ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) FOR THE PROPOSED DESALINATION PLANT AT MILE 6, SWAKOPMUND Bird...

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) FOR THE ASSESSMENT (EIA) FOR THE PROPOSED DESALINATION PROPOSED DESALINATION

PLANT AT MILE 6, PLANT AT MILE 6, SWAKOPMUNDSWAKOPMUND

Bird Impact Assessment Bird Impact Assessment StudyStudy

Chris van RooyenChris van Rooyen

ImpactsImpacts

Habitat destruction by plant footprintHabitat destruction by plant footprint Foraging shore birds Foraging shore birds Breeding (Damara Tern)Breeding (Damara Tern)

ImpactsImpacts

Disturbance caused by the Disturbance caused by the construction operationsconstruction operations Noise pollution caused by construction Noise pollution caused by construction

operations such as excavators, operations such as excavators, bulldozers, compactors, pile drivers, bulldozers, compactors, pile drivers, cranes, and possibly dredging cranes, and possibly dredging equipmentequipment

Hazards to foraging seabirds caused by Hazards to foraging seabirds caused by underwater blastingunderwater blasting

ImpactsImpacts

Disturbance caused by the operation Disturbance caused by the operation of the plantof the plant Noise pollution by high pressures pumps Noise pollution by high pressures pumps

which supply the very high pressures which supply the very high pressures required by desalination processes, and required by desalination processes, and the energy recovering turbines used on the energy recovering turbines used on most plants, which contribute to noise most plants, which contribute to noise pollutionpollution

ImpactsImpacts Habitat destruction due to Habitat destruction due to

construction of the substation and construction of the substation and power line power line

Clearing of vegetation for the Clearing of vegetation for the construction of the substationconstruction of the substation Clearing of vegetation under the power Clearing of vegetation under the power

line line Construction of access roads during the Construction of access roads during the

construction phaseconstruction phase

ImpactsImpacts

Disturbance during construction Disturbance during construction phase of the powerlinephase of the powerline Breeding birds (Damara Tern)Breeding birds (Damara Tern)

Collisions with the power lineCollisions with the power line Water birdsWater birds Terrestrial speciesTerrestrial species

ElectrocutionsElectrocutions Raptors and vulturesRaptors and vultures

LegislationLegislation

Covered in detail in the DSRCovered in detail in the DSR Nature Conservation Ordinance 4 of Nature Conservation Ordinance 4 of

19751975 Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Biological Diversity,

1992 1992

Findings: habitat destruction Findings: habitat destruction by plant footprintby plant footprint

Foraging shore birdsForaging shore birds The coast north of the saltworks (Mile 4) supports a number of The coast north of the saltworks (Mile 4) supports a number of

resident and migrant sea- and shore-birds, but is much less resident and migrant sea- and shore-birds, but is much less important than the coast between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund important than the coast between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund (NA012), the Swakopmund Saltworks (NA011) and Cape Cross (NA012), the Swakopmund Saltworks (NA011) and Cape Cross (NA009), which are recognized as Important Bird Areas (IBAs). (NA009), which are recognized as Important Bird Areas (IBAs).

Approximately 31 species, most of which are Palaearctic Approximately 31 species, most of which are Palaearctic migrants could potentially occur in the study area. migrants could potentially occur in the study area.

Most common are Turnstone, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Most common are Turnstone, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Whimbrel. At times groups of non-breeding, Cape Cormorants Whimbrel. At times groups of non-breeding, Cape Cormorants roost on the beaches north of the Swakopmund Saltworks. roost on the beaches north of the Swakopmund Saltworks.

Similarly migrant Common, Arctic, Sandwich and Black terns Similarly migrant Common, Arctic, Sandwich and Black terns may roost on the beach, particularly when the sea is too rough may roost on the beach, particularly when the sea is too rough for foraging. for foraging.

The Great White Pelican has adapted to human activity in the The Great White Pelican has adapted to human activity in the area, particularly angling, and individuals often attend anglers area, particularly angling, and individuals often attend anglers in the expectation of being fed the offal from gutted fish. in the expectation of being fed the offal from gutted fish.

NACOMA: Conservation NACOMA: Conservation prioritiespriorities


An area of 400 m x 250 m is required for An area of 400 m x 250 m is required for construction and lay-down (i.e. construction and lay-down (i.e. temporary storage of equipment and temporary storage of equipment and construction materials). This is a small construction materials). This is a small area compared to the total amount of area compared to the total amount of shoreline habitat that is available.shoreline habitat that is available.

Temporary impact. Temporary impact.


During operation, the footprint will be 200 m x 250 m, During operation, the footprint will be 200 m x 250 m, which includes the on-site water reservoir but excludes which includes the on-site water reservoir but excludes the new sub-station at Mile 6. the new sub-station at Mile 6.

This will not be situated on the shoreline itself, therefore This will not be situated on the shoreline itself, therefore the shoreline should be available for foraging purposes, the shoreline should be available for foraging purposes, provided the noise of the operating plant will not act as provided the noise of the operating plant will not act as a deterrent (see below).a deterrent (see below).

Distance from plant to shoreline?Distance from plant to shoreline? Mitigation: None, given the small size of the footprint Mitigation: None, given the small size of the footprint

and the fact that the critical habitat i.e. the shoreline and the fact that the critical habitat i.e. the shoreline itself, will not be impacted. itself, will not be impacted.


Breeding Damara TernBreeding Damara Tern Salt pans and gravel plains within 3-5 km of the ocean Salt pans and gravel plains within 3-5 km of the ocean

are preferred nesting areas for the Damara Terns, are preferred nesting areas for the Damara Terns, although directly south of Swakopmund, sandflats, although directly south of Swakopmund, sandflats, particularly Caution Reef, holds the densest breeding particularly Caution Reef, holds the densest breeding colony of the species in the world. colony of the species in the world.

Breeds on the ground in exposed locations in a small Breeds on the ground in exposed locations in a small depression sometimes lined by shell fragments or small depression sometimes lined by shell fragments or small stonesstones

The study area therefore is potentially suitable for the The study area therefore is potentially suitable for the species, but current impacts and threats from 4x4 species, but current impacts and threats from 4x4 vehicles and jackals (see below) are huge. vehicles and jackals (see below) are huge.

No breeding were observed during the field visit, only a No breeding were observed during the field visit, only a single flying individual. single flying individual.


The terns that used to breed at mile 4 have been The terns that used to breed at mile 4 have been extinct since development took place in 1980.extinct since development took place in 1980.

The figures given by Simmons et al (2006) for the The figures given by Simmons et al (2006) for the area between mile 4 and 8 dates to 1995 and is area between mile 4 and 8 dates to 1995 and is not correct anymore (R. Braby pers.com). not correct anymore (R. Braby pers.com).

According to Rod Braby there may be a small According to Rod Braby there may be a small group of 4 – 8 pairs left in the area between mile 4 group of 4 – 8 pairs left in the area between mile 4 and mile 8 (pers. com 2009). and mile 8 (pers. com 2009).

He suggested that the birds should be able to find He suggested that the birds should be able to find alternative suitable habitat either south or north alternative suitable habitat either south or north of the development area. of the development area.


Nest location is strongly influenced by jackal Nest location is strongly influenced by jackal activity: nests are located farther inland where activity: nests are located farther inland where density of jackal tracks at the coast is high and density of jackal tracks at the coast is high and well studied colonies have moved away from well studied colonies have moved away from their core to peripheral areas as jackals move in. their core to peripheral areas as jackals move in.

The presence of jackals and humans influences The presence of jackals and humans influences success of nests - reducing disturbance can success of nests - reducing disturbance can double the production of chicks in protected double the production of chicks in protected colonies.colonies.

Many jackal and vehicle tracks were observed in Many jackal and vehicle tracks were observed in the study area, indicating less than ideal the study area, indicating less than ideal conditions for breeding Damara Terns. conditions for breeding Damara Terns.


Comment from IAP Joe & Gisela Noci: “It Comment from IAP Joe & Gisela Noci: “It should however be noted that given the should however be noted that given the increased (human) activity south of the increased (human) activity south of the Swakop River, it has been observed that the Swakop River, it has been observed that the number of Damara Tern breeding sites in number of Damara Tern breeding sites in this vicinity is currently on the increase. It this vicinity is currently on the increase. It can thus not simply be glossed over”. can thus not simply be glossed over”. (this (this statement will have to be checked).statement will have to be checked).

Mitigation: None, given the small size of the Mitigation: None, given the small size of the footprint, current impacts and low numbers.footprint, current impacts and low numbers.

Findings: disturbance caused Findings: disturbance caused by the construction operationsby the construction operations

The impact of noise pollution caused The impact of noise pollution caused by construction operations such as by construction operations such as excavators, bulldozers, compactors, excavators, bulldozers, compactors, pile drivers, cranes, and possibly pile drivers, cranes, and possibly dredging equipment on the mile 4 dredging equipment on the mile 4 Saltworks.Saltworks.


It is widely acknowledged that there is It is widely acknowledged that there is need to assess the influence of noise on need to assess the influence of noise on animals, but overall, there has been animals, but overall, there has been relatively limited research undertaken in relatively limited research undertaken in these fields; and the scientific evidence these fields; and the scientific evidence addressing the issue of human noise addressing the issue of human noise and wildlife is still rather meagre. and wildlife is still rather meagre.


A tentative summary of 14 studies A tentative summary of 14 studies involving birds exposed to noise indicates involving birds exposed to noise indicates that:that:

Different species react differently to noise Different species react differently to noise disturbance.disturbance.

Many species are seemingly capable of Many species are seemingly capable of tolerating high noise levels (>80dBA) on a tolerating high noise levels (>80dBA) on a regular basis without any significant negative regular basis without any significant negative behavioural or physiological consequences.behavioural or physiological consequences.

Visual cues associated with noise may be as Visual cues associated with noise may be as important if not more important than the actual important if not more important than the actual noise levels in causing disturbance. noise levels in causing disturbance.


Because of the difficulty of comparing results Because of the difficulty of comparing results and the danger of unsubstantiated and the danger of unsubstantiated generalisations, it was decided to use the generalisations, it was decided to use the study of Waterman study of Waterman et alet al 2004 as the primary 2004 as the primary benchmark. The reason for this is that that benchmark. The reason for this is that that study produced the most conservative results study produced the most conservative results from all the studies from all the studies

The threshold noise level from which The threshold noise level from which population densities were affected varied little population densities were affected varied little between species: Black-tailed Godwit 45 dB(A), between species: Black-tailed Godwit 45 dB(A), Skylark 42 dB(A) and Garganey 49 dB(A). Skylark 42 dB(A) and Garganey 49 dB(A).


The estimated noise levels caused by the The estimated noise levels caused by the construction site, particularly during the pile construction site, particularly during the pile driving, will be in the vicinity of 109.5dBA driving, will be in the vicinity of 109.5dBA (Williams this study). This drops to 72.6 dBA at (Williams this study). This drops to 72.6 dBA at 70m away. At the southern site, which is the 70m away. At the southern site, which is the closest to the Mile 4 Saltworks and guano closest to the Mile 4 Saltworks and guano platforms, the estimated noise levels caused by platforms, the estimated noise levels caused by the construction operations at the following points the construction operations at the following points are estimated: are estimated:

Northern end of Saltworks @ 2100m away is 40.4 dBANorthern end of Saltworks @ 2100m away is 40.4 dBA Guano Platform @ 2990m away is 39.99 dBAGuano Platform @ 2990m away is 39.99 dBA Southern end of Saltworks @ 6920m away is 32.7 dBASouthern end of Saltworks @ 6920m away is 32.7 dBA


Current ambient noise levels at the Current ambient noise levels at the southern site are around southern site are around 46dB A during 46dB A during the day and 41 dBA at night. Early the day and 41 dBA at night. Early morning the noise is at 46dBA (Williams morning the noise is at 46dBA (Williams this study). this study).


It can be assumed that the ambient noise It can be assumed that the ambient noise levels at the Mile 4 Saltworks will be at least levels at the Mile 4 Saltworks will be at least similar in intensity of even higher, given the similar in intensity of even higher, given the additional noise created by the thousands of additional noise created by the thousands of birds breeding and roosting (Williams this birds breeding and roosting (Williams this study). study).

The practical implication of this is that the The practical implication of this is that the noise levels of the construction operations will noise levels of the construction operations will be masked by the ambient noise levels in the be masked by the ambient noise levels in the saltworks, it follows therefore that the birds saltworks, it follows therefore that the birds should most likely not be affected by the noise.should most likely not be affected by the noise.

Mitigation: None Mitigation: None (or as per the noise specialist (or as per the noise specialist study, if applicable)study, if applicable)


The distance from the construction site for the The distance from the construction site for the proposed seawater intake to the shoreline is proposed seawater intake to the shoreline is around 50m – 70m. around 50m – 70m.

No measurements for the ambient noise at the No measurements for the ambient noise at the shoreline itself are available, but it is estimated to shoreline itself are available, but it is estimated to be in the vicinity of 60-65dBA (Williams pers.com). be in the vicinity of 60-65dBA (Williams pers.com).

The noise of the construction operations should The noise of the construction operations should therefore be audible to birds foraging on the shore, therefore be audible to birds foraging on the shore, (it is estimated to be around 72.6 dBA at that (it is estimated to be around 72.6 dBA at that distance) but whether it will cause them stress is distance) but whether it will cause them stress is not known.not known.

It may well be that the activity around the It may well be that the activity around the construction site (visual cues) will be a bigger construction site (visual cues) will be a bigger source of disturbance.source of disturbance.


However, many of these birds forage at night, However, many of these birds forage at night, when no construction activities take place. when no construction activities take place.

It must further be noted that the prevailing It must further be noted that the prevailing wind direction is south-west, (away from the wind direction is south-west, (away from the shoreline) which will reduce the intensity of the shoreline) which will reduce the intensity of the noise. noise.

Mitigation: None for the noise Mitigation: None for the noise (or as per the (or as per the noise specialist study, if applicable). noise specialist study, if applicable).

Mitigation: Restrict activities to the actual Mitigation: Restrict activities to the actual construction site.construction site.


No Damara Tern nests were recorded No Damara Tern nests were recorded during the field visit, but this can not be during the field visit, but this can not be taken as definite proof that they are not taken as definite proof that they are not breeding in the vicinity of the proposed breeding in the vicinity of the proposed plants. plants.

In no wind conditions, the noise of the In no wind conditions, the noise of the construction operations should be audible construction operations should be audible for a distance of around 1400m before it for a distance of around 1400m before it gets masked by the ambient noise levels gets masked by the ambient noise levels (Wiliams this study).(Wiliams this study).


At Caution Reef, Damara Terns are nesting within a At Caution Reef, Damara Terns are nesting within a radius of 1200m and smaller of the busy B2 road, with radius of 1200m and smaller of the busy B2 road, with noise levels in excess of 60 dBA within 80m of the road. noise levels in excess of 60 dBA within 80m of the road.

It’s not known what the noise threshold is for the It’s not known what the noise threshold is for the species, but studies have shown that some terns can be species, but studies have shown that some terns can be tolerant of high noise levels. tolerant of high noise levels. Brown (1990) reported the Brown (1990) reported the response of Crested Tern (response of Crested Tern (Sterna bergiiSterna bergii), to acoustic ), to acoustic stimuli simulating of 65 dBA to 95. Results of the trial stimuli simulating of 65 dBA to 95. Results of the trial indicated that the maximal responses of preparing for indicated that the maximal responses of preparing for flight, or escape, were restricted to exposures greater flight, or escape, were restricted to exposures greater than 85 dB(A).than 85 dB(A).

Mitigation:Mitigation: None (or as per the noise specialist study, if None (or as per the noise specialist study, if applicable)applicable)

Findings: disturbance caused Findings: disturbance caused by the construction operationsby the construction operations o Hazards to foraging seabirds caused Hazards to foraging seabirds caused

by underwater blastingby underwater blasting Blasting will take place during the Blasting will take place during the

construction of the (total of 20 blasts, 2 construction of the (total of 20 blasts, 2 blasts per week).blasts per week).

If blasting will take place under water, it If blasting will take place under water, it could injure or kill fish feeders such as could injure or kill fish feeders such as cormorants. cormorants.

Mitigation: Delay blasting if fish runs Mitigation: Delay blasting if fish runs with feeding birds are in the vicinitywith feeding birds are in the vicinity

Findings: disturbance caused Findings: disturbance caused by the operation of the plantby the operation of the plant

o Noise pollution by high pressures Noise pollution by high pressures pumps which supply the very high pumps which supply the very high pressures required by desalination pressures required by desalination processes, and as the energy processes, and as the energy recovering turbines used on most recovering turbines used on most plants, which contribute to noise plants, which contribute to noise pollutionpollution

Findings: disturbance caused Findings: disturbance caused by the operation of the plantby the operation of the plant Noise levels at the source (the operational plant) will be in the Noise levels at the source (the operational plant) will be in the

vicinity of 80 – 90 dBA (Williams this study) vicinity of 80 – 90 dBA (Williams this study) These noise levels will drop significantly as one moves away These noise levels will drop significantly as one moves away

from the plant, and noise levels will approximate ambient from the plant, and noise levels will approximate ambient noise levels around 100m from the source (Williams this noise levels around 100m from the source (Williams this study). From there onwards, noise levels will be masked by the study). From there onwards, noise levels will be masked by the ambient noise levels, which is between 41-46dBA. ambient noise levels, which is between 41-46dBA.

At the mile 4 Saltworks, the noise of the operating plant should At the mile 4 Saltworks, the noise of the operating plant should be completely masked by the ambient noise, and the birds be completely masked by the ambient noise, and the birds should therefore not be affected.should therefore not be affected.

The same applies for the shorebirds.The same applies for the shorebirds. Damara Terns, if breeding in the area, might be affected in the Damara Terns, if breeding in the area, might be affected in the

immediate area of the plant (100m), but there tolerance to immediate area of the plant (100m), but there tolerance to noise are not known, and it may well be high (see above).noise are not known, and it may well be high (see above).

Mitigation: None (or as per the noise specialist study, if Mitigation: None (or as per the noise specialist study, if applicable)applicable)

Findings: Habitat destruction Findings: Habitat destruction caused by the construction of caused by the construction of the power line and substation.the power line and substation.

Clearing of vegetation for the construction of the Clearing of vegetation for the construction of the substation, power line and access roads substation, power line and access roads The northern Namib, where the line and substation will The northern Namib, where the line and substation will

be situated consists of gravel plains and pale sand, be situated consists of gravel plains and pale sand, sometimes sparsely covered by reed like grass. sometimes sparsely covered by reed like grass.

The power line will not cross any major dry riverbeds. The power line will not cross any major dry riverbeds. A minimal amount of vegetation will have to be cleared.A minimal amount of vegetation will have to be cleared. In the case of the line itself, the impact will be In the case of the line itself, the impact will be

temporary as the vegetation will grow back under the temporary as the vegetation will grow back under the line. line.

The foot print of the substation itself is small The foot print of the substation itself is small (exact (exact dimensions?)dimensions?)

Mitigation: Strict adherence to best practices for the Mitigation: Strict adherence to best practices for the construction of power lines and associated construction of power lines and associated infrastructure.infrastructure.

Findings: Findings: Disturbance during Disturbance during construction phaseconstruction phase

Potential impact on breeding birds (Damara Potential impact on breeding birds (Damara Tern). Tern). Salt pans and gravel plains within 3-5 km of the Salt pans and gravel plains within 3-5 km of the

ocean are preferred nesting areas for the Damara ocean are preferred nesting areas for the Damara Terns (Simmons et al 2006), therefore the Terns (Simmons et al 2006), therefore the construction of the first 5km of the line and the construction of the first 5km of the line and the substation could potentially affect breeding birds of substation could potentially affect breeding birds of this species. this species.

No breeding birds were observed during the site No breeding birds were observed during the site visit, but if they do occur, it should be a temporary visit, but if they do occur, it should be a temporary impact. impact.

Mitigation: Movements of people and vehicle traffic Mitigation: Movements of people and vehicle traffic to be restricted to the immediate construction site. to be restricted to the immediate construction site.

Findings: Findings: Collisions with the Collisions with the power linepower line

WaterbirdsWaterbirds Flamingos, pelicans and waders. Flamingos, pelicans and waders. Cormorants generally fly over open Cormorants generally fly over open

water and along the shoreline and water and along the shoreline and should therefore not be affected. should therefore not be affected.

Flamingos undertake nocturnal Flamingos undertake nocturnal migrations to Etosha and up local migrations to Etosha and up local movements and down the coastline. movements and down the coastline.


The highest risk for water birds will be on The highest risk for water birds will be on the t-off section between the new the t-off section between the new substation and the plant (approximately substation and the plant (approximately 3km), where the line will be perpendicular 3km), where the line will be perpendicular to the coast line, and closest to the Mile 4 to the coast line, and closest to the Mile 4 Saltworks. Saltworks.

The saltworks are a converging point for The saltworks are a converging point for many birds, including flamingos which are many birds, including flamingos which are highly vulnerable to power line collisions, highly vulnerable to power line collisions, and they will be flying at low altitudes.and they will be flying at low altitudes.


Long distance migrations by flamingos to Long distance migrations by flamingos to Etosha should pose less of a risk, as birds Etosha should pose less of a risk, as birds generally undertake long distance flights at generally undertake long distance flights at altitudes higher than the proposed power line. altitudes higher than the proposed power line.

The proposed 44km power line falls within the The proposed 44km power line falls within the coastal fog zone which receives up to 180 days coastal fog zone which receives up to 180 days of thick coastal fog, which further heightens the of thick coastal fog, which further heightens the risk of collisions, particularly on the T-off section risk of collisions, particularly on the T-off section between the new substation and the plant.between the new substation and the plant.

Mitigation: Mark the section of the power line Mitigation: Mark the section of the power line from the new substation to the plant with from the new substation to the plant with suitable anti-collsion devices, including the suitable anti-collsion devices, including the Mace Bird Lites to cater for nocturnal and/or Mace Bird Lites to cater for nocturnal and/or foggy conditions. foggy conditions.


Terrestrial speciesTerrestrial species RRüüppels Korhaan and Ludwig’s Bustard, the ppels Korhaan and Ludwig’s Bustard, the

latter possibly more. latter possibly more. None of these two species are regarded as None of these two species are regarded as

threatened in Namibia. threatened in Namibia. Ludwig’s Bustard in particular are prone to Ludwig’s Bustard in particular are prone to

nomadic, food induced movement, more birds nomadic, food induced movement, more birds in the Namib in winter.in the Namib in winter.

Mitigation: None – no way of isolating particular Mitigation: None – no way of isolating particular sections.sections.

Findings: Electrocutions on the Findings: Electrocutions on the powerline powerline

Large raptors and vultures e.g. Lappet-Large raptors and vultures e.g. Lappet-faced Vultures and Martial Eaglesfaced Vultures and Martial Eagles Due to the design of the power line and Due to the design of the power line and

substation, no electrocution risk is foreseen. substation, no electrocution risk is foreseen. The line might be used for nesting and The line might be used for nesting and

roosting purposes by Lappet-faced Vultures roosting purposes by Lappet-faced Vultures and Martial Eagles. and Martial Eagles.

Mitigation: None Mitigation: None

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) FOR THE PROPOSED DESALINATION PLANT AT MILE 6, SWAKOPMUND Bird...

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