EIA GDARD RoD

REFUSAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON ERF 1202 SOUTH HILLS AND PROPOSED TOWNSHIP SOUTH HILLS EXTENSION 2 SITUATED ON HOLDING 88 OF THE FARM KLIPRIVIERSBERG ESTATE SMALL HOLDING AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS AND PORTION 65 (A PORTION OF PORTION 7) OF THE FARM KLIPRIVIERSBERG 106 IR, MOFFAT PARK: GAUT 002/11-12/E0042

Key factors considered in making the decision

Sensitive nature of the site that comprises of:

• Wetland

• Non-Perennial River

• Irreplaceable Area. Important Area, Ecological support area, Gnaphalium nelsonii red list habitat,

• Cineraria longipes red list plant and habitat. Khadia beswickii red list plant and habitat and ridges as depicted by departmental GIS

• Ridges

Findings

1. The proposed activities will destroy a river and a wetland, which is associated with ecological processes such as groundwater dynamics, hydrological processes, nutrient cycling and wildlife dispersal.

2. There are wetlands and non-perennial stream which are sensitive ecological systems important for the maintenance of biodiversity and for the ecosystem services they provide to society.

3. ln terms of C plan 3.3 the following sensitive biodiversity features are associated with the site:

   • Irreplaceable and ecological site; sites designated as irreplaceable and ecological support area in terms of C-plan 3.3 analyses are highly sensitive areas that are essential for the conservation of biodiversity in Gauteng and therefore must be protected from transforming land uses.

   • Khadia beswickii. (Confirmed on site), a Red List plant species endemic to the southern parts of Gauteng and currently considered Vulnerable due to habitat loss and degradation through urban development.

   • Habitat suitable for Cineraria longpipes a Red List plant species endemic to the southern parts of Gauteng and currently considered Vulnerable due to habitat loss and degradation through urban development.

   • Habitat suitable for Gnaphalium nelsonii, a plant species endemic to South Africa and currently listed in the Rare-sparse category of the Orange List.

   • Habitat suitable for Habernaria barbertoni, a Near Threatened plant species endemic to South Africa.

4. Ridges are regarded as ecologically sensitive for a variety of reasons, as indicated below, and therefore must be protected from transforming land uses such as township establishment.

Ridges

• • Ridges form biodiversity hotspots. As they provide resources needed for survival, reproduction and movement, they are also ideal refuges for wildlife in an urbanized landscape.

  • In a landscape affected by climate change, chances of species survival will be higher on ridges.

  • Ridges provide vital habitat for many threatened, rare and endemic species of fauna and flora.

  • Ridges, and the interface between the lower slopes and the flat ground adjoining a ridge, provide important habitat required for the completion of the life cycles of many invertebrates,many of which provide essential ecosystem services (e.g. pollination).

  • Ridges form naturally existing corridors that can functionally interconnect isolated natural areas and therefore play an important role in wildlife dispersal.

  • Other ecological processes associated with ridges, which are important for the maintenance and generation of biodiversity, include evolutionary processes, hydrological processes and pollination.

In view of the above. the Department is not satisfied that the proposed activity can be undertaken without conflicting with the general objectives of integrated environmental management laid down in Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act. 1998, nor that any potentially detrimental environmental impacts resulting from the proposed activity can be mitigated to acceptable levels. The authorisation is accordingly refused.