Abagold WEC BAR - Anchor Environmental

SECTION E: RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONERIs the information contained in this report and the documentation attached heretosufficient to make a decision in respect of the activity applied for (in the view of theenvironmental assessment practitioner)?YESNOIf “YES”, please list any recommended conditions, including mitigation measures that should beconsidered for inclusion in any authorisation that may be granted by the competent authority in respectof the application:Design1. To mitigate the potential impacts of altered wave and current patterns a detailed study must beconducted prior to the commencement of construction activities to inform the design of a rockslope to mitigate the reflections of waves and storm surge during severe storms towards theexisting Aquafarm infrastructure adjacent to the proposed development.Construction2. To mitigate the potential impacts of blasting on marine fauna the contractors must follow thefollowing conditions: No blasting or drilling in the sea must be conducted during the period between June 30 andDecember 31 as southern right whales are likely to be in the vicinity of Walker Bay. Observations with binoculars must be sited on key vantage points immediately before theintended blast. Blasting should only commence when cetaceans are not seen to be diving orresting on the sea surface within two kilometres of the blast site. All blasting must be conducted using a rock breaking technology known as NoneX(www.nonex.co.za). This is not an explosive technology. It is propellant compound encased ina cartridge which reacts very quickly to produce high volumes of harmless gas (nitrogen,carbon dioxide and steam). The cartridge is sealed inside a drilled hole and ignited. Highpressure gas is released and enters into the fractures caused by drilling and natural fracturesor planes of weakness in the rock. The gas pressure causes the fractures to expand and therock to split apart. The cartridges do produce a high pressure over a short time frame and sowill produce noise. Blasting activities must be limited to one detonation series per day to avoid or reduce themortality of predators and seabirds attracted to fish kills from previous blasts.3. To mitigate the potential impacts to water quality the contractors must follow the followingconditions: Nonex must be used for all blasting. The casting of cement to create the base of the slot-slope wall must take place withinwatertight plastic canvas bags supported and shaped within metal frames with shutteringbeams. Adequate warning must be provided to neighbouring abalone farmers regarding the intended74