Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout
Site-specific Environmental Management Plan
- Uis -
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure 1September 2013
Rollout - NBC
EMP: Uis
environmental management plan (emp): uis
1Introduction
A site-specific Environmental Management Plan (EMP)was prepared to facilitate environmental management during the construction and operational phases of the Uis site. The area provides habitat for reptiles, red listed bird species, endemic flora, and is a sensitive archaeological site.
In order to alleviate the significance of these impacts it is necessary to assign specific mitigation measures to each potential impact in a site-specific EMP (This document). The current document elaborates on practical measures that need to be taken to ensure that potentially negative impacts on the environment (ecological and social) are minimized or completely avoided, whilst the positive impacts are maximized. The site specific EMP covers all aspects of the project life cycle, including the planning, construction, and operational phase of the project.
It is however important to note that the site specific measures contained in this report should be read in conjunction with the mitigation measures assigned in the Generic Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The generic EMP describes the general environmental conditions and requirements of all 44 sites under this project and assigns responsibilities for implementation to the various role players on the project (including the contractor, Resident Engineer (RE) and the Environmental Health and Safety Control Officer (EHSCO).
1.1LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY AND FRAGMENTATION OF HABITATS
1.1.1Description
The area surrounding the proposed site at Uis is densely vegetated and although it does not contain many sensitive species, some protected plants are likely to occur.
1.1.1Sensitive plant species
The sensitive species, which have been observed in the proximity of the proposed site, are contained table below (Table 1).
Table 1:Photographic record of sensitive plant species that are likely to occur in the area
GENUS & SPECIES / COMMON NAME / STATUS / PHOTO OF PLANTAcacia erioloba / Camelthorn / Protected /
Faidherbia albida / Ana tree / Protected /
Boscia albitrunca / Shepherd’s tree / Protected /
Commiphora glaucescens / Blue-leaved corkwood, tsaura / Near-endemic /
Maerua schinzii / Ringwood tree / Protected /
1.1.2Mitigation and management
Some bush clearing may be necessary for the construction of the site and associated infrastructure (i.e. road and power line). Mitigation measures are therefore required to avoid or minimize the impact.
Coupled with the mitigation measures prescribed in the generic EMP (e.g. staying on tracks and avoiding unnecessary damage to the surrounding environment), the following site specific mitigation and management measures are prescribed to minimize the impact of the proposed project on vegetation (Table 2):
Table 2:Mitigation/monitoring requirements.
PROJECT PHASE / MITIGATION/MONITORING ACTION / RESPONSIBILITY / IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULEPlanning phase / Identify and mark large trees (with a diameter of 150mm and more) used by the community, protected trees, and fruit bearing trees before the route is opened for construction.
If possible, realign the route to avoid the tree. Large indigenous trees that should be avoided should be marked with red Paint.
If a tree needs to be removed, the approval of the community leader and/or the necessary permit to harvest protected species must first be obtained (from the nearest forestry office) and recorded at the ECO.
Do not remove any tree within 100 m from the riverbed and do not create new access point to the river bank. This is to protect sensitive riparian forest vegetation. / ECO
ER
Contractor / Prior to construction
construction phase / Ensure that layout and design complies with mitigation proposed.
Apply for permits.
Keep record of the following:
- the number of trees that are removed
- the specific tree species that is removed.
ER
Contractor / Prior to construction
1.2Impact on bird diversity
1.2.1Description
The Uis district provides habitat for a red listed endangered bird species, as such a site specific EMP applies with mitigation measures to avoid or minimize the impact.
The sensitive species contained in the index below (Table 3) have been recorded in the proximity of the proposed site.
1.2.2Mitigation and management
Table 3:Photographic record of sensitive bird species that have previously been recorded in the area.
COMMON NAME / CONSERVATION STATUS / PHOTO OF BIRD / ZONE OF OCCURENCEBooted eagle / Endangered: High risk of extinction in the wild. / / Wooded, often hilly countryside with some open areas.
* All pictures in this table taken from
Table 4:Mitigation/monitoring requirements to minimize the impact of the proposed project on birds.
PROJECT PHASE / MITIGATION/MONITORING ACTION / REPONSIBILITY / IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULEPlanning Phase / Make use of an A-frame pole design for the power line and fit T-shaped perch onto HLPCD (Horizontal Line Post Compact Delta) (Figure 2).
/ RE, Contractor / Prior to construction.
Planning Phase / The power line should be fitted with double loop flight diverters (Figure 3).
/ Contractor / Prior to construction.
Planning Phase / Put spiral vibration dampers (Figure 4) on the guy ropes of the proposed mast.
/ Contractor / Throughout the whole project
Throughout the whole project / Monitoring is very important in determining the effectiveness of the mitigation measures. It ensures that the functionality (i.e. does the equipment work) and effectives (i.e. does it prevent bird collisions) are regularly checked and corrected, it necessary. This will be determined by conducting dedicated patrols by foot along the power line (20m to either side of the power line) and the guy ropes. The responsible person shall check for any indication of bird-power line interactions e.g. bones, feathers, carcasses. Any findings indicating interaction with birds should be recorded:
- By photographing the carcass,
- Taking the GPS coordinates,
- Removing the remains to ensure that it is not recorded again on a subsequent visit, and
- Forwarding all records to Mike and Ann Scott (063 683 026 / 081 284 5130/ )
1.3Impact on reptiles
1.3.1Description
Because of the surrounding hilly landscape the proposed Uis site is likely to be sensitive in terms of reptiles. In order to prevent and or minimise the impacts, mitigation measures are required.
1.3.2Mitigation and management
Methods to mitigate impacts on reptile species occurring close to the site are detailed in the table below:
Table 5: Mitigation/monitoring requirements to minimize the impact of the proposed project on reptiles.
impacts requiring mitigation / Sources of impacts / PROJECT PHASE / MITIGATION/ MONITORING ACTION / RESPONSIBILITY / IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULEImpact on reptiles / Disturbing reptiles during construction activities and off-road driving. / Construction phase / Small mammals and reptiles should be avoided where possible. They should not be hurt, killed, or unnecessarily disturbed.
No off-road driving should be allowed. / RE, Contractor / Prior to construction
Impact on reptiles / Loss of habitats due to vegetation clearing. / Construction phase / Preserve habitat attributes important for reptiles, such as rocky substrates and outcrops.
Do not disturb habitats adjacent to the site so as to allow for natural ecosystems activities to continue.
Avoid fragmentation of habitats (i.e., isolation, edge effects); where habitats are already fragmented (e.g. edges of already disturbed areas), provide habitat continuity that allows for movement of animals. / RE, Contractor / Prior to construction
1.4Impacts on Heritage
1.4.1Description
The archaeological sensitivity of the Uis area is expressed on a scale of 1 to 25 as being 13 (i.e. sensitive). A field assessment has been advised by the specialist, should any graves be discovered during construction, the National Heritage Council must be contacted immediately.
1.4.2Mitigation and management
Methods to mitigate the potential impacts on heritage are detailed in the table below (Table 6):
Table 6: Mitigation/monitoring requirements to minimize the impact of the proposed project on heritage.
PROJECT PHASE / MITIGATION/ MONITORING ACTION / REPONSIBILITY / IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULEPlanning Phase / When doing the final positioning of the Uis site, an archaeologist should accompany the team to determine whether any significant cultural or historical artefacts occur on the site. He will then verify the sensitivity and, if necessary, make recommendations for on-site avoidance or will relocate sensitive archaeological artefacts where avoidance is impossible. / RE, Contractor / Prior to construction.
Planning phase and construction phase / Any items found in the course of development, which are protected under the National Heritage Act’s definition of heritage, should be reported to the National Heritage Council. / Contractor / Planning phase and construction phase
1.5access to site & Erosion
Due to the undulating hillside, some areas close to the proposed site have a moderate to steep slope and are therefore prone to erosion. Site specific mitigation measures will ensure roads are routed to minimise impacts, i.e. access roads must follow contours along the least sensitive areas. Limit the extent and width of access roads as far as possible.
PROJECT PHASE / MITIGATION/MONITORING ACTION / REPONSIBILITY / IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULEPlanning Phase / Limit cut and fill activities. / RE, Contractor / Prior to construction.
Construction Phase / Maintain trees and shrubs growing at the base of slopes: Plants hold the soil in place with deep roots preventing erosion. When existing vegetation is removed along slopes, the bare soil that remains is easily washed away.
Stabilize exposed material—excavation, embankment, waste piles, etc. These are all erodible and may enter drainage lines. / Contractor / Prior to construction.
Maintenance phase / Clean and repair drainage structures on a regular basis. Keep it free of debris and sediment for optimum performance.
Avoid using roads during wet periods if such use would likely damage the road drainage features.
Grade road surfaces only as often as necessary to maintain a stable running surface and to retain the original surface drainage. / Contractor / Throughout the whole project
1.6Concluding remarks
The selection of a suitable zone theoretically avoided many of the potential impacts associated with the construction of a mast in the Uis area. However, residual impacts are still likely and site specific EMP’s will apply to mitigate the potential impacts to bird species, reptiles, erosion, vegetation, and archaeological concerns.
Coupled with the mitigation measures assigned in this document, the construction team will also have to adhere to all generic mitigation measures in the Generic EMP.
Although the proposed site for the NBC mast is an existing MTC site providing the necessary infrastructure required for the construction of a mast, mitigation measures should be applied to lower the impact on the receiving environment. A site-specific EMP has thus been developed with mitigation measures addressing sensitive bird and reptile species, archaeological heritage, radiation exposure and the visual impact.
Coupled with the mitigation measures assigned in this document, the construction team will also have to adhere to all generic mitigation measures in the Generic EMP. This document is part and partial of the Generic EMP and should be read as such.
The investigated site is the best option and should the mitigation measures in the Generic and Site Specific EMP be implemented, impacts should be lessened.
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure 1September 2013
Rollout - NBC
EMP: Uis