PART F:  SECTOR GUIDELINES

 

 

In this part you will find guidance on the key activities and impacts associated with various sectors.  The sectors have been selected on the basis of the project EIAs most commonly received by the Authorities in the SADC region.[101]  The sectors covered in this Part include:

 

 

For each sector there is a list of typical activities which are commonly associated with each stage in the project life cycle:

 

 

The listed activities are merely indicative and most projects will either have additional or fewer activities depending on the circumstances.

 

Associated with each list of project activities, there is a list of the main biodiversity impacts which may occur if no mitigation is applied.  Again, these lists of potential impacts are indicative and not exhaustive.  The impacts have not been listed in any order of importance because this will differ from project to project.  However, the lists should act as a useful checklist for the compilers and reviewers of EIAs in these sectors.

 

While this Part has focussed on project-level guidance, it should be noted that national policies and trade agreements can have significant direct and indirect impacts on biodiversity, particularly those policies and trade agreements relating to: agriculture, energy, water, forestry, land tenure and resettlement.  Large scale land use changes resulting from radical shifts in policy can have widespread impacts on the ability of ecosystems to provide ‘free’ goods and services in a sustainable manner.  It is therefore imperative that policies and trade agreements should be subjected to SEA to ensure that the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts on biodiversity are minimised. 

 

MINING AND QUARRYING

Open cast, open pit and underground

 

Main Exploration Activities

·          Survey and mapping

·          Establish cut lines

·          Trenching, pitting, drilling and bulk sample collection

·          Trial mining

·          Pilot plant construction and operation

·          Exploration camp

·          Servicing vehicles and equipment (fuel and lubricant

management)

·          Waste disposa

 

l

 

 Main Impacts of Exploration on Biodiversity

·          Temporary disturbance of species at local level

·          Temporary local loss of habitat

·          Road collisions

·          Dust smothering of vegetation

·          Poaching and firewood collection by workers

·          Introduction of alien species

·          Sediment runoff

·          Opening up remote areas which could result in biodiversity impacts

 

 

Main Construction Activities*

 

·          Vegetation clearance

·          Topsoil stripping

·          Overburden removal and blasting

·          Access roads and tracks

·          Fence construction

·          Contractor’s camp, yard and workshops

·          Waste dump establishment and waste disposal

·          Bulk earthworks

·         Concrete batch plant

·         Building and plant construction

·         Installation of temporary and permanent services (water, sewage, power, telecoms, etc)

·         Laying of pipes and conveyors

·          Stormwater drainage and effluent management

·         Labour force

·         Construction traffic

Main Impacts of Construction on Biodiversity

 

·            Temporary and permanent loss of habitat

·            Road collisions with animals, birds

·            Dust smothering of vegetation along access roads

·            Sedimentation of streams, rivers and wetlands

·            Poaching and firewood collection by workforce and itinerant job seekers

·            Habitat fragmentation and loss of ecological corridors

·            Local loss of species

·            Introduction of alien spp e.g. through seeds on vehicles and equipment

·            Providing access to remote areas and indirectly putting pressure on ecological goods and services

·            Loss of access to ecological goods and services by local communities with resultant impacts on livelihoods

·            Indirect impacts on biodiversity due to resettlement of local communities to other areas

 

Main Operational Activities*

 

·          Drilling and blasting

·          Waste rock dumps

·          Ore conveyance (road, conveyor, cableway)

·          Processing plant

·          Smelter or refinery

·          Heap leach, bioreactors

·          Acid plant

·          Tailings and/or slimes disposal

·          Slag and/or process waste dumps

·          Water abstraction and use

·          Effluent disposal

·          Hazardous materials storage and disposal

·          Industrial waste disposal

·          Traffic

·         Workshops, offices, accommodation etc

Main Impacts of Mine Operations on Biodiversity

 

·          Direct loss of habitat

·          Direct loss of spp in the area

·          Road collisions with birds and animals

·          Direct and indirect loss of habitat through water pollution, dust smothering, acid rain, air pollution, reduction in river flows, soil contamination

·          Impact on vegetation due to lowering of water table resulting from groundwater abstraction

·          Effects of greenhouse gases on climate change and subsequent effects on biodiversity

·          Habitat fragmentation

·          Interruption and/or loss of migration corridors and disturbance of source-sink relationships

·          Indirect impact on food web functioning through bioaccumulation of metals, loss of diversity, lower spp resilience

·         Alien spp invasion (plants, pests, vermin, water weeds)

 

 

Main Decommissioning and Closure Activities

 

·          Presence of open pit

·          Rehabilitation of dumps

·          Removal of all structures and waste

·          Water pollution control measures

 

Main Impacts of Mine Closure on Biodiversity

 

·            Re-colonisation of disturbed areas by fauna and flora

·            Creation of new/different habitats

·            Potential for invasive spp

·            Physical traps for wildlife e.g. open pits, shafts, trenches.

 

*Note:  Activities and impacts associated with water supply, transmission lines and roads are addressed in the respective sector guidelines.

 

HYDROPOWER

Dams, pumped storage, run of river

Main Planning and Design Activities

·          Site selection

·          Choice of technology

·          Positioning of turbines (above ground, underground, in the dam wall)

·          Operational parameters (base load, peaking power)

·          Site layout and design options

 

Main Impacts of Planning and Design on Biodiversity

The following impacts on biodiversity need to be taken into consideration during the planning and design stage in order to try and avoid or minimise many of the impacts during later project stages:

 

·          the conservation status of the river

·          the presence of important downstream conservation areas

·          fish migration patterns and fisheries

·          the importance of riverine vegetation for habitat, erosion

control, ecosystem functioning and provision of goods and services

·          the flood regime and the importance of wetlands in regulating floods

·          sediment movement

·          water flow characteristics

·          water quality and the importance of wetland loss on downstream water quality

·          the impact on the country’s ability to meet international obligations with regard to biodiversity protection

 

  

 

Main Construction Activities*

 

·          Vegetation clearance

·          Topsoil stripping

·          Blasting

·          Quarrying for fill materials

·          Water diversion works and coffer dams

·          Access roads and tracks

·          Fence construction

·          Contractor’s camp, yard and workshops

·          Waste disposal

·          Bulk earthworks

·          Building and plant construction

·          Concrete batch plant

·          Installation of temporary and permanent services (water, sewage, power, telecoms)

·          Dam filling

·          Traffic

·         Labour force

Main Impacts of Construction on Biodiversity**

 

·          Temporary and permanent loss of habitat

·          Road collisions with animals, birds

·          Dust smothering of vegetation

·          Alteration of sediment dynamics in streams, rivers

·          Poaching and firewood collection by workforce and itinerant job seekers

·          Habitat fragmentation

·          Local loss of species

·          Interruption of migration routes, especially fish

·          Loss of ecological corridors

·          Introduction of aquatic alien spp.

·          Providing access to remote areas and indirectly putting pressure on ecological goods and services

·          Loss of access to ecological goods and services by local communities with resultant impacts on livelihoods

·         Indirect impacts on biodiversity due to resettlement of local communities

 

 

Main Operational Activities*

 

·          Impoundment of water

·          Controlled release of water to suit operational requirements

·          Drawdown of water level in impoundments

·          Power generation

·          Dredging/sluicing and disposal of silt

·          Hazardous materials storage and disposal

·          Industrial waste disposal

·          Workshops

·         Employee accommodation

Main Impacts of Hydropower Operations on Biodiversity

 

·            Direct loss of habitat and species (direct inundation and loss of flow upstream of tailrace)

·            Change in habitat from flowing river to an impoundment

·            Indirect loss of downstream habitat and spp through perturbation in river flows and flood regime, altered physical and chemical characteristics of water

·            Altered patterns of erosion and silt deposition downstream of the installation

·            Habitat fragmentation

·            Interruption and/or loss of migration corridors especially for fish

·            Changes in predator-prey relationships

·            Alien spp invasion (terrestrial and aquatic weeds)

 

Main Decommissioning and Closure Activities

 

·          Removal of all structures

Main Impacts of Closure on Biodiversity

 

·          Re-colonisation of disturbed areas by fauna and flora

·          Creation of new/different habitats

·         Potential for invasive species.

 

*Note:  Activities and impacts associated with quarries, water supply, transmission lines and roads are addressed in the respective sector guidelines.

 

**  See also sector guidance on water development infrastructure

 

THERMAL POWER GENERATION

Oil, coal, gas, biogas

 

Main Planning and Design Activities

·          Site selection

·          Secondary effects relating to the sourcing of energy (mines, gas wells, biodiesel plant production etc)

·          Choice of technology

·          Operational parameters (base load, peaking power)

·          Site layout and design

 

Main Impacts of Planning and Design on

Biodiversity

The following impacts on biodiversity need to be taken into consideration during the planning and design stage in order to try and avoid or minimise many of the impacts during later project stages:

·          proximity to proclaimed conservation areas;

·          proximity to, or effect on priority ecosystems identified in the country’s NBSAP;

·          impact on country’s ability to meet international obligations pertaining to biodiversity protection;

·          fatal flaws relating to permanent loss of species or habitat.

 

 

 

Main Construction Activities*

·          Vegetation clearance

·          Topsoil stripping

·          Access roads and tracks

·          Fence construction

·          Contractor’s camp, yard and workshops

·          Waste dump establishment and waste disposal

·          Bulk earthworks

·         Concrete batch plant

·         Building and plant construction

·         Installation of temporary and permanent services (water, sewage, power, telecoms, etc)

·         Laying of pipes and conveyors

·          Stormwater drainage and effluent management

·         Labour force

·         Construction traffic

Main Impacts of Construction on Biodiversity

·            Temporary and permanent loss of habitat

·            Road collisions with animals, birds

·            Dust smothering of vegetation along access roads

·            Sedimentation of streams, rivers, wetlands

·            Poaching and firewood collection by workforce and itinerant job seekers

·            Habitat fragmentation

·            Local loss of species

·            Introduction of alien spp through seed transfer from vehicles and equipment

 

Main Operational Activities*

·          Combustion of raw materials to generate heat

·          Turbines and generators

·          Cooling units

·          Exhaust stacks

·          Switchyard

·          Compressors and boilers

·          Liquid fuel storage tanks

·          Cooling water intake and outlet structures

·          Water storage facilities

·          Waste water treatment plant

·          Hazardous materials storage and disposal

·          Industrial waste disposal

·         Workshops

Main Impacts of Thermal Power Station Operations on Biodiversity

·          Direct loss of habitat and spp in the area

·          Road collisions with animals and birds

·          Impact of heated effluent discharge to receiving waters on aquatic fauna and flora

·          Indirect loss of habitat through water utilisation (for cooling), pollution, dust smothering, acid rain, air pollution (CO2, SOx, NOx), reduction in river flows, soil contamination, effects of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change etc

·          Habitat fragmentation

·          Interruption and/or loss of migration corridors and source-sink relationships

·          Indirect impact on food web functioning through bioaccumulation of metals, loss of diversity, lower spp resilience

·         Alien spp invasion into disturbed, areas

 

 

Main Decommissioning and Closure Activities

·          Removal of all structures and waste

·          Water pollution control measures

·          Rehabilitation of all waste dumps

 

 

Main Impacts of Power Station Closure on Biodiversity

·          Re-colonisation of disturbed areas by fauna and flora

·          Creation of new/different habitats

·         Potential for invasive spp

 

*Note:  Activities and impacts associated with mining, oil and gas production, water supply, transmission lines and roads are addressed in the respective sector guidelines.

 

POWER TRANSMISSION

 

Main Planning and Design Activities

·          Route selection

·          Substation site selection

 

Main Impacts of Planning and Design on

Biodiversity

The following impacts on biodiversity need to be taken into

consideration during the planning and design stage in order to try

and avoid or minimise many of the impacts during later project stages:

·          proximity to proclaimed and future conservation areas;

·          proximity to sensitive ecosystems, especially pans, dams,

rivers, lagoons, estuaries, cliffs and ridge lines where birds

congregate to roost, breed and feed;

·          proximity to, or effect on priority ecosystems identified in the

country’s NBSAP;

·          areas of high botanical importance;

·          impact on country’s ability to meet international obligations

pertaining to biodiversity protection;

·          fatal flaws relating to permanent loss of species or habitat.

 

 

Main Construction Activities

·          Vegetation clearance or trimming along the route

·          Access roads and tracks

·          Foundation excavation and concreting

·          Pylon erection

·          Line stringing and tensioning

·          Contractor’s camp, yard and workshop

·          Waste disposal

·         Labour force

Main Impacts of Construction on Biodiversity

·            Dust smothering of vegetation

·            Erosion of stream- and river banks

·            Erosion of hillsides during access road construction

·            Poaching and firewood collection by construction workforce

·            Local and temporary disturbance of species due to the presence of people, vehicles and helicopters

·            Possible introduction of alien spp through the introduction of seeds by vehicles

 

Main Operational Activities

·          Routine line inspections

·         Occasional maintenance

Main Impacts of Transmission Lines on Biodiversity

·            Bird mortalities resulting from collisions with the lines during flight

·            Bird mortalities resulting from electrocution. This occurs when bird droppings touch a live wire while the bird is perched on the pylon

·            The pylons provide good perching spots for raptors and there is often increased predation along transmission line routes, especially in arid areas with few natural perches, leading to changes in predator-prey relationships

·            Pylons provide attractive nesting sites for several species of birds

·            Indirect effects of increased access to remote areas along powerline routes and subsequent loss of spp through hunting, habitat destruction and transformation

·            Cleared servitudes or wayleaves act as corridors for invasive plant invasions

·            Ongoing erosion of access roads

·            Possible increase in veld fires

 

Main Decommissioning Activities

·          Removal of all structures and waste

 

Main Impacts of Transmission Line Decommissioning on Biodiversity

·          Re-colonisation of disturbed areas by fauna and flora

·         Potential for invasive spp
 

OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS

Main Exploration, Planning and Design Activities

·          Choice of development solutions

·          Pipeline route selection

·          Shooting seismic

 

Main Impacts of Exploration, Planning and

Design on Biodiversity

The following impacts on biodiversity need to be taken into

consideration during the exploration, planning and design stage:

·          Noise and sound waves from shooting seismic

·          Disturbance of marine mammals and seabirds from increased vessel and helicopter activities

·          Waste and effluent disposal from exploration vessels

·          Disturbance of the seafloor and coral reefs by anchors

·          Risks of accidental oil spillage

 

  

 

Main Construction Activities*

 

·          Well drilling and logging from drilling rig or semi-submersible unit

·          Well testing and flaring (if necessary)

·          Pipeline laying

·          Construction of pipeline landfall facilities

·          Supply base/port facilities

·          Land-based contractor’s camp, yard and workshops

·          Helicopter operations

·          Service vessel activity

·          Waste management

·          Disposal of produced water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Impacts of Construction on Biodiversity

·          Impacts on benthic fauna from the discharge of drilling mud and drill cuttings

·          Impacts on fish and fisheries due to the discharge of produced water, sewage, galley wastes, ship/rig runoff etc**

·          Impacts on seabirds and marine life (especially crustaceans) from accidental oil spills

·          Disturbance of marine mammals and seabirds due to increased vessel and helicopter activity

·          Temporary and locally permanent loss of habitat for near shore and beach organisms during the construction of pipeline land fall structures

·          Possible introduction of alien species through discharge of ballast water and vessel hulls

·          Emission of CO2, NOx, SOx, VOCs from flares, exhaust emissions with indirect impacts on biodiversity as a result of climate change, acid rain and nitrogen fall-out

·          Illegal disposal of hazardous and industrial waste at sea resulting in pollution and  ingestion by marine fauna leading to chronic and acute effects and mortalities

·         Fishing exclusion zones around well development facilities could place pressure on other fishing areas

·         Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in seabirds, mammals, fish and crustaceans with impacts on spp physiology, food chain functioning and possible toxic health effects in humans

 

Main Operational Activities (platforms or sub-sea manifolds)

·          Presence of a production platform, with:

o         Flare gas and recovery systems

o         Power generation plant

o         Flow lines and return lines

o         Accommodation for platform staff

o         Waste management system

o         Sewage plant

o         Helicopter operations

o         Service and supply vessels

o         Disposal of produced water and other process chemicals

o         CO2 injection and storage

OR

·          Remote operation of sub-sea manifolds, with:

o         Flow lines, control umbilicals, gas/oil pipeline, corrosion inhibitor pipelines

o         Pipeline landfall structures

o         Land-based gas conditioning plant

o         Effluent and waste disposal

Main Impacts of Oil and Gas Production on Biodiversity

·          Impacts on fish and fisheries due to the discharge of produced water, sewage, galley wastes, ship/platform runoff etc**

·          Impacts on seabirds and marine life (especially crustaceans) from accidental oil spills, blow outs

·          Disturbance of marine mammals and seabirds due to helicopter activity

·          Emission of CO2, NOx, SOx, VOCs from flares, exhaust emissions with indirect impacts on biodiversity as a result of climate change, acid rain and nitrogen fall-out etc

·          Illegal disposal of hazardous and industrial waste at sea resulting in pollution and  ingestion by marine fauna leading to chronic and acute effects and mortalities

·         Fishing exclusion zones around well development facilities and platforms could place pressure on other fishing areas Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in seabirds, mammals, fish and crustaceans with impacts on spp physiology, food chain functioning and possible toxic health effects in humans

 

Main Decommissioning Activities

 

·          Abandonment/removal of all sub-sea structures

·          Removal of platform

·          Decommissioning of wells

·          Demolition and removal of land-based structures

 

Main Impacts of Oil and Gas Decommissioning on Biodiversity

·          Return of species to area

·          Return of fishing boats to area

·         Improvement in water quality

·         Risk of oil and other contamination during rig stripping, well closure and rig removal

 

*all activities associated with oil and gas field development up to the point of delivery to a refinery, LNG plant or ship or power station.

**  the main pollutants are: BTEX, naphthalene, poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenols, aliphatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, process chemicals e.g. flocculants, corrosion and hydrate inhibitors and organic pollutants  etc

 

ROADS AND BRIDGES

Main Planning and Design Activities

·          Route selection

·          Gradient design

·          Surface design and geometry

·          Bridge site selection

 

Main Impacts of Planning and Design on

Biodiversity

The following impacts on biodiversity need to be taken into consideration during the planning and design stage in order to try and avoid or minimise many of the impacts during later project stages:

·          Proximity to proclaimed and future conservation areas;

 ·         Impact on sensitive ecosystems, especially areas of high botanical importance, wetlands, rivers, coastal zones, estuaries and any area identified in the country’s NBSAP;

·          Avoid habitat fragmentation;

·          Minimise the need for cut and fill;

·          Minimise number of river crossings;

·          Impact on country’s ability to meet international obligations pertaining to biodiversity protection;

·          Fatal flaws relating to permanent loss of species or habitat.

 

 

Main Construction Activities*

·          Vegetation clearance along the route

·          Topsoil removal and storage

·          Development of borrow pits and quarries

·          Blasting of cuttings

·          Fill operations

·          Excess spoil disposal

·          Grading, earthmoving, laying of base course and sub-base layers

·          Construction of river crossings including river diversion works, earthworks, brick and concrete work, etc

·          Installation of culverts and construction of stormwater drains

·          Establishment of temporary access roads and tracks

·          Site establishment including construction of contractor’s camp, yard and workshop areas, fencing, establishment of water supply

·          Waste disposal (hazardous and non-hazardous)

·          Temporary ablution facilities

·          Creosoting yard

·          Asphalt plant and application of wearing course

·          Diesel tanks and refuelling point

·          Concrete batch plant

·          Aggregate stockpiles

·          Toll plaza construction (if a toll road)

·         Labour force

Main Impacts of Construction on Biodiversity

·            Temporary and permanent loss of vegetation

·            Dust smothering of vegetation

·            Erosion of stream- and river banks

·            Alteration of drainage lines and perturbation of wetlands

·            Erosion of hillsides during cut and fill activities

·            Poaching and firewood collection by construction workforce and itinerant job seekers

·            Local and temporary disturbance of species due to the presence of people and vehicles and blasting activities

·            Possible introduction of alien spp and scavengers

·            Contamination of water courses from sediment, bitumen waste, general waste and litter, hydrocarbon spills from vehicles and equipment

·            Soil contamination from hydrocarbon spills

·            Soil compaction

·            Temporary or permanent disruption of ecological corridors and migration routes

·            Increase in road kills due to construction traffic

 

Main Operational Activities

·         Occasional maintenance

·         Traffic flow

·         Secondary developments

·         Toll gate operation (if a toll road)

Main Impacts of Roads and Bridges on Biodiversity

·            Indirect effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services due to increased access to remote areas along new roads and subsequent land use impacts including settlements, agriculture, tourism

·            Noise disturbance

·            Secondary development along road

·            Animal and bird collisions

·            Permanent disruption of ecological corridors and migration routes linking different ecosystems or across altitudinal gradients

·            Possible introduction of alien invasive spp

 

Main Decommissioning Activities

·          Removal of all construction facilities

·          Ripping, grading and contouring

·          Landscaping, topsoil replacement and rehabilitation

 

Main Impacts of Road and Bridge Decommissioning on Biodiversity

·          Re-colonisation of disturbed areas by fauna and flora

·         Potential for invasive spp

* Activities relating to the development of borrow pits and quarries are covered under Mining.  Secondary impacts resulting from road construction e.g. agriculture, tourism are addressed under the relevant sectors.

 

AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

Irrigation, dry land arable, animal production, grazing, plantations, orchards, vineyards

 

Main Planning Activities

·          Decision regarding use of GMOs

·          Crop/animal type selection

·          Choice of irrigation system (if required)

·          Source of suitable quantity and quality of water for irrigation

·          Location of market and transportation options

·          Climate and soil investigations

 

Main Impacts of Planning on Biodiversity

The following impacts on biodiversity need to be taken into

consideration during the planning and design stage in order to try

and avoid or minimise many of the impacts during later project stages:

·          Proximity to proclaimed and future conservation areas;

·          Impact on sensitive ecosystems, especially areas of high botanical importance, wetlands, rivers and any priority area identified in the country’s NBSAP;

·          Avoid habitat fragmentation;

·          Unknown impacts of GMOs on local species diversity

·          Impact on country’s ability to meet international obligations pertaining to biodiversity protection;

·          Fatal flaws relating to permanent loss of species or habitat;

·          Unsustainable water use could compromise downstream environments and other users.

 

 

Main Construction Activities

·          Clearance of vegetation

·          Establishment of irrigation system (pumps, pipes etc) if required

·          Construction of tunnels, hothouses, if required

·          Fencing

·         Construction of farm buildings, sheds, packing areas, storage, animal production facilities etc

·         Construction of access roads and tracks

Main Impacts of Construction on Biodiversity

·            Permanent loss of vegetation

·            Habitat fragmentation

·            Interruption of ecological corridors and migration paths

·            Erosion and stream sedimentation

·            Draining of wetlands

 

Main Operational Activities

·          Tilling of soil (if required)

·          Sowing or planting

·          Fertilisation and soil conditioning

·          Application of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides

·          Irrigation (if necessary)

·          Cropping or harvesting

·          Processing and packing

·          Transportation of products

·          Disposal of animal wastes

·          Disposal of agri-chemical wastes

Main Impacts of Agriculture and Forestry on Biodiversity

·            Monoculture leads to loss of species diversity

·            Population explosions (e.g. rodents, gramnivores) and ecosystem perturbation

·            Introduction of persistent organic pollutants in soils and water bodies resulting in acute and chronic effects in animals through direct and indirect uptake and bioaccumulation

·            Return flows from irrigated fields can lead to increased salinisation of receiving water bodies leading to ecosystem changes and loss of species diversity

·            Increased eutrophication of water bodies from elevated nitrogen and phosphate loads in runoff and seepage water, resulting in the growth of algae and invasive water plants with a concomitant change in benthic species as well as physico-chemical characteristics of the water. 

·            Potential for faecal contamination of drinking water from feedlots and stock watering points

·            Reduction in downstream flows due to irrigation quotas and forest uptake

·            Erosion and increased sediment yield from fields, overgrazed areas and clear-felling

·            Over-cropping may lead to soil nutrient depletion and compaction

·            Potential for genetically modified, invasive and alien spp to displace native spp

·            Loss of, or interruption of ecological corridors linking different ecosystems or across altitudinal gradients

·            Conflicts with wildlife (e.g. elephants) which may be attracted to crops

 

Main Decommissioning Activities

·          Cease agricultural activities, remove all fences and structures

Main Impacts of Decommissioning on Biodiversity

·          Slow return of biodiversity
 

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

Dams, reservoirs, pipelines, canals, inter-basin transfers

 

Main Planning and Design Activities

·          Site and route selection

·          Choice of design

·          Selection of alternative schemes

 

Main Impacts of Planning and Design on

Biodiversity

The following impacts on biodiversity need to be taken into

consideration during the planning and design stage in order to try and avoid or minimise many of the impacts during later project stages:

·          the conservation status of the river and dam basin

·          the presence of important downstream conservation

areas or priority areas identified in the country’s NBSAP

·          fish migration patterns and fisheries

·          the importance of riverine vegetation for habitat, erosion

control, ecosystem functioning and provision of goods and services

·          the flood regime and the importance of wetlands in regulating floods

·          sediment movement

·          water flow characteristics

·          water quality and the importance of potential wetland loss on downstream water quality

·          impact on the country’s ability to meet international obligations with regard to biodiversity protection.

 

 

 

Main Construction Activities*

·          Vegetation clearance

·          Topsoil stripping

·          Trench excavation for pipes and canals

·          Blasting and tunnelling (if required)

·          Quarrying for fill materials

·          Water diversion works and coffer dams

·          Access roads and tracks

·          Fence construction

·          Contractor’s camp, yard and workshops

·          Waste disposal

·          Bulk earthworks

·          Building and plant construction

·          Concrete batch plant

·          Installation of temporary and permanent services (water, sewage, power, telecoms)

·          Reservoir construction

·          Dam filling

·          Traffic

·         Labour force

Main Impacts of Construction on Biodiversity

·          Temporary and permanent loss of habitat

·          Road collisions with animals, birds

·          Dust smothering of vegetation

·          Alteration of downstream sediment dynamics in streams, rivers, wetlands

·          Poaching and firewood collection by workforce and itinerant job seekers

·          Habitat fragmentation

·          Local loss of species

·          Introduction of aquatic alien spp.

·          Providing access to remote areas and indirectly putting pressure on ecological goods and services

·          Loss of access to ecological goods and services by local communities with resultant impacts on livelihoods

·         Indirect impacts on biodiversity due to resettlement of local communities

 

 

Main Operational Activities*

 

·          Impoundment of water

·          Controlled release of water to suit operational requirements

·          Drawdown of water level in impoundments

·          Dredging and disposal of silt from dams

·         Water transfer

·         Canal operation

Main Impacts of Water Projects on Biodiversity

·            Direct loss of habitat and species

·            Change in habitat from flowing river to an impoundment

·            Indirect loss of downstream habitat and spp through perturbation in river flows and flood regime, altered physical and chemical characteristics of water

·            Altered patterns of erosion and silt deposition downstream

·            Habitat fragmentation

·            Interruption and/or loss of migration corridors especially for fish

·            Canals can act as death traps for all species or barriers to movement

·            Changes in predator-prey relationships

·            Alien spp invasion (terrestrial and aquatic weeds)

·            Possible transfer of spp between catchments.

 

 

Main Decommissioning and Closure Activities

·          Removal of all structures

Main Impacts of Closure on Biodiversity

·          Re-colonisation of disturbed areas by fauna and flora

·          Creation of new/different habitats

·         Potential for invasive spp

 

*Note:  Activities and impacts associated with quarries, transmission lines, roads and water-based recreation are addressed in the respective sector guidelines.

 

WATER-BASED INFRASTRUCTURE AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

Ports, harbours, marinas, jetties, shipping, water-based recreation

Main Planning and Design Activities

·          Site selection

·          Choice of design and layout

·          Alternative schemes

 

Main Impacts of Planning and Design on

Biodiversity

The following impacts on biodiversity need to be taken into

consideration during the planning and design stage in order to try

and avoid or minimise many of the impacts during later project stages:

·          the conservation status of the marine/lake/river environment

·          the importance of river banks and shores for habitat, erosion

protection, ecosystem functioning and provision of goods and services

·          the flood and tidal regimes

·          water and sediment movement and obstruction

·          water quality

 

 

 

Main Construction Activities*

·          Shoreline vegetation clearance

·          Water diversion works

·          Dredging and disposal of dredge spoil

·          Blasting (in some cases)

·          Bulk earthworks

·          Piling and concrete work including batch plant

·          Construction of groynes, breakwaters and other protection works

·          Landside construction of buildings and related infrastructure

·          Access roads and tracks

·          Contractor’s camp, yard and workshop

·          Waste disposal

·          Construction traffic

·         Labour force

Main Impacts of Construction on Biodiversity

·          Direct loss of coastal/shore/bank vegetation and faunal habitat

·          Temporary or permanent interruption of ecological corridors

·          Possible release of toxic substances during dredging and dredge spoil disposal activities

·          Smothering of benthic fauna due to dredge spoil disposal

·          Increased turbidity due to dredging, spoil disposal, re-suspension of fines and other construction activities will affect light penetration and ecosystem functioning

·          Accidental hydrocarbon spills will have acute, chronic and lethal effects on marine and shoreline organisms

·          Introduction of alien organisms and plants from construction equipment and machinery

·         Effects of blasting on marine mammals, seabirds, fish and fisheries

 

Main Operational Activities*

·          Arrival and departure of vessels

·          Loading and offloading of vessels

·          Boat launching

·          Handling, storage, conveyance and transfer of cargo including containers, break bulk cargoes, diesel and oil, liquid products and bulk materials

·          Marine services including boat cleaning, painting, repairing, welding etc

·          Ongoing dredging of channels

·          Commercial fishing operations and processing facilities

·          Solid waste disposal from wharf operations and vessels

·          Effluent and runoff disposal from wharf and wharf-side factories, processing plants and stockpiles

·          Motorised water sports including: yachting, boating, water-skiing, jet skis

·          Re-fuelling and provisioning of boats

·          Discharge of ballast water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Impacts of water-based infrastructure & recreation on biodiversity

·            Introduction of alien spp from boats and discharge of ballast water

·            Erosion of banks and shorelines by boat wakes leads to loss of breeding sites for birds and other organisms

·            Impact of oil spills on seabirds, marine, inter-tidal and shore organisms (acute and chronic effects, mortality)

·            Depletion of fish stocks due to over-fishing

·            Indiscriminate fishing methods, quota exceedance and illegal catch sizes affect species diversity and population sizes

·            Impacts of litter and waste on fish, marine mammals and shoreline fauna

·            Direct and indirect effects on sensitive ecosystems e.g. coral reefs, mangrove swamps, estuaries etc due to perturbations in wave, current and sediment transport regimes resulting in shoreline accretion and/or erosion

·            Noise and disturbance from boat-based recreation on bird breeding and feeding sites

·            Impacts on water quality due to erosive effects of wind and water on loose material stockpiles e.g. coal, iron ore, manganese, titanium etc

·            Impacts on water quality and marine organisms from runoff and effluent disposal from shore-based activities e.g. fish processing factories

·            Toxic effects of anti-fouling paints on aquatic/marine organisms resulting in growth and development effects

·            Impact of ship movements on marine mammals e.g. dugongs, whales and other cetaceans

·            Bioaccumulation of toxins in edible marine organisms e.g. mussels, crabs, lobsters with indirect effects on human health

·            Loss of subsistence fisheries and marine harvesting areas

 

Main Decommissioning and Closure Activities

·          Removal of all structures

Main Impacts of Closure on Biodiversity

·          Re-colonisation of disturbed areas by fauna and flora

·          Creation of new/different habitats

·          Potential for invasive spp

*Note:  Activities and impacts associated with water supply, transmission lines and roads are addressed in the respective sector guidelines.

 

PERI-URBAN AND URBAN FRINGE DEVELOPMENTS

Housing, golf courses, water treatment works, landfills, commercial

Main Planning and Design Activities

·          Zoning applications

·          Land purchase

·          Design and layout alternatives

·          Provision for bulk services (water, power)

·          Infrastructure requirements (roads)

·          Site selection processes

·          Market demand studies

 

Main Impacts of Planning and Design on Biodiversity

The following impacts on biodiversity need to be taken into consideration during the planning and design stage in order to try

and avoid or minimise many of the impacts during later project stages:

 

·         extension of urban edge into ‘greenfields’ sites and green belt areas;

·         high demand for limited water resources places stress on existing schemes and requires possible development of new schemes with all the related impacts on biodiversity;

·          Unsustainable water use could compromise downstream environments and other users;

·          Proximity to proclaimed and future conservation areas;

·          Impact on sensitive ecosystems, especially areas of high botanical importance, wetlands, rivers, ridges and any priority area identified in the country’s NBSAP;

·          Avoid habitat fragmentation;

·          Impact on country’s ability to meet international obligations pertaining to biodiversity protection;

·          Fatal flaws relating to permanent loss of species or habitat.

 

 

Main Construction Activities*

·          Vegetation clearance

·          Topsoil stripping

·          Construction and/or upgrading of roads

·          Fence and wall construction

·          Contractor’s camp, yards and workshops

·          Concrete batch plant

·          Waste disposal

·          Bulk earthworks

·          Installation of bulk services (water, sewerage, power, telecoms)

·          Site development and building construction

·          Transportation of all raw materials to site

·          Construction traffic

·         Labour force

Main Impacts of Construction on Biodiversity

·            Temporary and permanent loss of habitat

·            Road collisions with animals, birds

·            Dust smothering of vegetation

·            Sedimentation of streams, rivers

·            Poaching and firewood collection by workforce and itinerant job seekers

·            Habitat fragmentation

·            Local loss of species

·            Loss of ecological corridors

·            Introduction of alien spp, especially plants and animals (pets)

·            Loss of access to ecological goods and services by local communities with resultant impacts on livelihoods

·            Indirect impacts on biodiversity due to resettlement of local communities

 

Main Operational Activities*

·          High water consumption

·          Increased stormwater runoff, sewage volumes and return flows

·          Application of fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides in gardens, parks, golf courses etc

·          Groundwater abstraction

·          Greater energy requirements

·          Increased traffic and noise

·          Landscaping with alien species and irrigation

·         Increased waste production

Main Impacts of Urban Fringe Developments on Biodiversity

·          Direct loss of habitat and/or habitat transformation

·          Habitat fragmentation

·          Direct loss of spp in the area due to loss of habitat, road and powerline collisions

·          Indirect loss of habitat through water pollution, dust smothering, air pollution, reduction in river flows, soil contamination

·          Interruption and/or loss of migration corridors and perturbation of source-sink relationships

·          Indirect impact on food web functioning through bioaccumulation of metals, loss of diversity, lower spp resilience

·          Alteration in predator-prey relationships

·          Reduction in river flows resulting in impacts on fish migration and breeding and other aquatic organisms

·          Lowering of the groundwater table will impact on rooting depths of plants, especially trees

·         Alien spp invasion (plants, birds, pets, pests, vermin, water weeds)

 

 

 

*Note:  Activities and impacts associated with water supply, transmission lines, energy generation, provision of construction materials and roads are addressed in the respective sector guidelines.

 

ECOTOURISM

Lodges, trails, safaris, fly fishing, canoeing, rafting, game viewing, bird watching, camping, conservation areas, diving, snorkelling

 

Main Planning and Design Activities

·          Zoning applications

·          Land purchase

·          Site and route selection

·          Alternatives assessment

·          Opportunities and constraints analysis

·          Layout and design options

 

Main Impacts of Planning and Design

on Biodiversity

The following impacts on biodiversity need to be taken into consideration during the planning and design stage in order to try and avoid or minimise many of the impacts during later project stages:

 

·          proximity to proclaimed conservation areas;

·          proximity to, or effect on priority ecosystems identified in the country’s NBSAP;

·          impact on country’s ability to meet international obligations pertaining to biodiversity protection;

·          fatal flaws relating to permanent loss of species or habitat.

·         Increased demand for limited water resources places stress on existing schemes and requires possible development of new schemes with all the related impacts on biodiversity;

·          Unsustainable water use could compromise downstream environments and other users;

 

 

Main Construction Activities*

·          Vegetation clearance

·          Topsoil stripping

·          Construction and/or upgrading of roads

·          Fence and wall construction

·          Contractor’s camp, yards and workshops

·          Concrete batch plant

·          Waste disposal

·          Bulk earthworks

·          Installation of bulk services (water, sewerage, power, telecoms)

·          Site development and building construction

·          Transportation of all raw materials to site

·          Construction traffic

·         Labour force

Main Impacts of Construction on Biodiversity

·            Temporary and permanent loss of habitat

·            Road collisions with animals, birds

·            Dust smothering of vegetation

·            Sedimentation of streams, rivers

·            Poaching and firewood collection by workforce and itinerant job seekers

·            Habitat fragmentation

·            Local loss of species

·            Loss of ecological corridors

·            Introduction of alien spp.

·            Indirect impacts on biodiversity due to resettlement of local communities

 

Main Operational Activities*

 

·          Water consumption

·          Increased stormwater runoff, sewage volumes and return flows

·          Application of fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides in gardens, landscaped areas etc

·          Groundwater abstraction

·          Energy needs

·          Increased traffic

·          Landscaping with alien species and irrigation

·         Increased waste production

Main Impacts of Ecotourism Developments on Biodiversity

·          Direct loss of habitat and/or habitat transformation

·          Habitat fragmentation

·          Direct loss of spp in the area due to loss of habitat, road and powerline collisions

·          Indirect loss of habitat through water pollution, dust smothering, air pollution, reduction in river flows, soil contamination, boat wake erosion, trampling etc

·          Interruption and/or loss of migration corridors and source-sink relationships due to fence construction

·          Water abstraction could result in a reduction in river flows resulting in impacts on fish migration and breeding and other aquatic organisms

·          Lowering of the groundwater table will impact on rooting depths of plants, especially trees

·          Introduction of alien spp e.g. trout will affect native spp and predator-prey relationships

·          Improved conservation of spp and habitats

·          Need for game management to control population

·          Improved awareness of biodiversity conservation issues by the public through exposure to the environment

·          Re-introduction of locally extinct spp

·          Re-instatement of natural vegetation and removal of alien plants

·          Loss of access to ecological goods and services by local communities with resultant impacts on livelihoods

 

*Note:  Activities and impacts associated with water supply, transmission lines, water-based infrastructure development and roads are addressed in the respective sector guidelines.

 

[101] Southern African Institute for Environmental Assessment (2003):  EIA in Southern Africa. Windhoek, Namibia