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PHASE 1 PALAEONTOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
FOR THE PROPOSED UPGRADE OF THE DAVEL
TO NERSTON RAIL LINE IN MPUMALANGA
PROVINCE. (INCLUDING THE DAVEL RAIL
YARD)
For:
HIA CONSULTANTS
DATE: 17 OCTOBER 2014
By
GIDEON GROENEWALD
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Gideon Groenewald was appointed to undertake a Phase 1 Palaeontological Impact Assessment,
assessing the potential palaeontological impact of the proposed upgrade of the Davel to Nerston Rail
Line in Mpumalanga Province. This assessment includes the area underlain by the Davel Rail Yard.
The purpose of this Palaeontological Impact Assessment is to identify exposed and potential
palaeontological heritage on the site of the proposed development, to assess the impact the
development may have on this resource, and to make recommendations as to how this impact might
be mitigated.
Transnet in collaboration with Swaziland Railway identified the construction and upgrade of the
railway line between Davel in Mpumalanga and Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, connecting via the
Swaziland rail network, as a strategic project. The aim of the project is to unlock the potential of a
multinational strategic rail corridor and divert general freight traffic off the dedicated heavy haul
Richards Bay coal line which runs from Ermelo through rural KwaZulu-Natal to Richards Bay.
The development site for the proposed upgrade of the Davel to Nerston Rail Line in Mpumalanga
Province. is underlain by Swazian to Randian aged, intrusive rocks and Granites, Permian aged
sandstone of the Vryheid Formation and Jurassic aged dolerite.
The two proposed alternative routes close to the Swaziland border are underlain by Swazian and
Randian aged intrusive rocks.
Dr Gideon Groenewald, an experienced fieldworker, visited the site of the proposed upgrading of
the Davel to Nerston Railway line on Wednesday 8 October to Saturday 11 October 2014. The
topography of the area is mostly gentle, with rolling hills of grassland. The route of the proposed
development is however mostly confined to the middle slopes and crests of the rolling hills
associated gentle topography. The soil cover is very thick and exposure of Vryheid Formation
sandstone is restricted to some railway cuttings. Outcrops of Vryheid Formation mudstone and shale
are restricted to mining areas and it is expected that these sediments will be exposed during deep
excavations along the route.
Areas underlain by Pre-Karoo rocks and dolerite are allocated a Low Palaeontological Sensitivity. It
must be noted that plant fossils were present in all the Vryheid Formation shale samples found on
the site, indicating how important this unit is for Palaeontological Heritage. Due to the lack of
outcrops and the fact that most of the excavations for the upgrading will be in either deep soil or
partly weathered Vryheid Formation sediments, a Medium Palaeontological Sensitivity is allocated
to the part of the development site that falls on this formation. If fossils are however, observed
during excavations for the upgrading of the lines, the ECO of the project must be notified. The
palaeontologist must be informed and the fossils recovered according to SAHRA specifications.
It is recommended that:



The EAP and ECO be informed of the fact that the Vryheid Formation is known to be rich in
fossils. Due to the fact that very few outcrops are present, a Medium Palaeontological
Sensitivity is allocated to areas underlain by the formation. If fresh bedrock is exposed
during excavations, the possibility of finding fossils is high and any fossils observed must be
reported and rescued by a qualified palaeontologist.
All recorded fossils must be rescued according to SAHRA specifications.
No further mitigation for Palaeontological Heritage is recommended.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENT
1.
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Legal Requirements ................................................................................................................ 1
2. AIMS AND METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................. 1
2.1. Scope and Limitations of the Phase 1 Investigation ............................................................... 2
3. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................... 3
4. LOCALITY ......................................................................................................................................... 3
5. GEOLOGY OF THE AREA .................................................................................................................. 4
5.1. Swazian and Randian aged intrusive rocks and Granites (Zb, Rp, Rt, Rpg) ............................. 4
5.2. Karoo Supergroup ................................................................................................................... 4
5.2.1.
Ecca Group - Vryheid Formation (Pv) .............................................................................. 4
5.2.2.
Karoo Dolerite (Jd) .......................................................................................................... 4
6. PALAEONTOLOGY OF THE AREA ..................................................................................................... 5
6.1. Swazian and Randian aged intrusive rocks and Granites (Zb, Rp, Rt, Rpg) ............................. 5
6.2. Karoo Supergroup ................................................................................................................... 5
6.2.1.
Ecca Group -Vryheid Formation (PV). ............................................................................. 5
6.3. Karoo Dolerite ......................................................................................................................... 6
7. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT RESULTS ............................................................................................. 6
8. FIELD INVESTIGATION ..................................................................................................................... 6
9. PALAEONTOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND RATING ....................................................................... 15
10.
PALAEONTOLOGICAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION ..................................................................... 16
11.
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 16
12.
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 17
13.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF THE AUTHOR .............................................................. 18
14.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ........................................................................................... 18
APPENDIX A - METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS ............................... 19
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4.1 Locality of the proposed Mpumalanga rail line from Davel to Nerston ................................ 3
Figure 5.1 Geology of the Mpumalanga rail line between Davel and Nerston ...................................... 4
Figure 5.2 Geological Legend for Geological map above ........................................................................ 5
Figure 9.1 Palaeosensitivity of rail line between Davel and Nerston ................................................... 16
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 Palaeontological sensitivity analysis outcome classification .................................................. 2
Table 9.1 Palaeontological Significance of Geological Units on Site..................................................... 15
Table 9.2 Significance Rating Table ....................................................................................................... 16
iii
1. INTRODUCTION
Gideon Groenewald was appointed to undertake a Phase 1 Palaeontological Impact Assessment,
assessing the potential palaeontological impact of the proposed upgrade of the Davel to Nerston Rail
Line in Mpumalanga Province. This assessment includes the area underlain by the Davel Rail Yard.
The purpose of this Palaeontological Impact Assessment is to identify exposed and potential
palaeontological heritage on the site of the proposed development, to assess the impact the
development may have on this resource, and to make recommendations as to how this impact might
be mitigated.
1.1. Legal Requirements
This report forms part of the Basic Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed proposed
upgrade of the Davel to Nerston Rail Line in Mpumalanga Province and complies with the
requirements for the South African National Heritage Resource Act No 25 of 1999. In accordance
with Section 38 (Heritage Resources Management), a Palaeontological Impact Assessment is
required to assess any potential impacts to palaeontological heritage within the development
footprint of the proposed upgrade of the Davel to Nerston Rail Line in Mpumalanga Province..
Categories of heritage resources recognised as part of the National Estate in Section 3 of the
Heritage Resources Act, and which therefore fall under its protection, include:
 geological sites of scientific or cultural importance;
 objects recovered from the soil or waters of South Africa, including archaeological and
palaeontological objects and material, meteorites and rare geological specimens; and
 objects with the potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of
South Africa’s natural or cultural heritage.
2. AIMS AND METHODOLOGY
A Phase 1 investigation is often the last opportunity to record the fossil heritage within the
development footprint. These records are very important to understand the past and form an
important part of South Africa’s National Estate.
Following the “SAHRA APM Guidelines: Minimum Standards for the Archaeological &
Palaeontological Components of Impact Assessment Reports” the aims of the palaeontological
impact assessment were:
 to identifying exposed and subsurface rock formations that are considered to be
palaeontologically significant;
 to assessing the level of palaeontological significance of these formations;
 to comment on the impact of the development on these exposed and/or potential fossil
resources and
 to make recommendations as to how the developer should conserve or mitigate damage to
these resources.
Prior to the field investigation a preliminary assessment (desktop study) of the topography and
geology of the study area was made using appropriate 1:250 000 geological maps (2628 East Rand
and 2630 Mbabane) in conjunction with Google Earth. Potential fossiliferous rock units (groups,
formations etc) were identified within the study area and the known fossil heritage within each rock
unit was inventoried from the published scientific literature, previous palaeontological impact
studies in the same region and the author’s field experience.
1
Priority palaeontological areas were identified within the development footprint to focus the field
investigator’s time and resources. The aim of the fieldwork was to document any exposed fossil
material and to assess the palaeontological potential of the region in terms of the type and extent of
rock outcrop in the area.
The likely impact of the proposed development on local fossil heritage was determined on the basis
of the palaeontological sensitivity of the rock units concerned and the nature and scale of the
development itself, most notably the minimal extent of fresh bedrock excavation envisaged. The
different sensitivity classes used are explained in Table 2.1 below.
Table 2.1 Palaeontological sensitivity analysis outcome classification
When rock units of moderate to high palaeontological sensitivity are present within the
development footprint, palaeontological mitigation measures should be incorporated into the
Environmental Management Plan.
2.1. Scope and Limitations of the Phase 1 Investigation
The scope of a phase 1 Investigation includes:
 an analysis of the area’s stratigraphy, age and depositional setting of fossil-bearing units;
 a review of all relevant palaeontological and geological literature, including geological maps,
and previous palaeontological impact reports;
 data on the proposed development provided by the developer (e.g. location of footprint,
depth and volume of bedrock excavation envisaged) and
 where feasible, location and examination of any fossil collections from the study area (e.g.
museums).
 do an on-site investigation to assess the identified palaeontological sensitive areas within
the development footprint/study area rather than formal palaeontological collection. The
investigation should focus on the sites where bedrock excavations would definitely require
palaeontological monitoring.
2
The results of the field investigation are then used to predict the potential of buried fossil heritage
within the development footprint. In some investigations this involves the examination of similar
accessible bedrock exposures, such as road cuttings and quarries, along roads that run parallel to or
across the development footprint.
3. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION
Transnet SOC Limited (hereafter referred to as Transnet) is a government (state) owned company
(SOC) and is the custodian of South Africa’s railway, ports and pipelines, thereby responsible for
delivering reliable freight transport and handling services that satisfy customer demand.
As such, Transnet in collaboration with Swaziland Railway identified the construction and upgrade of
the railway line between Davel in Mpumalanga and Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, connecting via
the Swaziland rail network, as a strategic project. The aim of the project is to unlock the potential of
a multinational strategic rail corridor and divert general freight traffic off the dedicated heavy haul
Richards Bay coal line which runs from Ermelo through rural KwaZulu-Natal to Richards Bay.
The project activities will consist of various works, including the upgrading of existing railway
sections (including re-building certain sections), construction of an entirely new rail link from Lothair
in South Africa to Sidvokodvo in Swaziland and construction of new rail yards. These proposed works
trigger a number of listed activities as specified in the National Environmental Management Act
(NEMA), 107 of 1998, the National Water Act (NWA), 36 of 1998 and the National Environmental
Management: Waste Act (NEM:WA), 59 of 2008.
Due to the magnitude of the proposed project, which stretches over a distance of approximately 570
km including Swaziland, it was decided that three applications will be compiled as follows:
1. Davel yard and connections, DEA ref no 14/12/16/3/3/2/551;
2. Mpumalanga rail line from Davel to Nerston, DEA ref no 14/12/16/3/3/2/553;
3. KwaZulu-Natal railway line from Golela to Nsezi, DEA ref no 14/12/16/3/3/2/552.
Each of the three sections will go through the EIA process separately, although concurrently (as far
as possible) in order to simplify the public participation process and to reduce any potential
confusion. This report specifically pertains to application 2 as mentioned above, i.e. the
Mpumalanga rail line from Davel to Nerston (Ref. number: 14/12/16/3/3/2/553).
4. LOCALITY
Figure 4.1 Locality of the proposed Mpumalanga rail line from Davel to Nerston
3
5. GEOLOGY OF THE AREA
The section of the proposed upgrading of the railway line between Davel and Nerston is underlain by
Randian aged granites, Permian aged sedimentary and Jurassic volcanic rocks of the Karoo
Supergroup.
The two proposed alternative routes close to the Swaziland border are underlain by Swazian and
Randian aged intrusive rocks.
5.1. Swazian and Randian aged intrusive rocks and Granites (Zb, Rp, Rt, Rpg)
The ancient rocks of these units comprise very old lava deposits, gabbros and ultrabasic
rocks including pyroxinite and norite.
5.2. Karoo Supergroup
5.2.1. Ecca Group - Vryheid Formation (Pv)
The Permian aged Vryheid Formation is a thick sequence of sedimentary rocks
dominated by light grey sandstones with interbedded grey shale and thick, economically
important coal seams. These sandstones were deposited along ancient sandy shorelines
behind which lay vast swamplands. Burial of vegetation in the swamps eventually
formed coal which is mined at various localities in the area.
5.2.2. Karoo Dolerite (Jd)
Numerous sections in the western part of the proposed route are underlain by extensive
dolerite sills.
Figure 5.1 Geology of the Mpumalanga rail line between Davel and Nerston
4
Figure 5.2 Geological Legend for Geological map above
6. PALAEONTOLOGY OF THE AREA
6.1. Swazian and Randian aged intrusive rocks and Granites (Zb, Rp, Rt, Rpg)
Due to the age and igneous as well as metamorphic character of these rock units it is very
unlikely that fossils will be found. A Low Palaeontological Sensitivity is allocated to these
units.
6.2. Karoo Supergroup
6.2.1. Ecca Group -Vryheid Formation (PV).
The Vryheid Formation is well-known for the occurrence of coal beds that resulted from
the accumulation of plant material over long periods of time. Plant fossils described by
Bamford (2011) from the Vryheid Formation are; Azaniodendron fertile, Cyclodendron
leslii, Sphenophyllum hammanskraalensis, Annularia sp., Raniganjia sp., Asterotheca
spp., Liknopetalon enigmata, Glossopteris > 20 species, Hirsutum 4 spp., Scutum 4 spp.,
Ottokaria 3 spp., Estcourtia sp., Arberia 4 spp., Lidgetonnia sp., Noeggerathiopsis sp. and
Podocarpidites sp.
According to Bamford (2011) “Little data have been published on these potentially
fossiliferous deposits. Around the coalmines there is most likely to be good material and
yet in other areas the exposures may be too poor to be of interest. When they do occur
fossil plants are usually abundant and it would not be feasible to preserve and maintain
5
all the sites, however, in the interests of heritage and science such sites should be well
recorded, sampled and the fossils kept in a suitable institution.
Although no vertebrate fossils have been recorded from the Vryheid Formation,
invertebrate trace fossils have been described in some detail by Mason and Christie
(1985). It should be noted, however, that the aquatic reptile, Mesosaurus, which is the
earliest known reptile from the Karoo Basin, as well as fish (Palaeoniscus capensis), have
been recorded in equivalent-aged strata in the Whitehill Formation in the southern part
of the basin (MacRae, 1999; Modesto, 2006). Indications are that the Whitehill
Formation in the main basin might be correlated with the mid-Vryheid Formation. If this
assumption proves correct, there is a possibility that Mesosaurus could be found in the
Vryheid Formation.
The late Carboniferous to early Jurassic Karoo Supergroup of South Africa includes
economically important coal deposits within the Vryheid Formation of Natal. The Karoo
sediments are almost entirely lacking in body fossils but ichnofossils (trace fossils) are
locally abundant. Modern sedimentological and ichnofaunal studies suggest that the
north-eastern part of the Karoo basin was marine. In KwaZulu-Natal a shallow basin
margin accommodated a prograding fluviodeltaic complex forming a broad sandy
platform on which coal-bearing sediments were deposited. Ichnofossils include Uburrows (formerly Corophioides) which are assigned to ichnogenus Diplocraterion
(Mason and Christie, 1985).
A High Palaeontological Sensitivity is allocated to the areas underlain by the Vryheid
Formation.
6.3. Karoo Dolerite
Due to the igneous character of the rocks no fossils will be present. A Low Palaeontological
Sensitivity is allocated to the sections underlain by these units.
7. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT RESULTS
The palaeontological sensitivity was predicted after identifying potentially fossiliferous rock units;
ascertaining the fossil heritage from the literature and evaluating the nature and scale of the
development itself. The palaeontological sensitivity can be described as significant due to the
potential abundance of Permian aged fossils including plant fossils in the Vryheid Formation.
8. FIELD INVESTIGATION
Dr Gideon Groenewald, an experienced fieldworker, visited the site of the proposed upgrading of
the Davel to Nerston Railway line on Wednesday 8 October to Saturday 11 October 2014. The
topography of the area is mostly gentle, with rolling hills of grassland. The route of the proposed
development is however mostly confined to the middle slopes and and crests of the rolling hills
associated gentle topography. The soil cover is very thick and exposure of Vryheid Formation
sandstone is restricted to some railway cuttings. Outcrops of Vryheid Formation mudstone and shale
are restricted to mining areas and it is expected that these sediments will be exposed during deep
excavations along the route.
6
Photo GPS
Coordinates
1
26 21 28,7S
29 46 56,5E
Description
2
26 21 26,9S
29 47 4,0E
Dolerite sills underlying the
development footprint.. No fossils.
3
26 20 49,1S
29 49 37,3E
Deep soils with no outcrop on
route of line. No fossils
4
26 20 52,0S
29 50 46,8E
Dolerite outcrop. No fossils
5
26 20 52,0S
29 50 46,8E
Dolerite in railway cutting. No
fossils
Picture
Deep soils on Vryheid Formation –
No outcrops at Davel
7
6
26 20 52,0S
29 50 46,8E
No outcrop. Route underlain by
dolerite sills. No fossils.
7
26 20 23,6S
29 51 15,7E
Sandstone from a quarry. No
fossils observed
8
26 20 12,2S
29 51 51,6E
Quarried sandstone – no fossils
observed
9
26 20 14,4S
29 53 13,7E
Old coal mine. No outcrops, no
fossils observed. Potential for
fossils when excavations are done
for upgrade of line
10
26 20 27,9S
29 53 57,9E
Cutting into dolerite sill. No fossils.
8
11
26 20 16,7S
29 56 20,5E
No outcrop. Deep soils, no fossils
observed
12
26 20 12,3S
29 57 14,2E
Vryheid Formation underlying
route of development. No fossils
observed
13
26 19 52,3S
29 58 1,8E
Vryheid Formation sandstone. No
fossils observed
14
26 20 10,2S
29 57 59,1E
Deep soils, no outcrop. No fossils
observed
15
26 21 15,9S
29 58 19,1E
Msobo Coal Mine. No outcrops
along railway line, but shale with
plant fossils might be exposed
during excavations for upgrading
of the line
9
16
26 23 45,1S
29 59 13,3E
No outcrop of Vryheid Formation
sandstone or shale. No fossils
observed
17
26 24 51,5S
29 59 59,5E
Deep soils with no outcrop along
railway line. No fossils observed
18
26 26 46,4S
30 01 16,7E
Thutsi Collery. Potential high for
fossils during excavation for
upgrading of line
19
26 26 47,6S
30 01 14,6E
Plant fossils (Glossoperis) and coal
in Vryheid Formation shale beds.
20
26 26 47,6S
30 01 14,6E
Plant fossils (Glossoperis) and coal
in Vryheid Formation sandstone
beds.
10
21
26 27 30,2S
30 01 29,3E
Deep soils on Vryheid Formation.
No outcrop, no fossils observed
22
26 28 18,2S
30 01 52,6E
Sandstone and shale of Vryheid
Formation with broken plant
material
23
26 28 18,2S
30 01 52,6E
Sandstone and shale of Vryheid
Formation with plant material.
Fossils are fragmentary, but better
material might be exposed during
excavations for upgrading of the
line
24
26 28 22,9S
30 01 58,8E
Deep soil and no outcrop of
Vryheid Formation. No fossils
observed
25
26 28 21,0S
30 02 54,2E
Golfview Siding/mine area, coal
and possible plant fossils will be
exposed during excavation for
upgrading of the l
11
26
26 28 14,5S
30 03 3,8E
Coal mine. Excavation for upgrade
might expose fossils
27
26 28 33,5S
30 05 32,4E
No outcrop on Vryheid Formation
28
26 28 37,3S
30 08 11,6E
No Outcrop. No fossils observed.
29
26 28 00,1S
30 09 09,4E
Sandy soil on Vryheid Formation.
No fossils observed
30
26 27 33,1S
30 09 24,4E
Vryheid Formation sandstone
outcrops. No fossils observed.
12
31
26 27 27,9S
30 9 44,4E
Vryheid Formation sandstone
outcrops. No fossils observed
32
26 27 24,2S
30 10 5,0E
Vryheid Formation, deep
weathering, no fossils observed
33
26 27 28,1S
30 15 19,3
No outcrop. No fossils observed
34
26 26 41,5S
30 16 40,4
No outcrop, no fossils observed
35
26 26 7,5S
30 34 53,7E
No outcrop along an extensive
section of the route, no fossils
observed
13
36
26 29 34,3S
30 37 26E
Quarry in Vryheid Formation
sandstone. No fossils observed
37
26 30 17,4S
30 37 36,3E
Pre Karoo Geology, no fossils
expected and no fossils observed.
Site close to Westoe Dam wall.
38
26 32 25,5S
30 44 57,8E
Granite outcrop. No fossils
expected, no fossils observed
39
26 30 21,2S
30 46 38,0E
Granite, pre-Karoo geology, no
fossils expected, no fossils
observed
40
26 34 2,8S
30 47 9,7E
Nerston, no outcrop, no fossils
observed
14
41
26 28 22,1S
30 01 41,4E
No outcrop, no fossils observed
42
26 30 3,6S
30 00 45,8E
Deep soils, no outcrop, no fossils
observed
9. PALAEONTOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND RATING
The predicted palaeontological impact of the development is based on the initial mapping
assessment and literature reviews as well as information gathered during the field investigation.
The palaeontological significance and rating is summarised in Table 9.1 and 9.2 and the
Palaeontological sensitivity is shown in Figure 9.1. The methodology for assessing the significance of
impacts is based on the methodology proposed by Coastal Environmental Services (CES), can be
found in Appendix A.
Table 9.1
Palaeontological Significance of Geological Units on Site
Geological Unit
Pre Karoo
basement rocks
Vryheid
Formation
Dolerite
Rock Type and Age
Granite and
intrusive rocks
SWAZIAN/RANDIAN
Coarse-grained
sandstone and
interbedded shale
with coal beds
PERMIAN
Dolerite
JURASSIC
Fossil Heritage
Vertebrate
Biozone
Palaeontological
Sensitivity
None
None
Insignificant
Mainly plant remains of
Glossopteris floral
assemblages
None
Low to Moderate
due to deep
weathering
15
Table 9.2 Significance Rating Table
Temporal
Scale
Spatial Scale
(duration of
impact)
(area in which
impact will have
an effect)
Pre-Karoo
Permanent
International
Vryheid
Formation
Permanent
Dolerite
Permanent
Rock Unit
Degree of
confidence
(confidence
with which one
has predicted
the
significance of
an impact)
Impact severity
(severity of negative impacts, or
how beneficial positive impacts
would be)
Overall Significance
(The combination of all the other
criteria as an overall significance)
With
mitigation
Without
mitigation
With
mitigation
Without
mitigation
Probable
No effect
No Effect
No
significance
No
significance
International
Possible
Beneficial
Severe
Beneficial
Severe
International
Probable
No effect
No effect
No
significance
No
Significance
Figure 9.1 Palaeosensitivity of rail line between Davel and Nerston
10. PALAEONTOLOGICAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION
The predicted palaeontological impact of the development is based on the initial mapping
assessment and literature reviews as well as information gathered during the field investigation. The
field investigation confirms that the study area is underlain by granites and intrusive rocks of Pre
Karoo age, sandstone and mudstone of the Vryheid Formation and Dolerite.
There are very few outcrops of Vryheid Formation sediments and most of the development area,
underlain by the Vryheid Formation and dolerite, is covered in relatively deep soils. For this reason,
areas underlain by the Vryheid Formation is allocated a Medium Palaeontological Sensitivity. No
fossils are expected in the Swazian, Randian aged sediments and granites or the Jurassic aged
dolerite.
11. CONCLUSION
The development site for the proposed upgrade of the Davel to Nerston Rail Line in Mpumalanga
Province. is underlain by Swazian to Randian aged, intrusive rocks and Granites, Permian aged
sandstone of the Vryheid Formation and Jurassic aged dolerite.
16
Areas underlain by Pre-Karoo rocks and dolerite are allocated a Low Palaeontological Sensitivity. It
must be noted that plant fossils were present in all the Vryheid Formation shale samples found on
the site, indicating how important this unit is for Palaeontological Heritage. Due to the lack of
outcrops and the fact that most of the excavations for the upgrading will be in either deep soil or
partly weathered Vryheid Formation sediments, a Medium Palaeontological Sensitivity is allocated
to the part of the development site that falls on this formation. If fossils are however, observed
during excavations for the upgrading of the lines, the ECO of the project must be notified. The
palaeontologist must be informed and the fossils recovered according to SAHRA specifications.
It is recommended that:



The EAP and ECO be informed of the fact that the Vryheid Formation is known to be rich in
fossils. Due to the fact that very few outcrops are present, a Medium Palaeontological
Sensitivity is allocated to areas underlain by the formation. If fresh bedrock is exposed
during excavations, the possibility of finding fossils is high and any fossils observed must be
reported and rescued by a qualified palaeontologist.
All recorded fossils must be rescued according to SAHRA specifications.
No further mitigation for Palaeontological Heritage is recommended.
12. REFERENCES
Bamford M. 2011. Desktop study Palaeontology Ermelo to Empangeni – Eskom powerline. Internal
report Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, University of the Witwatersrand.
MacRae C. 1999. Life Etched in Stone. Geological Society of South Africa.
Mason TR and Christie ADM 1986. Palaeoevironmental significance of ichnogenus Diplocraterion
torell from the Permian Vryheid Formation of the Karoo Supergroup, South Africa. Palaeogeography,
Palaeoclimatology,
17
13. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF THE AUTHOR
Dr Gideon Groenewald has a PhD in Geology from the University of Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela
Metropolitan University) (1996) and the National Diploma in Nature Conservation from Technicon
RSA (the University of South Africa) (1989). He specialises in research on South African Permian and
Triassic sedimentology and macrofossils with an interest in biostratigraphy, and palaeoecological
aspects. He has extensive experience in the locating of fossil material in the Karoo Supergroup and
has more than 20 years of experience in locating, collecting and curating fossils, including
exploration field trips in search of new localities in the southern, western, eastern and north-eastern
parts of the country. His publication record includes multiple articles in internationally recognized
journals. Dr Groenewald is accredited by the Palaeontological Society of Southern Africa (society
member for 25 years).
14. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
I, Gideon Groenewald, declare that I am an independent specialist consultant and have no financial,
personal or other interest in the proposed development, nor the developers or any of their
subsidiaries, apart from fair remuneration for work performed in the delivery of palaeontological
heritage assessment services. There are no circumstances that compromise the objectivity of my
performing such work.
Dr Gideon Groenewald
Geologist
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APPENDIX A - METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS
Although specialists will be given relatively free rein on how they conduct their research and obtain
information, they will be required to provide their reports to the EAP in a specific layout and
structure, so that a uniform specialist report volume can be produced.
To ensure a direct comparison between various specialist studies, a standard rating scale has been
defined and will be used to assess and quantify the identified impacts. This is necessary since
impacts have a number of parameters that need to be assessed. Four factors need to be considered
when assessing the significance of impacts, namely:
1. Relationship of the impact to temporal scales - the temporal scale defines the significance of the
impact at various time scales, as an indication of the duration of the impact.
2. Relationship of the impact to spatial scales - the spatial scale defines the physical extent of the
impact.
3. The severity of the impact - the severity/beneficial scale is used in order to scientifically
evaluate how severe negative impacts would be, or how beneficial positive impacts would be on
a particular affected system (for ecological impacts) or a particular affected party.
The severity of impacts can be evaluated with and without mitigation in order to demonstrate
how serious the impact is when nothing is done about it. The word ‘mitigation’ means not just
‘compensation’, but also the ideas of containment and remedy. For beneficial impacts,
optimization means anything that can enhance the benefits. However, mitigation or
optimization must be practical, technically feasible and economically viable.
4. The likelihood of the impact occurs - the likelihood of impacts taking place as a result of project
actions differs between potential impacts. There is no doubt that some impacts would occur
(e.g. loss of vegetation), but other impacts are not as likely to occur (e.g. vehicle accident), and
may or may not result from the proposed development. Although some impacts may have a
severe effect, the likelihood of them occurring may affect their overall significance.
The environmental significance scale is an attempt to evaluate the importance of a particular
impact. This evaluation needs to be undertaken in the relevant context, as an impact can either be
ecological or social, or both. The evaluation of the significance of an impact relies heavily on the
values of the person making the judgment. For this reason, impacts of especially a social nature need
to reflect the values of the affected society.
Negative impacts that are ranked as being of “VERY HIGH” and “HIGH” significance will be
investigated further to determine how the impact can be minimised or what alternative activities or
mitigation measures can be implemented. These impacts may also assist decision makers i.e. lots of
HIGH negative impacts may bring about a negative decision.
For impacts identified as having a negative impact of “MODERATE” significance, it is standard
practice to investigate alternate activities and/or mitigation measures. The most effective and
practical mitigations measures will then be proposed.
For impacts ranked as “LOW” significance, no investigations or alternatives will be considered.
Possible management measures will be investigated to ensure that the impacts remain of low
significance.
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Table 1: Criterion used to rate the significance of an impact
Significance Rating Table
Temporal Scale (The duration of the impact)
Short term
Less than 5 years (Many construction phase impacts are of a short duration)
Medium term
Between 5 and 20 years
Long term
Between 20 and 40 years (From a human perspective almost permanent).
Permanent
Over 40 years or resulting in a permanent and lasting change that will always be there
Spatial Scale (The area in which any impact will have an affect)
Individual
Impacts affect an individual.
Localised
Impacts affect a small area, often only a portion of the project area.
Project Level
Impacts affect the entire project area.
Surrounding Areas
Impacts that affect the area surrounding the development
Municipal
Impacts affect either the Local Municipality, or any towns within them.
Regional
Impacts affect the wider district municipality or the province as a whole.
National
Impacts affect the entire country.
International/Global
Impacts affect other countries or have a global influence.
Will definitely occur
Impacts will definitely occur.
Degree of Confidence or Certainty (The confidence to predicted the significance of an impact)
Definite
More than 90% sure of a particular fact. Should have substantial supportive data.
Probable
Over 70% sure of a particular fact, or of the likelihood of that impact occurring.
Possible
Only over 40% sure of a particular fact or of the likelihood of an impact occurring.
Unsure
Less than 40% sure of a particular fact or of the likelihood of an impact occurring.
Table 2: The severity rating scale
Impact severity
(The severity of negative impacts, or how beneficial positive impacts would be on a particular affected system or party)
Very severe
Very beneficial
An irreversible and permanent change to the affected A permanent and very substantial benefit to the
system(s) or party(ies) which cannot be mitigated. For affected system(s) or party(ies), with no real
example the permanent loss of land.
alternative to achieving this benefit. For example the
vast improvement of sewage effluent quality.
Severe
Beneficial
Long term impacts on the affected system(s) or A long term impact and substantial benefit to the
party(ies) that could be mitigated. However, this affected system(s) or party(ies). Alternative ways of
mitigation would be difficult, expensive or time achieving this benefit would be difficult, expensive or
consuming, or some combination of these. For time consuming, or some combination of these. For
example, the clearing of forest vegetation.
example an increase in the local economy.
Moderately severe
Moderately beneficial
Medium to long term impacts on the affected A medium to long term impact of real benefit to the
system(s) or party (ies), which could be mitigated. For affected system(s) or party(ies). Other ways of
example constructing the sewage treatment facility optimising the beneficial effects are equally difficult,
where there was vegetation with a low conservation expensive and time consuming (or some combination
value.
of these), as achieving them in this way. For example
a ‘slight’ improvement in sewage effluent quality.
Slight
Slightly beneficial
Medium or short term impacts on the affected A short to medium term impact and negligible benefit
system(s) or party(ies). Mitigation is very easy, cheap, to the affected system(s) or party(ies). Other ways of
less time consuming or not necessary. For example a optimising the beneficial effects are easier, cheaper
temporary fluctuation in the water table due to water and quicker, or some combination of these.
abstraction.
No effect
Don’t know/Can’t know
The system(s) or party(ies) is not affected by the In certain cases it may not be possible to determine
proposed development.
the severity of an impact
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Table 3: Overall significance appraisal
Overall Significance (The combination of all the above criteria as an overall significance)
VERY HIGH NEGATIVE
VERY BENEFICIAL
These impacts would be considered by society as constituting a major and usually permanent change
to the (natural and/or social) environment, and usually result in severe or very severe effects, or
beneficial or very beneficial effects.
Example: The loss of a species would be viewed by informed society as being of VERY HIGH
significance.
Example: The establishment of a large amount of infrastructure in a rural area, which previously had
very few services, would be regarded by the affected parties as resulting in benefits with VERY HIGH
significance.
HIGH NEGATIVE
BENEFICIAL
These impacts will usually result in long term effects on the social and/or natural environment.
Impacts rated as HIGH will need to be considered by society as constituting an important and usually
long term change to the (natural and/or social) environment. Society would probably view these
impacts in a serious light.
Example: The loss of a diverse vegetation type, which is fairly common elsewhere, would have a
significance rating of HIGH over the long term, as the area could be rehabilitated.
Example: The change to soil conditions will impact the natural system, and the impact on affected
parties (such as people growing crops in the soil) would be HIGH.
MODERATE NEGATIVE
SOME BENEFITS
These impacts will usually result in medium to long term effects on the social and/or natural
environment. Impacts rated as MODERATE will need to be considered by society as constituting a
fairly important and usually medium term change to the (natural and/or social) environment. These
impacts are real but not substantial.
Example: The loss of a sparse, open vegetation type of low diversity may be regarded as
MODERATELY significant.
LOW NEGATIVE
FEW BENEFITS
These impacts will usually result in medium to short term effects on the social and/or natural
environment. Impacts rated as LOW will need to be considered by the public and/or the specialist as
constituting a fairly unimportant and usually short term change to the (natural and/or social)
environment. These impacts are not substantial and are likely to have little real effect.
Example: The temporary change in the water table of a wetland habitat, as these systems is adapted
to fluctuating water levels.
Example: The increased earning potential of people employed as a result of a development would
only result in benefits of LOW significance to people who live some distance away.
NO SIGNIFICANCE
There are no primary or secondary effects at all that are important to scientists or the public.
Example: A change to the geology of a particular formation may be regarded as severe from a
geological perspective, but is of NO significance in the overall context.
DON’T KNOW
In certain cases it may not be possible to determine the significance of an impact. For example, the
significance of the primary or secondary impacts on the social or natural environment given the
available information.
Example: The effect of a particular development on people’s psychological perspective of the
environment.
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