appendix h: soil specialist assessment - phola/3... · one or more of the nutrient elements...
TRANSCRIPT
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Appendix H: Soil Specialist Assessment
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Stonecap Trading 14 (Pty) Ltd
EARTH SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS _______________________________________________ REG No. 2005/021338/07_____________________________________________
Our Ref:
Your Ref:
Nelspruit Office:
Tel: 013-753 2746, Fax: 013-752 2565
E-mail: [email protected]
PO Box 26264, Steiltes, Nelspruit, 1200
Middelburg Office:
Tel: 013- 243 5864, Fax: 013-243 5866
E-mail: [email protected]
15th October 2011
Synergistics Environmental Services P.O. Box 1822 Rivonia 2128 Gauteng
South Africa
Tel: Tel: 011 807 8225
Fax: 011 807 8226
Email: [email protected]
Attention: Ms. Mari Els (Project Co-ordinator)
Dear Mari/Marline,
Re: PHOLA-KUSILE OVERLAND COAL CONVEYOR
SPECIALIST SOILS, LAND CAPABILITY AND LAND USE STUDIES – IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND
MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Dear Marline,
In line with the Terms of Reference supplied, and discussions had with the project team
regarding the soils and land capability assessments required and proposed for the New
Largo Conveyor Project, the following draft report detailing the findings of the site
investigation, and the results is tabled for your comment.
Should you require any additional information in this regard, please do not hesitate to
contact us.
Yours faithfully
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Ian Jones B.Sc. (Geol) Pr.Sci.Nat (400040/08), EAP Certified
Director
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ANGLO AMERICAN
INYOSI COAL
PHOLA-KUSILE
OVERLAND COALCONVEYOR
SPECIALIST
SOILS AND LAND CAPABILITY STUDIES
Compiled on Behalf of
October 2011
Sustaining the Environment
DR
AF
T E
IA R
EP
OR
T v
1.3
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CLIENT:
Synergistics Environmental Services P.O. Box 1822 Rivonia 2128 Gauteng
South Africa
Tel: Tel: 011 807 8225
Fax: 011 807 8226
Email: [email protected]
Proposal Number: SG.NL.S.10.03.033
Client: Synergistics Environmental Services
Attention: Marline/Mari
DOCUMENT ISSUE STATUS
Report/Proposal Name Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route - Pedological and Land Capability
Studies
Report/Proposal Number SG.NL.S.10.03.033
Report Status Draft Report v1.3
Carried Out By Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Commissioned By Synergistics
Copyright ESS (Pty) Ltd.
Title Name Capacity Signature Date
Author Ian Jones Director
15th October 2011
Project Director Marline Medallie
Technical Review Mari Els
* This report is not to be used for contractual or engineering purposes unless permissions are obtained from the authors.
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Declaration
This specialist report has been compiled in terms of the South African Environmental legislation
and forms part of the overall impact assessment, both as a standalone document and as
supporting information to the overall impact assessment and management plan for the
proposed development.
The specialist Pedological and Land Capability studies where managed and signed off by Ian
Jones (Pr. Sci Nat 400040/08), an Earth Scientist with 34 years of experience in these fields of
expertise.
I declare that both, Ian Jones, and Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd are totally independent in
this process, and have no vested interest in the project.
The objectives of the study were to:
Provide a permanent record of the present soil resources in the area that are
potentially going to be affected by the proposed development and
processing/mining related activities,
Assess the nature of the site in relation to the overall environment and its present
and proposed utilization, and determine the capability of the land in terms of
agricultural utilization, and
Provide a base plan from which long-term ecological and environmental decisions
can be made, impacts of the proposed development can be determined, and
mitigation and rehabilitation management plans can be formulated.
The Taxonomic Soil Classification System and a combination of the Canadian Land Inventory
System and Chamber of Mines Land Capability Rating Systems were used as the basis for the
soils and land capability investigations respectively. These systems are recognized nationally
and internationally.
Signed: 15th October 2011 at Nelspruit
Ian Jones B.Sc. (Geol) Pr.Sci.Nat 400040/08, EAP Certified
Director – Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report iii
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION AND PHYSIOGRAPHY 4 1.1 Introduction 4 1.2 Legal Considerations 7 1.3 Summary of Baseline Findings 9
2. IMPACT ASSESSMENT 12 2.1 Impact Philosophy 12 2.2 Impact Assessment Variables 15
3. CONVEYOR ROUTE (cr) – ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 16 3.1 Planned Activities – Conveyor Route 18 3.2 Impact Assessment 19
3.2.1 Construction Phase 19 3.2.2 Operational Phase 22 3.2.3 Decommissioning & Closure Phase 24
4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN – services corridor 26 4.1 Construction Phase 27 4.2 Operational Phase 29 4.3 Decommissioning and Closure 31
5 Monitoring and Maintenance 33 LIST OF REFERENCES 34
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1a - Locality of Prefered Convyer Route 5 Figure 1b – Soil Map - Prefered Convyer Route 6 Figure 2.1a – Plan of Proposed Route and Crossing Points (Waterways) 13 Figure 2.1b – Design Drawings (Example of footing designs and methodology) 14 Figure 3 – Sensitivity Plan 17
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report iv
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 – Significance Rating System 12 Table 3.2.1 – Construction Phase – Impact Significance 21 Table 3.2.2 – Operational Phase – Impact Significance 24 Table 3.2.3a – Decommissioning Phase – Impact Significance 25 Table 3.2.3b – Closure Phase – Impact Significance 25 Table 8.1 – Construction Phase – Soil Utilization Plan 28 Table 8.2– Operational Phase – Soil Conservation Plan 30 Table 8.3 – Decommissioning and Closure Phase – Soil Conservation Plan 32
LIST OF APPENDICIES
Appendix 1 Vetiver Grass
Appendix 2 Study Maps
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 1
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Alluvium: Refers to detrital deposits resulting from the operation of modern
streams and rivers.
Base status: A qualitative expression of base saturation. See base saturation
percentage.
Buffer capacity: The ability of soil to resist an induced change in pH.
Calcareous: Containing calcium carbonate (calcrete).
Catena: A sequence of soils of similar age, derived from similar parent material,
and occurring under similar macroclimatic conditions, but having
different characteristics due to variation in relief and drainage.
Clast: An individual constituent, grain or fragment of a sediment or
sedimentary rock produced by the physical disintegration of a larger
rock mass.
Cohesion: The molecular force of attraction between similar substances. The
capacity of sticking together. The cohesion of soil is that part of its
shear strength which does not depend upon inter-particle friction.
Attraction within a soil structural unit or through the whole soil in apedel
soils.
Concretion: A nodule made up of concentric accretions.
Crumb: A soft, porous more or less rounded ped from one to five millimetres in
diameter. See structure, soil.
Cutan: Cutans occur on the surfaces of peds or individual particles (sand
grains, stones). They consist of material which is usually finer than, and
that has an organisation different to the material that makes up the
surface on which they occur. They originate through deposition,
diffusion or stress. Synonymous with clayskin, clay film, argillan.
Desert Plain: The undulating topography outside of the major river valleys that is
impacted by low rainfall (<25cm) and strong winds.
Denitrification: The biochemical reduction of nitrate or nitrite to gaseous nitrogen,
either as molecular nitrogen or as an oxide of nitrogen.
Erosion: The group of processes whereby soil or rock material is loosened or
dissolved and removed from any part of the earth’s surface.
Fertilizer: An organic or inorganic material, natural or synthetic, which can supply
one or more of the nutrient elements essential for the growth and
reproduction of plants.
Fine sand: (1) A soil separate consisting of particles 0,25-0,1mm in diameter.
(2) A soil texture class (see texture) with fine sand plus very fine sand
(i.e. 0,25-0,05mm in diameter) more than 60% of the sand fraction.
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 2
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
Fine textured soils: Soils with a texture of sandy clay, silty clay or clay.
Hardpan: A massive material enriched with and strongly cemented by
sesquioxides, chiefly iron oxides (known as ferricrete, diagnostic hard
plinthite, ironpan, ngubane, ouklip, laterite hardpan), silica (silcrete,
dorbank) or lime (diagnostic hardpan carbonate-horizon, calcrete).
Ortstein hardpans are cemented by iron oxides and organic matter.
Land capability: The ability of land to meet the needs of one or more uses under defined
conditions of management.
Land type: (1) A class of land with specified characteristics. (2) In South Africa it
has been used as a map unit denoting land, mapable at 1:250,000
scale, over which there is a marked uniformity of climate, terrain form
and soil pattern.
Land use: The use to which land is put.
Mottling: A mottled or variegated pattern of colours is common in many soil
horizons. It may be the result of various processes inter alia
hydromorphy, illuviation, biological activity, and rock weathering in freely
drained conditions (i.e. saprolite). It is described by noting (i) the colour
of the matrix and colour or colours of the principal mottles, and (ii) the
pattern of the mottling.
The latter is given in terms of abundance (few, common 2 to 20% of the
exposed surface, or many), size (fine, medium 5 to 15mm in diameter
along the greatest dimension, or coarse), contrast (faint, distinct or
prominent), form (circular, elongated-vesicular, or streaky) and the
nature of the boundaries of the mottles (sharp, clear or diffuse); of
these, abundance, size and contrast are the most important.
Nodule: Bodies of various shapes, sizes and colour that have been hardened to
a greater or lesser extent by chemical compounds such as lime,
sesquioxides, animal excreta and silica. These may be described in
terms of kind (durinodes, gypsum, insect casts, ortstein, iron,
manganese, lime, lime-silica, plinthite, salts), abundance (few, less than
20% by volume percentage; common, 20 – 50%; many, more than
50%), hardness (soft, hard meaning barely crushable between thumb
and forefinger, indurated) and size (threadlike, fine, medium 2 – 5mm
in diameter, coarse).
Overburden: A material which overlies another material difference in a specified
respect, but mainly referred to in this document as materials overlying
weathered rock.
Ped: Individual natural soil aggregate (e.g. block, prism) as contrasted with a
clod produced by artificial disturbance.
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 3
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
Pedocutanic, diagnostic B-horizon: The concept embraces B-horizons that have become
enriched in clay, presumably by illuviation (an important
pedogenic process which involves downward movement of
fine materials by, and deposition from, water to give rise to
cutanic character) and that have developed moderate or
strong blocky structure. In the case of a red pedocutanic B-
horizon, the transition to the overlying A-horizon is clear or
abrupt.
Pedology: The branch of soil science that treats soils as natural phenomena,
including their morphological, physical, chemical, mineralogical and
biological properties, their genesis, their classification and their
geographical distribution.
Slickensides: In soils, these are polished or grooved surfaces within the soil resulting
from part of the soil mass sliding against adjacent material along a
plane which defines the extent of the slickensides. They occur in clayey
materials with a high smectite content.
Sodic soil: Soil with a low soluble salt content and a high exchangeable sodium
percentage (usually EST > 15).
Swelling clay: Clay minerals such as the smectites that exhibit interlayer swelling
when wetted, or clayey soils which, on account of the presence of
swelling clay minerals, swell when wetted and shrink with cracking
when dried. The latter are also known as heaving soils.
Texture, soil: The relative proportions of the various size separates in the soil as
described by the classes of soil texture shown in the soil texture chart
(see diagram on next page). The pure sand, sand, loamy sand, sandy
loam and sandy clay loam classes are further subdivided (see diagram)
according to the relative percentages of the coarse, medium and fine
sand subseparates.
Vadose Zone: The vadose zone, also (but somewhat incorrectly) termed the
unsaturated zone, is the portion of Earth between the land surface and
the top of the phreatic zone i.e. the position at which the groundwater
(the water in the soil's pores) is at atmospheric pressure ("vadose" is
Latin for "shallow"). Hence the vadose zone extends from the top of the
ground surface to the water table.
Vertic, diagnostic A-horizon: A-horizons that have both, high clay content and a predominance
of smectitic clay minerals possess the capacity to shrink and
swell markedly in response to moisture changes. Such expansive
materials have a characteristic appearance: structure is strongly
developed, ped faces are shiny, and consistence is highly plastic
when moist and sticky when wet.
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 4
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
1. INTRODUCTION AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
1.1 Introduction
With the baseline study having been completed in 2007, and with a mine plan available and the
market secured for the product, it was important that the feasibility study assess the best
alternatives for the transportation and delivery of the product to the client.
The use of a Conveyor line was considered the best engineering and economic alternative, with a
number of routes being tabled for environmental consideration.
This document has reviewed the existing soil information and re-visited the more sensitive areas
along the candidate route. The preliminary alternatives assessment on the proposed routes was
considered at desktop level, with sufficient baseline information at hand to achieve a reliable
consideration for the best candidate route.
The sensitive sites (predominantly stream and river crossings) were re-visited in order to obtain a
renewed understanding of each of the areas where impacts are likely to be greatest, and so that
the spatial extent of the areas of concern could be more accurately mapped.
It was incumbent on the specialist environmental team to consider the impacts of the proposed
infrastructure and its operation on the environment. With an understanding of the baseline
conditions in hand, and the determination of the existing state of the environment covered, the
relative sensitivities and areas of concern have been highlighted as the basis for the
Environmental Impact Assessment for the linear infrastructure, and is documented as a separate
submission for the New Largo Conveyor EIA.
This report has been compiled in line with the Guideline Document for Impact Assessment
philosophy and Significance Rating System (NEMA). This aims to identify and quantify the
environmental and/or social aspects of the proposed activities, to assess how the aspects will
affect the existing state, and link the aspects to variables that have been defined in terms of the
baseline study. In addition, the impact assessment will define a maximum acceptable level of
impact for each of the variables, inclusive of any standards, limits and/or thresholds, and will
assess the impact in terms of the significance rating as defined. This will require that the
cumulative effects are considered, and that the common sources of impact are detailed.
Based on the outcomes of the impact assessment, the site specific management planning and
mitigation measures for the soils will be defined and detailed. This will include defining what the
mitigation will do to reduce the intensity and probability of the impact, and ensure that the
prescriptive mitigation proposed is clear, site specific and practical. In addition, and as part of
the practical management plan, a comprehensive monitoring system will be tabled.
The New Largo Project is described in detail as part of the baseline EIA. However, for the sake
of clarity, it is important that the context of this document is understood.
The lead consultants (Synergistics Environmental Consultants) requested Earth Science
Solutions (Pty) Ltd (ESS) to undertake the specialist studies along with the Impact Assessment
and Management planning for the proposed “Conveyor Route/Service Corridor” (CR/SC) as a
separate process from the mining EIA. The alignment of the finalised route is depicted in Figure
1a (Orange Line).
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 5
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
Figure 1a - Locality of Prefered Convyer Route
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 6
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
Figure 1b – Soil Map - Prefered Conveyor Route
NEarth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd
19 Rothery St, Nelsprui t
PO Box 26264, Steil tes, Nelspruit, 1200
(T) +27 (0)13 753 2746
(F) +27 (0)13 752 2565
FUGU RE N UM BER : 2.1.2
PR OJEC T N UM BER : OX.NL.S.06.05.046
DATE: March 2007
CLIEN T: Oryx Env ironm ental cc
PR OJEC T N AME: New Largo Soils
FIGU RE NAME: Soil Polygon Map
New Larg o Soils
Av 0 -1
Av 0 -2
Av 2 -4
Av 4 -6
Av 6 -8
Bo 0-1
Bo 0-2
Cv 0-1
Cv 0-2
Cv 10 -12
Cv 12 -14
Cv 15 1
Cv 2-4
Cv 4-6
Cv 6-8
Cv 8-1 0
Dr 0-2
Dr 2-4
Furrow
Gc 0-2
Gc 2-4
Gc 4-6
Gc 6-8
Gc 8-10
Gf 12 -14
Gf 2-4
Gf 4-6
Gf 6-8
Gf 8-1 0
Gs 0-2
Gs 2-4
Gs 4-6
Hu 0 -2
Hu 1 0-12
Hu 1 0-14
Hu 1 2-14
Hu 1 51
Hu 2 -4
Hu 4 -6
Hu 6 -8
Hu 8 -10
Ka 0-1
Ka 0-2
Ka 2-4
Ka 6-8
Kd 0-1
Kd 2-4
Lo 4 -6
Lo 8 -10
Ma
Ms 0-1
Ms 0-2
Ms 2-4
Ms 4-6
Pn 10 -1 2
Pn 12 -1 4
Pn 2-4
Pn 4-6
Pn 6-8
Pn 8-10
Rg 0 -1
Va 4-6
W a 0-2
W e 0-2
W e 2-4
W et
Ou tcrop
Rive rs
Pa ns & Da ms
1 0 1 2 3 Kilometers
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 7
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
The mining of coal and the development of a new power station (Kusile), in conjunction
with all of the associated infrastructure is a reality, with Kusile being constructed, and
the development of the mining infrastructure imminent.
Anglo American Inyosi Coal are contracted to supply coal from the Phola Washing Plant,
with the major source of the raw materials being derived from the New Largo Colliery
workings to the Kusile Power Station via the overland conveyor. The Phola Kusile Coal
Conveyor Project involves the transportation of beneficiated (sizing and blending) coal to
the power station, the conveyor system being considered the most feasible method of
transporting the coal.
The soils and land capability are two of the specialist disciplines that have been
considered important aspects of the physical environment, and which are likely to be
affected by the proposed activity.
In the planning of any new development it is important that the impacts are understood
prior to the initiation of the design and/or implementation of the project.
The environmental aspects are not least of all part of the information that is needed in
this decision making, with an understanding of how the soils and land capability will be
affected being just part of the overall sustainability equation that needs to be balanced.
Figure 1a shows the general location of the proposed development that is planned to
the west of the New Largo mining area, and shows the extent of coverage, while Figure
1b reflects the soils along the proposed route. A sensitivity map is discussed later in this
document.
Based on the information available (historic and current), the reconnaissance baseline
studies (soils and land capability), and with the development proposals for CR/SC in
hand, the areas of concern have been assessed and management measures proposed
to minimise and mitigate the impacts wherever possible. The principle of “No net loss”
has been followed wherever possible. However, the development of the Conveyor link
between the Phola Washing Plant and the power station will require a significantly large
surface area to be disturbed for a significant period of time, and the present land uses
(soils) and land capabilities will definitely be changed. These activities will challenge the
concept of “No Net Loss”.
1.2 Legal Considerations
As part of understanding the consequences of the proposed development and the
maximum acceptable levels of impact that will be considered by the authorities, a
summary of the national legislation that pertains to soils is considered helpful, and will
aid in setting the permissible standards and limits that can be considered, albeit that
there are no prescribed quantitative limits that can be quoted.
The most recent South African Environmental Legislation that needs to be considered
for any new development with reference to management of soil includes:
The law on Conservation of Agricultural Resources (Act 43 of 1983) states that
the degradation of the agricultural potential of soil is illegal.
The Bill of Rights states that environmental rights exist primarily to ensure good
health and wellbeing, and secondarily to protect the environment through
reasonable legislation, ensuring the prevention of the degradation of resources.
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 8
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
The Environmental right is furthered in the National Environmental Management
Act (No. 107 of 1998), which prescribes three principles, namely the
precautionary principle, the “polluter pays” principle and the preventive
principle.
It is stated in the above-mentioned Act that the individual/group responsible for
the degradation/pollution of natural resources is required to rehabilitate the
polluted source.
Soils and land capability are protected under the National Environmental
Management Act 107 of 1998, the Environmental Conservation Act 73 of 1989,
the Minerals Act 50 of 1991 and the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act
43 of 1983.
The National Veld and Forest Fire Bill of 10 July 1998 and the Fertilizer, Farm
Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act 36 of 1947 can also be
applicable in some cases.
The National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 requires that
pollution and degradation of the environment be avoided, or, where it cannot be
avoided be minimized and remedied.
The Minerals Act of 1991 requires an EMPR, in which the soils and land
capability be described.
The Conservation of Agriculture Resources Act 43 of 1983 requires the
protection of land against soil erosion and the prevention of water logging and
salinization of soils by means of suitable soil conservation works to be
constructed and maintained. The utilization of marshes, water sponges and
water courses are also addressed.
In addition to the South African legal compliance list, this proposed development has
also been assessed in terms of the International Performance Standards as detailed by
the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The IFC has developed a series of Performance Standards to assist developers and
potential clients in assessing the environmental and social risks associated with a
project and assisting the client in identifying and defining roles and responsibilities
regarding the management of risk.
Performance Standard 1 establishes the importance of:
Integrated assessment to identify the social and environmental impacts, risks,
and opportunities of projects;
Effective community engagement through disclosure of project-related
information and consultation with local communities on matters that directly
affect them; and
The client’s management of social and environmental performance throughout
the life of the project.
Performance Standards 2 through 8 establish requirements to avoid, reduce, mitigate or
compensate for impacts on people and the environment, and to improve conditions
where appropriate. While all relevant social and environmental risks and potential
impacts should be considered as part of the assessment, Performance Standards 2
through 8 describe potential social and environmental impacts that require particular
attention in emerging markets. Where social or environmental impacts are anticipated,
the client is required to manage them through its Social and Environmental
Management System consistent with Performance Standard 1.
Of importance to this report are:
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 9
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
The requirements to collect adequate baseline data;
The requirements of an impact/risk assessment;
The requirements of a management program;
The requirements of a monitoring program; and most importantly;
To apply relevant standards (either host country or other).
With regard to the application of relevant standards (either host country or other) there
are no specific guidelines relating to soils and land use/capability, either locally or within
the World Bank’s or IFC’s suite of Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines. The
World Bank’s Mining and Milling, Underground guideline does state, however, that
project sponsors are required to prepare and implement an erosion and sediment
control plan.
The plan should include measures appropriate to the situation to intercept, divert, or
otherwise reduce the storm water runoff from exposed soil surfaces, tailings dams, and
waste rock dumps.
Project sponsors are encouraged to integrate vegetative and non-vegetative soil
stabilization measures in the erosion control plan.
Sediment control structures (e.g., detention/retention basins) should be installed to
treat surface runoff prior to discharge to surface water bodies. All erosion control and
sediment containment facilities must receive proper maintenance during their design
life. This will be included in the appropriate management plans when they are developed
at a later stage in the project’s life cycle.
1.3 Summary of Baseline Findings
The baseline soil and land capability specialist studies have highlighted a number of
attributes and issues of concern that should possibly be incorporated into the
development planning in an attempt at obtaining a sustainable project.
The findings of the baseline study (Refer to Report OX.NL.S.06.05.046 dated
08/05/2007) include the following general conclusions:
Highly variable depth characteristics occur, with relatively small areas of rocky
outcrop and ferricrete exposure to deeper in-situ derived soils associated
cultivated lands and commercial livestock farming;
Generally moderate to low clay soils with low reserves of organic carbon and
resultant high potential erodibility on the sedimentary derived (in-situ) soils , to
moderate clay contents, that are associated with better than average soil water
characteristics and moderate land capability potential on the more basic soils and
colluvial/alluvial derived materials (lower slopes);
Poor nutrient stores in association with high permeability rates in the upper soil
horizons and poor water holding characteristics for the sedimentary derived soils
and impermeable to low permeability on the ferricrete layer that underlies the relic
land forms and lower slope positions in many cases;
A ferricrete layer that forms a relatively impermeable barrier to sub surface water
infiltration, forming sub-surface ephemeral pans and subsurface channel
environs, a zone of sensitivity (restrictive barrier) that has ecological ramifications;
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 10
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
The proposed development will impact on all of the differing soil forms, including the
shallow rocky areas, deep well drained soils and wet to very wet (wetland) areas (Refer
to Figure 1b).
The proposed route for the Conveyor has taken recognition of the possibility of wetlands
associated with the stream/river crossings, and as such has attempted to minimise the
spatial area of wetlands that could be impacted. It is however inevitable that some of
the more sensitive materials will be affected.
The sensitivity map (Figure 4) indicates the relative positions of the High Sensitivity
areas.
The stream crossing in the south of the area is of significance by its extent as well as the
erodibility of the soils, with the proposed route trending the length of the stream for a
significant distance.
The infrastructure will affect two existing farm dams and the riparian zone (wetland and
transition zone soils) and will, if not well managed have a highly negative impact on the
stream over a significant length.
The highly leached nature of some of the soils mapped within the Conveyor servitude
(Conveyor line and service road) renders these soils more susceptible to erosion, the
loss of the resource, sedimentation of the water body and degradation of the river
system.
The planned facilities cross some of the more ecologically and biophysically sensitive
soils, albeit that in almost all cases the soils have already been impacted by other
development. These areas were highlighted in the scoping phase as “High Sensitivity”
areas. This is an issue we believe requires further discussion prior to the finalising of
the conveyor route planning and design.
The variation in soil structure, texture and clay content of the soils combined with the
presence of a ferricrete or hard setting saprolitic base (“C” Horizon) for many of the soils
mapped makes for a complex of natural conditions that are going to be extremely
difficult to replicate in the rehabilitation stage and at closure.
The low levels of organic carbon and relatively low nutrient stores of some important
nutrients within the top soils will require that a sound management plan is adopted
based on the best impact assessment information. The concept of “utilizable soil”
storage has been introduced as a basic management tool, and a function of good
environment practise. The practicality of stripping soil using large machinery has been
noted, and the management plan recognises that topsoil and subsoil will easily be mixed
and the important elements of the soil lost if the practicality is not addressed.
All of the soils mapped are sensitive to erosion and compaction to varying degrees and,
although tempered by the relative flatness of the terrain, will need a well formulated
management plan were the soils are to be exposed and disturbed.
In addition, the variable depth profiles of the materials that occur across the sites of
concern and the resultant depths of utilizable soil that can be stripped and stored will
make for challenging management of the soil stripping during construction (stripping of
the soils), the operational phase (storage of the soils) and at closure (rehabilitation and
emplacement of stored soils).
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 11
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
The impact of development on the soils and the resultant change in the land capability is
varied due to the unique differences associated with the colluvial derived materials
(lower slopes and bottom lands), versus the in-situ derived soils. These factors will be
important in the environmental assessment and final management plan tabled, with
“separation” of materials forming the basis for economically and sustainable
rehabilitation at closure.
The moderately complex nature of the geology (physical and chemical) and
geomorphology of the area, and the climate, all play a significant role in the soil forming
process, and have a bearing on the sensitivity and/or vulnerability of the materials when
being worked or disturbed. These factors are important not only in planning the
construction and operational activities, but will determine the success of the
rehabilitation planning for the future.
And, it has to be reiterated and emphasised that soil forms the growing medium, is
fundamental to our food source and forms the water store for man and nature. Soil is
fundamental to the ecological and life cycle and the sustainability of the biosphere. The
loss of the soil resource is directly connected to the sustainability of life as we know it in
this environment.
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Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 12
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
2. IMPACT ASSESSMENT
2.1 Impact Philosophy
Based on the Terms of Reference Supplied by the Lead Consultants, with the South
African Integrated Environmental Management Information Series (DEAT 2002) as a
guideline in Impact Assessment philosophy, and with an understanding of the linear
infrastructure route that is required to carry the support services (conveyor and service
road etc.), the activities have been assessed and the significance rating determined for
the major impacts/effects envisaged (Refer to Table 2.1 below).
This environmental impact assessment has been undertaken based on the August 2011
Phola –Kusile Conveyor Route Preferred Conveyor Options (Refer to Figure 1b) and the
more detailed information obtained from the New Largo Stage 1 – Integrated Water Use
License Application (IWWULA) and its associated design drawings (C 184 Series) and
appendices – dated July 2011 and compiled by Jones & Wagener. Figures 2.1a and
2.1b indicate areas of sensitivity where waterways are to be crossed, and the proposed
design inputs respectively.
Table 2.1 – Significance Rating System
Low 2
Moderate 4
Moderately High 7
High 10
Low 2
Moderate 4
Moderately High 7
High 10
Severe 15
Site Only 1
Immediate vicinity (10km radius of the source) 2
Local (50 km Radius of the sourse) 3
Regional (provincial scale, large scale catchment) 4
National 5
Trans Boarder 6
Global 7
Immediate short -term (several months) 1
Construction or decommissioning period 2
Longer than construction but shorter than operations 3
Operational Period 4
Perminant but reversable 5
Irreversable 6
Highly Frequent 1
Infrequent 2
Regular 3
Continuous 4
Negligible 0.1
Possible but unlikely 0.2
Likely 0.5
Definite 1
Frequency
Probability
Significance Rating System
Significance = Impact Intensity X Probability Impact manifests
Impact Intesity = Intensity Potential + Extent + Duration + Frequency
Intensity Potential (+ ve)
Intensity Potential (-ve)
Extent
Duration
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 13
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
Figure 2.1a – Plan of Proposed Route and Crossing Points (Waterways)
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 14
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
Figure 2.1b –Design Drawings
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Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 15
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2.2 Impact Assessment Variables
Of consequence to the soils and land capability of the areas to be affected are the changes that
the activities and related aspects being planned will have on the existing physical and socio
economic state of the physical and chemical environment.
The activities and environmental aspects that are being planned for the Conveyor (linear feature)
are somewhat different from the mining activity, with the degree of environmental change or
impact resulting from the changes being directly related to the activity and aspect.
In consideration of the affects that the Conveyor line might have on the environment, the following
considerations are regarded as relevant:
The depth of foundations required for the plinth footings and the disturbance of the soil
profile to at least 500mm and possibly 1,500mm in places;
The relatively small footprint area for each of the plinth footings is significant, albeit that
the area that will be taken out of productive or constructive use in terms of the land
capability will remain relatively large;
The routing of the service road will be important, and should be designed so that it is
functional to the maintenance of the infrastructure, but reduces the area of impact on the
“high sensitive” soils to as small a footprint as possible (Take direct/perpendicular route
across stream and wetlands);
The storage of the soils should be managed so as to optimise the management ability, but
reduce the need for double handling and the loss of materials due to wind or water erosion.
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 16
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
3. CONVEYOR ROUTE (CR) – ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
With the EIA methodology and philosophy covered in the preceding section (section 2), and with
a significant amount of information available on what activities are to be undertaken in relation
to the CR, and with the aspects considered having been detailed, an assessment of the
environmental impacts has been carried out, and measured against the existing present
environmental state using the significance rating supplied.
The outcomes are tabled as discussion points for the group presentation to the client and EAP’s
involved in the compilation of the EIR. At this stage, the findings should be considered as draft
submissions that will potentially be altered once the discussions and inputs of the other
specialists, client and EAP’s have been received.
This section assesses and measures/quantifies the environmental aspects of the activities in
terms of how they will affect the existing state, and details the maximum acceptable level of
impact for each of the variables listed.
Based on these findings, the significance of the impact is rated in terms of its unmanaged and
managed state, with the management recommendations forming the basis of the Environmental
Management Plan.
Of significance to the Conveyor Route (linear structure) are the group of sensitive to highly
sensitive wet based and in places more structured soils that are associated with the riparian
zones and relic land forms.
These zones are generally regarded as Highly Sensitive or “No Go” areas in terms of the legal
conditions that pertain to river crossings and wetlands. However, the motivation for and
mitigation of the possible impacts will aid in the obtaining of permissions from the authorities.
The conclusions and some recommendations on the route proposed have been given at the end
of this document. Suffice it at this stage, that the majority of the crossings have been
engineered and managed so as to minimise the spatial area of impact and thus effect on the
resource. The southern central portion is regarded as an area of concern and of potential high
significance to the project. This area (it is proposed) should be considered for further
consideration.
The larger pans (Northern and central) although not part of the development zone that is being
planned for utilization are areas with a significantly high sensitivity, and are part of the greater
wetland system that is being considered by the overall study. The LINKAGES between these
sensitive features and the riparian zones associated with the Conveyor route have been looked
at in some detail.
Linkage in terms of the functionality of the wetlands and water bodies are of importance, and
the possible impacts of the mining venture of the sensitive zones within the Conveyor footprint
are points of added interest that have not been investigated as part of these studies.
In terms of the wetland delineation guidelines, and the legal status of wetlands these areas should/must not be impacted, and should be protected unless otherwise stated in terms of the legal requirements (Licensing and authorisation). The sensitivity of the wet based soils,
and utilization potential of the more structured materials are tabled as motivation for the added
management and mitigation (Engineering etc.) that will be needed over many of the river
crossings if the existing alignment is to be considered as the optimal route.
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 17
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
Figure 3 – Sensitivity Plan
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Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 18
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
3.1 Planned Activities – Conveyor Route
The key activities planned on the SC site include:
Construction of a covered Conveyor line
Construction of a service road alongside the Conveyor;
Supply of power to the electric motors;
Construction of seven (7) transfer stations;
Borrow Pits;
Storm water Control facilities;
Fences on both sides of the corridor.
The total affected area is planned to be less than 500m from fence to fence and will contain all
of the planned infrastructure.
The CR will be restricted to land that is owned by the mining company or traverse land owned by
the power station. The services road will be restricted to servicing and
construction/maintenance vehicles only and as such will not require a substantial engineered
component to the foundations.
With the conceptual plan for the CR tabled, and an understanding of the proposed methodology
and relative quantities of materials that will need to be moved and utilized, it is evident that the
major concerns and probable impacts that could affect the soils and associated land capability
are confined to:
The loss of the soil resource due the change in land use and the removal of the resource
from the existing system (Sterilization of 500m wide corridor). The construction of these
facilities will change land utilization potential (land capability) resulting in the complete
loss of the soils resource for the life of the activity.
The possible permanent loss of the soil resource due to the erosion (wind and water) of
unprotected soils;
The possible loss of the utilization potential of the soil and land capability due to
compaction of areas adjacent to the constructed facilities;
The permanent loss of the resource due to removal of materials for use in other
activities such as berms for Stormwater control etc.;
The contamination of the resource (both in-situ and stored) due to spillage of
hydrocarbons, (oils and grease used on conveyer, service vehicles etc.), reagents and
raw materials (coal);
The contamination of stored or in-situ materials due to dust or emissions fallout from
the conveyencing of coal, and/or the use of dirty water as an irrigation source;
The loss of the soil utilization potential due to the disturbance of the soils and potential
loss of nutrient and organic carbon stores through infiltration and de-nitrification of the
materials by rainfall.
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Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
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3.2 Impact Assessment
3.2.1 Construction Phase
Issue - Loss of utilizable resource (sterilization and erosion), compaction and
contamination.
The construction phase will require:
The stripping of all utilizable soil (Top 150mm to 1,500mm depending on activity);
The preparation (levelling and compaction) of lay-down areas, foundations and pad
footprint areas for stockpiling of utilizable soil removed from the roadway footprint,
any rest areas or laybys and the excavations for the Conveyor plinths/footings (Refer
to Figure 2.1b;
The clearing (vegetation), stripping and stockpiling from the construction of all
temporary access and services roads and possible electrical power supply servitudes;
The use of heavy machinery over unprotected soils (Construction phase only);
The creation of dust and possible loss of materials to wind and water erosion, and
The possible contamination of the soils by chemical and hydrocarbons spills (vehicle
spills, accidents and dirty water runoff);
The noted (baseline study) differences in the texture of the soil forms mapped, the soil depth
variations, composition of the “C” horizon, wetness of subsoil’s and the structure of the different
soil groups is of significance to the impact assessment and the sensitivity that is assigned to the
different soil groups and land capabilities to be effected. The difference in the significance of
the expected impacts based on soil form or group alone will influence the design criteria and alignment or positioning of the service road and the support infrastructure, albeit that additional information will need to be sourced by the geotechnical engineer for any designs (information NOT to be used for engineering design purposes). These variables are also
important, and will have a bearing on the management recommendations made.
The impacts described are confined to the CR area as defined, and illustrated in the Figure
2.1b.
Mention is not made of any off-site activities that might be required. However, these would, if
required be confined in the main to the creation of borrow pits for rock and sand. Consideration
should be given to using waste rock (if available) from the operation as this will minimise the
need for additional disturbance of the environment. The project is confined to the delineated
footprint and its immediate surroundings, and as such the “spatial extent” is regarded as “Site
Only” or at worst “Localised” (Refer to Significance Methodology).
The size and weight of vehicle (small and light) that will utilize the service roadway will require
that only limited design is necessary, and that only the top 150mm to 300mm of soil is removed from the footprint prior to the construction of the sub-base and emplacement of the
road surface. Any trenches to be dug or foundations for the Conveyor plinth footings will all
impact on the total soil depth and in most cases the underlying saprolite or ferricrete horizon
(1,500mm).
The utilizable soil removed from the roadway, transfer stations and plinth footings will need to
be stockpiled either as a dump in one or two fenced off areas within the delineated conveyer
route reserve, or as a berm along the length of the servitude and around the transfer stations as
part of the drainage system. These materials need to be stored and protected.
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Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
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A number of temporary facilities will be used primarily for the construction phase of the project
and possibly into the early stages of the operation, with the need for a contractors camp and
access roads etc. The management and rehabilitation of these areas should be undertaken as
soon as they are no-longer needed.
These areas will be available for rehabilitation once the permanent facilities are constructed.
The permanent infrastructure will be in place for the life of the mining project and more probably
beyond.
A number of site specific baseline (existing environment) conditions need mention here if the
significance of the activities being planned on the environment are to be understood. Of
importance are:
The underlying ferricrete layer (barrier layer), and its function as a barrier to soil water
loss down the profile. This will in almost all cases be destroyed and possibly removed
from the system, particularly in the case of the plinth footing/foundations and any
foundations associated with the transfer stations and related infrastructure;
All/any pan structures and their surrounds that classify as wetlands are considered to
be ecologically sensitive, important and potentially “No Go” areas;
These conditions will have a bearing on the ratings being assigned to the overall impact
statement as loss of these features will have a definite localised negative impact that is of
significance to the ecological functionality of the area. The ferricrete horizon acts as a barrier to
surface and soil water infiltration. This feature within the vadose zone is considered important
for the biodiversity and ecological balance of this sensitive environment, and is probably
responsible for soil water and surface water being retained in a position close to surface were it
can be used.
Impact Significance
The loss of the utilization of the soil resource will impact the land use practice of moderate
intensity grazing and commercial farming. These activities are perceived to be of great economic
benefit to the local economy and land owners, and although the argument that the food security
in Southern Africa is unbalanced (too much maize produced), the need to protect deep soils is
essential.
The construction of the Conveyor will, if un-managed and without mitigation:
Have a definite negative impact on the environment due to the loss of the soil area and
thus the use of the utilizable resource, the total footprint having been disturbed and
altered to mining land and restricted from use;
Have the potential for contamination (hydrocarbon and reagent chemical spills, raw
materials and spillage of coal), compaction of working areas and temporary storage
laydown facility footprint and the potential for erosion (wind and water – dust and
suspended solids) over unprotected areas,
Have a moderate negative intensity potential ranking based on the limitation to the area
of disturbance and confined nature and design proposed for the construction and
installation of the infrastructure;
Is permanent but reversible, can be broken up and rehabilitated and
Is confined to the site only (Corridor as defined)
However, with management, the sterilization, degree of contamination, compaction and erosion
of this primary resource can be mitigated and reduced to a level that is slightly more acceptable.
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The reduction in the significance of the impact can be achieved by:
Limiting the area of impact to as small a footprint as possible, inclusive of any waste
(rock removed from conveyer foundations and/or road footprint), resource stockpiles
(utilizable soil stores) and the length of servitudes, access and service ways to the
conveyencing system wherever possible;
Construction of the road facility and associated infrastructure over the less sensitive soil
groups wherever possible;
An awareness of the length of time that the soil resource will need to be stored and
managed (life of the project and potentially beyond);
The development and inclusion of soil management as part of the general maintenance
operations, and the independent auditing of this management;
Concurrent rehabilitation of all affected sites that are not required for the operation and
the rehabilitation of temporary structures and footprint areas (Access roads,
geotechnical test pits, angering and trenching etc.);
Effective soil stripping during the less windy months when the soils are less susceptible
to erosion;
Separation of the utilizable soils and ferricrete base materials from each other and from
the soft overburden;
Effective cladding of the soil berms/heaps with vegetation and the minimising of the
height of storage facilities to 3m and soil berms to 1,5m wherever possible;
Restriction of vehicle movement over unprotected or sensitive areas, this will reduce
compaction;
Soil amelioration (cultivation) to enhance the oxygenation and growing capability
(germination) of natural regeneration and/or seed within the stockpiled soils (maintain
the soils viability during storage) and areas of concurrent rehabilitation.
It is evident that, failure to manage the impacts on this important resource (soil) will result in the
total loss of this resource, with a resultant much higher significance rating.
Residual Impact
The above management procedures will likely reduce the significance of the impacts to
moderate in the long term.
Table 3.2.1 – Construction Phase – Impact Significance
ManagementIntensi ty
Potenti a lEx tent Durati on F requency
Impact
Intensi ty
Probabi l i ty Impact
Mani festsSi gni fi cance Si gni fi cance
Unmanaged 10 1 4 4 19 1 19 H
Managed 10 1 3 3 17 1 17 MH
ManagementIntensi ty
Potenti a lEx tent Durati on F requency
Impact
Intensi ty
Probabi l i ty Impact
Mani festsSi gni fi cance Si gni fi cance
Unmanaged 4 1 2 3 10 1 10 MH
Managed 4 1 2 2 9 0.5 4.5 L
Construction Phase - Loss of Resource
Construction Phase - Contamination, Compaction and Erosion
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3.2.2 Operational Phase
Issue Loss of Utilizable Resource (Sterilization and Erosion), Compaction, De-
nutrification and Contamination or Salinization
The operation of the Conveyor will see the impact of light services vehicles and maintenance
activities for the most part, with the cleaning of any spillage of the raw material if it occurs.
The roadway will carry a variety of vehicles, some of which could potentially disturb and impact
the soils environment. The major concerns revolve around dust, dirty water and spillage, with
the possibility of compaction of the stored materials and erosion of soil from unprotected areas
if not managed.
Contamination of the soils (both in-situ and stockpiled) by dirty water runoff from the roads, dust
fallout and the spillage of hydrocarbons, reagents and other contaminants will impact negatively
on the soils environment.
In addition, the potential for de-nutrification of the stockpiled soils due to excessive through flow
of rain water on unconsolidated and poorly protected soils and the flushing of the nutrient pool
is a probability if not managed.
In summary, the operation of the Conveyor system will probably result in:
The sterilization of the soil resource on which the facility is constructed. This will be an
on-going loss for the duration of the operation and until decommissioning of the
facilities;
The creation of dust and the possible loss (erosion) of utilizable soil down-wind and/or
downstream;
The compaction of the in-situ and stored soils and the potential loss of the utilizable
resource as a result;
The contamination of the soils (in-situ and stored) by dirty water run-off and/or spillage
of hydrocarbons and raw material;
Contamination of soils from the use of dirty water for road maintenance and irrigation of
the stockpile/stored vegetation;
Sterilization and loss of soil nutrient pool, organic carbon stores and fertility of stored
soils during the extended time in storage;
Impact on soil structure and soil water balance.
Un-managed soil stockpiles and soil that is left uncovered/unprotected will be lost to wind and
water erosion, will loss the all-important, albeit poor nutrient content and organic carbon stores
(fertility), and will be prone to compaction.
Of a positive impact, will be the rehabilitation of the temporary infrastructure used during the
start-up and construction phase.
Impact Significance
The result of the operations associated with the Conveyor on the soil resource will have a
negative intensity potential that is moderate to low, that will last for the life of the operation and
should be considered permanent to irreversible if not rehabilitated, and will be confined to the
immediate site or immediate vicinity.
In the un-managed scenario the frequency is likely to be continuous resulting in a significance
rating of moderate.
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It is inevitable that some of the soils will be lost during the operational phase if they are not well
managed and a mitigation plan is not made part of the general maintenance and management
schedule.
The impacts on the soils will be mitigated with management procedures including:
Minimisation of the area to be impacted (eroded, compacted, sterilized or de-
nutrified);
Timeous replacement of the soils so as to minimise/reduce the area of affect and
disturbance – any areas that are no longer needed (temporary access routes etc.);
Effective soil cover and adequate protection from wind (dust) and dirty water
contamination – vegetate and/or rock cladding and construction of adequate
drainage;
Regular servicing of all road and utility maintenance vehicles;
Regular cleaning and maintenance of drains and runoff areas, and storm water
control facilities;
Containment and management of accidental spillage (prevision for “Quick Response
Unit” – accidents and environmental incidents;
Soil replacement and the preparation of a seed bed to facilitate and accelerate the
re-vegetation program on rehabilitated and managed areas, to limit potential
erosion on all areas that become available for rehabilitation (temporary servitudes
etc.), and
Soil amelioration (rehabilitated and stockpiled) to enhance the growth capability of
the soils and sustain the soils ability to retain oxygen and nutrients, thus sustaining
vegetative material during the storage stage.
It will be necessary as part of the development plan to maintain the integrity of the stored soils,
so that they are available for rehabilitation during decommissioning and closure. If the soil
quantities and qualities are (utilizable soils) managed through the operational phase,
rehabilitation costs will be reduced and natural attenuation will more easily and readily take
effect, and a sustainable “End Land Use” achieved.
Residual Impact
In the long term (Life of the Conveyor Facility), and if implemented correctly, the above
mitigation measures will reduce the impact on the utilizable soil reserves (erosion,
contamination, sterilization) to a significance rating of low.
However, if the soils are not retained/stored and managed, and a workable management plan is
not implemented the residual impact will definitely incur additional costs and result in the
impacting of secondary areas (Borrow Pits etc.) in order to obtain cover materials for
rehabilitation etc.
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Table 3.2.2 – Operational Phase – Impact Significance
3.2.3 Decommissioning & Closure Phase
Issue: Net loss of soil volumes and utilization potential due to change in material status
(Physical and Chemical) and loss of nutrient base, and Positive aspects due to
rehabilitation, re-nutrification and stabilization (re-vegetation).
The impacts on the soil resource during the decommissioning and closure phase are both
negative and positive, with:
The loss of the soils original nutrient store and organic carbon due to leaching of the soils
while in storage;
Erosion and de-oxygenation of materials while stockpiled;
Compaction and dust contamination due to vehicle movement while rehabilitating the
area;
Erosion while undertaking the slope stabilization and re-vegetation of disturbed areas;
Contamination of replaced soils by use of dirty water for plant watering and dust
suppression;
Hydrocarbon or chemical spillage from contractor and supply vehicles;
At closure (obtaining of closure certificate from authorities) there will be some
improvement to the effects and impacts.
These will include:
A net improvement to the impacts due to reduction in areas of disturbance and return of
soil utilization potential, uncovering of areas of storage and rehabilitation of compacted
materials;
Stabilization of slopes and resultant reduction in erosion.
Impact Significance
The impact will remain the net loss of the soil resource if no intervention or mitigating strategy is
implemented. The intensity potential will remain moderate to high and negative for all of the
activities during decommissioning phase (rehabilitation and intervention) and closure will not be
possible. This will result in an irreversible impact that is continuous. However, with
interventions and well planned management, there will be moderate intensity potential as the
soils are replaced and fertilization of the soils is implemented after removal of the
infrastructure.
ManagementIntensi ty
Potenti a lEx tent Durati on F requency
Impact
Intensi ty
Probabi l i ty Impact
Mani festsSi gni fi cance Si gni fi cance
Unmanaged 10 1 4 3 18 1 18 MH to H
Managed 10 1 3 2 16 1 16 MH
ManagementIntensi ty
Potenti a lEx tent Durati on F requency
Impact
Intensi ty
Probabi l i ty Impact
Mani festsSi gni fi cance Si gni fi cance
Unmanaged 4 1 1 3 9 1 9 M
Managed 4 1 1 1 7 0.5 3.5 L
Operational Phase - Loss of Resource
Operational Phase - Contamination, Compaction and Erosion
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Ongoing rehabilitation during the operational (temporary infrastructure) and decommissioning
phases of the linear infrastructure will bring about a net long-term net improvement (positive
impact) on the soils.
The intensity potential of the initial activities during rehabilitation and closure will be moderate
and negative due to the necessity for vehicle movement while removing the demolished
infrastructure and rehabilitating the disturbed footprint(s). Dust will be generated and soil will
probably be contaminated, compacted and eroded to differing extents depending on the degree
of management implemented.
The positive impacts of rehabilitation on the area are the reduction in the footprint of
disturbance, the amelioration of the affected soils and oxygenation of the growing medium, the
stabilizing of slopes and the re-vegetation of disturbed areas.
Residual Impacts
On closure of the Conveyor Route the long-term negative impact on the soils will be reduced
from a significance ranking of moderate to low if the management plan set out in the
Environmental Management Plan is effectively implemented, and will have an overall net
negative rating, albeit that the impacts have reduced substantially by the time a closure
certificate is obtained.
Table 3.2.3a – Decommissioning Phase – Impact Significance
Re-creation of the ferricrete layer effect (Barrier) will require both environmental as well as
engineering inputs. This conclusion supposes that the utilizable soils will be available (had been
stripped and stored), and the ferricrete layer removed and stored separately.
Chemical amelioration of the soils will possibly have a low but positive impact on the nutrient
status (only) of the soils in the medium term.
Table 3.2.3b – Closure Phase – Impact Significance
ManagementIntensi ty
Potenti a lEx tent Durati on F requency
Impact
Intensi ty
Probabi l i ty Impact
Mani festsSi gni fi cance Si gni fi cance
Unmanaged 4 1 2 3 10 0.5 5 L
Managed 4 1 2 2 9 0.5 4.5 L
ManagementIntensi ty
Potenti a lEx tent Durati on F requency
Impact
Intensi ty
Probabi l i ty Impact
Mani festsSi gni fi cance Si gni fi cance
Unmanaged 2 1 2 3 8 1 8 M
Managed 2 1 2 2 7 0.5 3.5 L
Decommissioning Phase - Compaction, Contamination and Erosion
Decommissioning Phase - Reinstatment of Resource
ManagementIntensi ty
Potenti a lEx tent Durati on Frequency
Impact
Intensi ty
Probabi l i ty Impact
Mani festsSi gni fi cance Si gni fi cance
Unmanaged 2 1 5 3 11 0.2 2.2 L
Managed 7 1 5 2 15 0.5 7.5 M to L
Closure Phase - Care and Maintenance
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4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN – SERVICES CORRIDOR
In accordance with the Equator Principles, and the concept of sustainability, it is incumbent on any developer to not only assess and understand the possible impacts that a development might cause, but to also propose and table management measures that will aid in minimising and were possible mitigate the effects. The management of the natural resources (soils and land capability) have been assessed on a phased basis (construction, operation and decommissioning/closure) in keeping with the impact assessment (EIA) philosophy, while the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been designed as a working plan and utilization guide for soil and land management. The results tabled are based on the site specific soil characterisation and classification in conjunction with the geomorphology (topography, altitude, attitude, climate and ground roughness) of the sites that will be impacted or affected. The plan gives recommendations on the stripping and handling of the soils throughout the life of the development along with recommendations for the utilization of the soils for rehabilitation at closure. It has been assumed that all infrastructure will be removed and that the areas affected will be returned to as close as possible their pre-construction state (topographic levels, wilderness/conservation or low intensity grazing (wildlife) status – Refer to the Chamber of Mines Land Classification System (Refer to Section 2 - Table 2.2.1 of the Baseline Study).
The concept of stripping and storage of all “Utilizable” soil is recommended as a minimum
requirement and as part of the overall Soil Utilization philosophy.
In terms of the “Minimum Requirements”, usable or utilizable soil is defined here as all soil
above an agreed subterranean cut-off depth defined by the project soil scientist, and will vary
for different forms of soil encountered in a project area and the type of project being
considered. It does not differentiate between topsoil (orthic horizon) and other subsoil horizons
necessarily.
The following soil utilization guidelines (all be they generic) should be adhered to wherever
possible:
Over areas of deep excavation where the majority or all of the soil profile is to be
impacted) strip all usable soil as defined (700mm) in terms of the soil classification
and stockpile as berms or low, terraced dumps. Alluvial soils should be stockpiled
separately from the colluvial (shallower) and in-situ derived materials, which in turn
should be stored separately from any calcrete/ferricrete material, while the soft
overburden is stored as a separate unit in defined dumps/berms of less than 3m in
height. Protect from contamination and erosion by rock cladding or vegetation cover
and adequate drainage of surface runoff.
At rehabilitation replace the soft overburden followed by the calcrete, compact
followed by the soil to appropriate soil depths, and cover areas to achieve an
appropriate topographic aspect and attitude to achieve a free draining landscape as
close as possible the pre-mining/construction land capability rating.
Over areas planned for less invasive structures (Offices, Workshops etc.) and any
material stockpile or storage, strip the top 500 mm of usable soil over all affected
areas including terraces and strip remaining usable soil and calcrete (if present in
profile) where founding conditions require further soil removal.
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Store the soil in stockpiles or berms of not more than 1.5 m around infrastructure area
ready for closure rehabilitation purposes. Stockpile hydromorphic (wet) soils separately
from the dry materials, and the “calcrete” separately from all other materials.
Protect all stockpiles from water and wind erosion (loss of materials) and
contamination by dust and runoff water. Clad stockpiles with larger rock or vegetate
the stored materials.
At closure/rehabilitation, remove all large boulders and gravel from the rehabilitated
landscape and place at the base/bottom of the open pit or rehabilitation profile so that
they do not interfere with the tillage and cultivation of the final surface. Remove
foundations to a maximum depth of 1m. Replace soil to appropriate soil depths, and
over disturbed areas and in appropriate topographic position to achieve pre-
development land capability and land form where possible.
Before rehabilitation remove all gravel and other rocky material and recycle as
construction material or place in open voids. Remove foundations to a maximum depth
of 1m. Replace soil to appropriate soil depths and in appropriate topographic position
so as to achieve pre-mining land capability. Protect the stored materials from erosion
and contamination using vegetation or rock cladding.
Over areas to be utilized for General Access Roads (light delivery vehicles), Laydown
Pads and any Conveyencing servitudes strip the top 150 mm of usable soil over all
affected areas and stockpile in longitudinal stockpile or berms upslope of the facilities.
Protect from erosion and contamination.
4.1 Construction Phase
The construction methods and final end land use are important in deciding if the utilizable soils need to be stripped and retained, and ultimately how much of the materials will be needed for the rehabilitation (stripping volumes). Failure to remove and store the utilizable materials will result in the permanent loss of the growth medium. Making provision for retention of utilizable material for the decommissioning and/or during rehabilitation will not only save significant costs at closure, but will ensure that additional impacts to the environment do not occur. Table 4.1 is a summary of the soil utilization guide
proposed to aid in soil management during the construction phase.
The depths of utilizable materials vary between 150mm and greater than 1,500mm. However,
due to the shallow soil depths on the more rocky areas, albeit that these are a small percentage
of the overall area, it is recommended that sufficient materials are removed from the areas
were the soil depths are present and do exist, so that the shallow areas can be adequately
resorted during rehabilitation and at closure.
The majority of the area proposed for the Conveyor corridor (western route) is considered as
moderate to low sensitivity and are sufficiently similar that they can be stored as one soil group.
The sensitive soils and wet based materials should not be compromised.
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Table 4.1 Describes the proposed utilization of the soils during the construction phase.
Table 4.1 – Construction Phase – Soil Utilization Plan
Phase Step Factors to Consider Comments
Stripping will only occur where soils are to be disturbed by activities that are
described in the design report, and where a clearly defined end rehabilitation use
for the stripped soil has been identified.
It is recommened that all vegetation is stripped and stored as part of the utilizable
soil. However, the requirements for moving and preserving fauna and flora
according to the biodiversity action plan should be consulted.
Handling
Soils will be handled in dry weather conditions so as to cause as little compaction as
possible. Utilizable soil (Topsoil and upper portion of subsoil B2/1) must be
removed and stockpiled separately from the lower "B" horizon, with the ferricrete
layer being seperated from the soft/decomposed rock, and wet based soils
seperated from the dry soils if they are to be impacted.
Stripping
The "Utilizable" soil will be stripped to a depth of 700mm or until hard
rock/ferricrete is encountered. These soils will be stockpiled together with any
vegetation cover present (only large vegetation to be removed prior to stripping).
The total stripped depth should be 700mm, wherever possible.
Location
Stockpiling areas will be identified in close proximity to the source of the soil to
limit handling and to promote reuse of soils in the correct areas. All stockpiles will
be founded on stabilized and well engineered "pads"
Designation of AreasSoils stockpiles will be demarcated, and clearly marked to identify both the soil
type and the intended area of rehabilitation.
Delineation of areas to be stripped
Reference to biodiversity action plan
Stripping and
Handling of soils
Delineation of
Stockpiling areas
Co
nst
ruct
ion
This “Soil Utilization Plan” is intimately linked to the “development plan”, and it should be understood that if the plan of construction changes, these
recommendations will probably have to change as well.
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4.2 Operational Phase
The operational phase will see very little change in the development requirements, with the
footprint of disturbance remaining constant, albeit that the temporary infrastructure might
become redundant and rehabilitation of these features might be possible.
Maintenance and care of the soil and land resources will be the main management activity and
objective required during the operational phase. Management of material loss, compaction and
contamination are the main issues of consideration. Table 4.2 details recommendations for the
care and maintenance of the resource during the operational phase.
The semi-arid to arid climate and unique character of the soils in these areas require that the
site specific and unique natural phenomena should be used to the advantage of the project.
Working with or on the differing soil materials (all of which occur within the areas that are to be
disturbed) will require better than average management and careful planning if rehabilitation is
to be successful, and it is important that the sensitive and highly sensitive materials are avoided
wherever possible from the outset.
Care in removal and stockpiling or storage of the “Utilizable” soils, and protection of materials
which are derived from the “hardpan ferricrete” layer is imperative to the success of sustainable
rehabilitation in these areas, with the soil water (near surface water) held within the profile by
the ferricrete layer believed to be integral to the success of the biodiversity and ecological
systems.
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Table 4.2 - Operational Phase – Soil Conservation Plan
Phase Step Factors to Consider Comments
Vegetation
establishment and
erosion control
Enhanced growth of vegetation on the Soil Stockpiles and berms will be promoted
(e.g. by means of watering and/or fertilisation), or a system of rock cladding will be
employed. The purpose of this exercise will be to protect the soils and combat
erosion by water and wind.
Storm Water ControlStockpiles will be established/engineered with storm water diversion berms in
place to prevent run off erosion.
Stockpile Height and
Slope Stability
Soil stockpile and berm heights will be restricted where possible to <1.5m so as to
avoid compaction and damage to the soil seed pool. Where stockpiles higher than
1.5m cannot be avoided, these will be benched to a maximum height of 15m. Each
bench should ideally be 1.5m high and 2m wide. For storage periods greater than 3
years, vegetative (vetiver hedges and native grass species - refer to Appendix 1) or
rock cover will be essential, and should be encouraged using fertilization and
induced seeding with water and/or the placement of waste rock. The stockpile side
slopes should be stabilized at a slope of 1 in 6. This will promote vegetation growth
and reduce run-off related erosion.
Waste
Only inert waste rock material will be placed on the soil stockpiles if the vegetative
growth is impractical or not viable (due to lack of water for irrigation etc.). This will
aid in protecting the stockpiles from wind and water erosion until the natural
vegetative cover can take effect.
VehiclesEquipment, human and animal movement on the soil stockpiles will be limited to
avoid topsoil compaction and subsequent damage to the soils and seedbank.
Op
era
tio
n
Stockpile
management
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4.3 Decommissioning and Closure
The decommissioning and closure phase will see:
The removal of all infrastructure;
The demolishing of all concrete slabs and ripping of any hard surfaces;
The backfilling of any open voids and deep foundations and the reconstruction of the
required barrier layer (compaction) wherever feasible and possible;
Topdressing of the disturbed and backfilled areas with the stored “utilizable” soil ready
for re-vegetation;
Fertilization and stabilization of the backfilled materials and final cover materials (soil
and vegetation) and
The landscaping of the replaced soils to be free draining.
There will be an improvement on the soil and land capability environments as the area of
disturbance is reduced, and the soils are returned to a state that can support low intensity
wildlife grazing or sustainable conservation.
Table 4.3 is a summary of the proposed management and mitigation actions recommended
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Table 4.3 – Decommissioning and Closure Phase – Soil Conservation Plan
Phase Step Factors to Consider Comments
Placement of Soils
Stockpiled soil will be used to rehabilitate disturbed sites either ongoing as
disturbed areas become available for rehabilitation and/or at closure. The utilizable
soil (500mm to 700mm) removed during the construction phase, must be
redistributed in a manner that achieves an approximate uniform stable thickness
consistent with the approved post development end land use (Conservation land
capability and/or Low intensity wildlife grazing), and will attain a free draining
surface profile. A minimum layer of 300mm of soil will be replaced.
Fertilization
A representative sampling of the stripped and stockpiled soils will be analysed to
determine the nutrient status and chemistry of the utilizable materials. As a
minimum the following elements will be tested for: EC, CEC, pH, Ca, Mg, K, Na, P,
Zn, Clay% and Organic Carbon. These elements provide the basis for determining
the fertility of soil. based on the analysis, fertilisers will be applied if necessary.
Erosion ControlErosion control measures will be implemented to ensure that the soil is not washed
away and that erosion gulleys do not develop prior to vegetation establishment.
Pollution of Soils In-situ Remediation
If soil (whether stockpiled or in its undisturbed natural state) is polluted, the first
management priority is to treat the pollution by means of in situ bioremediation.
The acceptability of this option must be verified by an appropriate soils expert and
by the local water authority on a case by case basis, before it is implemented.
Off site disposal of
soils.
If in situ treatment is not possible or acceptable then the polluted soil must be
classified according to the Minimum Requirements for the Handling, Classification
and Disposal of Hazardous Waste (Local Dept of Water Affairs) and disposed of at an
appropriate, permitted, off-site waste facility.
Rehabilitation of
Disturbed land &
Restoration of
Soil Utilization
Dec
omm
issi
onin
g &
Clo
sure
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5 MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE
Nutrient requirements reported herein are based on the monitoring and sampling of the soils at
the time of the baseline survey. These values will definitely alter during storage and will need to
be re-evaluated before being used during rehabilitation. Ongoing evaluation of the nutrient
status of the growth medium will be needed throughout the life of the project and into the
rehabilitation phase.
During the rehabilitation exercise preliminary soil quality monitoring should be carried out to
accurately determine the fertilizer requirements that will be needed. Additional soil sampling
should also be carried out annually until the levels of nutrients, specifically magnesium,
phosphorus and potassium, are at the required levels for sustainable growth. Once the desired
nutritional status has been achieved, it is recommended that the interval between sampling is
increased. An annual environmental audit should be undertaken. If growth problems develop,
ad hoc, sampling should be carried out to determine the problem.
Monitoring should always be carried out at the same time of the year and at least six weeks
after the last application of fertilizer.
Soils should be sampled and analysed for the following parameters:
pH (H2O) Phosphorus (Bray I)
Electrical conductivity Calcium mg/kg
Cation exchange capacity Sodium mg/kg;
Magnesium mg/kg; Potassium mg/kg Zinc mg/kg;
Clay Organic matter content (C %)
The following maintenance is recommended:
The area must be fenced, and all animals kept off the area until the vegetation is self-
sustaining;
Newly seeded/planted areas must be protected against compaction and erosion (Vetiver
hedges etc.);
Traffic should be limited were possible while the vegetation is establishing itself;
Plants should be watered and weeded as required on a regular and managed basis were
possible and practical;
Check for pests and diseases on a regular basis and treat if necessary;
Replace unhealthy or dead plant material;
Fertilise, hydro seeded and grassed areas soon after germination, and
Repair any damage caused by erosion;
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LIST OF REFERENCES
Taxonomic Soil Classification System (Mac Vicar et al, 2nd edition 1991)
The Soil Erodibility Nomograph (Wischmeier et al, 1971)
Vetiver Grass for Soil and Water Conservation, Land Rehabilitation, and Embankment
Stabilization – A collection of papers and newsletters compiled by the Vetiver Network – Richard
G. Grimshaw (OBE) and Larisa Helfer - The World Bank – Washington DC – 1995
The South Africa Vetiver Network – Institute of Natural Resources – Scottsville – Mr. D. Hay and
J. McCosh1987 to present.
Chamber of Mines of South Africa, 1981. Guidelines for the rehabilitation of land disturbed by
surface coal mining in South Africa. Johannesburg.
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, 1998. Environmental impact management.
Implementation of sections 21, 22 and 26 of the Environmental Conservation Act, 1989,
Pretoria: Government Printer (1998).
Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs, 1992. Aide-Memoire for the preparation of
Environmental Management Programme Reports for prospecting and Mining. Pretoria.
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, 2003. A practical field procedure for the identification
and delineation of wetlands and riparian areas, DWAF, Pretoria.
Non-Affiliated Soil Analysis Working Committee, 1991. Methods of soil analysis. SSSSA, Pretoria.
Soil Classification Working Group, 1991. Soil classification. A taxonomic system for South Africa.
Institute for Soil, Climate and Water, Pretoria.
Van der Watt, H.v.H and Van Rooyen T. H, 1990. A glossary of soil science, Pretoria: Soil Science
Society of South Africa (1990).
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 35
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APPENDIX 1
VETIVER GRASS
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Phola-Kusile Overland Coal Conveyor Route
Baseline Pedological, Land Capability and Land Use Assessment
Draft Report 36
Earth Science Solutions (Pty) Ltd October 2011
APPENDIX 2
STUDY MAPS AND PLANS