the proposed khetshe housing development within …

SPECIALIST BOTANICAL REPORT

THE PROPOSED KHETSHE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WITHIN NEWCASTLE LOCAL

MUNICIPALITY, AMAJUBA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU-NATAL

October 2016

Prepared by:

Afzelia Environmental Consultants

P.O. Box 37069, OVERPORT, Durban, 4067

76 Valley View Rd, Morningside, DBN, 4001

Tel: 031 303 2835

Email: [email protected]

Prepared for:

Geo Hydraulic & Environmental Technology (Pty) Ltd

23G Failsworth Road

Pietermaritzburg

3201

Tel: 033 811 1714

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



Vegetation Assessment: Proposed Khetshe Housing Development, Newcastle Local Municipality Page 1

Declaration

I, Ntando Kumalo, declare that - General declaration

I act as the independent specialist in this matter;

I do not have and will not have any vested interest (either business, financial, personal or other) in the

undertaking of the proposed activity, other than remuneration for work performed in terms of the

Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014;

I will perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and

findings that are not favourable to the applicant;

I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work;

I have expertise in conducting the specialist assessment relevant to this application, including knowledge of

the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA), regulations and any guidelines that

have relevance to the proposed activity;

I will comply with the NEMA Act, regulations and all other applicable legislation; and

I undertake to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material information in my

possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing any decision to be taken with

respect to the application by the competent authority; and the objectivity of any report, plan or document to

be prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority; all the particulars furnished by me in this

report are true and correct.

Signature of the specialist:

27 October 2016

Specialist: Afzelia Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd

Contact person: Mr. N. Kumalo

Qualification: B.Sc. (Hons) Forest Resources and Wildlife Management

Postal address: 76 Valley View Road, Morningside

Postal code: 4001 Cell: 076 589 2250

Telephone: (031) 303 2835 Fax: 086 692 2547

E-mail: [email protected]

Professional affiliation(s) (if any) SACNASP (pending) IAIAsa

Reviewer: GJ McDonald SACNASP reg. no. 400083/97




Definition of Terms

Biodiversity

The wide variety of plant and animal species occurring in their natural environment

(habitats). The term encompasses different ecosystems, landscapes, communities,

populations and genes as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes that allow

these elements of biodiversity to persist over time.

Conservation The safeguarding of biodiversity and its processes (often referred to as Biodiversity

Conservation).

Ezemvelo KZN

Wildlife

Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, the local conservation authority for the Province of

KwaZulu-Natal.

Endemic

Refers to a plant, animal species or a specific vegetation type which is naturally restricted

to a defined region (not to be confused with indigenous). A species of animal may, for

example, be endemic to South Africa in which case it occurs naturally anywhere in the

country, or endemic only to a specific geographical area within the country, which means it

is restricted to this area and grows naturally nowhere else in the country.

Grassland A grassland is a vegetation community in which grasses are the most conspicuous plants

Habitat The general features of an area inhabited by animal or plant which are essential to its

survival (i.e. the natural “home” of a plant or animal species).

Indigenous Naturally occurring or “native” to a broad area, such as South Africa in this context.

Invasive alien

plants

Alien invasive species (IAPs) means any non-indigenous plant or animal species whose

establishment and spread outside of its natural range threatens natural ecosystems,

habitats or other species or has the potential to threaten ecosystems, habitats or another

species.

Mitigate/Mitigation

Mitigating impacts refers to reactive practical actions that minimize or reduce in situ

impacts. Examples of mitigation include “changes to the scale, design, location, siting,

process, sequencing, phasing, and management and/or monitoring of the proposed

activity, as well as restoration or rehabilitation of sites”. Mitigation actions can take place

anywhere, as long as their effect is to reduce the effect on the site where change in

ecological character is likely, or the values of the site are affected by those changes

(Ramsar Convention, 2012).

Systematic

conservation plan

An approach to conservation that prioritises actions by setting quantitative targets for

biodiversity features such as broad habitat units or vegetation types. It is premised on

conserving a representative sample of biodiversity pattern, including species and habitats

(the principle of representation), as well as the ecological and evolutionary processes that

maintain biodiversity over time (the principle of persistence).

Threatened

ecosystem

In the context of this document, refers to Critically Endangered, Endangered and

Vulnerable ecosystems.

Threat Status

Threat status (of a species or community type) is a simple but highly integrated indicator of

vulnerability. It contains information about past loss (of numbers and / or habitat), the

number and intensity of threats, and current prospects as indicated by recent population

growth or decline. Any one of these metrics could be used to measure vulnerability. One

much used example of a threat status classification system is the IUCN Red List of

Threatened Species (BBOP, 2009).

Transformation

(habitat loss)

Refers to the destruction and clearing an area of its indigenous vegetation, resulting in

loss of natural habitat. In many instances, this can and has led to the partial or complete

breakdown of natural ecological processes.



Abbreviations / Acronyms used

CR Critically Endangered (threat status)

DAFF Department of Forestry and Fisheries

DWS Department of Water and Sanitation (formerly DWA/F)

EKZNW Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife: as defined in Act 9 of 1997 to be the KZN Nature Conservation

Service

EMPr Environmental Management Programme

EN Endangered (threat status)

GIS Geographical Information Systems

GPS Global Positioning System

IAPs Invasive Alien Plants

LT Least Threatened (threat status)

NEMA National Environmental Management Act No.107 of 1998

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

NT Near Threatened (threat status)

NWA National Water Act No.36 of 1998

SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute

VU Vulnerable (threat status)



Executive summary

Afzelia Environmental Consultants (Pty) Ltd was appointed by Geo Hydraulic & Environmental Technology (Pty)

Ltd to do a vegetation assessment for the proposed development of Khetshe. The proposed development

entails:

Residential housing units;

Services and associated infrastructure (such as access roads and stormwater facilities); and

Social amenities.

The main findings of this report have been summarized below:

The dominant plant communities in the study area are secondary grasslands.

The dominant species in the grasslands are Cynodon dactylon (Couch grass), Aristida congesta subsp.

barbicollis (Spreading three-awn) and Bothriochloa bladhii (Purple plume grass).

Alien species found in the grassland include Opuntia humifusa (Large-flowered prickly pear), Opuntia

ficus-indica (Sweet prickly pear), Solanum elaeagnifolium (Silverleaf bitter apple), Melia azedarach

(Syringa), Ipomoea purpurea (Common Morning Glory), Datura ferox (Large thorn-apple), Cirsium

vulgare (Scotch thistle), Lantana camara (Lantana), Agave sisalana (Sisal), A. americana (American

agave), Echium plantagineum (Purple Echium) and Sonchus oleraceus (Sowthistle).

Ledebouria ovatifolia subsp. ovatifolia was the only protected plant species that was encountered.

The ecological sensitivity of the study site is rated as low.

The following recommendations are proposed:

Plant permits must be obtained from relevant authorities prior to any construction commencing.

Once pegged, the construction footprint must be inspected by a botanist and all conservation-important

species identified must be translocated prior to any construction activities.

Indigenous trees removed during construction must be replaced at a ratio of 1:5 (5 trees must be

planted for every 1 tree removed).

An invasive alien control programme must be implemented to prevent the introduction and spread of

these species as per the legislative requirements specified under the Conservation of Agricultural

Resources Act, 1983 amended in 2001 and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act

2004 (Act No, 10 of 2004).

Loss of indigenous tree species must be kept to a minimum.

Erosion control measures must be implemented in areas sensitive to erosion such as edges of slopes,

exposed soil, etc. These measures include, but are not limited to - the use of sand bags, hessian

sheets, silt fences and retention or replacement of vegetation.

Disturbed areas must be rehabilitated immediately after construction by planting appropriate indigenous

plant species.

The clearing of vegetation must be kept to a minimum and restricted to the working servitude.

During the construction phase, workers must be limited to areas under construction and any access to

undeveloped areas must be strictly regulated.

Rehabilitated areas must be monitored to ensure the establishment of re-vegetated areas and to ensure

a ground cover of 85%.



Table of Contents

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................6

1.1 Project Background ......................................................................6

1.2 Project Description ......................................................................6

1.3 Scope of Work ......................................................................6

1.4 Relevant Environmental Legislation .........................................7

1.5 Limitations ....................................................................................7

2. Study area .................................................................................................................8

2.1 Regional and Local Settings ........................................................8

2.2 Geology and Soils ........................................................8

2.3 MINSET .....................................................................................8

2.4 Terrestrial Systematic Conservation Plan (C-PLAN) ...........................8

2.5 Vegetation Overview ......................................................................9

2.6 Vegetation/Ecosystem Threat ........................................................9

3. Detailed Vegetation Assessment ......................................................................9

4. Plants of Conservation Significance ......................................................12

5. Invasive Alien Plants .................................................................................................12

6. Impact on vegetation .................................................................................................13

6.1 Significance of impact on the vegetation at the proposed project area 13

6.2 Proliferation of Alien invasive species ........................................14

6.3 Loss of indigenous vegetation due to clearing of the footprint area ......14

7. Recommendations ..................................................................................................15

8. Conclusions ..................................................................................................16

9. References and resources ...................................................................................17

10. APPENDICES .................................................................................................18

APPENDIX A: LOCALITY MAP .....................................................................19

APPENDIX B: VEGETATION TYPE .....................................................................20

APPENDIX C: EKZNW MINSET MAP .....................................................................21

APPENDIX D: LIST OF PLANT SPECIES IDENTIFIED ON SITE ..........................22

APPENDIX E: PLANT SPECIES FOR REHABILITATION ........................................23

APPENDIX F: WAYPOINTS COLLECTED ONSITE ......................................................24



1. Introduction

1.1 Project Background

Afzelia Environmental Consultants (Pty) Ltd was appointed by Geo Hydraulic & Environmental Technology (Pty)

Ltd (Pty) on behalf of the client NDG Africa to undertake a vegetation assessment report for the proposed

Khetshe housing development located on a portion of Remainder of Erf 15961 in eMadadeni. The proposed

project is located in the Newcastle Local Municipality, within the jurisdiction of the Amajuba District Municipality in

KwaZulu-Natal (Appendix A: Locality map). Access to the site is via the P483. The property can be found at

the following GPS coordinates: 27°46'20.13"S and 30° 2'44.40"E.

1.2 Project Description

The layout design of the proposed residential project had not been finalised at the time this report was being

compiled, therefore using information based on similar projects, it is anticipated that, at the very least, the

following will be established:

Residential housing units;

Services and associated infrastructure (such as access roads and stormwater facilities); and

Social amenities.

1.3 Scope of Work

The scope of work for the botanic assessment is as follows:

Contextualization of the study area in terms of important biophysical characteristics and terrestrial

conservation planning information available at the time of the study, including:

o Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Terrestrial Systematic Conservation Plan (C-PLAN, 2010);

o Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Provincial Vegetation Map (2011);

o National Vegetation Types (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006); and

o Data from the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Province (eKZNw, 2010).

Desktop identification of species of conservation concern (flora/plants) potentially occurring on the property

based on available species records for the region (i.e. SANBI’s online threatened species database:

PRECIS).

Field survey of the terrestrial vegetation and habitat/s within the proposed construction footprint.

Identification and mapping of the geographic location of any plant species of conservation concern (i.e.

threatened or protected plants/trees) noted during the site survey.

Assessment of significance of potential impacts to terrestrial vegetation and habitat/s arising from the

construction and operation of the project, including broad comment on any anticipated cumulative impacts.

Specialist impact management/mitigation recommendations to avoid/reduce the significance of identified

impacts.

Discuss permit/licensing requirements with regards to plant species of conservation concern.

Describe any assumptions made and any uncertainties or gaps in knowledge, as well as identifying the need

for any future specialist inputs should these be deemed relevant to the project.

Compilation of a botanic report outlining the methods and outcomes of the survey.

A ground-truthing exercise was conducted on 14 October 2016 (early spring). This entailed a site walk-over

along a number of longitudinal transects within the entire proposed project area. The following data were

collected in the field:

Inventory of all species identified in the field. Where certain species could not be identified, samples and photographs were taken to cross reference with available literature.



Identification of anthropogenic impacts on the vegetation community.

Identifying areas of conservation and / or ecological importance.

Consideration of invasive alien plants and rehabilitation potential of natural areas (if present).

An overall assessment of the vegetation integrity on site; and

Geographic location of conservation-important species as identified by relevant national and provincial

legislations and marking them using a Garmin 60 DakotaTM 20.

The study area was divided into different vegetation integrity types based on ecological functionality, sensitivity

and level of transformation, as follows:

High ecological integrity: high ecological functioning and high conservation importance;

Moderate ecological integrity: moderate ecological functioning and moderate conservation importance; and

Low ecological integrity: low ecological functioning and low conservation importance.

1.4 Relevant Environmental Legislations

The following legislations govern terrestrial ecosystems, habitat and vegetation in South Africa: 1. Section 24 of The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa;

2. Agenda 21 – Action plan for sustainable development of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT)

1998;

3. National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) No. 107 of 1998 inclusive of all amendments;

4. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) No. 10 of 2004;

5. Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act No. 43 of 1983;

6. National Forests Act No. 84 of 1998; and

7. At a Provincial level, plant species are protected by the Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance (No. 15 of 1974).

1.5 Limitations:

The following assumptions and limitation apply for this particular project:

The report exclusively presents findings associated with study area.

The study focuses on terrestrial vegetation occurring within the area.

Garmin DakotaTM 20 Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to record species of conservation

significance and distinct habitats, and captured on a Geographical Information System (GIS). GPS accuracy

is limited to 3-5m.

The field assessment was carried out during early spring (October 2016) and does not address temporal

changes related to season.

Vegetation is dynamic and complex, therefore, some important aspects may have been overlooked.

Sampling in nature is not exhaustive; not all aspects of the ecosystem can be assessed and identified.

Information relating to the threatened status of species is based on SANBI’s online tool, which is assumed to

be up to date during the compilation of this report.

The assessment of potential occurrence of species is informed by readily available information and this only

provides an indication of which species might occur on site; and

The assessment of impacts and resulting recommendations made in this report are based on site specific

ecological concerns arising from the vegetation survey and are also based on the specialist’s knowledge and

experience with similar projects.



2. Study Area

2.1 Regional and Local Settings

The following table is a summary of the biophysical setting of the project site and surrounding areas.

Biophysical Aspects Desktop Biophysical Details Source

Elevation 1240–1270m Google Earth TM

Mean annual precipitation (MAP) 750mm (Mucina & Rutherford,

2006)

Rainfall seasonality Summer rainfall, and mid-winter

June and July DWAF, 2007

Mean annual temperature 15.6 – 19 °C DWAF, 2007

Potential Evaporation (mm) Mean Annual A-

pan Equivalent 1 725mm (Shulze, 1997)

2.2 Geology and Soils

A variety of Karoo Supergroup rocks occur in the area, including the Dwyka, Ecca and Beaufort Groups and

marginally also Jurassic dolerite intrusions. Yellow-brown soils over plinthic subsoil and shallow duplex soils are

common. Notwithstanding that Red and black heavy soils which are highly resistant to erosion are derived from

dolerites, gullies were observed throughout the site.

2.3 MINSET

The eKZNw Minset is a strategic plan to ensure that representative samples of biodiversity are conserved in the province. The Minset GIS database facilitates decision-making for land use and conservation planning, with the aim of meeting development and biodiversity conservation goals in KwaZulu-Natal. The Minset database identifies the minimum number of planning units contained within the province which are required to meet biodiversity conservation targets. The database spatially classifies planning units into the following categories:

1. Existing Protected area network – Planning units that comprise areas which are formally protected under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (No 57 of 2003) as amended.

2. 100 % Transformed – Planning units that are 100% transformed in terms of natural asset according to the 2005 eKZNw land cover dataset.

3. Outside Province – Planning units which fall outside of the KZN provincial boundary. 4. Biodiversity Priority Area 1- Planning units which contain features that, if lost, eKZNw conservation targets

cannot be met in any other planning unit within the Province. 5. Biodiversity Priority Area 2– Planning units which contain features that, if lost, eKZNw conservation

targets can only be met in a very limited number of alternative planning units within the Province. 6. Biodiversity Priority Area 3 - Planning units which contain features that, if lost, eKZNw conservation

targets can only be met in a limited number of alternative planning units within the Province.

2.4 Terrestrial Systematic Conservation Plan (C-PLAN)

The KwaZulu-Natal Terrestrial Conservation Plan is a tool used to identify Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and

Critical Ecological Support Areas (CESAs). According to eKZNw (2010) a CBA is considered a significant area

that needs to be kept in a near-natural state to ensure the continued functioning of ecosystems. A CBA

represents the best choice for achieving biodiversity targets. CESAs are not essential for achieving targets, but

they play a vital role in the continued functioning of ecosystems.

The proposed development area falls within biodiversity areas classified as “vulnerable area” in terms of the KZN

Terrestrial Systematic Conservation Plan (See Appendix C). This classification means the area is important to

conservation targets that can only be met in these planning units and no-where else (EKZNW, 2010). It is worth



noting that the distribution of the biodiversity features is not always applicable to the entire extent of the PU

(Planning Unit), but is more often than not confined to a specific niche habitat (e.g. a wetland) reflected as a

portion of the PU in question. The following flora and vegetation types are known or modelled to exist within the

study area:

KwaZulu-Natal Highland Thornveld (present on the site, however the quality is severely transformed)

Also, invertebrate species such as Doratogonus falcatus, Cochlitoma simplex, Whitea alticeps and Gullela orientalis are predicted to occur on site, however they likely to be absent due to the transformation of the proposed development site. The site is severely disturbed, which is a factor that militates against the presence of sensitive species. Also, local populations are unlikely due to the limited extent of pristine habitat in the surrounding areas.

2.5 Vegetation Overview

At a broad scale the study area falls within the extensive Grassland Biome (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006 and

Scott-Shaw and Escott, 2011). At a local scale the study area falls within KwaZulu-Natal Highland Thornveld

(Gs 6); Income Sandy Grassland and Temperate Alluvial Vegetation. See (Appendix B: Vegetation Type Map).

Hilly, undulating landscapes and broad valleys supporting tall tussock grassland usually dominated by

Hyparrhenia hirta, with occasional savannoid woodlands with scattered Acacia sieberiana var. woodii and in

small pockets with A. karroo and A. nilotica (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).

In terms of vegetation type threatened status, this vegetation type is classified as Least Threatened (Appendix

C: Threatened ecosystem map). Only about 2% is statutorily conserved in the Spioenkop, Weenen, Ntinini,

Wagendrift, Moor Park and Tugela Drift Nature Reserves. More than 16% has been transformed for cultivation

and by urban sprawl as well as by building of dams (Craigieburn, Spioenkop, Wagendrift and Windsor). Alien

Opuntia, Eucalyptus, Populus, Acacia and Melia are becoming invasive in places, but probably the greatest

threat to the remaining natural areas of this unit is bush encroachment. (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006).

2.6 Vegetation/Ecosystem Threat

Ecosystem threat status indicates the degree to which ecosystems are still intact or alternatively losing vital

aspects of their structure, function and composition on which their ability to provide ecosystem services ultimately

depends (SANBI, 2012). Ecosystem types are categorized as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN),

Vulnerable (VU) or Least Threatened (LT) based on the proportion of each ecosystem type that remains in good

ecological condition relative to a series of thresholds.

Parts of the proposed development area are classified within the MINSET database as Biodiversity Priority Area

3 (Appendix C: EKZNW MINSET map) this vegetation type is considered important for achieving conservation

targets.

3. Detailed Vegetation Assessment

For the purposes of this the study area has been divided into one (1) distinct vegetation community which was identified, based on the ecological integrity and degree of disturbance: The vegetation on the study site consists of secondary grassland vegetation. Alien species were scattered within the proposed project area, a clear indication of the significant escalation of transformation, associated with urbanisation taking place in the area. The proposed project area is encompassed by housing, road and recreational infrastructures.

Secondary Grassland

A large part of the development property consists of secondary grassland vegetation. The dominant grass

species are Aristida congesta subsp. barbicollis (Spreading three-awn), Cynodon dactylon (Couch grass) and



Bothriochloa bladhii (Purple plume grass). Other grass species include Themeda triandra (Red grass)

Cymbopogon excavatus (Broad-leaved turpentine grass), Melinis repens (Natal Red top) and Hyparrhenia hirta

(Common thatching grass), Eragrostis plana (Tough love grass), Digitaria ternata (Black-seed finger grass),

Setaria sphacelata var. sphacelata (Common Bristle grass), Aristida congesta subsp. congesta (Tassel three-

awn), A. bipartita (rolling grass), Chloris virgata (Feather-top Chloris), Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass), Urochloa

mosambicensis (Bushveld signal grass) and Digitaria eriantha (Common finger grass).

Figure 1: Secondary grasslands at the proposed development site.

Figure 2: Old culvert structure situated within the proposed development site.

Herbaceous species found in the grassland include Ledebouria ovatifolia subsp. ovatifolia, Bulbine narcissifolia

(Strap-leaved Bulbine) and Gazania krebsiana (Common Gazania).

Alien species found in the grassland include Opuntia humifusa (Large-flowered prickly pear), Opuntia ficus-indica

(Sweet prickly pear), Solanum elaeagnifolium (Silverleaf bitter apple), Melia azedarach (Syringa), Ipomoea

purpurea (Common Morning Glory), Datura ferox (Large thorn-apple), Tagetes minuta (Tall Khaki Weed),



Cirsium vulgare (Scotch thistle), Lantana camara (Lantana), Agave sisalana (Sisal), A. americana (American

agave), Eucalyptus sp., Echium plantagineum (Purple Echium); and Sonchus oleraceus (Sowthistle). Alien tree

species like Pinus pinaster (Pine) and Populus x canescens (Grey Poplar) are dominant along the southeast and

northwest portion of the proposed development site.

Figure 3: Informal housing developments and illegal dumping taking place at the proposed project site.

Figure 4: A soccer field that has been established, also situated within the proposed development site.

Ecological significance

The vegetation within the proposed development area is largely modified, with transformation taking place at a

broad scale. Uniform disturbances were observed throughout this area. Large scale erosion gullies were present

southwest of the development property. Ledebouria ovatifolia subsp. ovatifolia was the only protected plant

species that was encountered. In the event of any damage or disturbance to specimens of these species,

permits from Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNw) would be required prior to any construction activity

commencing. The ecological sensitivity of the study site is rated as low.



4. Plants of Conservation Significance

Legislation exists at both provincial and national levels which serve to protect and preserve important plant taxa,

particularly those that are considered to be of conservation value. The purpose is to ensure the long-term

survival of these species. One (1) protected indigenous species namely Ledebouria ovatifolia subsp. ovatifolia

was identified in the study area.

Figure 5: A plant permit must be obtained for the Ledebouria ovatifolia subsp. ovatifolia species that was found onsite.

5. Invasive Alien Plants

Invasive alien plants are described as species which are ‘non-indigenous’ to an area and which have been

introduced from other countries either intentionally (for domestic or commercial use) or accidentally; furthermore,

they have the ability to reproduce and spread without the direct assistance of people into natural or semi-natural

habitats and are destructive to biodiversity and human interests (WESSA-KZN, 2008).

Notice 3 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (Act No, 10 of 2004) lists 379 plant

species that are legally declared invasive species. Each species is assigned to one of three categories based on

the level of threat posed by the species and the legal status assigned to each:

Category 1a Plant species that must be combatted or eradicated.

Category 1b Plant species that must be controlled.

Category 2 Plant species that must not be allowed to spread outside any property.

Category 3 Plant species that when occurring in riparian areas must be considered to be category 1b

Listed Invasive Species and must be managed according to regulation 3 of NEM:BA, 2014

Please review Appendix F for details on these species.



6. Impact on vegetation

6.1 Significance of impact on the vegetation at the proposed project area.

Any development activity in a natural system will have an impact on the surrounding environment, usually in a

negative way. The purpose of this phase of the study is to identify and assess the significance of the potential

impacts caused by the proposed development and to provide a description of the mitigation required so as to

limit the identified impacts on the natural environment. A number of potential impacts on the botanical

biodiversity relate to loss of indigenous vegetation, and proliferation of alien invasive species.

Significance scoring assesses and predicts the significance of environmental impacts through evaluation of the

following factors; probability of the impact; duration of the impact; extent of the impact; and magnitude of the

impact. The significance of environmental impacts is then assessed taking into account any proposed

mitigations. The significance of the impact “without mitigation” is the prime determinant of the nature and degree

of mitigation required. Each of the above impacts factors have been used to assess the impact on the vegetation

on each of the activities using ranking scales (Table 1).

Unknown parameters are given the highest score (5) as significance scoring follows the Precautionary Principle.

The Precautionary Principle is based on the following statement: When the information available to an evaluator

is uncertain as to whether or not the impact of a proposed development on the environment will be adverse, the

evaluator must accept as a matter of precaution, that the impact will be detrimental. It is a test to determine the

acceptability of a proposed development. It enables the evaluator to determine whether enough information is

available to ensure that a reliable decision can be made.

Table 1: Significance scoring used for impact on the vegetation

Probability Duration

1 - very improbable

2 - improbable

3 - probable

4 - highly probable

5 - definite

1 - very short duration (0-1 years)

2- short duration (2-5 years)

3 - medium term (5-15 years)

4 - long term (>15 years)

5 - permanent/unknown

Extent Magnitude

1 - limited to the site

2 - limited to the local area

3 - limited to the region

4 - national

5 - international

2 – minor

4 – low

6 – moderate

8 – high

10 – very high

Significance Points = (Magnitude + Duration + Extent) x Probability

The maximum value is 100 Significance Points. Potential Environmental Impacts are rated as high, moderate or

low significance as per the following:

<30 significance points = Low environmental significance

31-59 significance points = Moderate environmental significance

>60 significance points = High environmental significance



6.2 Proliferation of Alien invasive species

Alien invasive species will quickly encroach into the disturbed areas. Alien species generally out-compete

indigenous species for water, light, space and nutrients as they are adaptable to changing conditions and are

able to easily invade a wide range of ecological niches (Bromilow, 2010). Alien invader plant species pose an

ecological threat as they alter habitat structure, lower biodiversity (both number and “quality” of species), change

nutrient cycling and productivity, and modify food webs (Zedler and Kercher, 2004).

Impacts associated with the construction phase of the activities

Impact

Probability Duration Extent Magnitude Significance

scoring

without

mitigation

Significance

scoring with

mitigation Without With Without With Without With Without With

Construction Phase

Spread

of Alien

invasive

species

5 3 3 2 1 1 10 8 70

(High)

33

(Moderate)

Operational Phase

Spread

of Alien

invasive

species

5 3 3 2 1 1 10 8 70

(High)

33

(Moderate)

Recommended Mitigation

An invasive alien control programme must be implemented to prevent its introduction and spread, as per the

legislative requirements specified under the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 amended in

2001 and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (Act No, 10 of 2004).

Ongoing alien plant control must be undertaken and implemented for the clearing/eradication of alien

species during the construction and operational phases of the housing project;

6.3 Loss of indigenous vegetation due to clearing of the footprint area

During the construction phase the area for the proposed housing development will be cleared of vegetation. This

will result in the loss of indigenous species, disturbance of species of conservation concern and the

fragmentation of vegetation communities. The removal of vegetation will also expose soil increasing the risk of

erosion.

The vegetation on the site is in relative good condition, as compared to the surrounding areas, sensitive

grasslands were identified. With the implementation of mitigation measures recommended below, this impact will

be minimised.



7. Recommendations

In general, the vegetation in the study site is of low ecological importance, with surrounding areas completely

transformed by residential developments, such as the Emadadeni townships.

The following mitigating measures and recommendations are proposed at levels appropriate to the

impact:

Plant permits must be obtained from relevant authorities prior to any construction commencing.

Once pegged, the proposed development site must be inspected by a botanist and all conservation-

important species identified must be translocated prior to any construction activities.

Indigenous trees removed during construction must be replaced at a ratio of 1:5 (5 trees must be planted for

every 1 tree removed).

An invasive alien control programme must be implemented to prevent the introduction and spread of these

species as per the legislative requirements specified under the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act,

1983 amended in 2001 and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (Act No, 10 of

2004).

Loss of indigenous tree species must be kept to a minimum;

Erosion control measures must be implemented in areas sensitive to erosion such as edges of slopes,

exposed soil, etc. These measures include but are not limited to - the use of sand bags, hessian sheets, silt

fences and retention or replacement of vegetation.

Disturbed areas must be rehabilitated immediately after construction by planting appropriate indigenous

plant species.

The clearing of vegetation must be kept to a minimum and restricted to the working servitude.

During the construction phase workers must be limited to areas under construction within the project

footprint and access to the undeveloped areas must be strictly regulated.

Rehabilitated areas must be monitored to ensure the establishment of re-vegetated areas and to ensure a

ground cover of 85%.

Impacts associated with the clearing of vegetation

Impact

Probability Duration Extent Magnitude Significance

scoring

without

mitigation

Significance

scoring with

mitigation Without With Without With Without With Without With

Construction Phase

Loss of

indigenous

vegetation

5 5 3 2 1 1 10 8 70

(High)

55

(Moderate)

Operational Phase

Fragmentation

of vegetation

communities

5 5 3 2 1 1 10 8 70

(High)

55

Moderate)



8. Conclusions

Taking into consideration that the proposed activity will involve the clearing of natural vegetation, and

subsequently the loss of ecological biodiversity within the project area is inevitable. Therefore, in line with the

guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs), in terms of the risk averse principle stipulated in Section

2 of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 107 of 1998), a second botanical site-walk over

must be conducted before construction to identify any conservation significant herbaceous plants, the site walk-

over must be conducted by a suitable qualified specialist before construction commences. At a minimum, the site

must be surveyed twice to capture peak spring/early summer and late summer/early autumn identification

periods. Lack of inflorescence may have limited the identification of conservation-significant plant species

potentially occurring onsite since herbaceous or bulbous plants have a brief flowering period and die back

completely during the winter and early spring season, or after flowering. It should be borne into consideration that

a survey can confirm the presence of rare species in a study area, but seldom rules out the existence of rare

species in a study area, therefore, the more an area is surveyed, the greater is the likelihood of identifying these

seasonal species that are of conservation significance.

The study site contains conservation-significant Ledebouria ovatifolia subsp. ovatifolia, protected at a regional

level according to the Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance (No. 15 of 1974).

Whilst the vegetation type of the site represents KwaZulu-Natal Highland Thornveld, and C-Plan indicates portion

of the site lying within Biodiversity Priority Area 3 (vulnerable), the site is unlikely to contribute meaningfully to

conservation targets in the long term as the surrounding area has undergone transformation and this has

resulted in the severe degradation of vegetation, with historical composition altered by human intrusive activities,

such as urbanization and the consequential spread of alien vegetation.

Provided mitigation measures presented in this report, and best practise measures are carried out to avoid detrimental impacts associated with the construction phase of the project, no significant biodiversity constraints would prevent the development from being implemented in an environmentally sustainable and justifiable manner.

In the interests of reducing species loss as result of urban development all indigenous plant species should be

protected as a principle, and where possible these should be retained to the final landscaping plan. Section 6 of

this report which deals with ‘Impact on Vegetation’ be included in the Construction Environmental Management

Programme (EMPr) and referenced in the EA for this project as a specific condition of the EA.

Also, Temperate Alluvial Vegetation noted to occur within the site is usually associated with alluvial type

wetlands, as such, a competent and experienced wetland specialist must be consulted to establish the

presence/absence of such wetland/s before the commencement of the project. A Water Use License must be

obtained from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) should any development take place within 500m

from the edge of a delineated wetland.

Should you have any queries regarding the above please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned, or any of

our consultant from Afzelia Environmental Consultants, through the details provided below.

Yours faithfully

Ntando Kumalo Bsc (Hon) Forest Resources and Wildlife Management (NUST) Ecologist at Afzelia Environmental Consultant Email: [email protected] Tel: 031 303 2835




9. References and Resources

Boon R. 2010. Pooley’s Trees of Eastern South Africa: A complete guide. Flora and Fauna Publications Trust, Durban. Bromilow C. 2010. Problem plants and alien weeds of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria. EKZNW 2010. Terrestrial Systematic Conservation Plan: Minimum Selection Surface (MINSET). Unpublished

GIS Coverage [tscp_minset_dist_2010_wll.zip], Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN

Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202.

Henderson L. 2001. Alien weeds and invasive plants. Pretoria. Manning J. 2009. Field guide to wild flowers of South Africa. Struik Nature. Cape Town. Mucina & Rutherford (eds) 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. Pooley E. 1998. A field guide to the wild flowers of KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern region. Natal Flora Publications Trust, Durban. SANBI. 2012. National Biodiversity Assessment 2011: An assessment of South Africa’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Synthesis Report. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria. Schulze RE.1997. South African Atlas of Geohydrology and – Climatology. Water Research Commission, Pretoria, RSA. Technology Transfer Report TT82/96. Scott-Shaw, CR and Escott, BJ. (Eds) 2011. KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Pre-Transformation Vegetation Type Map

– 2011. Unpublished GIS Coverage [kznveg05v2_1_11_wll.zip], Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division,

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202.

Van Oudtshoorn F. 1992. Guide to grasses of South Africa. Briza publications, Arcadia. Van Wyk B & van Wyk P. 2007.Field guide to trees of South Africa. Struik Publishers. Cape Town. WESSA-KZN. 2008. Invasive alien plants in KwaZulu-Natal, management and control. Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Region. Zedler, J and Kercher, S. 2004. Causes and Consequences of Invasive Plants in Wetlands: Opportunities,

Opportunists, and Outcomes. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 23(5):431–452 (2004).



10. APPENDICES



APPENDIX A: LOCALITY MAP



APPENDIX B: VEGETATION TYPE



APPENDIX C: EKZNW MINSET



APPENDIX D: LIST OF PLANT SPECIES IDENTIFIED ON SITE

Botanical Name Common Name Plant Type Alien Species

Invasive Status

(Category as per NEM:BA)

Agave americana American agave Succulent X

Agave sisalana Sisal Succulent X

Aristida bipartita Rolling grass Graminoid

Aristida congesta subsp. barbicollis Spreading three-awn Graminoid

Aristida congesta subsp. congesta Tassel three-awn Graminoid

Bothriochloa bladhii Purple plume grass Graminoid

Bulbine narcissifolia Strap-leaved Bulbine Herbaceous

Chloris gayana Rhodes grass Graminoid

Chloris virgata Feather-top Chloris Graminoid

Cirsium vulgare Scotch thistle Herbaceous X 1b

Cymbopogon exavatus Broad-leaved turpentine grass Graminoid

Cynodon dactylon Couch grass Graminoid

Datura ferox Large thorn-apple Herbaceous X 1b

Digitaria ternata Black-seed finger grass Graminoid

Digitaria eriantha Common finger grass Graminoid

Echium plantagineum Purple echium Graminoid X 1b

Eragrostis plana Tough love grass Graminoid

Eragrostis curvula Weeping love grass Graminoid

Eucalyptus sp. Eucalyptus Woody X 1b

Gazania krebsiana Common Gazania Herbaceous

Hyparrhenia hirta Common thatching grass Graminoid

Lantana camara Common Lantana Herbaceous X 1b

Ledebouria ovatifolia subsp. ovatifolia Herbaceous

Melia azedarach Syringa Woody X 1b

Melinis repens Natal Red top Graminoid

Opuntia humifusa Large-flowered prickly pear Succulent X 1b

Opuntia ficus-indica Sweet prickly pear Succulent X 1b

Pinus pinaster Pine Woody X 1b

Populus x canescens Grey Poplar Woody X 2

Setaria verticillata Bur Bristle grass Graminoid

Sonchus asper subsp. asper Spiny sowthistle Herbaceous X

Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle Herbaceous X

Tagetes minuta Tall Khaki Weed Herbaceous X

Themeda triandra Red grass Graminoid

Urochloa mosambicensis Bushveld signal grass Graminoid



APPENDIX E: PLANT SPECIES FOR REHABILITATION

Botanical Name Common Name

Tree species

Acacia sieberiana var. woodii Paperbark thorn

Acacia natalitia Pale bark sweet thorn

Acacia nilotica Scented pod thorn

Cussonia spicata Cabbage tree

Dichrostachys cinerea Sickle bush

Ziziphus mucronata Buffalo thorn

Grass species

Andropogon eucomus Snowflake grass

Aristida bipartita Rolling grass

Aristida congesta Three awn grass

Cynodon dactylon Couch grass

Elionurus muticus Wire grass

Eragrostis capensis Heart-seed love grass

Hyparrhenia hirta Common thatching grass



APPENDIX F: WAYPOINTS COLLECTED ONSITE

Plant Species Waypoint Latitude Longitude

Ledebouria ovatifolia subsp. ovatifolia 78 -27.7770 30.04343






















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