Botanical Assessment of the
proposed Clifton Precinct Project,
Cape Town, Western Cape
Province
PREPARED FOR:
Neil D. Eybers, Property Management Department, City of Cape Town
DATED:
17 June 2015
PREPARED BY:
Robin Jangle
M · 073 483 5504
E · robinj@ncc-group.co.za
T · +27 21 702 2884 26 Bell Close, Westlake Business Park
F · +27 86 555 0693 Westlake 7945, Cape Town
NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd | Reg No: 2007/023691/07 | VAT No. 4450208915
REAL GROWTH FOR PEOPLE, PLANET AND BUSINESS
www.ncc-group.co.za
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
I, Robin Jangle as duly authorised representative of NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd (NCC), hereby
confirm my independence (as well as that of NCC) as a specialist and declare that neither I nor NCC have any
interest, be it business, financial, personal or other, in any proposed activity, application or appeal, other
than fair remuneration for worked performed, specifically in connection with the Botanical Assessment for
Proposed Clifton Precinct for City of Cape Town. I further declare that I am confident in the results of the
studies undertaken and conclusions drawn as a result of it – as is described in my attached report.
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Signed:
Robin Jangle
17 June 2015
Biodiversity Specialist – NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd.
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DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
I, Karien Potgieter, as duly authorised representative of NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd. (NCC), hereby
confirm my independence (as well as that of NCC) as a specialist and declare that neither I nor NCC have any
interest, be it business, financial, personal or other, in any proposed activity, application or appeal, other
than fair remuneration for worked performed, specifically in connection with the Botanical Assessment for
Proposed Clifton Precinct for City of Cape Town. I further declare that I am confident in the results of the
studies undertaken and conclusions drawn as a result of it – as is described in the attached report.
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Signed:
Karien Potgieter
17 June 2015
Senior Conservation Technician – NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 5
2
SERVICE SCOPE ................................................................................................................. 5
3
ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ..................................................................................... 6
4
ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................................. 7
5
ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY........................................................................................... 7
6
DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................... 8
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1
6.1
BROAD SITE DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................................8
6.2
ECOSYSTEM AND COMMUNITY LEVEL .................................................................................................8
6.3
REGIONAL CONTEXT OF VEGETATION ............................................................................................... 12
7
ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS............................................................................................... 13
7.1
CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 13
7.2
OPERATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 17
8
MITIGATION MEASURES ................................................................................................. 18
8.1
CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 18
8.2
OPERATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 19
9
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................ 20
10
REFERENCES.................................................................................................................... 21
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1
INTRODUCTION
NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd. (NCC) was appointed by City of Cape Town (the Client) to conduct a
botanical assessment of the proposed Clifton Precinct development on Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard.
2
SERVICE SCOPE
The Terms of Reference are as per QUOTATION NUMBER: R031500910 (DESCRIPTION: The provision of
consulting services on the completion of a site specific Botanical Survey for the Proposed Clifton Precinct
Project):
“Based on the fact that this is a highly sensitive area from a heritage, environmental, and scenic drive point
of view it is intended that a level of detail that satisfies the desire to test the feasibility of aspects of the
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development be achieved (study area indicated in Annexure A).
1. Produce a baseline analysis of the botanical attributes of the study area.
2. This report should clearly indicate any constraints that would need to be taken into account in
considering any development proposals further.
3. The baseline report must include a map of the identified sensitive areas as well as indications of
important botanical constraints. It must also:
a. Describe the broad ecological characteristics of the site and its surrounds in terms of any
mapped spatial components of ecological processes and/or patchiness, patch size, relative
isolation of patches, connectivity, corridors, disturbance regimes, ecotones, buffering,
viability, etc.
In terms of biodiversity pattern, identify or describe:
Community and ecosystem level
a.
The main vegetation type, its aerial extent and interaction with neighbouring types, soils or
topography;
b.
The types of plant communities that occur in the vicinity of the site
c.
Threatened or vulnerable ecosystems (cf. SA vegetation map/National Spatial Biodiversity
Assessment, etc.)
Species level
d.
Plant Species of Conservation Concern (SCC; give coordinates if possible)
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e.
The viability of and estimated population size of the SCC that are present (include the degree
of confidence in prediction based on availability of information and specialist knowledge, i.e.
High=70-100% confident, Medium 40-70% confident, low 0-40% confident)
f.
The likelihood of other SCC occurring in the vicinity (include degree of confidence).
Other pattern issues
g.
Any significant landscape features or rare or important vegetation associations such as
seasonal wetlands, alluvium, seeps, quartz patches or salt marshes in the vicinity.
h.
The extent of alien plant cover of the site, and whether the infestation is the result of prior
soil disturbance such as ploughing or quarrying (alien cover resulting from disturbance is
generally more difficult to restore than infestation of undisturbed sites).
i.
The condition of the site in terms of current or previous land uses.
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In terms of biodiversity process, identify or describe:
j.
The key ecological “drivers” of ecosystems on the site and in the vicinity, such as fire.
k.
Any mapped spatial component of an ecological process that may occur at the site or in its
vicinity (i.e. corridors such as watercourses, upland-lowland gradients, migration routes,
coastal linkages or inland-trending dunes, and vegetation boundaries such as edaphic
interfaces, upland-lowland interfaces or biome boundaries).
l.
Any possible changes in key processes, e.g. increased fire frequency or drainage/artificial
recharge of aquatic systems.
4. What is the significance of the potential impact of the proposed project – with and without
mitigation – on biodiversity pattern and process at the site and regional scale?
5. Recommend actions that should be taken to prevent or mitigate impacts.
Indicate how these should be scheduled to ensure long-term protection, management and
restoration of affected ecosystems and biodiversity.
6. Indicate limitations and assumptions, particularly in relation to seasonality.
3

ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
In the absence of a geo-referenced site layout, a non-referenced diagram had to be produced by an
NCC GIS technician. The accuracy of the overlay is questionable, however the potential impacts could
still be inferred.
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
It is assumed that the pedestrian routes will be constructed of concrete or similar impervious material.

The site assessment was conducted during late autumn, which is generally accepted as an unsuitable
season for accurately identifying flora. The main flowering time period in the Fynbos Biome is
September-October. We are, however, confident that no flora of conservation concern (“Red List”
plants) occurs on the site.
4
ALTERNATIVES
Alternative 1: No Go
The majority of the proposed Clifton Precinct is an entirely transformed landscape of no conservation value.
There are, however, patches of Regionally significant vegetation (Cape Flats Dune Strandveld: Endangered)
below the transformed area. There are Significant impacts associated with the development in its proposed
layout to these patches resulting in residual impact.
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Clifton Precinct in its proposed layout will have Significant residual impact to the natural vegetation patches
and is rated as a No-Go.
Alternative 2: Re-designed layout to avoid destruction of existing natural vegetation
The layout must be re-designed to avoid the patches of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld, as well as the Cape
Lowlands Freshwater Wetlands. This will Avoid the impacts associated with the development in its presently
proposed layout.
5
ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
A desktop study of the receiving environment was conducted to inform the site visit. Resources consulted
include: VegMap (2006), SANBI BGIS (City of Cape Town BioNet) and SANBI TSP: CREW data (consolidated
voucher records incorporating PRECIS).
A site assessment was conducted on 22 May 2015. The site was systematically traversed and the taxa and
assemblages were noted.
The proposed route and construction methods were assessed against the
receiving environment’s sensitivity.
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6
DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
6.1
BROAD SITE DESCRIPTION
The proposed Clifton Precinct is situated on the Glen Country Club and Maiden’s Cove. It is bounded to the
east by Victoria Road, to the south by Glen Beach to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north by
Clifton Fourth Beach.
The natural area between Victoria Road and Lower Kloof Road has been assigned the status of Critical
Biodiversity Area (CBA) 2 in City of Cape Town’s BioNet. This area forms a buffer to the CBA 1 above Kloof
Road.
For the most part the site is transformed (sports fields, parking areas and lawns), however there are patches
of natural vegetation below the transformed areas down to the strandline. Refer to Appendix 1 (Figure 1).
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6.2
ECOSYSTEM AND COMMUNITY LEVEL
The natural vegetation remnants on site are: FS 6 Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (Endangered, Anon., 2009),
AZd 3 Cape Seashore Vegetation, AZf 1 Cape Lowlands Freshwater Wetlands and FOz 6 Southern Coastal
Forest (sub-type: Western Milkwood Forest) (Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). Refer to Appendix 1 (Figure 2).
The Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (CFDS) is of particular significance. It occurs as two structurally distinct
patches on site. The northern patch (“1” in Figure 2) is situated immediately below and around the
bungalows at Clifton Fourth Beach and the southern patch (“2” in Figure 2) ranges from the southern parking
area to Glen Beach.
The northern patch is a low to mid-high, mid-dense to closed shrubland. The structural complexity is in
response to substrate depth (=water retention) as well as the height of the granite boulders (degree of
shelter provided). The vegetation is lowest closest to the sea where the granite is weathered (plants are
exposed to shearing salt-laden wind) and the soil is shallower. Conversely the tall shrubland is in deeper soil
with large sheltering boulders, furthest from the sea. Refer to Appendix 2: Figures 3 and 4.
The lower portion of this patch (below the granite batholith trending on a north-south axis to the west of Erf
491) is remarkable in that despite its very limited spatial extent, the floristic diversity is comparable (as an
equal-sized patch) to some of the larger continuous expanses, such as those along False Bay. The upper
portion of the CFDS patch, immediately south of Erf 491 (visible as a cultivated lawn) up to the north-west
corner of the tennis courts and along the western boundary of the tennis courts, has been severely disturbed
and in places transformed. This is due to access paths braiding and trampling the vegetation as well as
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transformation of the vegetation as private garden space. This strip has a lower conservation value than the
remainder of the CFDS in the northern patch.
Taxa noted:
Shrubs: Searsia glauca, S. laevigata, Euclea racemosa, Olea exasperata, Osteospermum monilifera, O.
incana, Salvia africana-aurea, Metalasia muricata, Asparagus capensis, Phylica ericoides, Eriocephalus
africanus, Helichrysum revolutum, Pelargonium capitatum, Linum africanum
Succulent shrubs: Cotyledon orbiculata, Carpobrotus acinaciformis, Tetragonia spicata, Ruschia macowanii,
Drosanthemum scandens
Graminoids: Ehrharta villosa, Sporobolus virginicus, Scirpoides nodosus
Herbs: Gazania maritima, Senecio elegans
Geophytic herbs: Satyrium c.f. odorum, Oxalis ecklonii, Trachyandra ciliata, Ornithogalum thyrsoides, Albuca
juncifolia, Ferraria crispa, Empodium plicatum, Spiloxene ovata.
This patch of CFDS grades into Cape Lowlands Freshwater Wetlands to the south and Cape Seashore
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Vegetation to the west (high water mark).
The general inaccessibility of this patch has enabled its persistence. Trampling of, in particular the lowergrowing communities, as well as those in pockets on the rock, would result in the destruction thereof.
Of further concern is the high number of exotic taxa in this patch. These no doubt arise from the gardens of
the bungalows at Clifton Fourth. It would also appear as though some have been deliberately planted.
These exotics and Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) have a negative impact on the ecosystem through affecting
nutrient cycling as well as competition for resources (space, nutrients, pollination and seed dispersal).
Exotic flora and IAPs noted:
Acacia cyclops (Declared Invader: Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983)
(CARA) Category 2), Pennisetum setaceum (Declared Weed: CARA Category 1), Myoporum tenuifolium
(Declared Invader: CARA Category 3), Phoenix canariensis, Coprosma lucida, Pittosporum crassifolium, Yucca
aloifolia, Limonium perezii, Gypsophila c.f. paniculata, Aloe arborescens, A. thraskii (hybrids)
The southern patch is a dwarf to tall, mid-dense to closed shrubland. This patch also exhibits the increase in
height with distance from the sea. The slope rises steeply from the beach to the road above. Closest to the
beach the vegetation is a dwarf, mid-dense to closed shrubland. It gets progressively taller behind the
boulders and where the slope becomes steeper, resulting in a tall, closed shrubland. On more water
retentive, richer soils along the Atlantic seaboard this tall shrubland is generally a precursor of Southern
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Coastal Forest (SCF). The shrubland in the southern patch however does contain a significant asteraceous
component which could indicate that it is in a state and not in transition to SCF.
Taxa noted:
Shrubs: Lycium ferocissimum, Morella cordifolia, Searsia glauca, S. laevigata, S. lucida, Euclea racemosa,
Olea exasperata, O. europaea subsp. africana, Gymnosporia buxifolia, Osteospermum monilifera, O. incana,
Salvia africana-aurea, Metalasia muricata, Asparagus capensis, Phylica ericoides, Eriocephalus africanus,
Helichrysum revolutum, Pelargonium capitatum
Succulent shrubs: Carpobrotus acinaciformis, Tetragonia spicata, Ruschia macowanii
Graminoids: Ehrharta villosa, Sporobolus virginicus, Scirpoides nodosus
Herbs: Gazania maritime, Senecio elegans,
Geophytic herbs: Oxalis ecklonii, O. pes-caprae, Trachyandra ciliata, T. revoluta, Albuca juncifolia, Ferraria
crispa
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The southern patch is only lightly infested with exotic flora and IAPs and is of high conservation value.
Exotic flora and IAPs noted:
Acacia cyclops (Declared Invader: CARA Category 2), Myoporum tenuifolium (Declared Invader: CARA
Category 3), Coprosma lucida
The Cape Seahore Vegetation (CSV) occurs in the dynamic strandline. At Clifton Precinct it was encountered
immediately below the northern patch of CFDS in coarse substrate comprising gravel and seashells. It is
generally composed of opportunistic taxa that possess traits that enable them to survive the high incidence
of system disturbance e.g. surging tides and shifting substrate.
The CSV at Clifton Precinct is a dwarf, sparse to mid-dense shrubland comprising succulent mat-forming
shrubs.
Taxa noted:
Succulent shrubs: Drosanthemum scandens, Chenolea diffusa, Tetragonia decumbens
A single continuous patch of Cape Lowlands Freshwater Wetlands (CLFW) occurs below the sports fields –
from the tennis courts in the north to approximately midway along the lower boundary of the fields. Refer
to Appendix 2: Figures 5 and 6.
The vegetation is a low to mid-high, closed graminoid-shrubland. Both the structure and flora are typical of
a wetland embedded in CFDS in that they are not particularly species-rich or diverse in structure.
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The wetland is as a result of a basin formed by the granite batholith and is fed by both precipitation and upslope seepage. It would appear as though the up-slope seepage is negatively impacted by over-recharge
from both the sports fields and a garden that has extended beyond the boundaries of Erf 491. This has
resulted in the establishment of exotic and indigenous invasive flora such as Typha capensis and Pennisetum
clandestinum. Whilst T. capensis is indigenous, it most likely would not have occupied the spatial extent that
it does. The constant recharge has enabled T. capensis to colonise what would’ve been ecologically
unsuitable habitat for it i.e. shallow substrate that is completely dry during summer resulting in desiccation
of the rhizomes.
Taxa noted:
Megagraminoids: Typha capensis
Graminoids: Scirpoides nododus, Paspalum vaginatum
Shrubs: Senecio halimifolius, Plechostachys serpyllifolia
Although species-poor, the wetland contributes to the overall diversity of the natural space as it supports
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fauna that would otherwise not be present such as amphibians and various avifauna. Furthermore the
wetland serves an important function in regulating the water flow to the surrounding CFDS. Any waterobstructing structure through the wetland would result in upslope becoming overly wet to support CFDS
whereas downslope would become more xeric and result in a significant shift in the vegetation structure and
floristics.
Of concern is the high density of transforming exotic flora. Not only are these structurally altering the
vegetation, but also the functioning of the wetland. If the recharge was consistent with the precipitation the
exotic flora would still persist, albeit it reduced density.
Exotic flora and IAPs noted:
Phoenix canariensis, Pennisetum clandestinum
The wetland is bordered to the north and west by CFDS and to the south by CSV.
A small patch of Southern Coastal Forest (SCF) is situated at the main entrance off Victoria Road. This patch
has been negatively impacted by rubble dumping, IAPs (in particular Acacia cyclops and Myoporum
tenuifolium), as well as cutting of the indigenous trees to improve security.
The vegetation comprises small trees (<5m tall) of Euclea racemosa, Gymnosporia buxifolia and Olea
europaea subsp. africana.
The patch is completely cut off from any other patches of natural vegetation by roads and parking areas.
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6.3
REGIONAL CONTEXT OF VEGETATION
The CFDS at Clifton Precinct represents the last remaining significant patch on the Atlantic seaboard
between Mouille Point and Noordhoek. North of Mouille Point the only remaining significant patch is
situated in Milnerton (Sunset Beach continuing to Melkbos). There is a small patch on Paarden Island,
although this is in a perturbed state, species depauperate and unlikely to persist without intensive
management intervention. To the south there are very compressed, depauperate patches at Llandudno.
These are compressed between the SCF and the actual beach and hardly comparable to the patches at
Clifton Precinct in terms of structural and floristic complexity. The only remaining significant patches on the
Atlantic seaboard are therefore from Noordhoek southwards to Cape Point. The patches at Clifton Precinct
however are unique. They differ from CFDS elsewhere in that the substrate is marine sand over Cape
Granite. This represents a unique ecosystem and these patches are therefore not only of Local but also
Regional significance and I would consider them irreplaceable. The CSV and CLFW are intrinsically connected
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to the CFDS at the site and any further perturbance or impact to them is best avoided as it will result in
cascading effects on the CFDS. The patch of SCF is also of Local significance. Although structurally and
floristically compromised, it does represent the northern-most remnant of the vegetation type. To the south
of the proposed Clifton Precinct there are small patches of SCF along the coast with significant patches at
Llandudno and Noordhoek.
CFDS is listed as Endangered (EN) under Criterion D1 (Anon., 2009). Under Criterion D1 an ecosystem must
harbour 60-79 “threatened Red Data list plant species” to qualify for EN status (Anon., 2009). Whilst no flora
of conservation concern (“Red List” flora) were encountered on site, this does not detract from the
conservation value of the vegetation as noted under the description of each patch thereof. The uppermost
portion of Patch 1 (northern patch) is however severely disturbed and in parts transformed. It is of low
conservation value. Whilst considering that CFDS is listed as EN based on the number of species of
conservation concern and not remaining spatial extent, it stands to reason that patches thereof that are in a
poor state and of low conservation value can be considered for development. The impact hereof is rated
below.
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7
ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS
7.1
CONSTRUCTION
Impact 1: Loss of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (Endangered) (Southern Patch)
Table 1: Assessment of impact on ecosystem: Loss of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (Southern Patch)
Nature
Negative
Impact Source
Construction of parking area on, and pedestrian routes through patches of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld resulting in nett loss.
Magnitude
Extent
Medium
Intensity
High
Duration
High
Potential for impact on irreplaceable
resources
High
Consequence
High
Without Mitigation
High
H
With Mitigation
High
H
Significance
Probability
High
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Construction of pedestrian routes through the patches of CFDS would result in fragmentation with an
increase in edge effect and ultimately a reduction in structural and floristic complexity, thereby reducing its
regenerative capacity. Intensity is therefore rated as High due to the potential of impact to alter the
functioning of the ecosystem and result in a transformed state.
Extent is rated as Medium as the impact would affect the Local to Regional surroundings.
Given the Regional significance of these patches of CFDS, as well as their unique abiotic features, they are
considered irreplaceable (not possible to recreate) hence the Potential for impact on irreplaceable
resources is rated as High.
Significance With Mitigation is ranked as High because the impact cannot be mitigated due to the
compressed spatial extent of the ecosystem and the abiotic complexity.
Impact 2: Loss of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (Endangered) (Northern Patch)
Table 3: Assessment of impact on ecosystem: Loss of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (Northern Patch)
Nature
Negative
Impact Source
Construction of pedestrian walkway through patch of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld resulting in nett loss.
Magnitude
Extent
Medium
Intensity
High
Duration
High
Potential for impact on irreplaceable
resources
High
Consequence
High
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Significance
Probability
Without Mitigation
High
H
With Mitigation
Low
H
High
Construction of pedestrian routes through the patches of CFDS would result in fragmentation with an
increase in edge effect and ultimately a reduction in structural and floristic complexity, thereby reducing its
regenerative capacity. Intensity is therefore rated as High due to the potential of impact to alter the
functioning of the ecosystem and result in a transformed state.
The impact can however be Mitigated. The Consequence would then be Low as a result of Intensity,
duration, extent and impact on irreplaceable resources all rated Low. This is because if the walkway is
constructed of wooden slats and pinned to the granite batholiths only, thereby avoiding all contact with the
vegetation (including shading) there won’t be an impact.
Impact 3: Loss of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (Endangered) in poor condition (eastern limit of Northern
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Patch)
Table 3: Assessment of impact on ecosystem: Loss of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (Northern Patch)
Nature
Negative
Impact Source
Transformation of patch of poor condition Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (adjoining the tennis courts) resulting in nett loss.
Magnitude
Extent
Medium
Intensity
Low
Duration
High
Potential for impact on irreplaceable
resources
Medium
Consequence
Medium
Without Mitigation
Medium
M
With Mitigation
Medium
M
Significance
Probability
High
Transformation of the poor condition CFDS adjoining the tennis courts is rated as Medium for Potential for
impact on irreplaceable resources as the portion is species and structurally depauperate and can be
recreated by planting the floristic component. The Consequence is rated as Medium as a result of the
Medium rating for irreplaceable resources as well the low intensity. Intensity is rated as Low as a result of
the impact affecting the environment in such a way that natural functions and processes are minimally
affected. This is because the vegetation is in a poor state and is somewhat separated from the high
conservation value vegetation closer to the sea.
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Significance With Mitigation is rated as Medium because the mitigation recommended is Compensation. It
is rated as Medium because the mitigation will still not replace the resource.
The impact of the
transformation (by development) can be managed by preventing alteration of the hydrology.
Impact 4: Loss of Cape Lowlands Freshwater Wetlands
Table 4: Assessment of impact on ecosystem: Loss of Cape Lowlands Freshwater Wetlands
Nature
Negative
Impact Source
Construction of pedestrian routes through Cape Lowlands Freshwater Wetlands
Magnitude
Extent
Medium
Intensity
High
Duration
High
Potential for impact on irreplaceable
resources
High
Consequence
High
Without Mitigation
High
H
With Mitigation
Medium
M
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Significance
Probability
High
Construction of pedestrian routes or any hard, obstructing structure through the CLFW would result in
altered hydrology. Wetland flora are obligate hydrophytes, only capable of persisting under hydrological
regimes that are within their range of tolerance. Obligate hydrophytes have a narrow range of tolerance and
this accounts for the specific flora found in the wetland occurring nowhere else in the landscape at Clifton
Precinct. Altered hydrology would result in transformation of the ecosystem. Intensity is therefore rated as
High due to the potential of impact to alter the functioning of the ecosystem and result in a transformed
state.
Extent is rated as Medium as the impact would affect the Local to Regional surroundings.
Given the Local significance of the wetland (reducing and slowing the seepage to the CFDS, thereby enabling
its persistence) as well as their unique biotic and abiotic features, they are considered irreplaceable (not
possible to recreate), hence the Potential for impact on irreplaceable resources is rated as High. It is
important to consider the wetland as an ecological support system for the more threatened CFDS. Altering
the hydrology will have cascading effects (cumulative impacts) on the Strandveld, resulting in
transformation. This aspect is therefore rated cumulatively with this support function in mind.
Significance With Mitigation is rated as Medium because the impact can be mitigated to an extent where
the hydrological function is not impeded, but the wetland flora could be somewhat altered. The Intensity
would then be Medium (with Mitigation) as the affected environment would be altered, but natural
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functions and processes can continue albeit in a modified way; and important, sensitive communities are
negatively affected. Mitigation is discussed further in “Mitigation Measures”.
Impact 5: Loss of Southern Coastal Forest
Table 5: Assessment of impact on ecosystem: Loss of Southern Coastal Forest
Nature
Negative
Impact Source
Destruction of WMF in development footprint
Magnitude
Extent
Low
Intensity
Low
Duration
High
Potential for impact on irreplaceable
resources
Medium
Consequence
Low
Without Mitigation
Low
L
With Mitigation
Low
L
Significance
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Probability
High
Construction of Clifton Precinct in its proposed format will result in the destruction of a patch of SCF. The
patch is depauperate and has been severely impacted by management activities and IAPs. It is a remnant,
no longer contiguous with any other vegetation at Clifton Precinct.
Extent is rated as Low as it comprises a few small trees sandwiched between roads and buildings. The
impact is therefore Local (site-specific). Intensity is rated Low as the natural functions and processes are
minimally affected as the ecosystem is already mostly transformed. Potential for impact on irreplaceable
resources is rated as Medium, as the resources can be replaced with effort i.e. they can be replanted
elsewhere on site (in an ecologically suitable area) together with milkwood, Sideroxylon inerme to recreate a
patch of WMF.
Significance Without Mitigation is rated as Low, because the impact is limited to a very small area of already
mostly transformed ecosystem. Significance With Mitigation is rated as Low, because the ecosystem is
mostly transformed and does not contribute to the ecological integrity of the site.
It is a novelty and a nice-to-have, however and it can either be left intact and incorporated into the site
design and then augmented with milkwood trees (from elsewhere on the site) and managed as a feature.
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7.2
OPERATIONS
Impact 1: Alteration of hydrology resulting in transformation of ecosystems
Table 6: Assessment of impact on ecosystems: Alteration of hydrology
Nature
Negative
Impact Source
Alteration of hydrology (increased recharge) resulting in transformation of ecosystems.
Magnitude
Extent
Medium
Intensity
High
Duration
High
Potential for impact on irreplaceable
resources
High
Consequence
High
Without Mitigation
High
H
With Mitigation
Low
L
Significance
Probability
High
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The ecosystems (=vegetation units) at Clifton Precinct are as a result of complex interaction between the
physical environment and between the ecosystems themselves. The ecosystems are intrinsically linked to
one another, so much so that one cannot be viewed in isolation without considering the impacts to the
other. From a vegetation zonation perspective the CLFW at Clifton precinct is seen as being embedded in
the CFDS, thereby acknowledging the complex interaction between the two ecosystems. Although the
recharge of the wetland is seasonally dependent and varies from year to year, the ecosystems have been
shaped by this disturbance regime. Altering the hydrology would result in transformation of the ecosystems.
Intensity is therefore rated as High due to the potential of impact to alter the functioning of the ecosystem
and result in a transformed state.
Extent is rated as Medium as the impact would affect the Local to Regional surroundings.
Given the Regional significance of the CFDS, it is considered irreplaceable (not possible to recreate) hence
the Potential for impact on irreplaceable resources is rated as High. It is important to consider the wetland
as an ecological support system for the more threatened CFDS. Altering the hydrology will have cascading
effects (cumulative impacts) on the Strandveld resulting in transformation. This aspect is therefore rated
cumulatively with this support function in mind.
Significance With Mitigation is rated as Low because the impact can be mitigated. The Intensity would then
be Low (with Mitigation) as the receiving environment will not be affected. Mitigation is discussed further in
“Mitigation Measures”.
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8
MITIGATION MEASURES
All impacts must be considered under the Mitigation Hierarchy to arrive at an ecologically suitable solution.
The Mitigation Hierarchy is:

Avoidance: impact is prevented or substantially prevented (most preferred);

Reduction: impact is reduced in magnitude and/or significance;

Rectification: impact is mitigated after it has occurred, e.g. rehabilitation of areas disturbed by
construction;

Compensation: providing a substitute resource for a resource that has been lost because of the
project (e.g. “conservation offsets”);

No action (least preferred).
8.1
CONSTRUCTION

Impact 1: Loss of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (Endangered) (Southern Patch)
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This is a Significant impact that cannot be mitigated as the ecosystem has been rated as irreplaceable (due
to its unique abiotic features), as well as having Regional significance (being the only remaining patch of
CFDS on the Atlantic seaboard). This impact must be Avoided (No-Go)

Impact 2: Loss of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (Endangered) (Northern Patch)
This impact can be entirely Avoided by utilising a wooden boardwalk as opposed to an impervious concrete
walkway. The boardwalk must remain on the granite batholith and avoid contact with any vegetation nior
shade it.

Impact 3: Loss of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (Endangered) in poor condition (eastern limit of
Northern Patch)
Significance With Mitigation is rated as Medium which is the same without mitigation because thresholds
have been crossed and it is therefore in a lesser functioning state than the remainder of the vegetation. The
portion could no doubt be reverted to a state that is along a trajectory (“in transition”) to a similar previous
state, the real scenario however is one of making the resources available to do this. In biodiversity
management reality the resources do not exist for the management intensity that is required to revert this
portion to a more relevant state. Resources are more likely to be allocated to managing existing high
conservation value areas. For this reason the Mitigation recommended is Compensation. Transforming the
patch will not alter the vegetation lower down (seaward side) provided the hydrology is not altered
(excessive recharge). The level of compensation (funding of management activities) must be decided with
the City of Cape Town: Biodiversity Management.
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
Impact 2: Loss of Cape Lowlands Freshwater Wetlands
Significance With Mitigation is rated as Medium because the impact can be mitigated to an extent where
the hydrological function is not impeded, but the wetland flora could be somewhat altered. The impact is
therefore Reduced.
To achieve Reduction in impact the proposed pedestrian walkway must be constructed in such a way that it
does not obstruct the flow of water. In order to achieve this, the walkway will have to be a bridge with all
the supports bedded into the exposed granite batholith. No supports are allowed in the actual wetland.
The impact will be reduced in that the hydrology will not be affected (thereby avoiding the cascading effects
associated with altered hydrology) but the flora will be moderately impacted by shading. The shading will
not eliminate the flora if the bridge is of a slat type that allows light through.

Impact 3: Loss of Southern Coastal Forest
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Significance With Mitigation is rated as Low because the ecosystem is mostly transformed and does not
contribute to the ecological integrity of the site. Rectification is recommended as mitigation.
The trees can be moved and utilised in the Precinct for landscaping. Whilst Olea europaea subsp. africana is
known to respond favourably to transplanting it is not known whether Euclea racemosa is as forgiving. If,
however, the Precinct design is altered and the patch can be kept as a feature, with milkwood trees and
other aesthetically pleasing indigenous flora associated with Southern Coastal Forest added, then it would
be a positive outcome. However, there is no ecological reason for maintaining the patch. The trees however
are a valuable resource and should be utilised for landscaping if the patch cannot be incorporated into the
layout of the proposed Clifton Precinct.
8.2
OPERATIONS

Impact 1: Alteration of hydrology resulting in transformation of ecosystems
Significance With Mitigation is rated as Low because the impact can be mitigated.
Catchment hardening in particular is associated with increased recharge. It is therefore imperative that all
stormwater resulting from the proposed Clifton Precinct be diverted away from the downslope ecosystems.
Under no circumstances may any stormwater or run-off be allowed to discharge into the existing natural
vegetation downslope of the proposed development.
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9
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The proposed Clifton Precinct in its present layout will have Significant residual impacts. The layout must be
redesigned to take the patches of vegetation into account and Avoid them.
 The patches of CFDS and CLFW must be avoided and the proposed layout re-designed to avoid these.
 All milkwood, Sideroxylon inerme trees that are planted in the parking area at Clifton Fourth Beach must
be moved if they are going to be impacted by the development. Department of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries (DAFF) must be consulted as to whether a licence will be required to move Protected Trees that
were planted.
 The large gwarrie, Euclea racemosa tree in front of the garages at Clifton Fourth Beach must be retained
and incorporated into the design. It must not be moved.
 The large gwarrie, E. racemosa trees situated between the tennis courts and the substation must be
incorporated into the design. They must not be moved.
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 A low-growing, multiple-stemmed milkwood, S. inerme shrub was found growing above the Law
Enforcement Offices inside the proposed Clifton Precinct (alongside the steps above the gate through the
palisade fence). This shrub has been severely damaged by vagrants (it comprises mostly dead wood) and
is not of conservation-value. A licence must be acquired from DAFF to destroy it.
 All Invasive Alien Plants must be eradicated from the CFDS and CLFW and all the cut material must be
removed from site i.e. not left as brushpiles in the veld. .
 City of Cape Town Biodiversity Management must be approached regarding conservation stewardship.
The CFDS and CLFW are of high conservation significance and in dire need of management intervention.
Acquisition of these patches into the Conservation Stewardship programme is essential for the continued
persistence of the natural vegetation.
 A Biodiversity Management Plan must be compiled to guide the management activities required to
maintain persistence of the natural ecosystem and furthermore mitigate potential operational impacts.
 Erf 491, Clifton has encroached beyond the boundaries of the erf onto the CFDS. The vegetation has
been partially transformed and developed into a garden with excessive irrigation that is also overrecharging the wetland. The owner must be served a notice to cease this activity.
 All trees used for landscaping must be of local origin. The City of Cape Town nursery in Hout Bay has
locally indigenous trees propagated from locally sourced seed. These must be used as opposed to those
sourced from commercial nurseries as the source of the seed may result in genetic contamination of local
populations.
 All landscaping must be executed in accordance with the City’s landscaping policy.
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10 REFERENCES
ANONYMOUS, 2009. Threatened Ecosystems in South Africa: Descriptions and Maps. South African National
Biodiversity Institute & Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria
MUCINA, L. & RUTHERFORD, M. 2006. Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. South
African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
PREPARED BY:
Robin Jangle
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Biodiversity Specialist – NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd.
M · 071 483 5504
E · robinj@ncc-group.co.za
REVIEWED BY:
Karien Potgieter Pri. Sci. Nat.
Senior Conservation Technician – NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd.
M ·082 964 1667
E · karienp@ncc-group.co.za
NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd
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APPENDIX 1
Figure 1: Map showing the proposed Clifton Precinct in relation to the natural vegetation patches.
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Figure 2: Map showing the location and extent of natural vegetation patches at the proposed Clifton
Precinct.
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APPENDIX 2
Figure 3: Cape Flats Dune Strandveld Patch 1 immediately west of Erf 491, Clifton. Note the granite
batholith with marine sands.
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Figure 4: Cape Flats Dune Strandveld Patch 2 immediately south of the entrance to Glen Country Club. The
vegetation is not transitional to Southern Coastal Forest.
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Figure 5: Cape Lowlands Freshwater Wetland immediately south of CFDS Patch 1. Note that the water seeps
into the CFDS via the granite batholiths.
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Figure 6: Cape Lowlands Freshwater Wetlands viewed from the southern edge. This wetland receives
excessive recharge (from the sports fields immediately above it) as is evidenced by the excessive
growth of Typha capensis (brown grass-like foliage).
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