EIA-REP-325d-12 _BB_ - 201.09.14.pdf - SAHRA

a medium significance even though the impact will not be reversible and is of a permanent nature. Temporary
wetland zones that are still impacted are former agricultural lands that have no biodiversity value.
Mitigation
• Development should not be considered within wetland boundaries and their associated buffer zones;
• Interventions and mechanisms should be included in the proposed development to reduce the impact of
stormwater on the wetland;
• An ecologically sensitive stormwater management plan will be required to attenuate flood peak events
and prevent excessive erosion; and
• The natural open spaces in the proposed layout should be connected to adjacent natural open spaces.
14.5 Cumulative impact of hydrological modifications and stormwater
Source of the impact:
Hardened surfaces will impact negatively on the wetlands, as the construction of impermeable layers on the
surface will prevent infiltration and ultimately result in reduced seepage yields.
Description of the impact
Increased stormwater runoff with an associated increased erosion potential are also directly related to the
expansion of hardened surface inside a catchment. Interventions and mechanisms can be included in the
development to facilitate a higher percentage of infiltration (e.g. porous pavements).
Significance
The significance of the impact is expected to be of a medium significance without mitigation, this due to removal
of vegetation and the construction of hard surfaces. With mitigation the significance of the impact will be of a low
significance even though the impact will not be reversible and is of a permanent nature.
Mitigation
• Development should not be considered within wetland boundaries and their associated buffer zones;
• Interventions and mechanisms should be included in the proposed development to reduce the impact of
stormwater on the wetland;
• An ecologically sensitive stormwater management plan will be required to attenuate flood peak events
and prevent excessive erosion; and
• The natural open spaces in the proposed layout should be connected to adjacent natural open spaces.
14.6 Cumulative destruction of sensitive habitat
Source of the impact:
Development of sensitive habitat types and the impact of development on sensitive habitat types, such as road
infrastructure etc. This will result in the fragmentation of species and habitats associated with important
landscape elements such as wetlands and ridges that function on a landscape scale as corridors.
EIA-REP-325d-11
October 2012
159