION

4.1. OVERVIEW

The public consultation process forms an important component of the Environmental

Assessment process. It is defined in the EIA Regulations (2012), as a “process in which

potential interested and affected parties are given an opportunity to comment on, or raise

issues relevant to, specific matters” (S1). Section 21 of the Regulations details steps to be

taken during a given public consultation process and these have been used in guiding our

process.

Formal public involvement has taken place via public consultations and focal meetings,

newspaper announcements to inform the public that such the proposed project is under

consideration. The public consultation process has been guided by the requirements of

Environmental Management Act (EMA) No. 7 of 2007 and the process has been conducted

in terms of regulation 7(1) as well as in terms of the EMA Regulations of GN 30 of 6 February

2012 and the World Bank EIA standards and project ToR.

Its overriding goals have been to ensure transparency in decision making and to:

Ensure stakeholder concerns are incorporated in project design and planning;

Increase public awareness and understanding of the project and

Enhance positive development initiatives through the direct involvement of

affected people.

The objectives of the public participation process is to build credibility through instilling

integrity in the EIA process, educating the stakeholders on the process to be undertaken

and opportunities for their involvement and build stakeholders by establishing an agreed

framework accordingly. This requires accessible, fair, transparent and constructive

participation at every stage of the process. Inform stakeholders on the proposed project and

associated issues, impacts and mitigation and using the most effective manner to

disseminate information.




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In this section of the report, the results of consultations with various classes of stakeholders

are summarized. The results of consultations with other stakeholders and community

members who took part in this EIA are attached as Appendices.

The consultation was facilitated through the following means:

A Background Information Document (BID) containing the project description, the EIA

process and an invitation to participate was shared with stakeholders and community

members.

Invitation to participate notices were published in the local newspapers (Windhoek

Observer and Confidante) as shown in Table 7 below and Appendix A of this

document.

Announcement of EIA process verbally in the common public meeting points.

Placement of a public notice at the project site and town centre.

Table 4: Details of public notification of the EIA study

Method Area of Distribution Language Date Placed

The Confidante Country Wide English 28 June 2018

5 July 2018

Windhoek Observer Country Wide English 28 June 2018

5 July 2018

Site notices Project site English 28 June 2019

Sun Square Mall English 28 June 2019

Olukolo Junior Secondary

School

English 28 June 2019

Ministry of Home Affairs

Ondangwa Office

English 28 June 2019

Public Meeting Walenga Food Poultry Farm-

Onatsi

English,

Oshiwambo

06 July 2019 @

11h00




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Figure 6:EIA Public meeting venue.




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Figure 7: Notices displayed around town and on site




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Key Stakeholder Engagement Meeting

A public meeting was held on 6 July 2019. The meeting was attended by residents of the

area. Proof of public consultation is given in Appendix A of this document as well the

attendance register explaining the project and the EIA study.

Identification of Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs)

The EIA team identified and consulted with key I&APs & stakeholders for the proposed

project. I&APs were allowed to register to the EIA team and compiled a database containing

their names and correspondence details. The registration was accomplished over a period

of 14 days.

Consultation with Stakeholders

Experts in relevant fields, leaders of thought in environmental matters, Organs of the State

and local communities have been consulted for their opinions on issues relating to the

potential ecological and socio-economic impacts of the proposed project. This provided an

opportunity for stakeholders and the public at large to engage in the process and to provide

comments or express their concerns regarding the proposed development.

Table 5: Key findings of the public consultation process:

SUMMARY OF COMMENTS

THEME COMMENT

Employment

Possible job creation for the youth and the local community

Development

Improvement of livelihoods of community

Development for the area

Draft Scoping Report

The Draft Scoping Report of the EIA was prepared and made available to the public on the

10th of September 2018. All stakeholder’s comments received were incorporated and gave

rise to the final Environmental Scoping Report incorporated herein.




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5. CHAPTER FIVE: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS

5.1. OVERVIEW

The chapter describes the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts that may

occur due to the proposed activities being undertaken as part of the proposed development.

The various impacts are discussed throughout the project lifecycle. The poultry farm is an

existing structure however additional extensions are still to be constructed. This chapter

aims to inform the decision to be taken by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in

respect of the ECC.

5.2. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

This section sets out the overall approach that was adopted to assess the potential

environmental and social impacts associated with the project. To fully understand the

significance of each of the potential impacts each impact must be evaluated and assessed.

The definitions and explanations for each criterion are set out below in Tables 6 and 7.

Table 6: Assessment Criteria (Adopted from ECC-Namibia, 2017)

Duration – What is the length of the negative impact?

None No Effect

Short Less than one year

Moderate One to ten years

Permanent Irreversible

Magnitude – What is the effect on the resource within the study area?

None No Effect

Small Affecting less than 1% of the resource

Moderate Affecting 1-10% of the resource

Great Affecting greater than 10% of the resource

Spatial Extent – what is the scale of the impact in terms of area, considering

cumulative impacts and international importance?

Local In the immediate area of the impact

Regional / National Having large scale impacts

International Having international importance




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Table 7: Impact Significance (Adopted from ECC-Namibia, 2017)

Type – What is the impact

Direct Caused by the project and occur simultaneously with

project activities

Indirect Associated with the project and may occur at a later time

or wider area

Cumulative Combined effects of the project with other existing /

planned activities

Probability

Low <25%

Medium 25-75%

High >75%

Class Significance Descriptions

1 Major Impact Impacts are expected to be permanent and non-

reversible on a national scale and/or have international

significance or result in a legislative non- compliance.

2 Moderate Impact Impacts are long term, but reversible and/or have

regional significance.

3 Minor Impacts are considered short term, reversible and/or

localized in extent.

4 Insignificant No impact is expected.

5 Unknown There are insufficient data on which to assess

significance.

6 Positive Impacts are beneficial




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Table 8: Environmental Impacts Assessment

Environmental

Impact

Mitigation/No

mitigation

Impact Project Phase Duration Magnitude Extent Type Probability Significance

LANDSCAPE Mitigation Visual aesthetic

impact

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Moderate Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 -

75%

Minor

No mitigation Visual aesthetic

impact

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning


75%

Minor

SOIL

Mitigation Contamination to

soil from waste

disposal

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Moderate Small Local Direct Low <25% Minor

No mitigation Contamination to

soil from waste

disposal

Operation and

Decommissioning


75%

Moderate

Mitigation Erosion Construction and

Decommissioning


No mitigation Erosion Construction and

Decommissioning

Moderate Small Local Direct Medium 25 -

75%

Moderate

WATER

Mitigation Water pollution

from pesticides,

nutrients,

pathogens and

heavy metals

Operation Moderate Moderate Local Direct Medium 25 -

75%

Moderate




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Environmental

Impact

Mitigation/No

mitigation


No mitigation Water pollution

from pesticides,

nutrients,

pathogens and

heavy metals


75%

Major

WASTE

GENERATION

Mitigation Pollution from

pesticides and

improper disposal

of chicken

carcasses,

excrement and

feed

Operation Short Small Local Direct Low <25% Minor

No mitigation Pollution from

pesticides and

improper disposal

of chicken

carcasses,

excrement and

feed

Operation Short Small Local Direct Medium 25 -

75%

Moderate

Mitigation Pollution from

discharge of

Operation Small Small Local Direct Low <25% Minor




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Environmental

Impact

Mitigation/No

mitigation


wastewater in the

environment

No mitigation Pollution from

discharge of

wastewater in the

environment


75%

Moderate

Mitigation Flooding Construction and

Operation


No mitigation Flooding Construction and

Operation


75%

Moderate

AIR QUALITY Mitigation Odour emitted

during farming

activities

Operation Moderate Small Local Direct Medium 25 -

75%

Minor

No mitigation Odour emitted

during farming

activities


75%

Moderate

FAUNA Mitigation Transmission of

disease from

poultry to wildlife

Operation Moderate Moderate Local Direct High >75% Minor

No mitigation Transmission of

disease from

poultry to wildlife


75%

Minor




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Environmental

Impact

Mitigation/No

mitigation


Mitigation Poor control of

pests such as flies,

ants, termites etc


75%

Moderate

No mitigation Poor control of

pests such as flies,

ants, termites etc

Operation Moderate Moderate Local Direct High >75% Major

Mitigation Poor control of

rodents, snake’s

mammalian

carnivores, bats

and raptors


75%

Moderate

No mitigation Poor control of

rodents, snake’s

mammalian

carnivores, bats

and raptors

Operation Moderate Moderate Local Direct High >75% Major

FLORA

Mitigation Proliferation of

invasive species

inland

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Long Moderate Local Direct Low <25% Minor

No mitigation Proliferation of

invasive species

inland

Operation and

Decommissioning

Long Moderate Local Direct Medium 25

– 75%

Moderate




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46

Environmental

Impact

Mitigation/No

mitigation


Mitigation Illegal collection of

firewood

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Long Moderate Local Direct Low <25% Minor

No mitigation Illegal collection of

firewood

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning


– 75%

Moderate

Mitigation Loss of unique flora

and special

habitats in the local

environment

because of general

nuisance and

animal migrate.

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Long Small Local Direct Low <25% Moderate

No mitigation Loss of unique flora

and special

habitats in the local

environment

because of general

nuisance and

animal migrate.

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning


– 75%

Moderate

Mitigation Uncontrolled fires Construction and

Decommissioning

Long Great local Direct Low <25% Minor




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Environmental

Impact

Mitigation/No

mitigation


No mitigation Uncontrolled fires Construction and

Decommissioning

Long Great local Direct Medium 25

– 75%

Major

SOCIO-

ECONOMIC

Mitigation Increased noise

levels

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning


No mitigation Increased noise

levels

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Moderate Small Local Direct Medium 25

– 75%

Moderate

Mitigation Temporary and

permanent

employment

prospects.

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Long Moderate Region

al

Direct Medium 25

– 75%

Positive

No mitigation Temporary and

permanent

employment

prospects.

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Long Moderate Region

al

Direct Medium 25

– 75%

Positive

Mitigation Climate change

impacts

Operation Long Moderate Region

al /

Nationa

l

Direct Low <25% Minor

No mitigation Climate change

impacts

Operation Long Moderate Region

al /

Direct Medium 25

– 75%

Moderate




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Environmental

Impact

Mitigation/No

mitigation


Nationa

l

Mitigation Employment, local

procurement,

duties and taxes.

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Short None Region

al /

Nationa

l

Direct Low <25% Positive

No mitigation Employment, local

procurement,

duties and taxes.

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Short None Region

al /

Nationa

l

Direct Low <25% Positive

HERITAGE/

ARCHAEOLOGY

Mitigation Destruction or

affecting

paleontological and

archaeological

artefacts

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning


No mitigation Destruction or

affecting

paleontological and

archaeological

artefacts

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Moderate Moderate Local Direct Medium 25

– 75%

Moderate




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Environmental

Impact

Mitigation/No

mitigation


HEALTH AND

SAFETY

Mitigation Poor ablution and

waste management

facilities may be

detrimental to

human health.

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning


No mitigation Poor ablution and

waste management

facilities may be

detrimental to

human health.

Construction,

Operation and

Decommissioning

Moderate Moderate Local Direct Medium 25

– 75%

Moderate




6. REFERENCES

Mendelsohn, J., Jarvis, A., Roberts, C. & Roberston, T. 2002.

MET (Ministry of Environment and Tourism). 2012. Environmental Management Act

no. 7 of 2007. Windhoek: Directorate of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment

and Tourism

Ministry of Agriculture Water and Rural Development. 2011. Groundwater in Namibia

an explanation to the Hydrogeological Map.

New Era. 2018. Rural farmers at last realise poultry farming ’ s potential. [Online],

Available: https://neweralive.na/posts/rural-farmers-at-last-realise-poultry-farmings-

potential.

environmental assessment - goveia.met.gov.na/screening/609_final_esr_walenga_poultry.pdf ·...

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