BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT Basic Assessment Report in...

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BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT(AUGUST 2010)

Basic Assessment Report in terms of the NEMA Environmental Impact AssessmentRegulations, 2010

AUGUST 2010

Kindly note that:

1. This Basic Assessment Report is the standard report required by DEA&DP in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and must becompleted for all Basic Assessment applications.

2. This report must be used in all instances for Basic Assessment applications for an environmental authorisation in terms of theNational Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), as amended, and the Environmental ImpactAssessment Regulations, 2010, and/or a waste management licence in terms of the National Environmental Management:Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) (NEM: WA), and/or an atmospheric emission licence in terms of the NationalEnvironmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004) (NEM: AQA).

3. This report is current as of 2 August 2010. It is the responsibility of the Applicant / EAP to ascertain whether subsequentversions of the report have been published or produced by the competent authority.

4. The required information must be typed within the spaces provided in the report. The sizes of the spaces provided are notnecessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. It is in the form of a table that will expand as eachspace is filled with typing.

5. Incomplete reports will be rejected. A rejected report may be amended and resubmitted.

6. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection. Where it is used in respect of materialinformation that is required by the Department for assessing the application, this may result in the rejection of the report asprovided for in the regulations.

7. While the different sections of the report only provide space for provision of information related to one alternative, if morethan one feasible and reasonable alternative is considered, the relevant section must be copied and completed for eachalternative.

8. Unless protected by law all information contained in, and attached to this report, will become public information onreceipt by the competent authority. If information is not submitted with this report due to such information being protectedby law, the applicant and/or EAP must declare such non-disclosure and provide the reasons for the belief that theinformation is protected.

9. This report must be submitted to the Department at the postal address given below or by delivery thereof to the RegistryOffice of the Department. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted. Please note that for waste management licenceapplications, this report must be submitted for the attention of the Department’s Waste Management Directorate(tel: 021-483-2756 and fax: 021-483-4425) at the same postal address as the Cape Town Office Region A.

10. Unless indicated otherwise, two electronic copies (CD/DVD) and three hard copies of this report must be submitted to theDepartment.

DEPARTMENTAL DETAILS

CAPE TOWN OFFICE REGION A(Cape Winelands, City of Cape Town:Tygerberg and OostenbergAdministrations)

CAPE TOWN OFFICE REGION B(West Coast, Overberg, City of Cape Town:Helderberg, South Peninsula, Cape Townand Blaauwberg Administrations

GEORGE OFFICE(Eden and Central Karoo)

Department of Environmental Affairsand Development Planning

Attention: Directorate: IntegratedEnvironmental Management (RegionA2)Private Bag X 9086Cape Town,8000

Registry Office1st Floor Utilitas Building1 Dorp Street,Cape Town

Queries should be directed to theDirectorate: Integrated EnvironmentalManagement (Region A2) at:Tel: (021) 483-4793 Fax: (021) 483-3633

Department of Environmental Affairs andDevelopment PlanningAttention: Directorate: IntegratedEnvironmental Management (Region B)Private Bag X 9086Cape Town,8000

Registry Office1st Floor Utilitas Building1 Dorp Street,Cape Town

Queries should be directed to theDirectorate: Integrated EnvironmentalManagement (Region B) at:Tel: (021) 483-4094 Fax: (021) 483-4372

Department of Environmental Affairsand Development PlanningAttention: Directorate: IntegratedEnvironmental Management (RegionA1)Private Bag X 6509George,6530

Registry Office4th Floor, York Park Building93 York StreetGeorge

Queries should be directed to theDirectorate: Integrated EnvironmentalManagement (Region A1) at:Tel: (044) 805 8600 Fax: (044) 874-2423

View the Department’s website at http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eadp for the latest version of this document.

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DEPARTMENTAL REFERENCE NUMBER(S)File reference number (EIA): 16/3/3/6/1/A6/57/2036/17File reference number (Waste): N/AFile reference number (Other): N/A

PROJECT TITLEProposed construction and operation of a school and associated infrastructure onErf 4743, Noordhoek, South Peninsula, City of Cape Town

DETAILS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER (EAP)

Environmental AssessmentPractitioner (EAP): KHULA Environmental Consultants

Contact person: Nicholas Sean SteytlerPostal address: PO Box 22761

Scarborough Postal code: 7975Telephone: 021-783 4565 Cell: 082-322 4074

E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 086-694 6901EAP Qualifications EAPSA 0065/05

EAP Registrations/Associations Pr Sci Nat (SA) 400029/02

Details of the EAP’s expertise to carry out Basic Assessment procedures

Nick Steytler (MSc), Director of KHULA, is a certified Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) withover 20 years’ experience in the field of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM). He is also aregistered Professional Natural Scientist. He has undertaken numerous Basic Assessment processes interms of the NEMA EIA Regulations (2006 & 2010) and is currently busy with several in terms of the2014 EIA Regulations.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE CONTENT OF THE BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT:

IntroductionA new school for approximately 600 learners is proposed on the subject property which comprises Erf4723 Noordhoek which is almost 2.6 ha in extent. The school will offer schooling in accordance withthe Generation Schools model for all grades from pre-primary to high school. The school willcomprise the following:

Buildings with a floor area of approximately 5,500m²) An all-weather playing field of ±2 200m²; Pedestrian courtyard space, surfaced and landscaped spaces between buildings and walkways

comprising approximately 5,000m²; Internal roads and parking comprising ±3 800m²; and ±10 150m² of natural open space comprising wetlands, ponds and greenspace.

Access to the site, in accordance with a comprehensive traffic assessment, will be gained via a newtraffic circle which will be constructed on Silvermine Road. Water supply, sewerage and powersupply are locally available and the proposed development will entail establishing connections tothese municipal services without requiring any upgrades to the existing bulk services network.Stormwater will be managed in accordance with the Local Authority’s requirements by managingboth the quantity and quality of the stormwater.

The construction of the school and its associated infrastructure triggers the requirement for priorenvironmental authorisation as the following listed activity listed in GN No. R983 is applicable:

In GN No. R983:

19. 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 cubicmetres from-

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a watercourse; the seashore; or the littoral active zone, an estuary or a distance of 100 metres inland of the high-water mark of

the sea or an estuary, whichever distance is the greaterbut excluding where such infilling, depositing, dredging, excavation, removal or moving-

o will occur behind a development setback;o is for maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a maintenance

management plan; oro falls within the ambit of activity 21 in this Notice, in which case that activity applies.

A Basic Assessment process is therefore required and KHULA Environmental Consultants (“KHULA”)have been appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) responsiblefor undertaking the Basic Assessment process.

Need & DesirabilityThe proposed development, which will require a rezoning of the subject property from Rural, toCommunity Zone, is substantively compliant with spatial planning policy, constitutes infilldevelopment and is compatible, and synergistic with the existing surrounding residential land uses.Importantly the site is well situated in an area where educational facilities are needed.

All servicing requirements can be met without requiring any upgrades to bulk services and negligibleenvironmental impacts associated with the provision of services are anticipated. While net positivefreshwater ecological benefits can be achieved should the wetland rehabilitation recommendationsof the wetland specialist be implemented, the development of the school will potentially have anegative impact on the local Western Leopard Toad (WLT) population. This is due to the fact thatthe site, despite the degraded condition of its wetlands and terrestrial habitat, functions as animportant breeding and dispersal site, being one of the last of the undeveloped properties inNoordhoek. However, with implementation of the fauna specialist’s recommendations, inter alia theimplementation of a Toad Management Plan to ensure that the site’s retained wetland features andopen spaces are suitable for toad breeding and dispersal, the identified impacts are consideredacceptable. The proposed school is also anticipated to be associated with potential local trafficimpacts, mainly congestion of the local road network during the am peak period. However, theprovision of local community educational facilities will undoubtedly reduce long commuting tripsover Ou Kaapse Weg. With the implementation of the traffic engineer’s recommendations (includingthe construction of a traffic circle at the access point off Silvermine Road) the traffic engineer is ofthe opinion that there are no traffic-related reasons why the school should not be developed asplanned. Other environmental impacts associated with the project, primarily construction phase-related, are either of minor significance or are mitigable through the implementation of theEnvironmental Management Programme (EMPr).

Public ParticipationThe Public Participation process is currently at the Draft Basic Assessment Review stage. All registeredInterested and Affected Parties (IAPs) and state departments have been notified of the availability ofthe Draft Basic Assessment Report (BAR) for comment for a period of 30 days starting on 15 June 2017and ending on 17 July 2017. After the 30 day comment period a Comments & Responses Report willbe compiled. The Comments & Responses Report will then be circulated to all Registered IAPs alongwith the Final BAR for final comment for a period of 30 days. The final comment will then beappended to the Final BAR and submitted to the Department for a decision. All registered IAPs willbe sent notification of the Department’s decision and the appeal process.

Note, that since the proposal also requires Local Authority authorisation, there will be a concurrentpublic participation process conducted in terms of the Municipal Planning Bye-law

AlternativesThree alternatives have been assessed in equal detail in the Basic Assessment process as follows:

The No-Go Alternative; Applicant’s Preferred Alternative (school for approximately 600 learners with substantial,

contiguous open space areas for biodiversity); and A residential scheme (Residential Alternative) in accordance with the underlying Rural Zoning, as

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well as the provisions of the Development Management Scheme, and its Overlay Zoning, whichentails a subdivision into 6 erven of 4000m2 each with 1 500m² of permissible building coverage.

The two development alternatives both represent economically viable development schemes forthe site. Both schemes are considered to be generally aligned with the relevant spatial planningpolicy, with the residential scheme aligned with the underlying rights, but the Applicant’s PreferredAlternative has a significantly greater need given the limited number of educational facilities in theNoordhoek area (and distinct sustainability benefits given the reduction in concomitant trafficgenerated over Ou Kaapse Weg). In terms of biodiversity and particularly the potential impact onWLTs neither alternative is more preferred then the other although there is a realistic chance thatshould the Wetland Rehabilitation and Toad Management Plan be effectively implemented that theproposed school could operate with minimal impact thereby rendering the school more preferredfrom a biodiversity perspective.

Assuming the two development alternatives are associated with similar biodiversity impacts and thatthe potential traffic impacts can be effectively mitigated, it is the greater socio-economic need forthe school that results in the finding that the Applicant’s Preferred Alternative is regarded as the mostenvironmentally preferred alternative.

Key Findings

Based on the understanding of the site’s environmental constraints (comprising degraded wetlandsand providing important breeding habitat as well as foraging, refuge and dispersal habitat for theEndangered Western Leopard Toad (WLT) the layout of the school as presented as the Applicant’sPreferred Alternative) includes the following:

The existing artificial pond (an important WLT breeding site) as well as all semi-degraded wetlandareas were retained in the final design, and accordingly the development footprint wasdownscaled so that approximately 39% of the site remains as natural open space andapproximately 29% as landscaped open space.

Two east/west ecological dispersal corridors for WLT’s were incorporated as follows:o A wide east/west ecological dispersal corridor was established in the southern reaches of

the school site.o A narrow east/west ecological dispersal corridor was established in the northern reaches

of the school site. North/south ecological dispersal corridors were established along the western and eastern

boundaries of the school site. The installation of underpasses (sometimes referred to as “eco-ducts”) near the entrance to the

school, to facilitate safe WLT movement beneath Silvermine Road. The erecting of exclusion barrier walls and/or catch-fences to prevent WLT access to harsh terrain

like parking areas, (Astro Turf) sports fields and courtyard areas. The provision of pathway bridges across ecological dispersal corridors. The provision of improved WLT habitat by means of soft landscaping of open space areas. The erection of barrier walls on either side of the school entrance, to reduce WLT movements

onto Silvermine Road coming from the school site heading towards Cape Point Vineyards. The creation of a traffic calming zone (as per the recommendations of the Transport Impact

Assessment), with a speed limit reduction from 70 km/h down to 50 km/h (including various trafficcalming signage) for a distance of 400 m on either side of the proposed school entrance.

The incorporation of these design-related measures as well as the implementation of the mitigationmeasures recommended by the appointed specialists (wetland specialist, fauna specialist and trafficengineer) render the Applicant’s Preferred Alternative the best practical environmental option forthe site for the following reasons:

The property has underlying development rights in accordance with the City of Cape Town’sDevelopment Management Scheme (DMS).

The proposed use for the site is substantially consistent with the applicable regional and localspatial planning policies.

The site is located within a residential area and as such constitutes infill development which isconsidered desirable within the urban edge. The proposed use is also highly desirable insofar as it

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provides much needed educational facilities in a residential area where these are presentlylacking. Significant socio-economic benefits associated with the provision of educationalfacilities close to residential areas will arise.

The proposed use is wholly compatible with the surrounding land use. Services are available and sufficient capacity is understood to exist to service the proposed

development without any significant secondary environmental impacts being generated as aresult of servicing the development.

The proposed scheme entailing the development of a new school for ±600 learners iseconomically viable. Further reductions in the size of the school would potentially render thedevelopment unviable.

The proposed development of the site presents an opportunity to contribute positively to localaquatic ecosystems through the restoration of the site’s least degraded wetland features andthrough creating ecological linkages through and across the site.

The restoration of the wetlands and the creation of the proposed ecological linkages, as well asother recommended essential mitigation measures, partially mitigate against the potentialimpact of the development on the local population of Endangered WLTs which utilise the site forseasonal breeding purposes, foraging/refuge and as a dispersal corridor. In the opinion of thefauna specialist the proposed development is acceptable in terms of the potential impact onthe WLT population provided all the recommended essential mitigation measures areimplemented.

The alternative land use option, residential development in accordance with the applicable landuse policy, would also be considered acceptable in terms of potential impacts on WLTs but, dueto the fact that the site would be owned by a number of separate owners, means that thelikelihood of long-term, effective, coordinated management of the site’s aquatic features isunlikely rendering the school option more preferable in this regard.

RecommendationsThe EAP recommends that the proposed school development should be authorised (as per theApplicant’s Preferred alternative inclusive of the design-related measures incorporated to addressthe site’s environmental constraints) and that the following additional recommendations should beconsidered for inclusion in an authorisation:

General construction activity mitigation:

Implement the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) attached as Appendix H whichprescribes weekly site inspections by a suitably qualified Environmental Control Officer (ECO)during the construction phase to ensure that environmental impacts associated with constructionactivities are minimised. In addition the EMPr must specify the following:

o Restriction of construction activities to normal work hours.o Ensure that the construction site is maintained in an orderly manner with effective

materials storage and waste management.o Ensure that suitable erosion stabilisation techniques and rehabilitation measures are

implemented. Deploy standard road safety and traffic calming measures for the duration of the construction

phase. Schedule materials deliveries outside of peak traffic periods.

General operational phase-related mitigation:

Implement the EMPr attached as Appendix H which presents maintenance and managementprocedures and specifications for the site’s wetland features and stormwater managementsystem to ensure that environmental impacts associated with the operational phase areminimised.

Implement the Wetland Rehabilitation and Toad Management Plan (WR&TMP, attached asAppendix G3) to ensure that the retained wetlands are suitably managed as WLT habitat.

Monitoring:

Implement the Monitoring Programme presented in the WR&TMP attached as Appendix G3) todetermine the efficacy of the recommended toad measures.

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Specific mitigation measures to minimize impacts on aquatic ecosystems:

Design-related mitigation measures:o Ensure that crossings over swales are adequate to enable surface water to flow freely

underneath crossings.o Ensure surface water can flow freely underneath the bridge required to access the refuse

loading bay.o Implement a Stormwater Management System in accordance with the City’s

Management of Urban Storm Water Impacts Policy (2009) that also achieves thefollowing: Use porous/permeable paving around school buildings. Use unlined vegetated swales that will allow for infiltration as appose to

stormwater pipes. Revegetate swales with indigenous fynbos as far as practically possible.

Recommended species are listed in the WR&TMP(see Appendix G3). As far as practically possible stormwater originating from hard surfaces should be

passed into vegetated swales in order to improve water quality before reachingNo Go wetland habitat and the eastern wetland corridor. Otherwise, surfacerunoff should be diverted away from roads, pavements etc. as quickly as possible,to minimise the amount of water running directly from these areas into wetlandhabitat. This can be achieved with construction of multiple drains from roads,pavements etc. to ensure the least amount of surface water is discharged directlyinto a specific area.

Construct energy dissipaters (such as lining with stones, concrete, grass orgabions) where surface water disperses out of a drain to reduce the watervelocity and therefore erosion.

o Implement the WR&TMP which details the following: The manner in which the north-eastern corner of the proposed site, where surface

water enters, is landscaped. Allows for the creation of shallow depressional areas as part of the design of the

eastern wetland corridor. The design of the stormwater detention pond. Lists the preferred floral species for the site’s open space areas (including

wetlands).o As far as practically possible, direct permanent outdoor lighting e.g. street and security

lights away from the retained wetland habitat and eastern wetland corridor.o Use of palisade fencing is preferred, to facilitate movement of smaller faunal species and

amphibians through the site.

Essential mitigation measures for the construction phase:o Compile and implement a Construction phase EMPr that includes the following:

All semi-degraded wetland habitat as well as the area earmarked for the wetlandcorridor along the eastern boundary of the proposed site should be cordoned offand declared a “No-Go” area prior to commencement of site clearing activities.

Only allow construction activities within the demarcated “No-Go” areas inaccordance with approved method statements.

Stabilise steep slopes on the periphery of the “No-Go” areas that resulted due tothe removal of undesirable soil until the excavated areas have been infilled.

Cordon off the area where earthworks will be required prior to commencement ofany activity within the retained wetland habitat. Disturbance of surroundingwetland habitat should be strictly prohibited.

Complete earthworks within the retained wetland areas before the onset of therainy season followed by revegetation from late April, early May shortly before theonset of the rainy season.

Thoroughly plan the required activities within retained wetland habitat and discussthe method with the team before any activity commences in order to ensure thedisturbance period is kept to an absolute minimum.

The ECO should inspect retained wetland habitat at least on a weekly basis, inorder to ensure any unnecessary disturbance are addressed timeously and

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effectively. Place sediment fences / traps along the boundary of each retained wetland area

and ensure these are maintained and sediment is removed as needed. Use shouldbe made of vegetative bundles / fibre bags or rolls, within the retained wetlandhabitat itself, where earthworks or the removal of vegetation could result insedimentation of surrounding wetland habitat. In addition, the remainder of eachretained wetland area should be monitored by the appointed ECO, weekly, forsedimentation and erosion in order to ensure erosion and sedimentation is dealtwith timeously. Removal of sediment from retained wetland areas should be donemanually.

Water pumped from construction areas, following heavy rain, should be pumpedto a demarcated settlement area and should not be discharged into anyretained wetland habitat or the Brookwood Stream.

Strategically divert stormwater runoff from the construction footprint into sedimenttrapping devices. All sediment trapping devices should be checked weekly bythe ECO and cleared as needed.

Operational phase-related mitigation measures:o Alien vegetation must be eradicated and monitored for the remainder of the lifespan of

the development in accordance with the WR&TMP.o Implement the WR&TMP that includes the requirement for ongoing monitoring and

management of the site's retained wetland features.

Specific mitigation measures to minimize impacts on WLTs:

Essential design-related mitigation measures:o The perimeter fencing of the site must be permeable at ground-level so that the free

movement of small terrestrial animals can continue unrestricted.o Install a cattle-grid structure at the main entrance of the property, to prevent WLT access

to the parking area.o Provide gentle slopes on the road-side of the toad exclusion barrier walls along Silvermine

Road.o Install drift-fence structures in association with the underpasses to enhance the

effectiveness of these structures and to keep toads off the road. These should beavailable on both sides of the road.

o Avoid constructing any open steep-sided structures that may form pitfall traps for WLTs.o Comply with all of the structural specifications as per the WR&TMP.

Essential mitigation measures for the construction phase:o Compile and implement a Construction phase EMPr that includes the following:

The entire area that will be subjected to earth-moving must be temporarily fencedoff (impassable to WLTs) for a month prior to breaking earth and for the fullduration of the construction phase.

During the month prior to breaking earth, a concerted effort must be made tolocate and remove WLT individuals from within the fenced-off area. This initiativeshould incorporate the use of drift-fence and pitfall trap arrays, and may includethe assistance of ToadNUTS members.

The WLT specimens collected during this initiative must be released nearby. An Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be appointed to be on site during

the all of the earth-moving activities, to oversee the rescue and relocation WLTsand other fauna encountered during this time. Detailed records must be kept ofthe WLT demographics relocated during this initiative.

The WLT breeding wetland must be cordoned off as a “No-Go” area, thusforbidding any construction staff from entering this area. The wetland barrier mustnot be restrictive to WLT movements.

Sediment traps must be deployed to prevent sediment-flow into the wetlands. Stormwater runoff from the construction footprint must be directed into sediment

trapping devices. Flood water pumped from construction areas must be pumped to a demarcated

settlement area. Essential mitigation measures for the operational phase:

o Comply with all of the management/monitoring guidelines as per the WR&TMP.

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o Establish an official WLT awareness culture within the school's ethos. For example, anannual WLT day can be instated, so that learners can be informed of the conservationplight of the local WLT population. This would be an opportunity to encourage activeparticipation in the Toad NUTS toad-saving campaign. Learners can also be trained in themonitoring of WLT breeding success at the new artificial ponds. WLT information nubsshould be commonplace on the school grounds.

Specific mitigation measures to manage potential traffic impacts:

Construct a roundabout on Silvermine Road at the entrance to the school as planned; Existing signage at the proposed access should be relocated further east along Silvermine Road; A school traffic calming zone should be implemented on Silvermine Road with a speed reduction

to 50km/h; Pedestrian sidewalks should be constructed along Silvermine Road at the location of the

proposed school.

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SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION

1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

(a) Is the project a new development? YES NO

(b) Provide a detailed description of the development project and associated infrastructure.

The property will be rezoned to Community Zone 1 (CO1) to accommodate the proposed school.The new school will be built to accommodate approximately 600 learners in the pre-primary, primary,middle and high school levels and approximately 50 staff. The school will comprise the following:

Buildings with a floor area of approximately 5,500m² A playing field of 2 200m²; Courtyard space, surfaced spaces between buildings and walkways comprising approximately

5,000m² Internal roads and parking comprising approximately 3 800m² 10 150m² of natural open space comprising wetlands, ponds and greenspace.

Access to the site will be gained via a new traffic circle which will be constructed on SilvermineRoad.

Water supply, sewerage and power supply are locally available and the proposed development willentail establishing connections to these municipal services without requiring any upgrades to theexisting bulk services network. Stormwater will be managed in accordance with the Local Authority’srequirements by managing both the quantity and quality of the stormwater. To manage thequantity runoff volumes will be reduced as much as possible by better site design, treating thestormwater at source and reducing connected impervious areas. The quality of the stormwater willbe improved by on-site treatment being incorporated into the development using vegetated swalesand planted detention ponds.

A Conceptual Layout Plan of the new school is attached as Appendix B.

(c) List all the activities assessed during the Basic Assessment process:

GN No. R. 983Activity No(s):

Describe the relevant Basic AssessmentActivity(ies) in writing as per Listing Notice 1(GN No. R. 983)

Describe the portion of the development as per theproject description that relates to the applicable listedactivity.

19 The infilling or depositing of any material of morethan 5 cubic metres into, or the dredging,excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells,shell grit, pebbles or rock of more than 5 cubicmetres from-(i) a watercourse;(ii) the seashore; or(iii) the littoral active zone, an estuary or a

distance of 100 metres inland of the high-water mark of the sea or an estuary,whichever distance is the greater

but excluding where such infilling, depositing,dredging, excavation, removal or moving-

(a) will occur behind a development setback;(b) is for maintenance purposes undertaken in

accordance with a maintenancemanagement plan; or

(c) falls within the ambit of activity 21 in thisNotice, in which case that activity applies.

The site contains wetlands and watercourses and atleast 5 cubic metres of material will be infilled withinthese areas.


Describe the relevant Basic AssessmentActivity(ies) in writing as per Listing Notice 3(GN No. R. 985)


N/A

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If the application is also for activities as per Listing Notice 2 and permission was granted to subject the application to BasicAssessment, also indicate the applicable Listing Notice 2 activities:


If permission was granted in terms of Regulation 20,describe the relevant Scoping and EIA Activity(ies)in writing as per Listing Notice 2 (GN No. R. 984)


N/A

Waste management activities in terms of the NEM: WA (Government Gazette No. 32368):

GN No. 718 - Category AActivity No(s): Describe the relevant Category A waste management activity in writing.

N/A

Please note: If any waste management activities are applicable, the Listed Waste Management Activities AdditionalInformation Annexure must be completed and attached to this Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I.

If the application is also for waste management activities as per Category B and permission was granted to subject theapplication to Basic Assessment, also indicate the applicable Category B activities:

GN No. 718 – Category BActivity No(s): Describe the relevant Category B waste management activity in writing.

N/A

Atmospheric emission activities in terms of the NEM: AQA (Government Gazette No. 33064):

GN No. 248Activity No(s): Describe the relevant atmospheric emission activity in writing.

N/A

(d) Please provide details of all components of the proposed project and attach diagrams (e.g. architectural drawings orperspectives, engineering drawings, process flow charts etc.).

Buildings YES NOProvide brief description:The proposed school comprises a number of buildings of various sizes and heights (the highest ofwhich has a roof height of approximately 7.5m) that have a combined floor area of approximately5,500m². The buildings include the following:

Pre-Primary & Primary School Building:o 4 classrooms (ages 3-6)o 4 classrooms (ages 6-9)o 4 classrooms (ages 9-12)o ELS classroom (ages 6-12)o Boys & girls toiletso Covered circulationo Middle School Buildingo 8 classrooms (ages 12-15)o ELS classroom (ages 12-15)o Boys & girls toiletso Covered circulation

High School Building:o 8 classrooms (ages 15-18)o ELS classroom (ages 15-18)o Boys & girls toiletso Covered circulation

Administration Building:o Reception & waiting areao Principal's office

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o Breakaway roomo Sickbay with WCo Server data roomo Stationary storeo Male & female toilets

Utility Building:o Refuse yardo Recycling yardo Caretakers flatleto Janitor's storeo Toileto Utilities store

Multi-Purpose Hall:o Entrance foyero Indoor sport hallo Catering kitcheno Kitchen yard & gas storeo Media Roomo Male & female toiletso Storerooms

Pool Building:o Heated training poolo Heated "learn to swim" poolo Officeo Boys & girls change roomso Pump roomo Storeroom

Security Office:o Guardroomo Toilet

Infrastructure (e.g. roads, power and water supply/ storage) YES NOProvide brief description:No new service infrastructure is required as all municipal services are available at or near the site withonly connections being required. As such the associated infrastructure will be limited to thefollowing:

Internal sewerage, potable water supply and electrical supply reticulation; Stormwater infrastructure including the following:

o A new 600mm diameter pipe that collects the stormwater from Silvermine Road anddischarges into the existing canal to the south of the site (effectively a by-pass pipe).

o A central 250mm diameter pipe that collects run-off from the parking area anddischarges into a planted detention pond in the southern corner of the site.

o A central 300mm diameter and 375mm diameter pipe that collects run-off from the roofsand remaining hard-surfaces and discharges into a planted detention pond in thesouthern corner of the site.

o A planted detention pond in the southern corner of the site and several stormwaterswales and smaller ponds (both vegetated) along the eastern boundary of the site.

A playing field of ±2 200m². Courtyard space, surfaced spaces between buildings and walkways comprising ±5 000m². Internal roads and parking comprising ±3 800m².

Processing activities (e.g. manufacturing, storage, distribution) YES NOProvide brief description:

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Storage facilities for raw materials and products (e.g. volume and substances to be stored)Provide brief description YES NO

Storage and treatment facilities for solid waste and effluent generated by the project Yes NoProvide brief descriptionA dedicated area will be provided for the temporary storage of domestic solid waste. This wastestorage facility will be 10m x 6m (i.e. 60m²) and will be used to contain several municipal-issuewheely- bins where the waste will be stored until time of municipal collection. The site for the wastestorage facility is near the western boundary of the school immediately adjacent to a to-beconstructed refuse loading bay on Noordhoek Main Road.

Other activities (e.g. water abstraction activities, crop planting activities) Yes NoProvide brief description

2. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY

Size of the property:(a) Indicate the size of the property (cadastral unit) on which the activity is to be undertaken. 25 511 m²Note that the portion of the mother erf earmarked for the proposed school has not yet been subdivided out from the mother erfbut it has been surveyed and its extent calculated at 53 061 m².

Size of the facility:(b) Indicate the size of the facility (development area) on which the activity is to beundertaken. N/A

Size of the activity:(c) Indicate the physical size (footprint) of the activity together with its associated infrastructure: ±15 500 m²(d) Indicate the physical size (footprint) of the activity (buildings): ±5 500²(e) Indicate the physical size (footprint) of the associated infrastructure (sports facilities,landscaped areas and services): ±10 000m²

and, for linear activities:

Length of the activity:(f) Indicate the length of the activity: N/A

3. SITE ACCESS

(a) Is there an existing access road? YES NO(b) If no, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built? M

(c) Describe the type of access road planned:An improved access to the site will be created, at the current access point, off Silvermine Road. Thiswill entail the construction of a traffic circle on Silvermine Road and a main entrance boulevardcomprising a single lane in either direction leading to a parking area designed to allow trafficcirculation within the school grounds. See Site Plan for the Preferred Alternative (Appendix B) forfurther details.Please Note: indicate the position of the proposed access road on the site plan.

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4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY ON WHICH THE ACTIVITY IS TO BE UNDERTAKEN AND THELOCATION OF THE ACTIVITY ON THE PROPERTY

(a) Provide a description of the property on which the activity is to be undertaken and the location of the activity on theproperty.

The proposed site is approximately 2.6 ha in extent and is undeveloped with the exception of a man-made pond which occurs in the north east corner of the site and an open man-made stormwaterchannel which transects the site in a north east / south west alignment. The site slopes gradually tothe south west. Vegetation on the site comprises predominantly grasses (kikuyu and buffalo grass)and secondarily comprises wetland vegetation associated with the site’s water bodies (artificialpond, stormwater channel and wetlands). The site has not been used in recent times but historicallyit was used as grazing for livestock and as horse paddocks similar to the site adjacent and to theeast. Photographs of the site are attached as Appendix C.

(b) Please provide a location map (see below) as Appendix A to this report which shows the location of the property and thelocation of the activity on the property; as well as a site map (see below) as Appendix B to this report; and if applicable allalternative properties and locations.

Locality map:

The scale of the locality map must be at least 1:50 000. For linear activities of more than 25 kilometres, asmaller scale e.g. 1:250 000 can be used. The scale must be indicated on the map. The map must indicatethe following: an accurate indication of the project site position as well as the positions of the alternative sites, if any; road names or numbers of all the major roads as well as the roads that provide access to the site(s) a north arrow; a legend; the prevailing wind direction (during November to April and during May to October); and GPS co-ordinates (Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre

point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees and decimal minutes.The minutes should have at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection thatmust be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection).

See Appendix A for locality map.

Site Plan:

Detailed site plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. The site plan mustcontain or conform to the following: The detailed site plan must be at a scale preferably at a scale of 1:500 or at an appropriate scale. The

scale must be indicated on the plan. The property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50m of the site must be indicated on

the site plan. The current land use (not zoning) as well as the land use zoning of each of the adjoining properties must

be indicated on the site plan. The position of each element of the application as well as any other structures on the site must be

indicated on the site plan. Services, including electricity supply cables (indicate above or underground), water supply pipelines,

boreholes, sewage pipelines, storm water infrastructure and access roads that will form part of thedevelopment must be indicated on the site plan.

Servitudes indicating the purpose of the servitude must be indicated on the site plan. Sensitive environmental elements within 100m of the site must be included on the site plan, including (but

not limited to):o Rivers.o Flood lines (i.e. 1:10, 1:50, year and 32 meter set back line from the banks of a river/stream).o Ridges.o Cultural and historical features.o Areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species).

Whenever the slope of the site exceeds 1:10, then a contour map of the site must be submitted.

See Appendix B for Site Plan

(c) For a linear activity, please also provide a description of the route.

N/A

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Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude andlongitude of the centre point of the site. The co-ordinatesmust be in degrees, minutes and seconds. The minutes shouldbe given to at least three decimals to ensure adequateaccuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is theWGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection.

Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

34o 0‘ 59.69“ 18o 23‘ 03.35“

(d) or:

For linear activities: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Starting point of the activity o ‘ “ o ‘ “ Middle point of the activity o ‘ “ o ‘ “ End point of the activity o ‘ “ o ‘ “

Please Note: For linear activities that are longer than 500m, please provide and addendum with co-ordinates taken every 100meters along the route.

5. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Colour photographs of the site and its surroundings (taken of the site and from the site) with a description of each photograph.

The vantage points from which the photographs were taken must be indicated on the site plan, or locality plan as applicable. If

available, please also provide a recent aerial photograph. Photographs must be attached as Appendix C to this report. It

should be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site. Date of photographs must be included.

Please note that the above requirements must be duplicated for all alternative sites.

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SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENTSite/Area Description

For linear activities (pipelines, etc.) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete copies of thissection for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of SectionB and indicate the area which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan.

1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE

Indicate the general gradient of the sites (highlight the appropriate box).

Flat Flatter than 1:10 1:10 – 1:4 Steeper than 1:4

2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE

(a) Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site (highlight the appropriate box(es).

Ridgeline Plateau Side slope ofhill/mountainClosedvalley

Openvalley Plain

Undulatingplain/lowhills

Dune Sea-front

(b) Please provide a description of the location in the landscape.

The site is located on the northern edge of an open coastal plain that lies between Chapman’s Peak/ Noordhoek Peak mountain range and the Slangkop / Rooikrans / Brakkloofrand range. This openvalley extends from Fish Hoek in the east and runs in a north westerly direction through Sun Valley tothe Atlantic Ocean. The valley includes a broad wetland system at its western-most extension. Thesite itself is located at the northernmost extreme of the open valley just below the southern slopes ofChapmans Peak and Noordhoek Peak.

3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE

(a) Is the site(s) located on or near any of the following (highlight the appropriate boxes)?

Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep) YES NO UNSURESeasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO UNSUREUnstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil YES NO UNSUREDispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) YES NO UNSURESoils with high clay content YES NO UNSUREAny other unstable soil or geological feature YES NO UNSUREAn area sensitive to erosion YES NO UNSUREAn area adjacent to or above an aquifer. YES NO UNSUREAn area within 100m of the source of surface water YES NO UNSURE

(b) If any of the answers to the above are “YES” or “unsure”, specialist input may be requested by the Department.(Information in respect of the above will often be available at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by Geological Survey may also be used).

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(c) Please indicate the type of geological formation underlying the site.

Granite Shale Sandstone Quartzite Dolomite Dolorite Other(describe)Please provide a description.The underlying geology comprises Coarse Granite overlain by quaternary alluvial (transported silty)sand, light grey in colour and with a deep profile. This alluvial sand horizon is of Recent origin, with ahigh organic content near the surface and has an average thickness of 0.8m, but its thickness tendsto increase downslope towards the south, where a maximum thickness of greater than 2.4m wasencountered, close to the southern tip of the site. The organic rich surface soils are underlain bytransported sands and clayey silty sands which extend to depths of greater than 2.5 below surface.In the central and western parts of the site, the transported soils have undergone partialpedogenesis resulting in the formation of pedogenic ferricrete gravel within the clayey sand matrix.

4. SURFACE WATER

(a) Indicate the surface water present on and or adjacent to the site and alternative sites (highlight the appropriate boxes)?

Perennial River YES NO UNSURE

Non-Perennial River YES NO UNSURE

Permanent Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Seasonal Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Artificial Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO UNSURE

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(b) Please provide a description.

The wetland specialist encountered hydromorphic soil at most areas throughout the proposed sitewhere hand augering was conducted indicating that most of the site historically comprised wetlandhabitat. However, the use of the site for livestock grazing, iInfilling, tilling as well as possible irrigationhas resulted in the transformation of the indigenous vegetation assemblage as well as the naturalhydrological regime, to the extent that the larger portion of the proposed site can be described asseverely degraded. This has resulted in a number of surface water features (all man-made or as aresult of anthropogenic manipulation) with associated wetland habitat (represented by indigenousvegetation) as follows:

Man-made drainage channel running through the centre of the site; A man-made dam; and Three wetland seeps which have resulted from seeping stormwater generated by surrounding

roads.

Central Drainage ChannelThis channel was constructed by channelling and straightening of the historical drainage line so thatgrazing pastures could be established. The channel may have been partially lined originally,however lack of management over decades has resulted in fragmentation of the concrete andconsequent seepage into immediate surroundings.

The DamExcavation has resulted in the formation of a depression. The dam has been supplied with sufficientvolumes of subsurface water from the seep directly to the north of the feature as well as fromprecipitation to allow the establishment of obligate wetland species.

The Wetland SeepsStormwater channels border the proposed site on the northern as well as western boundaries.Seepage from these channels has resulted in the formation of three wetland seeps, two of whichremain saturated long enough to support obligate wetland species such as Typha capensis, Juncussp. and Scirpus nodosus.

Further detail regarding the site’s surface water features can be obtained in the wetland specialistreport attached as Appendix G1.

5. BIODIVERSITY

Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the biodiversity occurring on thesite and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. To assist with the identification of the biodiversity occurring on site andthe ecosystem status consult http://bgis.sanbi.org or [email protected]. Information is also available on compact disc (cd)from the Biodiversity-GIS Unit, Ph (021) 799 8698. This information may be updated from time to time and it is the applicant/ EAP’sresponsibility to ensure that the latest version is used. A map of the relevant biodiversity information (including an indication ofthe habitat conditions as per (b) below) and must be provided as an overlay map to the property/site plan as Appendix D tothis report.

(a) Highlight the applicable biodiversity planning categories of all areas on site and indicate the reason(s) provided in thebiodiversity plan for the selection of the specific area as part of the specific category).

Systematic Biodiversity Planning Category If CBA or ESA, indicate the reason(s) for its selection in biodiversityplan

CriticalBiodiversity

Area(CBA)

EcologicalSupport

Area (ESA)

OtherNatural

Area (ONA)

No NaturalArea

Remaining(NNR)

The site is not indicated to be of any terrestrial conservationalimportance by the City of Cape Town Biodiversity Network (BioNet,2016). However, the City of Cape Town’s wetland layer (2015)indicates three features within the proposed site of which two areconsidered to be natural and one is indicated to be a dam. The twonatural wetlands as well as the dam were chosen as Other EcologicalSupport Areas (OESAs). For further detail please see biodiversityspecialist reports attached as Appendix G1 & G2 respectively.

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(b) Highlight and describe the habitat condition on site.

Habitat Condition

Percentage ofhabitat conditionclass (adding up

to 100%)

Description and additional Comments and Observations(including additional insight into condition, e.g. poor land management

practises, presence of quarries, grazing/harvesting regimes etc).

Natural0%

Near Natural(includes areas with low

to moderate level of alieninvasive plants)

15% As a result of seepage from stormwater channels that exist near the site’snorthern and western boundaries three wetland seeps have developed withobligate wetland vegetation.

Degraded(includes areas heavily

invaded by alien plants)

80% The site has been severely degraded as a result of its agricultural land use.Most of the site is covered with alien grasses such as Pennisetum clandestinumand Stenotaphrum secundatum.

Transformed(includes cultivation,

dams, urban, plantation,roads, etc)

5% The agricultural land use has resulted in a man-made pond and a drainagechannel (possibly concrete lined at some point in the past).

(c) Complete the table to indicate:(i) the type of vegetation, including its ecosystem status, present on the site; and(ii) whether an aquatic ecosystem is present on site.

* Note that historically the site would have contained Hangklip Sand Fynbos which is listed as being Endangered. However verylittle of this vegetation remains on the site with the result that the site is not mapped as being of conservation importance interms of the City of Cape Town BioNet (see Fauna Specialist Report attached as Appendix G2).

Terrestrial Ecosystems* Aquatic Ecosystems

Ecosystem threat status as per theNational Environmental

Management: Biodiversity Act (ActNo. 10 of 2004)

Critical Wetland (including rivers,depressions, channelled

and unchanneledwetlands, flats, seeps

pans, and artificialwetlands)

Estuary CoastlineEndangered

Vulnerable

LeastThreatened

YES NO UNSURE YES NO YES NO

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(d) Please provide a description of the vegetation type and/or aquatic ecosystem present on site, including any importantbiodiversity features/information identified on site (e.g. threatened species and special habitats)

Vegetation (terrestrial and aquatic)

Indigenous vegetation was mainly encountered within the channel running through the centre of theproposed site, within the dam, as well as within three seeps. The remainder of the site is dominatedby the alien grass species Pennisetum clandestinum and Stenotaphrum secundatum withindepressional areas where water collects. Only scattered individuals of indigenous species such asSporobolus africanus and Zantedeschia aethiopica were identified within depressional areas alsoindicative of moist soil conditions.

Aquatic Biodiversity

Most of the site comprises wetland conditions. Ongoing anthropogenic activity has resulted in thetransformation of the indigenous vegetation assemblage as well as the natural hydrological regime,to the extent that the larger portion of the proposed site can be described as severely degradedwith no remnants of the pristine condition.

The comparative areas in various states of degradation are as follows:

Semi-degraded wetland habitat: 3 900m² Severely degraded wetland habitat: 21 611m² Total site area: 21 511m²

The proposed site was assessed as one wetland system. The overall wetland health score calculatedfor the wetland falls within Present Ecological State (PES) Category E (The change in ecosystemprocesses and loss of natural habitat and biota is great but some remaining natural habitat featuresare still recognisable).

The WET-Ecoservices tool was applied to severely degraded wetland habitat and semi-degradedwetland habitat, separately. Wetland habitat associated with the proposed site, regardless ofdegree of transformation, can be considered the most important in terms of assimilation of nitrate,phosphate and toxicants as well as erosion control (all falling within a moderate to high class).

The EIS score (reflecting the wetland’s present importance and sensitivity regardless of extent oftransformation) calculated for the semi-degraded wetland habitat (seeps, dam and centralchannel) fall within a High Category, and for the remaining degraded wetland habitat, within a LowCategory.

Fauna

Due to the homogenous and significantly degraded flora on the site, the site is faunisticallyimpoverished. The terrain is also generally flat and devoid of any significant geomorphologicalfeatures such as hills, rocky outcrops, valleys or major drainage which would potential serve asspecial fauna habitat. The overall size of the property (25 511m²) is too small to be of any realconservation importance for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. However, for the WesternLeopard Toad (WLT, Endangered) this site has value as it provides breeding habitat and exists as anecological dispersal corridor. While the actual toad population is not known it can be assumed tobe significant within the context of the Noordhoek area as the site forms part of one of the largeropen spaces with wetland features suitable for toad breeding and refuge.

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6. LAND USE OF THE SITE

Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the land use character of thearea and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies.

Untransformed area Low densityresidentialMedium density

residentialHigh densityresidential Informal residential

Retail Commercial &warehousing Light industrial Medium industrial Heavy industrial

Power station Office/consultingroomMilitary or police

base/station/compoundCasino/entertainment

complexTourism &

Hospitality facility

Open cast mine Undergroundmine Spoil heap or slimes damQuarry, sand or

borrow pit Dam or reservoir

Hospital/medical center School Tertiary education facility Church Old age home

Sewage treatment plant Train station orshunting yard Railway lineMajor road (4 lanes or

more) Airport

Harbour Sport facilities Golf course Polo fields Filling station

Landfill or waste treatment site Plantation AgricultureRiver, stream or

wetlandNature

conservation area

Mountain, koppie or ridge Museum Historical building Graveyard Archeological site

Other land uses (describe):Most of the site was historically used for agriculture.

(a) Please provide a description.

The proposed site is currently disused. Until recently it was used for livestock grazing.

7. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA(a) Highlight the current land uses and/or prominent features that occur within +/- 500m radius of the site and neighbouring

properties if these are located beyond 500m of the site.

Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the land use character of thearea and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies.

Untransformed areaLow densityresidential

Medium densityresidential

High densityresidential Informal residential

Retail Commercial &warehousing Light industrial Medium industrial Heavy industrial

Power station Office/consultingroomMilitary or police

base/station/compoundCasino/entertainment

complexTourism &

Hospitality facility

Open cast mine Undergroundmine Spoil heap or slimes damQuarry, sand or

borrow pit Dam or reservoir

Hospital/medical center School Tertiary education facility Church Old age home

Sewage treatment plant Train station orshunting yard Railway lineMajor road (4 lanes or

more) Airport

Harbour Sport facilities Golf course Polo fields Filling station

Landfill or waste treatment site Plantation AgricultureRiver, stream or

wetland

Natureconservation

areaMountain, koppie or ridge Museum Historical building Graveyard Archeological site

Other land uses (describe):

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(b) Please provide a description, including the distance and direction to the nearest residential area and industrial area.

The immediate surrounding land use is residential as the site is located within the residential suburb ofNoordhoek, South Peninsula. The residential area to the west of the site is low density whereas theresidential area to the east is medium density. The property immediately adjacent and to the east isthe exception as this site is also vacant (not yet developed) and is presently used as horse paddocks.In the greater surroundings the land use comprises commercial (the Noordhoek Farm Village islocated some 350m to the south east) and nature conservation use with Table Mountain NationalPark (TMNP) situated approximately 1km to the east, 1.5km to the north and north west and 2km tothe south west of the site. The nearest industrial area is more than 4 km to the south as is the nearestlow income residential area (Masiphumelele).

8. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS

Describe the existing social and economic characteristics of the community in order to provide baseline information.

The residents of Noordhoek are mostly affluent. Unemployment and poverty are virtually absent inthe immediate area. The nearest low income residential area is that of Masiphumelele townshipwhich is located 4 km to the south of the site. Many domestic workers in the surrounding residentialareas reside in this township and also in the Ocean View township which is located approximately7 km south west of the site near Kommetjie.

9. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS

(a) Please be advised that if section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999), is applicable to yourproposed development, then you are requested to furnish this Department with written comment from Heritage WesternCape as part of your public participation process. Section 38 of the Act states as follows: “38. (1) Subject to the provisionsof subsections (7), (8) and (9), any person who intends to undertake a development categorised as-

(a) the construction of a road, wall, power line, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or barrierexceeding 300m in length;

(b) the construction of a bridge or similar structure exceeding 50m in length;I any development or other activity which will change the character of a site-

(i) exceeding 5 000 m2 in extent; or(ii) involving three or more existing erven or subdivisions thereof; or(iii) involving three or more erven or divisions thereof which have been consolidated within the past five years; or(iv) the costs of which will exceed a sum set in terms of regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources

authority;(d) the re-zoning of a site exceeding 10 000 m2 in extent; orLaunch Internet Explorer Browser.lnk (e) any other category of development provided for in

regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority,must at the very earliest stages of initiating such a development, notify the responsible heritage resources authorityand furnish it with details regarding the location, nature and extent of the proposed development.”

(b) The impact on any national estate referred to in section 3(2), excluding the national estate contemplated in section3(2)(i)(vi) and (vii), of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999), must also be investigated, assessedand evaluated. Section 3(2) states as follows: “3(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the national estate mayinclude—

(a) places, buildings, structures and equipment of cultural significance;(b) places to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage;I historical settlements and townscapes;(d) landscapes and natural features of cultural significance;(e) geological sites of scientific or cultural importance;(f) archaeological and palaeontological sites;(g) graves and burial grounds, including—(i) ancestral graves;(ii) royal graves and graves of traditional leaders;(iii) graves of victims of conflict;(iv) graves of individuals designated by the Minister by notice in the Gazette;(v) historical graves and cemeteries; and(vi) other human remains which are not covered in terms of the Human Tissue Act, 1983 (Act No. 65 of 1983);(h) sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa;(i) movable objects, including—(i) objects recovered from the soil or waters of South Africa, including archaeological and palaeontological objectsand material, meteorites and rare geological specimens;(ii) objects to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage;

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(iii) ethnographic art and objects;(iv) military objects;(v) objects of decorative or fine art;(vi) objects of scientific or technological interest; and(vii) books, records, documents, photographic positives and negatives, graphic, film or video material or soundrecordings, excluding those that are public records as defined in section 1(xiv) of the National Archives of South AfricaAct, 1996 (Act No. 43 of 1996).”

Is section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, applicable to the development?YES NO

UNCERTAIN

If YES, explain:

The construction of the proposed residential development will change thecharacter of a site which exceeds 5000 m² in extent. A heritage NID was submittedto Heritage Western Cape (HWC) following which HWC indicated that they were ofthe opinion that no heritage resources would be impacted (see HWC commentattached as Appendix E).

Will the development impact on any national estate referred to in section 3(2) of the NationalHeritage Resources Act, 1999?

YES NO

UNCERTAIN

If YES, explain:

Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? YES NO UNCERTAIN

If YES, explain:

Please Note: If uncertain, the Department may request that specialist input be provided.

10. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES

(a) Please list all legislation, policies and/or guidelines that have been considered in the preparation of this Basic AssessmentReport.

LEGISLATION ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY

TYPEPermit/ license/

authorisation/comment / relevantconsideration (e.g. rezoning or

consent use, building plan approval)

DATE(if alreadyobtained):

National Heritage ResourcesAct No 25 of 1999 Heritage Western Cape Comment 22/02/17

Cape Town MunicipalPlanning By-Law, 2015 City of Cape Town Rezoning N/A

National BuildingRegulations and BuildingStandards Act, Act 103 of1977 and the NationalBuilding Regulations aspublished under GN1985/R441

City of Cape Town Authorization of buildingplans N/A

National Water Act No. 36of 1998

Department of Water &Sanitation Water Use License N/A

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POLICY/ GUIDELINES ADMINISTERING AUTHORITYGuideline on Need and Desirability (2013) DEA&DPGuideline on Alternatives (2013) DEA&DPGuideline on Public Participation (2013) DEA&DPGuidelines for involving Biodiversity Specialists in the EIAprocess (2005) DEA&DP

Guidelines for Environmental Management Plans (2005) DEA&DPCircular EADP0028/2014 “One environmental system” DEA&DPCity of Cape Town IDP City of Cape TownCity of Cape Town Municipal SDF City of Cape TownSouthern District Plan (2012) City of Cape TownMunicipal Planning By-law (2015) City of Cape TownCity of Cape Town Densification Policy (2012). City of Cape TownScenic Drive Network Management Plan (2003) City of Cape TownCity of Cape Town Guideline for Urban StormwaterManagement City of Cape Town

(b) Please describe how the legislation, policies and/or guidelines were taken into account in the preparation of this BasicAssessment Report.

LEGISLATION / POLICY / GUIDELINE DESCRIBE HOW THE LEGISLATION / POLICY / GUIDELINE WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT(e.g. describe the extent to which it was adhered to, or deviated from, etc).National Heritage ResourcesAct No 25 of 1999

Section 38 of the National Heritage Act is triggered. The HWCcomment is attached as Appendix E.

National Water Act No 36 of1998 A Water Use License Application (WULA) will be made in due course.

Cape Town MunicipalPlanning By-Law, 2015

The rezoning application will be submitted during the BasicAssessment process. There was no need to adhere to any of itsrequirements as part of the EIA process.

National BuildingRegulations and BuildingStandards Act, Act 103 of1977 and the NationalBuilding Regulations aspublished under GN1985/R441

The Building Plan submission will follow after the EnvironmentalAuthorisation and Land Use approval has been issued. There was noneed to adhere to any of its requirements as part of the EIA process.

Guideline on Need andDesirability (2010)

This guideline was consulted in completion the need and desirabilitysection of this report.

Guideline on Alternatives(2010)

This guideline informed the range of alternatives that wereconsidered, during and prior to the Basic Assessment process.

Guideline on PublicParticipation (2010)

This guideline informed the public participation process followed. Allrelevant requirements have been met.

Guidelines for involvingspecialists in EIA processes(various)

These guidelines informed the terms of reference for the specialistsappointed including a wetland specialist, a fauna specialist and atraffic engineer.

Guidelines for EnvironmentalManagement Plans

This guideline informed the structure and content of the draft EMPrattached as Appendix H.

DEA&DP circularEADP0028/2014 “Oneenvironmental system”

The circular assumes that the other authorities to whom environmentalapplications must be also submitted (e.g. Water Use LicenseApplication to the Department of Water & Sanitation, DWS) have theirdecision-making procedures aligned with the one environmentalsystem. In the case of DWS this is not the case and therefore the oneenvironmental system cannot be fully implemented at present.

City of Cape Town IDP

The proposed use for the site is in accordance with the IDP insofar as itcomprises infill development (see Section 4: Need & Desirability forfurther details)

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City of Cape Town SDFThe proposed use for the site is in accordance with the SDF as the SDFidentifies the site as being suitable for urban development (seeSection 4: Need & Desirability for further details).

Southern District Plan (2012)

The District Plan indicates that the site is suitable for ‘New Urban Infill’(for a detailed account of the manner in which the District Plan hasbeen complied with please see Section D Need & Desirability Point 2(d) on page 24.

Municipal Planning By-law(2015)

The site is identified for urban infill in the City of Cape Town’s MunicipalPlanning By-law (2015). As a Scenic Resource, Noordhoek Main Roadis Noordhoek Main Road is not a designated Scenic Drive in the By-law.

City of Cape TownDensification Policy (2012).

The proposed development aligns with the requirements of the City’sDensification Policy (see Section 4: Need & Desirability for furtherdetails)

Scenic Drive NetworkManagement Plan (2003)

Noordhoek Main Road is classed as a Scenic Route SR2, Route 10.The Scenic Drive Network Management Plan (2003) notes thefollowing with regard to the intrinsic scenic value of this road: “Exceptfor the mountain backdrop, and the sea view at its termination atChapman’s Peak, this route has low scenic value and is in essence alinkage road.”

The design response has taken cognisance of the visual prominenceof the site, which is partly due to the local geography and the siteforming part of the few remaining large vacant properties inNoordhoek. The views across the site approaching downhill onSilvermine Road are considered the most significant. TheDevelopment Concept has therefore allowed for the placement ofsports fields along this road and buildings concentrated towards thelower southern corner of the property making use of the 11m fallacross the site from the Silvermine Road boundary to the far southcorner along Noordhoek Main Road.

The preliminary aesthetics of the proposed structures are furthermorein keeping with the nearby Noordhoek Farm Village, which resemblesa historical farmstead. Architectural Inspiration was also taken fromSomerset College in Somerset West. Key design principles includewhite walled ‘farmhouse’ architecture, dark charcoal roofs, mix ofsingle storey and ‘room in the roof’ buildings (lower wall plate height)with no traditional double storey buildings.

Some degree of screening will also be achieved through theconstruction of an earthen, planted berm along Noordhoek MainRoad and through fencing, signage and soft landscaping.

City of Cape TownGuideline for UrbanStormwater Management,2009

The Stormwater Management Plan (see Appendix G6) has beenprepared in accordance with the City’s Policy for the Managementof Urban Stormwater by ensuring that post-development run-off fromthe site does not exceed the pre-development scenario and also byensuring that run-off from roofs and parking surfaces is suitablypolished before being discharged into the stormwater network.

Please note: Copies of any permit(s) or licences received from any other organ of state must be attached this report asAppendix E.

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SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATIONThe Public Participation Process (“PPP”) must fulfil the requirements outlined in the NEMA, the EIA Regulations, 2014, and ifapplicable the NEM: WA and/or the NEM: AQA. This Department’s Circular EADP 0028/2014 (dated 9 December 2014) on the“One Environmental Management System” and the EIA Regulations, any subsequent Circulars, and guidelines must also betaken into account.

1. Please highlight the appropriate box to indicate whether the specific requirement was undertaken or whether there was anexemption applied for.

In terms of Regulation 41 of the EIA Regulations, 2014 -(a) fixing a notice board at a place conspicuous to and accessible by the public at the boundary, on the fence or along the

corridor of -

(i) the site where the activity to which the application relates is or is to be undertaken; andYES EXEMPTION

(ii) any alternative site YES EXEMPTIONN/A

(b) giving written notice, in any manner provided for in Section 47D of the NEMA, to –(i) the occupiers of the site and, if the applicant is not the owner or person in control of the

site on which the activity is to be undertaken, the owner or person in control of the sitewhere the activity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site where the activity isto be undertaken;

YES EXEMPTION N/A

(ii) owners, persons in control of, and occupiers of land adjacent to the site where theactivity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site where the activity is to beundertaken;

YES EXEMPTION

(iii) the municipal councillor of the ward in which the site or alternative site is situated andany organisation of ratepayers that represent the community in the area;

YES EXEMPTION

(iv) the municipality (Local and District Municipality) which has jurisdiction in the area;YES EXEMPTION

(v) any organ of state having jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the activity; andYES EXEMPTION

(vi) any other party as required by the Department; YES EXEMPTION N/A(c) placing an advertisement in -

(i) one local newspaper; orYES

EXEMPTION

(ii) any official Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing publicnotice of applications or other submissions made in terms of these Regulations; YES EXEMPTION N/A

(d) placing an advertisement in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper,if the activity has or may have an impact that extends beyond the boundaries of themetropolitan or district municipality in which it is or will be undertaken

YES EXEMPTION N/A

(e) using reasonable alternative methods, as agreed to by the Department, in thoseinstances where a person is desirous of but unable to participate in the process dueto—(i) illiteracy;(ii) disability; or(iii) any other disadvantage.

YES EXEMPTION N/A

If you have indicated that “EXEMPTION” is applicable to any of the above, then proof of the exemption decision must beappended to this report.Please note that for the NEM: WA and NEM: AQA, a notice must be placed in at least two newspapers circulating in the areawhere the activity applied for is proposed.If applicable, has/will an advertisement be placed in at least two newspapers? YES NO

If “NO”, then proof of the exemption decision must be appended to this report.

2. Provide a list of all the state departments that were consulted:City of Cape TownDepartment of Water & SanitationCapeNatureHeritage Western CapeDepartment of Transport and Public Works

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3. Please provide an overall summary of the Public Participation Process that was followed. (The detailed outcomes ofthis process must be included in a comments and response report to be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report(see note below) as Appendix F).

The Public Participation process is currently at the Draft Basic Assessment Review stage. Inaccordance with the requirements of the 2014 NEMA EIA Regulations all potential Interestedand Affected Parties (IAPs) and state departments were notified of the availability of the DraftBasic Assessment Report (BAR) for comment for a period of 30 days (comment closure date 17July 2017). Methods of notification included the placement of an on-site notice, a newspaperadvert in the local newspaper (The False Bay Echo) and the sending of emailed notificationand registered mailing notification. A database of Registered IAPs will be opened at the endof the 30 day period and a Comments & Responses Report will be compiled. The Comments& Responses Report will then be circulated to all Registered IAPs along with the Final BAR forfinal comment for a period of 30 days. The final comment will then be appended to the FinalBAR and submitted to the Department for a decision. All registered IAPs will be sentnotification of the Department’s decision and the appeal process.

Please note:

Should any of the responses be “No” and no deviation or exemption from that requirement was

requested and agreed to /granted by the Department, the Basic Assessment Report will be rejected.

A list of all the potential interested and affected parties, including the organs of State, notified and a list

of all the register of interested and affected parties, must be submitted with the final Basic Assessment

Report. The list of registered interested and affected parties must be opened, maintained and made

available to any person requesting access to the register in writing.

The draft Basic Assessment Report must be submitted to the Department before it is made available to

interested and affected parties, including the relevant organs of State and State departments which

have jurisdiction with regard to any aspect of the activity, for a 30-day commenting period. With regard

to State departments, the 30-day period commences the day after the date on which the Department

as the competent/licensing authority requests such State department in writing to submit comment. The

applicant/EAP is therefore required to inform this Department in writing when the draft Basic Assessment

Report will be made available to the relevant State departments for comment. Upon receipt of the Draft

Basic Assessment Report and this confirmation, this Department will in accordance with Section 24O(2)

and (3) of the NEMA request the relevant State departments to comment on the draft report within 30

days.

All comments of interested and affected parties on the draft Basic Assessment Report must be recorded,

responded to and included in the Comments and Responses Report included as Appendix F to the final

Basic Assessment Report. If necessary, any amendments in response to comments received must be

effected in the Basic Assessment Report itself. The Comments and Responses Report must also include a

description of the public participation process followed.

The final Basic Assessment Report must be made available to registered interested and affected parties

for comment before submitting it to the Department for consideration. Unless otherwise indicated by the

Department, a final Basic Assessment Report must be made available to the registered interested and

affected parties for comment for a minimum of 30-days. Comments on the final Basic Assessment Report

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does not have to be responded to, but the comments must be attached to the final Basic Assessment

Report.

The minutes of any meetings held by the EAP with interested and affected parties and other role players

which record the views of the participants must also be submitted as part of the public participation

information to be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix F.

Proof of all the notices given as indicated, as well as of notice to the interested and affected parties of

the availability of the draft Basic Assessment Report and final Basic Assessment Report must be submitted

as part of the public participation information to be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as

Appendix F.

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SECTION D: NEED AND DESIRABILITYPlease Note: Before completing this section, first consult this Department’s Guideline on Need and Desirability (August 2010)available on the Department’s website (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eadp).

1. Is the activity permitted in terms of the property’s existing land use rights? YES NO Please explainThe site is currently zoned Rural. A rezoning application is required to ensure that the proposedschool is permitted in terms of the subject property’s land use rights.2. Will the activity be in line with the following?(a) Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES NO Please explainWhile the PSDF is not really applicable to the current project due to its relatively small scale, theproject is largely aligned with the PSDF insofar as it constitutes infill development (densification) insidethe urban edge and also comprises the development of an educational facility which is a highpriority in South Africa and in the province.(b) Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area YES NO Please explainThe site is located within the urban edge.(c) Integrated Development Plan and Spatial Development Framework of the

Local Municipality (e.g. would the approval of this application compromise theintegrity of the existing approved and credible municipal IDP and SDF?).

YES NO Please explain

The approval of this application would support the Municipal IDP insofar as it constitutes densificationwithin the urban edge. The site is designated as suitable for urban development in terms of the Cityof Cape Town Spatial Development Framework (CTSDF).(d) Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality YES NO Please explainThe Southern District Plan (DP), approved as a 4(10) structure plan ito LUPO in 2012. The property isearmarked as Urban Development (Spatial Planning Category) in the DP and together with theadjacent vacant property to the east, marked as a 'New development areas/new urban infill.' It isnoted in the DP that the most likely uses for these vacant properties are rural or residential with openspace with a possible yield of 20 dwelling units. Supporting Land Use Guidelines are stipulated in theDP for the properties comprising this new urban area that include:

the preservation of the area's rural character, any residential development to be at least 4000m² portions but preferably include a higher

residential density concentrated in the one portion of the site, ideally away from the scenic drivesand retain a portion of the site for rural usage.

Waterbodies to be maintained for leopard toad breeding and movement. Appropriate boundary fencing to allow Leopard Toad movement.

It is motivated therefore that a 'Community Use' contained on the lower portions of site, with a largearea left open (playing fields and toad sanctuary) as articulated in the Applicant’s PreferredAlternative can be deemed in accordance with the Structure Plan of the Municipality.

(e) An Environmental Management Framework (EMF) adopted by the Department(e.g. Would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existingenvironmental management priorities for the area and if so, can it be justified interms of sustainability considerations?)


No EMF has been formulated for the area.(f) Any other Plans (e.g. Guide Plan) YES NO Please explainN/A

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3. Is the land use (associated with the activity being applied for) consideredwithin the timeframe intended by the existing approved Spatial DevelopmentFramework (SDF) agreed to by the relevant environmental authority (i.e. is theproposed development in line with the projects and programmes identified aspriorities within the credible IDP)?


Infill development within the urban edge is supported with the City of Cape Town’s IDP which isregarded as being credible. The City of Cape Town’s SDF also proposes three key strategies for theCity. The key strategies include 1) Plan for employment, and improve access to economicopportunities, 2) Manage urban growth, and create a balance between urban development andenvironmental protection and 3) Build an inclusive, integrated, vibrant city.

The proposal to establish a high-quality educational school complies with a number of policydirectives that are aligned with these key strategies. These include the following:

Policy P1: Maintain and enhance the features of Cape Town that attracts investors, visitors andskilled labour. This is ensured through establishing an international accepted educational modelin the South Peninsula.

Policy P4: Encourage area specialisation and the development of diverse, mutually supportivesystem of economic areas.

Policy P13: Include walking and cycling as essential components of land use planning. The site islocated in a predominantly residential area and the aim is to encourage local scholars to makeuse of non-motorised transport to attend the school and in so doing, result in less trips out of thearea for the purposes of attending schools.

4. Should development, or if applicable, expansion of the town/area concernedin terms of this land use (associated with the activity being applied for) occurhere at this point in time?


The City of Cape Town promotes densification via its draft Densification Policy. The timing of thedevelopment is appropriate as current market conditions indicate that there is a demand for a newschool comprising pre-primary, primary and high school levels in the area.5. Does the community/area need the activity and the associated land use

concerned (is it a societal priority)? (This refers to the strategic as well as locallevel (e.g. development is a national priority, but within a specific local contextit could be inappropriate.)


The proposed development serves a sub-regional strategic purpose and benefit, as it can assist inmore sustainable traffic flows, and it does serve a local need for educational facilities (particularly athigh school level) in the Noordhoek, Sun Valley and Fish Hoek area. Many Noordhoek residents havechildren enrolled at schools in the Southern Suburbs and have to travel over Ou Kaapse Weg to gettheir children to school. Developing a school at this site would provide the benefit of less travel andless road congestion for many local residents, and therefore also benefits in carbon emission. Theproposed development can also be regarded as locally beneficial as it will generate jobs inconstruction and operational phases and given the levels of unemployment and poverty in thenearby township of Masiphumelele and as such will serve in the interests of those residents.

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6. Are the necessary services with adequate capacity

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