MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR THE
THE PROPOSED RESEAL OF BEYERS STREET, THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY AND
THE INSTALLATION OF GRASS BLOCKS
KLEIN BRAK RIVER
PREPARED FOR:
Mossel Bay Municipality
PO Box 25
Mossel Bay
6500
DATE: 25 March 2019
DEADP REF NO: 16/3/3/6/D6/25/0209/17
SES PROJECT REF NO: 45/MMP/BS/LBR/3/19
Contents PROJECT INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................................... i
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...........................................................................................................................................ii
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................................... 3
3. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES ................................................................................................... 4
3.1 THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH AFRICA ................................................................................................... 4 3.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, NO. 107 OF 1998, AS AMENDED AND THE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS, 2014 (AS AMENDED)...................................... 4 3.3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT ACT (ACT
NO 24 OF 2008), AS AMENDED (ICMA) ....................................................................................................... 5 3.4 NATIONAL COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME OF SOUTH AFRICA: 2014 .............................. 5 3.5 WESTERN CAPE COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME: 2016 ....................................................... 5 3.6 KLEIN BRAK RIVER ESTUARINE MANAGEMENT PLAN (2017) ................................................................ 6
4. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE MMP ................................................................................................................ 7
5. TERMS OF REFERENCE ........................................................................................................................................ 7
6. LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT................................................................... 7
6.1 LOCATION OF THE SITE .............................................................................................................................. 7 7. DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................... 9
7.1 AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................................... 9 7.2 TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................................................... 9 7.3 WESTERN CAPE BIODIVERSITY SPATIAL PLAN (2017) .......................................................................... 11 7.4 COASTAL MANAGEMENT LINES ............................................................................................................ 12 7.5 CURRENT CONDITION OF THE SITE ........................................................................................................ 16
8. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY ....................................................................................................................... 18
8.1 DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................................ 18 8.2 IMPACTS ON THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................... 19 8.3 FUTURE MAINTENANCE / OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES .......................................................................... 22 8.4 SOCIAL IMPACTS ..................................................................................................................................... 23
9. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES / ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................ 26
9.1 NAMES AND DETAILS OF RELEVANT PARTIES ....................................................................................... 26 9.2 DURATION OF THE MMP ......................................................................................................................... 27
10. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND REPORTING / AUDITING .............................................................. 28
11. IMPLEMENTATION MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................... 28
11.1 SITE CAMP ............................................................................................................................................... 28 11.2 SITE ACCESS ............................................................................................................................................ 30 11.3 HAULAGE ROUTES ................................................................................................................................. 30 11.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................................................... 30 11.5 METHOD STATEMENTS ........................................................................................................................... 31 11.6 GENERAL DUTY OF CARE ..................................................................................................................... 31
12. MONITORING PROGRAMME ........................................................................................................................ 32
13. PUBLIC CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................................. 33
14. CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................................. 33
15. REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Aerial photograph depicting the location of Little Brak River .............................................................. 8 Figure 2: Location of Beyers Street in Little Brak River .............................................................................................. 8 Figure 3: Aerial photograph with NFEPA (2011) data overlay ............................................................................... 9 Figure 4: South African National Vegetation map overlay (2012) ..................................................................... 11 Figure 5: Biodiversity Overlay Map ............................................................................................................................ 12 Figure 6: Delineation of the Coastal Protection Zone ........................................................................................... 13 Figure 7: Coastal Management Line delineation along Klein Brak River Estuary ............................................ 14 Figure 8: Aerial photograph depicting coastal access along Beyer Street, Klein Brak River ........................ 15 Figure 9: Areas along Beyers Street where vegetation clearance will be required ....................................... 20 Figure 10: Areas to be excavated along Beyers Street ........................................................................................ 21 Figure 11: Parking lot area within which the site camp can be set up ............................................................. 29
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: Locality maps
Appendix B: Biodiversity Overlay Maps
Appendix B.1: National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas Map
Appendix B.2: South African Vegetation Map
Appendix B.3: Critical Biodiversity Areas Map
Appendix B.4: Coastal Protection Zone Delineation
Appendix B.5: Coastal Management Line Delineation
Appendix B.6: Coastal Access Points along Beyers Street
Appendix C: Layout Plans
Appendix C.1: Walkway Option 1
Appendix C.2: Walkway Option 2
Appendix C.3: Retaining wall design detail
Appendix C.4: Soak-away pits design detail
Appendix C.5: New proposed layout
Appendix D: Illustrations of proposal
Appendix E: Hydrodynamic modelling report
Appendix F: Stakeholder Engagement Report
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PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Ref. No: 45/MMP/BS/LBR/10/18
Conditions of Use:
This report is the property of the sponsor, Sharples Environmental Services cc
(SES), who may make allowance to publish it, in whole provided that:
a. Approval for copy is obtained from SES.
b. SES is acknowledged in the publication.
c. SES is indemnified against and claim for damages that may result
from publication of specifications, recommendations or statements
that is not administered or controlled by SES.
d. That approval is obtained from SES if this report is to be used for the
purposes of sale, publicity or advertisement.
SES accepts no responsibility for failure to follow the recommended program.
COMPILATION
Role: Name: E-Mail Address:
Owner: Sharples Environmental Services cc [email protected]
Author: Steve Kleinhans [email protected]
Contributor: John Sharples [email protected]
Expertise
Sharples Environmental Services cc Since 1998, SES has been actively engaged in the fields of
environmental planning, assessment and management. We advise private, corporate and public
enterprises on a variety of differing land use applications ranging from large-scale residential estates
and resorts to golf courses, municipal service infrastructure installations and the planning of major
arterials. Our consultants have over 40+ years of combined experience and we operate in the
Southern, Eastern and Western Cape regions.
STEVE KLEINHANS (Environmental Assessment Practitioner) - Steve studied at the Potchefstroom
campus of the North West University completing a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biological
and Environmental Sciences. Steve then completed his Honours in Environmental Management and
joined SES in 2010. He has over eight years’ experience in the field of environmental management
and has management a number of Environmental Impact Assessments which include river
rehabilitation, residential development and service infrastructure projects. Other project experience
includes management of Section 24G Applications, the facilitation of Water Use Authorisation
Applications, the compilation of Environmental Management Programmes and environmental
monitoring.
JOHN SHARPLES (Managing Director) - John started Sharples Environmental Services in 1998 and has
overseen the company’s growth and development since then. John also started the Cape Town
office in 2010. John holds a Masters in Environmental Management from the University of the Free
State as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation. He has consulted for 20 years running a team
of highly trained and qualified consultants and prior to this gained 12 years of experience working for
environmental organizations. John is registered with EAPASA as a certified Environmental Practitioner.
ii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
CBA Critical Biodiversity Area
DEA&DP Western Cape Government: Department of Environmental Affairs and
Development Planning
ECO Environmental Control Officer
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
km Kilometre
Lyners Neil Lyners and Associates (RF) (Pty) Ltd
m Metre
m2 Square metre
MBM Mossel Bay Municipality
MMP Maintenance Management Plan
NEMA National Environmental Management Act, Act No. 107 of 1998, as amended
NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (2011)
PES Present Ecological State (1999)
The Regulations Amended Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2014
SES Sharples Environmental Services cc
TOR Terms of Reference
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1. INTRODUCTION
Sharples Environmental Services cc (SES) was appointed by Neil Lyners and Associates (RF) (Pty) Ltd
(Lyners), on behalf of the Mossel Bay Municipality (MBM), to compile the Maintenance Management
Plan (MMP) for the proposed construction of parking bays, a pedestrian walkway and the reseal of
Beyers Street in Little Brak River.
This MMP covers the clearance of vegetation and the removal / moving of sand along Beyers Street in
order to construct and maintain the pedestrian walkway. These activities will trigger listed activities in
terms of the amended Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2014).
The MMP is intended to ensure that construction activities comply with the principles of sound
Environmental Management and the general “Duty of Care” specified in the National Environmental
Management Act, so as to avoid or minimise potential negative impacts on the receiving environment
during the construction and maintenance activities on the proposed walkway.
2. BACKGROUND
Little Brak River is a small coastal community within the Mossel Bay municipal area. During the summer
holidays there is an influx of people to the community who come to spend time on the beach. The
existing parking area does not have adequate parking bays to accommodate this influx of people and
vehicles. The vehicles are then parked along Beyers Street on the grassed areas and the dune. The
parked vehicles along Beyers Street obstruct pedestrian access to the beach and people therefore
have to walk in the road until an area is found where they can gain access to the beach. This is a safety
concern due to the narrow road. Images 1 and 2 below are photos taken on 2 January 2018. It shows
vehicles parked all along Beyers Street, leaving no sidewalk where pedestrians can safely walk to the
beach.
The MBM is planning to reseal Beyers Street and have also decided to address the above issue by
providing parking bays along the road where vehicles can be safely parked and where they do not
obstruct pedestrians or other vehicles. In addition to this it is also proposed to construct a pedestrian
walkway along the sea side of Beyers Street to provide safe access to the beach. The pedestrian
walkway will also aim to control where people gain access to the beach thereby enabling the
Images 1 & 2: Cars parked alongside Beyers Street during the recent holiday period. Photos taken on 2 January 2018
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revegetation of some areas which have been previously disturbed as a result of the uncontrolled
access. It is proposed to commence with construction during the 2018/19 financial year starting July
2018.
3. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES
3.1 THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH AFRICA
According to the Bill of Rights “everyone has the right –
• to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and
• to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through
reasonable legislative and other measures that –
❖ prevent pollution and ecological degradation;
❖ promote conservation; and
❖ secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while
promoting justifiable
3.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, NO. 107 OF 1998, AS AMENDED AND THE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS, 2014 (AS AMENDED)
The proposed pedestrian walkway will be constructed on municipal property along Beyers Street in Little
Brak River. This will require work in close proximity to the Klein Brak River estuary and includes the clearance
of vegetation and the removing and moving of sand as well as the depositing of material in order to
construct the pedestrian walkway. It is also proposed to replant vegetation along the disturbed areas
along the coastline in order to stabilise the dune.
These activities are identified in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, No. 107 of 1998,
as amended (NEMA) Section 24(2) and 24D as having a potential significant environmental impact and
as such require Environmental Authorisation in terms of Activity 19A of Government Notice No. R. 327
(Listing Notice 1) and Activity 12 of Government Notice No. R. 324 (Listing Notice 3). The activities read:
Activity 19A of Listing Notice 1:
The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 5 cubic metres into, or the dredging, excavation,
removal or moving of soil, sand, shells, shell grit, pebbles or rock of more than 5 cubic metres from -
(i) the seashore;
(ii) the littoral active zone, an estuary or a distance of 100 metres inland of the highwater
(iii) mark of the sea or an estuary, whichever distance is the greater; or
(iv) the sea; -
but excluding where such infilling, depositing, dredging, excavation, removal or moving—
f) will occur behind a development setback;
g) is for maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a maintenance management plan;
h) falls within the ambit of activity 21 in this Notice, in which case that activity applies;
i) occurs within existing ports or harbours that will not increase the development footprint of the port
or harbour; or
where such development is related to the development of a port or harbour, in which case activity 26 in
Listing Notice 2 of 2014 applies.
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Activity 12 of Listing Notice 3:
The clearance of an area of 300 square metres or more of indigenous vegetation except where such
clearance of indigenous vegetation is required for maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance
with a maintenance management plan. i. Western Cape
i. Within any critically endangered or endangered ecosystem listed in terms of section 52 of the
NEMBA or prior to the publication of such a list, within an area that has been identified as critically
endangered in the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment 2004;
iii. Within the littoral active zone or 100 metres inland from high water mark of the sea or an estuarine
functional zone, whichever distance is the greater, excluding where such removal will occur
behind the development setback line on erven in urban areas;
3.3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT ACT (ACT NO 24
OF 2008), AS AMENDED (ICMA)
This Act includes norms, standards and policies in order to promote the conservation of the coastal
environment and to ensure that development and the use of natural resources within the coastal zone
is socially and economically justifiable and ecologically sustainable. The ICM Act is meant to guide and
control our behaviour and actions in the coastal zone and to ensure that its benefits can be sustainably
and equitably distributed.
The proposed pedestrian walkway will be constructed on municipal property (road reserve) which
currently serves as access to the beach. Section 25 of ICMA states that the Minister must prohibit or
restrict the building, erection, alternation or extension of structures that are wholly or partly seaward of
the coastal setback line. But the Minister may authorise development of structures within the coastal
zone (such as pedestrian walkways) if the proposed activity or development will provide important
services to the public when using coastal public property, the coastal protection zone, coastal access
land or a coastal protected area. The pedestrian walkway is proposed to provide safe access to the
beach for pedestrians.
3.4 NATIONAL COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME OF SOUTH AFRICA: 2014
This document presents South Africa’s National Coastal Management Programme (NCMP) under the
ICMA for the period 2013 – 2017. The proposed pedestrian walkway is in line with the vision, priorities and
principles listed in this National Programme, specifically the following Priority:
1. Priority No 2: Public Access:
✓ Provide National commitment for the facilitation of safe and equitable access along
coastal public property.
3.5 WESTERN CAPE COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME: 2016
The Western Cape Government revised its 2004 Coastal Management Programme to be in line with the
requirements of the ICMA and in support of the implementation of the NCMP. The proposed walkway is
in line with priority areas, goals and coastal management objectives of the Western Cape CMP (2016)
and specifically the following priority area:
1. Priority Area No. 3: Facilitation of coastal access
• The goal of the priority area is to “promote coastal access and accessibility that is both
equitable and sustainable.
• The coastal management objective is to “enable physical public access to the sea, and
along the seashore, on a managed basis.
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The purpose of the proposed pedestrian walkway is to provide safe access to the beach for the public.
This is especially true during the peak holiday periods when the number of cars making use of Beyers
Street, increase significantly which creates unsafe conditions for the pedestrians along the road.
3.6 KLEIN BRAK RIVER ESTUARINE MANAGEMENT PLAN (2017)
The Klein Brak River Estuarine Management Plan (2017) (KBREMP) aims to conserve the functioning and
biodiversity of the Klein Brak River Estuary, which ultimately supplies goods and services. According to the
KBREMP, the estuarine functional zone / boundary of the estuary is the 5m contour line. The KBREMP notes
that the 5m contour is critically important as a development measure and should be afforded a level of
status which prohibits any development seaward of the line. This is in line with the delineation of the
Coastal Management Line (CML), discussed in Section 7.4 of this report. The objectives of the KBREMP
relevant to this proposal are:
Water quantity and quality
• Improve flow patterns to improve ecosystem functioning of the Klein Brak River estuarine system
• Minimise water pollution
• Reduce bank de-stabilization and erosion, and habitat degradation
• Control the spread and densification of both aquatic & terrestrial invasive alien plant species
❖ The proposed boardwalk is unlikely to compromise this objective.
Conservation of Biodiversity
• Ensure the conservation of the full suite of existing, especially vital, estuarine habitats &
associated species
• Regulate recreational use in and around the estuary, including water-based activities
to reduce habitat degradation and disturbance to fauna and flora
❖ Apart from the first 130m (approx.) minimal disturbance will be required for the
construction of the boardwalk. However, mitigation measures have been
proposed in this report to minimise the impact. Rehabilitation measures have
also been proposed once construction has been completed. It is therefore
unlikely that the construction of the boardwalk will result in the of biodiversity.
❖ The resurfacing of Beyers Street and the establishment of parking bays will be
undertaken on transformed area i.e. existing road surface and landscaped
gardens. However, these are all within the existing road reserve of Beyers Street.
Land-use and Infrastructure
• Implement an estuary zonation plan that directs infrastructural development and other
land use practices within the various floodlines, coastal management lines, buffer zones
and overlay zones.
• Ensure that all proposed developments within the development buffer zones, adhere
to the EIA process in terms of the full suite of relevant environmental legislation.
❖ This MMP is subject to approval in terms of Listed Activities 19A of Listing 1 and
Activity 12 of Listing Notice 3 (as described in Section 3.2 above). The
competent authority will consider the appropriateness of the proposal and
make an informed decision based on the submissions and the information
supplied.
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4. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE MMP
The purpose of this MMP is to define the parameters for the maintenance activities required on Beyers
Street and the associated infrastructure. This maintenance plan also provides guidelines, which set out
steps and actions and when taken, will ensure that the environment degradation is kept to an absolute
minimum. This will ensure the sustainable management of the environment, whilst avoiding and/or
mitigating any environmental damage during the operational phase.
This document only applies to the maintenance of the Beyers Street and the associated infrastructure
and does not apply to any other infrastructure which requires repair and / or maintenance. Any repair
and maintenance activities on any other infrastructure must be applied for and authorised prior to
commencement of any repair and / or maintenance activities if any of those activities trigger a listed
activity in terms of the amended EIA Regulations (2014).
5. TERMS OF REFERENCE
The following Terms of Reference (TOR) has been set for the compilation of the MMP:
• Ensure compliance with relevant NEMA legislation, policies and guidelines;
• Provide a methodology for compliance with the environmental constraints for the maintenance;
• Detail all potential impacts to ensure that the MMP covers future maintenance activities;
• Address potential impacts associated with future maintenance activities through appropriate
management measures;
• Identify areas within the project envelope that may require future maintenance and detail the
type of remedial work that may be required;
• Detail the responsibilities of the various parties who will do the monitoring; and
• Detail any reporting and monitoring that needs to be done.
6. LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT
6.1 LOCATION OF THE SITE
The small town of Little Brak River is located approximately 13km north of the town of Mossel Bay on the
bank of the Klein Brak River. The area where the proposed works will be undertaken is situated along
Beyers Street. The Klein Brak River estuary borders the site to the south while the residential dwellings are
located to the immediate north of Beyers Street. An existing larger parking area is situated to the east of
the road. Please refer to Figures 1 and 2 below.
8
Figure 1: Aerial photograph depicting the location of Little Brak River
Figure 2: Location of Beyers Street in Little Brak River
Mossel Bay
Dana Bay
Great Brak River
Little Brak River
Beyers Street
9
7. DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT
7.1 AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT
The proposed works are situated along the Klein Brak River estuary. According to the National Freshwater
Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA, 2011) the Klein Brak River is a perennial, 3rd order river which has a
Present Ecological State (PES, 1999) of Class C: Moderately Modified. At this point the river has been
classified as a Lower Foothills river (Rowntree and Wadeson, 1999; NFEPA, 2011).
According to the NFEPA Wetland data (2011) the watercourse at this point has also been classified as
an estuarine wetland (unchannelled valley-bottom wetland) but the condition of the wetland has been
classified as Heavily to Critically Modified: Z2 which means that the majority of the wetland unit is
classified as “artificial” in the wetland delineation GIS layer. Please refer to Figure 3 below and Appendix
B.1.
The proposed works will be undertaken within the existing road reserve / servitude. It is not expected
that the construction phase of the proposal will have an impact on the aquatic features as described
above. The management of the infrastructure during the operational phase will also not have an impact
on the aquatic features as maintenance activities will be restricted to the road reserve / servitude.
Figure 3: Aerial photograph with NFEPA (2011) data overlay
7.2 TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT
Two historic vegetation types have been mapped for the area under consideration. These are Groot
Brak Dune Strandveld (FS 9) and Cape Seashore Vegetation (AZd 3). See Figure 4 below and Appendix
B.2.
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Groot Brak Dune Strandveld (FS 9)
This vegetation type can be found between the Gouritz River mouth and as far east as Victoria Bay. The
largest area of the unit covers the flats north of Mossel Bay extending up to 17km from the coast. The
vegetation within this unit consists of dense and tall (up to 3m), spiny, sclerophyllous schrubs with gaps
supporting shrublands with ericoids or succulent-leaved shrubs. The graminoid layer is sparse and short
(Mucina and Rutherford, 2006). According to the National list of ecosystems that are threatened and in
need of protection (promulgated under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act
No. 10 of 2004) dated 9 December 2011, Groot Brak Dune Strandveld has a conservation status of
ENDANGERED. Please refer to Figure 4 for the vegetation map.
The presence of the following species can be used to identify Groot Brak Dune Strandveld:
Geophytic herbs: Freesia alba, Brunsvigia orientalis, Chasmanthe aethiopica & Hesperantha falcate
Graminoids: Ficinia indica, Cynodon dactylon, Ehrharta erecta, Panicum deustum & Stipa dregeana
Herb: Indigofera tomentosa & Commelina africana
Herbaceous climbers: Astephanus triflorus, Cynanchum obtusifolium & Kedrostis nana
Herbaceous succulent climbers: Pelargonium peltatum
Low shrubs: Carissa bispinosa, Asparagus suaveolens, Eriocephalus africanus var. africanus, Helichrysum
teretifolium, Lauridia tetragona, Clutia daphnoides, Chironia baccifera, Ballota Africana, Polygala
myrtifolia & Phylica axillaris
Semi parasitic shrubs: Osyris compressa & Thesidium fragile
Small trees: Chionanthus foveolatus & Clausena anisate
Soft Shrub: Hypoestes aristata
Succulent herbs: Senecio radicans, Crassula expansa subsp. Expansa & Carpobrotus edulis
Succulent shrubs: Tetragonia fruticosa, Aloe arborescens, Cotyledon orbiculata var. dactylopsis,
Crassula perforate, Crassula pubescens subsp. Pubescens, Euphorbia burmannii, Euphorbia mauritanica
& Zygophyllum morgsana
Tall shrubs: Searsia crenata, S. glauca, S. longispina, S. lucida, Cussonia thyrsiflora, Metalasia muricata,
Tarchonanthus littoralis, Gymnosporia buxifolia, Maytenus procumbens, Mystroxylon aethiopicum,
Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus, Putterlickia pyracantha, Diospyros dichrophylla, Euclea racemosa subsp.
racemosa, Schotia afra var. afra, Grewia occidentalis, Morella cordifolia, Myrsine Africana, Olea
exasperate, Azima tetracantha, & Sideroxylon inerme
Woody climbers: Asparagus aethiopicus, Cissampelos capensis & Rhoicissus digitate
Woody succulent climber: Sarcostemma viminale
Cape Seashore Vegetation (AZd 3)
This vegetation type is found in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces along the temperate
coasts of the Atlantic Ocean. The vegetation mainly consists of open grassy, herbaceous and to some
extent also dwarf-shrubby (sometime succulent) vegetation, often dominated by a single pioneer
species. These are mostly located on beaches, coastal dunes, dune slacks and coastal cliffs. Cape
Seashore Vegetation does not appear on the list of threatened ecosystems but according to Mucina
and Rutherford (2006) the ecosystem threat status is listed as LEAST THREATENED. Refer to Figure 4 for the
vegetation map.
The presence of the following species can be used to identify Cape Seashore Vegetation:
Geophytic herb: Trachyandra divaricate
Graminoids: Eragrostis sabulosa, Thinopyrum distichum, Cladoraphis cyperoides, Ehrharta villosa var.
maxima, Sporobolus virginicus & Stipagrostis zeyheri subsp. barbata
Herb: Vellereophyton vellereum & Gazania rigens
Herbaceous climbers: Cynanchum ellipticum & C. obtusifolium
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Herbs: Amellus capensis, Gazania maritima, Gazania rigens var. leucolaena, Silene crassifolia, Limonium
sp. nov., Lobelia boivinii, Dasispermum suffruticosum, Amellus asteroids, Gazania rigens, Senecio elegans,
S. littoreus, Polygonum maritimum & Manulea tomentosa
Low shrubs: Psoralea repens, Syncarpha sordescens, Oncosiphon sabulosum, Frankenia repens &
Hebenstretia cordata
Semi parasitic shrub: Thesidium fragile
Succulent herbs: Senecio litorosus, S. maritimus, Arctotheca populifolia, Carpobrotus acinaciformis & C.
edulis
Succulent shrubs: Amphibolia laevis, Drosanthemum marinum, D. stokoei, Erepsia steytlerae, Prenia
vanrensburgii, Tetragonia decumbens, Didelta carnosa var. tomentosa, Exomis microphylla var.
axyrioides, Pelargonium capitatum, Scaevola plumieri, Drosanthemum candens, Lycium tetrandrum,
Sarcocornia littorea & Disphyma crassifolium
Figure 4: South African National Vegetation map overlay (2012)
7.3 WESTERN CAPE BIODIVERSITY SPATIAL PLAN (2017)
According to the Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan (2017) the site is located along the boundary of
a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) i.e. aquatic CBA1 - estuary. Please refer to Figure 5 below and Appendix
B.3. The management objective of this CBA area is to maintain it in a natural or near-natural state, with
no further loss of natural habitat. The degraded areas should be rehabilitated. It further states that only
low-impact, biodiversity sensitive land uses are appropriate.
The reasons for this site’s classification as a CBA are listed as the following:
• The presence of a coastal habitat type i.e. Groot Brak Dune Strandveld and Cape Seashore
Vegetation described above;
• It is required for ecological processes;
• It is part of an Estuary i.e. Klein Brak River estuary;
• The presence of a threatened forest type i.e. Western Cape Milkwood forest
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• It is required for water resource protection i.e. Southern Coastal Belt
The proposed works will be restricted to the existing road and road reserve / servitude. Vegetation
clearance will be required but this amount of vegetation to be cleared will not cause any loss of sensitive
species. A list of the species present on site is provided in Section 7.4 below. The aim of the proposal is to
improve the safety of pedestrians along Beyers Street and to try and control the access to the beach.
The completed walkway will also prevent from vehicle from being parked on the beach side of the road.
This will minimise the disturbance to vegetation on the beach. This proposal therefore falls within the low-
impact, biodiversity sensitive category as required by the conservation requirements of the site in terms
of the WCBSP (2017).
Figure 5: Biodiversity Overlay Map
7.4 COASTAL MANAGEMENT LINES
The project to delineate Coastal Management Lines (CML) along the Eden District coastline was finalised
in July 2018 after similar delineations for the West Coast and Overberg Districts. The project was
undertaken by Royal Haskoning DHV in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Environmental
Affairs and Development Planning.
The CML demarcates zones along the shore seawards of which intensification of development should
not be allowed. However, certain development may be allowed depending on the nature of the risks
or the sensitivities of the sites. The ultimate intension of the CML is to:
• protect coastal public property, private property and public safety
• determine features that should be protected under the coastal protection zone
• preserve the aesthetic values of the coastal zone
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The following zones / lines need to be considered in terms of the above:
Coastal Protection Zone:
The Coastal Protection Zone (CPZ) is the zone adjacent to coastal public property which “plays a
significant role in a coastal ecosystem” in order to:
• protect the ecological integrity, natural character and the economic, social and aesthetic value
of coastal public property
• avoid increasing the effect or severity of natural hazards in the coastal zone
• protect people, property and economic activities from risks arising from dynamic coastal
processes, including the risk of sea-level rise
• maintain the natural functioning of the littoral active zone
• maintain the productive capacity of the coastal zone by protecting the ecological integrity of
the coastal environment
• make land near the seashore available to organs of state and other authorised persons for
o performing rescue operations
o temporarily depositing objects and materials washed up by the sea or tidal waters
The National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (ICM Act) defines a
default CPZ which consists of a continuous strip of land, inland from the High-Water Mark (HWM) and
extending 100m inland in developed areas (areas zoned as residential, commercial or public open
space) or 1000m inland in rural areas.
As part of the Eden project the CPZ was delineated for the entire Eden District from Witsand in the west
to the Storms River mouth in the east. Since the immediate area landward Beyers Street is developed
residential area, the CPZ extends 100m inland of the HWM of the sea and estuary. As a result, the majority
of the residential dwellings along Beyers Street are located inside the CPZ. Please refer to Figure 6 below
and Appendix B.4.
Figure 6: Delineation of the Coastal Protection Zone
14
The Coastal Management Line
The Coastal Management Line (CML) is a continuous line, seawards of which lies:
• Areas of biophysical or social sensitivities e.g. sensitive coastal vegetation;
• Areas that should not be developed or granted restricted development rights due to high risk of
coastal processes;
• Coastal public property
Along estuaries the CML runs along the 1:100 year risk horizon (rural areas), 1:50 year risk horizon (built-up
areas) or 5m amsl contour, whichever distance is the greater, or landward of estuarine sensitivities. Along
the Klein Brak River estuary, the CML was delineated using the 5m amsl contour, the 50-year risk zone
and sensitive biodiversity in terms of the WCBS (2017). Please refer to Figure 7 below and Appendix B.5
for the CML delineation around the Klein Brak River Estuary. From the figure it can be noted that Beyers
Street as well as the residential dwellings along Beyers Street are located seaward of the CML.
Figure 7: Coastal Management Line delineation along Klein Brak River Estuary
Consideration of Section 63 of the National Environment Management: Integrated Coastal Management
Act, Act No. 24 of 2008, as amended
The proposed walkway will be situated within the CPZ and seaward of the CML. However, it will be
located within the existing road reserve of Beyers Street. Apart from the first 130m (approx.) there will be
minimal disturbance along the road, at the majority of the 420m has been transformed (refer to Section
7.5 below).
The aim of the proposed walkway is to provide safer access for the public to the beach. An audit was
done on all the formal and informal coastal accesses in the Garden Route District, formerly the Eden
District. According to the data, there a number of informal coastal accesses along Beyers Street. The
reference numbers for these accesses are:
15
Table 1: Coastal access along Beyers Street, Klein Brak River
ACCESS REFERENCE NUMBER TYPE OF ACCESS RECOMMENDATION
174b Direct public informal access Maintain
175b Public informal path Consider consolidation into
single access
176b Public informal path Consider consolidation into
single access
177b Public informal path Consider consolidation into
single access
178b Public informal path Consider consolidation into
single access
179b Public informal path Consider consolidation into
single access
180b Public informal path Consider consolidation into
single access
181b Public informal path Consider consolidation into
single access
182b Public informal path Consider consolidation into
single access
183b Public informal path Consider consolidation into
single access
An aerial photograph of the access points has been attached as Appendix B.6 of this report. Also refer
to Figure 8 below.
Figure 8: Aerial photograph depicting coastal access along Beyers Street, Klein Brak River
The Coastal Access Audit Report indicates that where there are an excessive number of accesses
consideration should be given to consolidate such accesses. The proposal aims to achieve this by
providing four decking ramps for stormwater drainage and pedestrian access to the beach. This will
decrease the number of coastal accesses from ten to four.
174b
175b
177b
176b
178b
179b
180b
181b
182b
183b
16
The proposed walkway will provide access for the public to the beach and it is not expected that there
will be any significant irreversible or long-lasting adverse impact on the coastal environment or coastal
processes if the mitigation measures, as discussed in this report, are implemented.
7.5 CURRENT CONDITION OF THE SITE
The site was visited on 29 September 2017. During the site visit it was noted that some sections along
Beyers Street have been transformed as a result of anthropogenic activities. This may have been due to
clearing activities and / or the trampling of the vegetation by parked vehicle and pedestrians to a lesser
extent.
The first 130m (approx.) from the large parking area consists of a small dune along the eastern side of
Beyers Street. According to the MBM sand blows from the dune onto the parking area and therefore
needs to be removed periodically. This is mainly done by means of manual labour by using a small team
of municipal workers.
The vegetation along Beyers Street consists mainly of the following species:
• Searsia crenata - dune crow-berry
• Osteospermum moniliferum - Bietou
• Tetragonia decumbens - dune spinach
• Carpobrotus sp. - sour fig
• Gazania rigens var. leucolaena - trailing gazania
• Aloe ferox
• Aloe aborences
• Myoporum tenuifolium subsp. Montanum - manatoka*
• Cynodon dactylon - kweek grass
• Stenotaphrum secundatum - buffalo grass
• Stoebe sp. - slangbos
Image 3: Ground cover consisting of dune spinach, sour fig
and gazania near large parking area
Image 4: Bietou bush along Beyers Street
17
Further down the road the vegetation consists mainly of grass i.e. Cynodon dactylon (kweek) and
ground covers which include the sour fig and dune spinach. However very small patches of shrub species
such as the dune crow-berry and bietou, and Aloe sp. are also present. These patches however are
isolated i.e. approximately 100m apart from one another.
Image 6: Dense dune crow-berry along Beyers Street
Image 7: Sparse ground cover consisting mainly of kweek
grass
Image 8: Ground cover consisting mainly of dune spinach
and kweek grass
Image 5: Dense dune crow-berry along Beyers Street
18
8. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
8.1 DESCRIPTION
The work along Beyers Street consists of the following:
Reseal of Beyers Street:
It is proposed to reseal approximately 420m of Beyers Street. The existing 150mm G4 Base layer will be
ripped and compacted. Road edging (kerbs) will be installed along the length of the section of road to
be upgraded. Once this has been done surfacing will be done by means of Cape Seal (aggregate and
slurry). The road width is 6.5m.
Installation of grass blocks:
It is proposed to install grass blocks along the northern side of Beyers Street, as well as the large areas
along Lind Street. The grass blocks allow water to filter into the soil and therefore minimise the amount of
runoff from the surface.
Pedestrian walkway:
A new pedestrian is proposed to be constructed along the southern side (sea side) of Beyers Street.
Various options are available for the pedestrian walkway. A public consultation process was undertaken
which included Options 1 and 2 below. Option 3 resulted from the public consultation due to the
comments / concerns received from Interested and Affected Parties.
Option 1: Garapa-wood, wood plastic composite or fibreglass gratings
One of the options is to construct a pedestrian walkway consisting of garapa-wood, wood plastic
composite or fibreglass gratings. If this is option is implemented the walkway will be approximately
1.2m/1.8m wide and 400m long (i.e. max footprint 720m2), approximately 600mm from the edge of the
road kerb. The walkway will be suspended 200mm aboveground by means of 150mm wide wooden
posts. Please refer to Appendix C.1 for the site layout plan.
Image 9: Patch of shrubs consisting of bietou and dune
crow-berry with ground covers i.e. sour fig and gazania
Image 10: Disturbed area consisting of grass and ground
covers with bietou patch (Image 6) in background
19
Option 2: Paved walkway
The other option is to construct a walkway consisting of paving. In this case pedestrian walkway will be
1.5m wide, 400m long and will consist of imported 150mm G5 subbase, 60mm paving and edging (kerbs).
The footprint of the pedestrian walkway will be 600m2. Please refer Appendix C.2 for the site layout plan.
Option 3 Boardwalk and grass blocks:
Option 3 consists of the boardwalk as described in Option 1. However, instead of formalised parking on
the northern side of the road, it is proposed to install grass blocks to create a road shoulder. The grass
blocks shall not extend beyond the 15ft line. This option was developed after the public consultation.
Please refer to Appendix C.5 for the layout plan for this option. This is the proponent’s preferred option.
Retaining wall:
It is also planned to construct a retaining wall of approximately 130m long and 1m high along the first
130m on the eastern section of Beyers Street. The retaining wall will be constructed with loffelstein
concrete block, filled with compacted sand. The foundation of the retaining wall will require excavation
of approximately 550mm deep and approximately 600mm wide. The excavated area will then be filled
with 20mPa/19 concrete to provide a solid platform to place the loffelstein blocks on. Please refer to
Appendix C.3 for the site layout plan.
Soak-away pits
Soak-away pits are proposed to be installed in low-lying areas of the road reserve on the northern side
of Beyers Street. These pits will assist in draining stormwater that collects in these low-lying areas. Please
refer to Appendix C.4 for the site layout plan and the typical detail of the proposed pit.
8.2 IMPACTS ON THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT
The following impacts are expected to occur during the construction phase of the pedestrian walkway
and grass blocks:
8.2.1 Erosion as a result of vegetation clearance (negative)
Impact Management Objective: To minimise loss of sand from the dune area.
Description of activities to be undertaken: In order to construct the pedestrian walkway vegetation
clearance and / or trimming will be required. As described in Section 7.4 above some sections along the
road has been previously disturbed and currently only have ground cover in the form of grass while the
first 130m (approx.) has a variety of species in the form of ground covers and shrubs. An area of
approximately 2m wide will have to be cleared and / or trimmed along Beyers Street. The loss of
vegetation on the affected area may lead to erosion through wind and storm water.
20
Figure 9: Areas along Beyers Street where vegetation clearance will be required. Yellow line depicts areas mainly
consisting of ground covers such as Gazania, dune spinach and sour fig; Red lines indicate area mainly consisting
of shrubs such as dune crow-berry, bietou, slangbos, etc.; and Green lines depict areas mainly covered in grass
Mitigation
The clearing of the vegetation can be mitigated by implementing the following measures:
• Where practical the area must be properly demarcated. The area outside this demarcated area
must be regarded as a No-Go area;
• Search and rescue of indigenous plants that transplant easily, such as succulents and bulbs, must
be undertaken. The rescued plants can be used for rehabilitation purposes once construction
has been finished;
• Only the minimum amount of vegetation must be cleared;
• All vegetation clearance along the sea side of Beyers Street must be done by means of manual
labour;
Impact Management Outcome: Erosion in close proximity to the pedestrian walkway is kept to a
minimum.
8.2.2 Physical disturbance due to the removal, moving / excavation of sand (negative)
Impact Management Objective: The minimise the area of disturbance during the construction phase.
Description of activities to be undertaken: The moving, removal and / or excavation of sand will be
required, especially over the first 130m (approx.). The reason for this is the small dune present over this
section. The removal and moving of sand is required to create open an area for the construction of the
retaining wall and pedestrian walkway. The excavations of 550mm deep and 600mm wide of sand are
required for the construction of the foundations for the retaining wall. Minor excavations may also be
required to the level areas for the footings of the pedestrian walkway. The excavated sand must be
taken to the nearest registered landfill site for disposal.
21
Figure 10: Areas to be excavated along Beyers Street. Yellow line depicts areas where minor excavations may be
required; and Red line depicts the area where more extensive excavations are required
Mitigation
• The area must be properly demarcated i.e. tight around the work area (1.5m where practical
and feasible). The area outside this demarcated area must be regarded as a No-Go area;
• Only the minimum amount of excavations must be undertaken;
• Where practical and feasible all excavations should be done by means of manual labour;
• Use can be made of a Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB) and tipper truck where excavation of large
amounts of sand needs to be excavated and removed. The ECO however needs to be
approached to advise prior to such work commencing. The TLB must be under constant
supervision.
Impact Management Outcome: No disturbance outside the demarcated construction area.
8.2.3 Rehabilitation (positive)
Impact Management Objective: To minimise the residual impact on the environment after construction
has been completed.
Description of activities to be undertaken: Once construction of the pedestrian walkway and retaining
wall has been completed the areas disturbed by the construction activities must be rehabilitated. It is
recommended that the plants rescued from the cleared areas be used for this purpose. Plants may also
be obtained from a nursery, but it must be ensured that they are locally occurring indigenous plants as
listed in Section 7.2 above. In order to make the public aware of the rehabilitation it is recommended
that the rehabilitated areas are demarcated using appropriate signage and fencing. Once the plants
have re-established on the demarcation can be removed. However, it is recommended that the
demarcation must be kept in place for at least three months.
The following herb and shrub species can be planted if required:
• Tetragonia decumbens (dune spinach)
22
• T. fruticosa (kinkelbos)
• Gazania rigens var. leucolaena (trailing gazania)
• Carpobrotus sp. (sour fig)
• Senecio radicans (bokbos)
• Arctotheca populifolia (beach pumpkin)
It may be required to irrigate the plants at twice once per week until the plants have established. This
can be done by means of a water truck.
Impact Management Outcome: The areas disturbed by the construction activities have a good
vegetative cover that minimises erosion.
8.2.4 General construction nuisances
The construction activities will cause possible noise, dust, visual and traffic disturbances to the nearby
residents. This impact cannot be avoided, and the following mitigation measures must be implemented
to minimise the effect of the impact:
• Put measures in place to allow for the maximum available flow of traffic;
• Noise generating activities will be limited to normal working hours;
• Equipment must be in good working condition in order to minimise noise generation.
• Labourers and site agents will be educated on how to control activities that have the potential
to become disturbances.
• Keep the construction site clean and tidy
• Where possible, do not store unused equipment and materials that may or may not be needed
in the future.
8.3 FUTURE MAINTENANCE / OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The following activities will be required during the operational phase of the pedestrian walkway:
8.3.1 Removal / trimming of vegetation along walkway
Objective: To keep the pedestrian walkway clear of overhanging branches
Description of the activity: Trimming of shrubs may be required in the future as the shrubs regrow. Any
trimming to be undertaken must be done using manual labour i.e. with grass shears / hedge trimmers
where only the required amount of the bush may be trimmed. No removal of shrubs is recommended
unless it is absolutely required i.e. where it undermines the integrity of the walkway.
Outcome: No overhanging branches along the entire length of the pedestrian walkway.
8.3.2 Removing and moving of sand
Objective: To prevent the build-up of sand on the grass blocks, walkway and Beyers Street
Description of the activity: Over time sand will be blown onto the grass blocks and the walkway as well
as into Beyers Street. This sand will need to be removed from the road and the grass block. Small amounts
i.e. less than 5m3 per event, can be placed on the dune. This can be done using a small team of
municipal labourers with wheelbarrows and spades. Care must be taken not to significantly disturb the
vegetation on the dune. Where possible, use must be made of existing pathways to avoid further
disturbance to vegetation. In the event where a large amount of sand needs to be moved i.e. more
23
than 5m3, the sand must be removed by means of a TLB and tipper truck. The sand must then be disposed
of at a registered landfill site.
Outcome: Little to no sand on grass blocks, the walkway and Beyers Street.
8.3.3 Maintenance of pedestrian walkway
Objective: To ensure that the walkway remains in a usable condition.
Description of the activity: The walkway will require maintenance over time in the event. These
maintenance activities must be limited to the existing footprint of the pedestrian walkway and road
reserve / servitude. Any expansion of the walkway towards the sea side and outside the road reserve
must be in line with the applicable environmental laws of the time.
Outcome: No disturbance of vegetation outside the road reserve / servitude as a result of maintenance
activities.
8.4 SOCIAL IMPACTS
8.4.1 Job creation during the construction phase
Objective: To create employment opportunities with potential for skills transfer, for members of the local
community.
Description of activity: Temporary job opportunities will be created during the construction phase of the
proposal. The duration of the work is expected to be approximately four to six months.
Mitigation:
• No mitigation required for this positive benefit. However, where possible, preference must be
given to previously disadvantaged individuals from the local community when appointing
contractors/ workers.
• Skills transfer between members of the workforce must be encouraged.
Outcome: Most of the construction team is from the local community, with preference given to
historically disadvantaged individuals. Skills transfer from experienced to less experienced workers is
actively encouraged on site.
8.4.2 Pedestrian safety and controlling access to the beach
Objective: To improve the safety of pedestrians and access to the beach along Beyers Street.
Description: The safety of pedestrians, making use of the proposed walkway, will improve since they will
not be walkway in the road where there is a possibility of being hit by vehicle. Depressed areas along
the walkway will also aim to control where individuals gain access to the beach. Controlling the access
points for pedestrians will increase the possibility of natural recovery of vegetation where disturbance
has occurred due to the current uncontrolled access to the beach.
Mitigation / Enhancement:
• Where possible, provide additional depressed areas along the walkway, especially the western
half of the walkway.
24
Outcome: No pedestrian-vehicle related incidents / accidents occur where people make use of the
walkway. Vegetation, on areas previously disturbed by uncontrolled access, recovers naturally due to
the decreased pedestrian traffic over these areas.
Table 2 (page 25) gives a summary of the biophysical impacts and their mitigation measures. The table
also shows who the responsible parties are for the implementation of the mitigation measures.
25
Table 2: Summary of the biophysical impacts and their mitigation measures.
ACTIVITY MITIGATION MEASURES TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE PARTY C
ON
STR
UC
TIO
N P
HA
SE
The clearance of
vegetation for the
construction of the
pedestrian walkway.
• Where practical the area must be properly demarcated. The area outside
this demarcated area must be regarded as a No-Go area;
• Search and rescue of indigenous plants that transplant easily, such as
succulents and bulbs, must be undertaken;
• Only the minimum amount of vegetation must be cleared;
• All vegetation clearance along the sea side of Beyers Street must be done by
means of manual labour
Ongoing / when
required Construction contractor
Removal, Moving /
Excavation of sand
• The area must be properly demarcated. The area outside this demarcated
area must be regarded as a No-Go area;
• Only the minimum amount of excavations must be undertaken;
• Where practical and feasible all excavations should be done by means of
manual labour;
• Use can be made of a Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB) and tipper truck where
excavation of large amounts of sand needs to be excavated and removed.
The ECO needs to be approached for advice prior to such work
commencing. The TLB must be under constant supervision.
Ongoing / when
required Construction contractor
Rehabilitation after
construction
• Make use of locally occurring indigenous;
• Demarcate rehabilitated areas;
• Water rehabilitated areas twice weekly.
Ongoing Mossel Bay Municipality /
Construction contractor
Construction phase
nuisances
• Put measures in place to allow for the maximum available flow of traffic;
• Noise generating activities will be limited to normal working hours;
• Equipment must be in good working condition in order to minimise noise
generation.
• Labourers and site agents will be educated on how to control activities that
have the potential to become disturbances.
• Keep the construction site clean and tidy
• Where possible, do not store unused equipment and materials that may or
may not be needed in the future
Ongoing Construction contractor
OP
ER
ATI
ON
AL
PH
ASE
Removal / trimming of
vegetation along walkway
• Removal / trimming of vegetation must be done by means of manual labour
i.e. with grass shears or hedge trimmers. When required Mossel Bay Municipality
Removing and moving of
sand from the grass blocks
and walkway
• Small amounts i.e. less than 5m3 per event, can be placed on the dune. This
can be done using a small team of municipal labourers with wheelbarrows
and spades.
• In the event where a large amount of sand needs to be moved i.e. more than
5m3, the sand must be removed by means of a TLB and tipper truck. The sand
must then be disposed of at a registered landfill site.
When required Mossel Bay Municipality
26
9. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES / ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Mossel Bay Municipality will be the implementing agent and will ultimately be responsible for
compliance with this MMP. The Mossel Bay Municipality must ensure that each party acting on its behalf
(contractors and sub-contractors) adheres to the requirements of this MMP. It will be the responsibility of
the Mossel Bay Municipality to inform the DEA&DP of the commencement of the maintenance / repair
rehabilitation activities.
9.1 NAMES AND DETAILS OF RELEVANT PARTIES
Mossel Bay Municipality - Proponent
Mossel Bay Municipality
Contact person Mr. Altus Eitner / Mr. Warren Manuel
Postal Address PO Box 25, Mossel Bay, 6500
Tel: 044 606 5261 / 5163
Fax: 044 606 5062
E-mail [email protected] / [email protected]
Neil Lyners and Associates (RF) (Pty) Ltd - Consulting Engineers
Neil Lyners and Associates (RF) (Pty) Ltd
Contact person Mr. Francois van Eck
Physical Address Blue Mountain Office Park, 149 Park Road, George, 6529
Postal Address PO Box 757, George, 6530
Tel: 044 887 0223
Fax: 044 887 0741
E-mail [email protected]
Environmental Control Officer
An Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be appointed to monitor the maintenance activities on
Beyers Street and the construction activities on the grass blocks and the pedestrian walkway. Once the
ECO has been appointed the names and contact details must be submitted to the DEA&DP. The duties
of the ECO will be to:
• Ensure compliance with all of the mitigatory measures proposed in the MMP;
• Assist in finding environmentally acceptable solutions to maintenance problems;
• Establishing an environmental awareness program to educate contractors & labourers;
• Inspecting all aspects of the maintenance / repair process;
• Keeping detailed records of all site activities that may pertain to the environment;
• Must ensure that all labours have attended environmental training sessions, which cover the
basic requirements of sound environmental practices on construction sites;
• Liaise with site contractors, engineers and other members of the development team with regard
to the requirements of the MMP;
• Recommend that the engineer furnish errant contractors with pre-determined fines, when verbal
and / or written warnings are ignored;
• Examining method statements, and;
• Recommend additional environmental protection measures, should this be necessary.
The ECO must visit the site on a weekly basis to monitor compliance with the recommendations of this
MMP. However during the initial clearing of vegetation it is recommended that more frequent visits by
the ECO is undertaken. The ECO would have the discretion to undertake additional visits if he / she feels
this is justified due to the actions of the contractors and to make ad hoc visits in order to ensure
compliance. The ECO should ensure that the correct earthwork practices are adhered to.
27
The ECO must undertake Environmental Awareness Training before commencement of any work on site.
During the training, the ECO will explain the MMP and the recommendations contained therein. The
following actions must be taken to ensure that all relevant parties are aware of their environmental role
and duties:
1. This MMP must be kept on site at all times.
2. The provisions of this MMP must be explained in detail to all staff during Awareness Training.
3. Training booklets will be handed out to all labourers and must be explained to them.
4. Weekly checks to be done by the Applicant’s environmental representative (where available)
who must be on site at all times.
5. The ECO to do weekly site visits. More frequent visits are required during the initial clearing
activities.
The Construction Contractor must make allowance for all construction site staff, including all
subcontractors that will be working at the site, to attend environmental awareness training sessions
(undertaken by the ECO) before commencing any work on site. During this training, the ECO will explain
the MMP and the conditions contained therein. Attention will be given to the construction process and
how the MMP fits into this process. Other items relating to sound environmental management which must
be discussed and explained during the environmental awareness training sessions include:
• The demarcated “No-Go” areas;
• General do’s and don’ts of the site;
• Making of fires;
• Waste management, use of waste receptacles and littering;
• Use of the toilets provided;
• Use and control of construction materials and equipment etc.;
• Control, maintenance and refuelling of vehicles;
• Methods for cleaning up any spillage;
• Access and road safety;
• Emergency procedures (e.g. in case of fire, spillage etc.)
• General “best practice” principles, with regards to the protection of environmental resources.
Environmental awareness training and education must be ongoing throughout the construction phase
and must be undertaken regularly if deemed necessary (especially if it becomes apparent that there
are repeat contraventions of the conditions of the MMP), or as new workers come to site. Translators
must be utilised where needed.
9.2 DURATION OF THE MMP
The construction phase is expected to last for approximately four to six months from the date of
commencement of the construction activities. Once the construction (especially on the pedestrian
walkway) has been completed the focus will shift to the rehabilitation of the areas that were disturbed
by the construction activities. It will be necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the rehabilitation
measures over a three-month period to ensure that the vegetation has established on the site. The
duration of the MMP for the construction related activities must there be a period of eight months from
the date of commencement of the construction activities. The additional two months is in order for the
ECO to monitor the effectiveness of the rehabilitation measures which were implemented. Should it be
found that additional rehabilitation is required that ECO must indicate this in the audit report and advise
on the type and level of rehabilitation is required.
28
During the operational phase small amounts of sand i.e. less than 5m3, will be deposited on the beach
area as and when required. Amounts in excess of 5m3 of sand will be removed from the street, grass
blocks and walkway and disposed of at the nearest registered landfill site. This will be undertaken as long
as there are parking areas and residential dwellings in the area.
10. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND REPORTING / AUDITING
A written notice must be submitted to the DEA&DP prior to the commencement of construction /
maintenance activities. The notice must include:
• The date of commencement of the construction activities;
• Site location details; and
• Proof of the appointment of a suitably qualified and independent ECO.
The ECO must keep a detailed record of the maintenance / repair activities and compile monthly
monitoring reports to the DEA&DP. The report should include a detailed photographic record of the
maintenance / repair activities as well as any environmental issues noted during the course of the
maintenance / repair process.
The MBM must submit an audit report to the DEA&DP within 30 days of the completion of the
maintenance activities. The report must -
• Indicate the date on which the maintenance work was completed;
• Detail compliance with the MMP;
• Detail if additional rehabilitation needs to be implemented; and
• Include a photographic record of the completed works;
11. IMPLEMENTATION MANAGEMENT
The following recommendation must be implemented to ensure that maintenance / repair activities do
not have a detrimental impact on the environment.
11.1 SITE CAMP
The site camp, if required, must be located on a previously transformed area such as the parking lot (see
Figure 10). It must be located in such a way that it will cause the least disturbance to the general public.
The ECO must be consulted if any other area is identified for the site camp.
29
Figure 11: Parking lot area within which the site camp can be set up
Equipment, machinery, raw materials (wire / fencing / wood, nails), and plants will be temporarily stored
in a dedicated area. The following general management measures pertaining to the set-up, operation
and closure of a site camp should be applied wherever reasonable and practicable:
Fencing & Security: The site camp area must be secured preferably with 2m high fence and shade
netting or similar, to prevent any un-authorised individuals from entering the site camp and possibly
getting injured or posing a safety and/or security risk. Adequate signage must be displayed, designating
the site office / camp as a restricted area to non-personnel.
Fire Fighting Equipment: A fire extinguisher must be present at the site camp. The extinguishers must be
in a working condition and recently serviced. It is recommended that all construction workers receive
basic training in fire prevention and basic fire-fighting techniques and are informed of the emergency
procedure to follow in the event of accidental fires. No open fires may be made on the construction site
during any phase of the project.
Waste Storage Area: Sufficient bins for the temporary storage of construction related waste must be
provided inside the site camp and / or at the working area. Construction-related waste must be
managed as specified in Section 11.4.
Potable Water: An adequate supply of potable water must be provided to construction workers at the
site camp.
Ablution Facilities: Chemical toilet facilities or other approved toilet facilities (at least 1 toilet for each sex
and for every 30 workers) must be provided and located on the site in such a way that the toilets will not
cause any form of pollution of the site. Toilets must be placed within the site camp and at the
construction site. The toilets must be placed on a level surface and secured to prevent them from
blowing over. The toilets must be serviced regularly (by the appointed service provider) and kept in an
Parking lot
30
orderly state. The contractor must ensure that no spillage occurs when the toilets are cleaned, serviced
or moved. Performing ablutions outside of the provided toilet facilities is strictly prohibited.
Eating Area & Rest Area: A dedicated area within which construction workers can rest and eat during
breaks must be provided within the site camp. Seating and shade should be provided.
Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance Yard: Where possible, construction vehicles and equipment that
require repair must be removed from site and taken to a workshop for servicing. If emergency repairs
and/or basic maintenance of construction vehicles or equipment are necessary on site, such repair work
must be undertaken within the designated maintenance yard area away from the riparian. Repairs must
be conducted on an impermeable surface, and/or a tarpaulin and/or drip trays must be laid down prior
to emergency repairs taking place, to prevent any fuel, oil, lubricant or other spillages from
contaminating the environment.
House-keeping: The site camp and related site camp facilities must be kept neat and orderly at all times,
to prevent potential safety risks and to reduce the visual impact of the site during construction.
Spill kit: A spill kit to neutralise/treat spills of fuel/ oil/ lubricants must be available on site. Soil
contaminated by spilled oil/ fuel/ lubricant must be excavated and disposed of in the hazardous waste
bin.
Rehabilitation: Once the construction has been completed the site camp must be removed. Any
contaminated soil must be removed and disposed at an appropriately registered disposal site. Any areas
that have been compacted are required to be ripped to allow for the establishment of vegetation. This
ripping must not result in the mixing of sub- and topsoil. No imported soil material may be utilised for
rehabilitation.
11.2 SITE ACCESS
The existing road network must be used for access to the site (see Figure 8 above). Should vehicular
access to the beach be required the necessary permit in terms of Regulation 4(d) of the Regulations for
the Control of Use of Vehicles in the Coastal Zone must be applied for and obtained for from the
Department of Environmental Affairs prior to driving on the beach.
11.3 HAULAGE ROUTES
The existing road network must be used for the delivery of construction materials to the site. Please refer
to Figure 8 above for the aerial photograph of the existing road network.
11.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT
An integrated waste management approach must be adopted on site. This approach must include
reduction, re-use and recycling. Recycling bins for the various categories (paper, glass, plastic, etc.)
should be provided. These bins must be emptied on a weekly basis and dropped off at a collection point
for recycling by recycling companies. Bins must also be provided for builder’s waste. These bins should
be emptied on a regular basis and solid waste must be disposed of at a landfill licensed in terms of
section 20 of the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989) or the National Environmental
Management: Waste Act (Act No. 59 of 2008). Any builder’s waste which can be reused can be
stockpiled in an area identified by the ECO. Biodegradable refuse generated from the office / site camp,
construction areas, vehicle yard, storage area or any other area shall be handled as indicated above.
Adequate waste receptacles, bins and skips should be available for the collection and removal of
waste.
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11.5 METHOD STATEMENTS
The contractor must compile and submit method statements to the Resident Engineer (RE) and ECO for
approval prior to the commencement of work on that specific activity. The method statement must
describe the scope of the work in a step-by-step manner. This will enable the RE and ECO to assist with
the identification of any mitigation measures which will minimise the impact of these activities on the
environment. Approved method statements must be kept on file at the site camp for the duration of the
maintenance / repair period. Any amendments to a method statement must be approved by the RE
and ECO prior to be implemented.
Method statements for the following activities must be submitted:
• Establishment of the site camp;
• Removal of vegetation;
• The removal / excavation of sand for the construction of the retaining wall and pedestrian
walkway; and
• Rehabilitation of disturbed areas.
11.6 GENERAL DUTY OF CARE
The Mossel Bay Municipality and all other persons who may be directly involved with the proposal are
also bound by their general Duty of Care, as stated in Section 28 of the National Environmental
Management Act, 1998:
Duty of Care:
“Every person who causes, has caused, or may cause significant pollution or degradation of
the environment must take reasonable measures to prevent such pollution or degradation
from occurring, continuing or recurring, or, in so far as such harm to the environment is
authorised by law or cannot reasonably be avoided or stopped, to minimize and rectify such
pollution or degradation of the environment”
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12. MONITORING PROGRAMME
WHAT SHOULD BE MONITORED FREQUENCY OF MONITORING MONITORING PROCEDURE HOW RESULTS ARE ANALYSED AND
PRESENTED
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
The clearance of vegetation for the
construction of the pedestrian
walkway
Inspections by the ECO prior to the
commencement of clearing
activities and during the clearing
activities to provide advice to the
constructor. May require site visits of
twice per week.
Inspect the site and take
photographic evidence.
ECO must compile a checklist for
completion during each site visit.
Data must be used to compile an
audit report upon completion of
construction activities. This report
must be submitted to the
competent authority within 30 days
of completion of the construction
work.
The excavation, removal and
moving of sand during the
construction of the retaining wall
and pedestrian walkway.
Inspections by the ECO prior to the
commencement of activities. ECO
to advise on where sand must be
dumped. Will require site visit
frequency of once per week
Inspect the site and take
photographic evidence.
ECO must compile a checklist for
completion during each site visit.
Data must be used to compile an
audit report upon completion of
construction activities. This report
must be submitted to the
competent authority within 30 days
of completion of the construction
work.
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Trimming / clearing of vegetation
along the walkway during the
operational phase.
Municipal environmental officer to
monitor and / or supervise trimming /
and clearing activities when
required.
When required. Inspect the site and
take photographic evidence.
Mossel Bay Municipality to submit
short report to the competent
authority if significant clearance
beyond the footprint of the walkway
was undertaken.
Removal and moving of sand from
pedestrian walkway, Beyers Street
and the grass blocks (where
necessary).
Monitoring to be undertaken if
required.
When required, take photographic
evidence.
Mossel Bay Municipality to submit
short report to the competent
authority if significant moving of
sand has taken place.
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13. PUBLIC CONSULTATION
The public consultation was conducted by Cape Environmental Assessment Practitioners (Cape
EAPrac). A copy of the stakeholder engagement report has been included as Appendix F of the MMP.
Cape EAPrac will distribute the revised MMP to the registered Interested and Affected Parties. The revised
MMP now includes the new proposal i.e. boardwalk and grass block option (Option 3) as described in
Section 8.1 of this report.
14. CONCLUSION
This MMP is binding to the Mossel Bay Municipality and the conditions contained herein must be adhered
to. Should any amendments to the MMP be required to undertake future maintenance activities, those
amendments must be approved by the DEA&DP before commencement of the maintenance activities.
The pedestrian walkway is required to improve the safety of pedestrian along Beyers Street, especially
during the summer holiday period when the there is an increase in vehicular traffic along. The walkway
will also aim to improve and control access to the beach by providing a comfortable walking platform
and depressed areas for easy access off the walkway. The natural re-establishment of vegetation on
areas previously disturbed by uncontrolled pedestrian access will also occur where such areas are no
longer used by the public to gain access to the beach.
The negative impacts associated with the construction of the walkway i.e. clearing of vegetation,
excavation / removal of sand, etc. will be limited in extent (limited to the road reserve) and with the
effective implementation of rehabilitation measures will not cause any detrimental long-term impacts
on the receiving environment. If the recommendations of this MMP are implemented, the negative
impact on the environment will be minimal.
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15. REFERENCES
DEADP. Guideline for compiling a Maintenance Management Plan
MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M.C. (eds) 2010. (CD set). The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and
Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas [vector
geospatial dataset] 2001. Available from Biodiversity GIS website
(http://bgis.sanbi.org/nfepa/NFEPAmap.asp), downloaded on 21 November 2017.
South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and
Swaziland [vector geospatial dataset] 2012. Available from Biodiversity GIS website
(http://bgis.sanbi.org/vegmap/map2009.asp), downloaded on 21 November 2017.
South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). 2017 Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan.
Available from Biodiversity GIS.
(http://bgisviewer.sanbi.org/Html5Viewer/Index.html?configBase=http://bgisviewer.sanbi.org/Geocort
ex/Essentials/REST/sites/2017_WCBSP/viewers/2017WCBSP/virtualdirectory/Resources/Config/Default&u
ser=&extent=Western%20Cape&layerTheme=), downloaded on 28 November 2017.