Final Scoping Report for the Proposed ... - SRK Consulting

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SRK Consulting: 408836 Tubatse FSR Page 41 deposits, comprising a thin layer of colluvial and alluvial material 7 . Shallow rocky soils are the dominant soils in the area 8 . 6.3 Climate The annual mean temperature in the district is approximately 20°C 9 . The mean annual precipitation at the site is 709 mm. The study area falls within a summer rainfall area, with the majority of the annual rainfall occurring from October to February 10 . The dominant wind direction recorded at the nearby Xstrata Lion monitoring station is northeast. Wind speeds in excess of 20 m/s are mainly from the northeast, and sometimes from the west. Calm conditions (wind speeds
SRK Consulting: 408836 Tubatse FSR Page 42 6.4.4 Tourism There are several game farms and lodges in the Steelpoort area. 6.4.5 Farming There are several farms along the Steelpoort River. 6.5 Vegetation and cultural heritage resources The site falls within the Sekhukhuneland Plains Bushveld Vegetation Type, which is considered to be highly threatened, with no areas under formal protection 13 . The site, however, has been modified, so that little natural vegetation remains. In 2008, 105 plant species were recorded in the study area. No threatened plant species were identified, and only one endemic species was collected. The site sensitivity is defined as moderate. Surrounding the site are several aloe species and bulbous plants, some of which are protected according to the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act No 5 of 2005 due to their medicinal value 14 . The cultural landscape of the project area and its surroundings is not pristine. This is namely as a result of agricultural activities, erosion, settlements and other developments associated with mining activities. Throughout the Steepoort valley, remains of villages and smaller homesteads that date from the more recent past (not older than 60 years) can be found. Such remains have also been identified at the Tubatse Chrome site. These include mud and brick dwellings, cement foundations, upright stones in lines as well as piles of stone. These remains hold little or no cultural or historical significance 15 . 6.6 Hydrogeology 16 The monitored boreholes and numerical groundwater models have resulted in a well characterised groundwater situation in and around the Tubatse Chrome site. . 6.7 Hydrology 17 The Steelpoort River is found to the north of Tubatse Chrome. This is the only notable surface water resource in the vicinity of the plant. The Steelpoort River is a perennial river with substantial flows during the summer months and measurable base flows during the winter months. The Steelpoort River is a major tributary of the Olifants River. All dirty storm water is collected in an adequately sized and lined storm water dam, Water quality samples are taken monthly from within the dam during the wet season. Quality and quantity of treated effluent is also monitored before it is recycled back to the plant for reuse as process water. 13 Farrar A. A. and Lotter M. C. (2007) Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan Handbook. MpumalangaTourism and Parks Agency. Cited in Golder Associates (2008) Rapid assessment of plant sensitivity on the area proposed for the Tubatse water treatment plant, Technical memorandum 14 Golder Associates (2008) Rapid assessment of plant sensitivity on the area proposed for the Tubatse water treatment plant, Technical memorandum 15 Pistorius, J. (2008) A phase I heritage impact assessment (HIA) study for a proposed new water treatment plant (WTP) for Tubatse Ferrochrome in the Steelpoort valley in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. 16 Golder Associates (2009) Environmental Impact Assessment for a new water treatment plant at Tubatse Chrome near Steelpoort, Limpopo Province. Report number 11908-8732-4 17 Golder Associates (2009) Environmental Impact Assessment for a new water treatment plant at Tubatse Chrome near Steelpoort, Limpopo Province. Report number 11908-8732-4 Anam/ Mol 408836_Tubatse FSR October 2011
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Final Scoping Report for the Proposed ... - SRK Consulting

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