HILL/reut 510482_Pletmos Seismic_EIA Report_Executive Summary April 2017
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT – 3D SEISMIC SURVEY IN THE PLETMOS BASIN, SOUTHERN CAPE
PASA Reference Number: 12/3/322 SRK Project Number 510482
1 INTRODUCTION
Sungu Sungu Oil (Pty) Ltd (Sungu Sungu) intends to
conduct a 3D seismic survey in a 2 500 km² target area
within the 11 224 km² Pletmos Basin, offshore Southern
Cape, South Africa, lasting one to three months (the
“project”). Sungu Sungu has submitted an application for
an Exploration Right in terms of Section 79 of the Mineral
and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002
(MPRDA), which was accepted by the Petroleum Agency
South Africa (PASA) on 19 September 2016. Sungu Sungu
was instructed by PASA to undertake an Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) process in compliance with the
EIA Regulations, 2014, promulgated in terms of the
National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998
(NEMA).
Sungu Sungu proposes to acquire, process and interpret 3D
seismic data over approximately 700 km² in the Pletmos
Basin to explore for possible oil and gas reserves. The Basin
is located off the South Coast of South Africa, roughly
between Knysna in the west and Jeffrey’s Bay in the east.
The target area is located at least 12 km offshore and
reaches up to 60 km out to sea (refer to Figure 1).
Other activities conducted as part of the three-year
exploration programme include interpretation and analysis
of seismic data, mapping the sequence and seismic
stratigraphy, undertaking detailed well analysis and micro-
paleontological studies and volumetric and attribute
analysis.
SRK Consulting (South Africa) Pty Ltd (SRK) has been
appointed by Sungu Sungu to undertake the EIA process
required in terms of NEMA.
Figure 1: Locality Plan
See page - 10 - for details on how you
can participate in the process.
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2 GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
Sections 24 and 44 of NEMA make provision for the
promulgation of regulations that identify activities which
may not commence without an Environmental
Authorisation (EA) issued by, in this case, PASA. The
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014
(Government Notice (GN) R982, which came into effect on
8 December 2014), promulgated in terms of NEMA, govern
the process, methodologies and requirements for the
undertaking of EIAs in support of EA applications. The EIA
Regulations are accompanied by Listing Notices (LN) 1-3
(GN R983, 984 and 985 of 2014) that list activities that
require EA.
The EIA Regulations, 2014 lay out two alternative
authorisation processes. Depending on the type of activity
that is proposed, either a Basic Assessment (BA) process or
a Scoping and Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR)
process is required to obtain EA. LN 1 and LN3 list
activities that require a BA process, while LN 2 lists
activities that require S&EIR.
SRK has determined that the proposed project triggers an
activity listed in terms of LN 2 of the EIA Regulations, 2014,
requiring an S&EIR (or “full EIA”). The listed activity in
terms of the EIA Regulations, 2014 is included in Table 1.
Table 1: Listed activities triggered by the project
No Description
LN2 (requiring S&EIR)
18 Any activity including the operation of that activity which requires an exploration right as contemplated in section 79 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002), including associated infrastructure, structures and earthworks.
Consequently, the proponent is obliged to apply for EA for
the project.
3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS
The EIA Regulations, 2014 define the detailed approach to
the S&EIR process, which consists of two phases: the
Scoping Phase and the Impact Assessment Phase (the
current phase) (see Figure 2).
The Scoping Phase was completed in January 2017 and the
Final Scoping Report was accepted by PASA on 15 February
2017. The Impact Assessment Phase is being undertaken
in accordance with the Plan of Study for EIA, included in
the Scoping Report accepted by PASA.
The key objectives of the EIA are to:
Inform Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs) about
the proposed Project and the EIA process followed;
Obtain comments from IAPs (including the relevant
authorities and the public) and ensure that all issues,
concerns and queries raised are fully documented and
addressed in the EIA Report;
Identify and assess potential significant impacts
associated with the proposed development;
Formulate mitigation measures to avoid and/or
minimise impacts and enhance benefits of the Project;
and
Produce an EIA Report that will provide all necessary
information for PASA to decide whether (and under
what conditions) to authorise the proposed Project.
Figure 2: S&EIR Process
*Note: EMP = Environmental Management Programme
4 DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE AND ENVIRONMENT
The study area is located on the South Coast of South
Africa, which stretches from Cape Agulhas to Cape
Padrone. At its closest point, the proposed survey area lies
approximately 12 km offshore of Oyster Bay near Cape St
Francis in the Eastern Cape Province. This offshore region
is dominated by the Agulhas Bank, a large, shallow area of
the continental shelf where it is at its widest along the
South African coast.
The oceanography of the outer Agulhas Bank is greatly
influenced by the warm, fast-flowing Agulhas Current (see
Figure 3). Westerly winds predominate along the South
Coast in winter, frequently reaching gale force strengths.
During summer, easterly wind directions increase
markedly, resulting in roughly similar strength/frequency
of east and west winds during that season.
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Figure 3: The Agulhas Current off the South Coast of South Africa
The inshore area of the Agulhas Bank, especially between
the cool water ridge and the shore, serves as an important
spawning grounds for numerous fish species and squid
(see Figure 5). There is a high diversity of bony fish and
cartilaginous fish associated with the inshore and shelf
waters of the South Coast, many of which are endemic to
the Southern African coastline and form a significant
component of the demersal trawl and long-line fisheries.
Various important commercial fisheries occur in the
Agulhas region, several of which are active in the vicinity of
the proposed project area, most notably squid jig and
south coast rock lobster. Commercial catch are generally
landed at designated fishing harbours, notably Mossel Bay
and Port Elizabeth.
Three globally threatened turtle species are known to
occur as occasional visitors along the South Coast region of
South Africa, namely the green turtle, the loggerhead
turtle, and the leatherback turtle (see Figure 4). The green
turtle is a non-breeding resident along the east coast,
while the loggerhead turtle and the leatherback turtle nest
on beaches of northern Kwazulu-Natal.
Figure 4: Green, loggerhead and leatherback turtles
Resident cetaceans in the vicinity of the project area
include a variety of toothed whale, dolphin and small
baleen whale species. Migratory species found seasonally
along the South Coast of South Africa largely comprise
several large baleen whale species that migrate through
the region during winter from their Antarctic feeding
grounds to their winter breeding grounds (Blue whale, fin
whale and sei whale).
Figure 5: Pletmos Basin composite sensitivity map
Project Location
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Marine Protected Areas (Goukamma, Robberg, Tsitsikama)
and proposed priority areas for the protection of benthic
and pelagic habitats occur within the region. None of these
fall directly within the proposed target area (see Figure 5).
Several towns and smaller settlements in the Western
Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces are located along the
approximately 225 km long coastal area bordering the
Pletmos Basin, including Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s
Valley, Stormsrivier, St Francis Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay.
Particularly St Francis Bay (some 5 000 inhabitants) and
Jeffrey’s Bay (some 27 100 inhabitants) are very popular
with water sport enthusiasts, particularly surfers. Jeffrey’s
Bay is considered one of the world’s best surfing
destinations with a year-round swell. All other settlements
are also popular holiday destinations.
Exploration for oil and gas is currently undertaken in a
number of licence blocks off the western, southern and
eastern coasts of South Africa. Offshore activities off the
South Coast are dominated by oil and gas exploration
activities by PetroSA in Blocks 9 (west of Pletmos) and 11a
(south of Pletmos), Total in Block 11b/12b (south of
Pletmos) and New Age to the east of Pletmos. OK Energy
holds rights to the block located immediately west of the
Pletmos Basin. Oil production / processing also takes place
in Block 9.
5 PROJECT AND PROCESS DESCRIPTION
5.1 Seismic Survey Operation
Seismic surveys are used to obtain information about
underground geology by measuring the differing reflective
properties of sound waves on different rock strata and
underground formations. A pulse of low-frequency
acoustic energy is directed as a wave into the ground
(below the sea floor) and is reflected back to the surface,
where it is received by several cables (streamers) towed
behind the seismic vessel, each containing a string of
sensors (hydrophones) (see Figure 6). The pressure signals
are digitised by the hydrophones and transmitted along
the streamers to recording and processing systems on the
vessel. The data acquired is analysed and used to create a
computer-generated image of the subsurface geology.
Figure 6: Typical offshore seismic survey operation
Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) data can
be obtained in this way. During 2D seismic surveys, the
seismic vessel tows the sound wave source (airguns) and
hydrophone streamers in a single, predetermined line.
During 3D seismic surveys, the vessel covers a larger area
in a racetrack pattern, which basically consists of closely-
spaced 2D lines and generates much more data than a
single 2D line. Sungu Sungu proposed to conduct a one to
three-month 3D seismic survey.
5.2 Seismic Survey Equipment
Offshore seismic surveys are undertaken with purpose-
built or converted vessels. The seismic vessel tows the
energy (sound) sources, which are typically pneumatic
devices (airguns) that can release high-pressure air into the
surrounding water and the seabed, as well as the
streamers that contain the hydrophones.
Figure 7: Solid hydrophone streamers
Survey vessels are typically equipped with airguns of
various sizes. The survey vessel that will conduct the
survey in the Pletmos Basin is expected to be equipped
with a 3 624 in³ tune bolt airgun array with three strings of
airguns, the size and configuration of which will be
confirmed once a contractor has been appointed.
Eight to twelve hydrophone steerable solid streamers,
each 8-12 km long, will be used during the survey.
Streamers will be pulled at a distance of 100 m from each
other, resulting in a total streamer spread of 800 to
1 200 m. A number of floats and diverters will be
employed to maintain the spread and streamer depth
below the sea surface (see Figure 8).
A tail buoy is connected to the end of each streamer to
alert other vessels to the submerged streamer (especially
at night) and is equipped with a Global Positioning System
(GPS) for navigation.
Figure 8: Typical seismic survey towed configuration
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A ‘chase boat’ is used to patrol the survey area and warn
any other vessels about the operation, the presence of the
seismic streamers and the limited manoeuvrability of the
seismic vessel. It is expected that at least one support
vessel and chase boat will be employed during the seismic
survey in the Pletmos Basin.
The survey vessel cannot stop and must continue moving
at an average speed of 5 knots. Due to the vessel’s limited
manoeuvrability, a ‘safety zone’ is in place around the
vessel and towing configuration. The dimensions of this
safety zone are at least 5 km ahead of the vessel, 10 km
behind the vessel and 2 km to either side.
5.3 Operational Emissions and Discharges
Several types of wastes, emissions and discharges will be
generated during the seismic survey. These include:
Noise emissions from the airguns, which typically
produce sound levels at approximately 250 dB re 1 mPa
@ 1m with low frequencies (<300 Hz), as well as from
the vessels’ engines and helicopter;
Air emissions from the seismic vessel’s engines and
generators as well as the supply boat, chase boats and
helicopters. A typical seismic survey vessel will
consume between 20 000 and 30 000 litres of fuel per
day, which translates roughly to the emission of
between 56 and 93 tonnes of greenhouse gases;
Drainage and ballast water may contain potential
contaminants from spills or leaks or contain foreign
organisms. All effluent must comply with international
(MARPOL) standards and will then be discharged into
the sea while the vessel is offshore;
Domestic wastewater will include grey water from
washbasins and showers, as well as sewage. Sewage
will be treated in an onboard processing plant. All
effluent must comply with international (MARPOL)
standards and will then be discharged into the sea
while the vessel is offshore; and
General and hazardous waste will generally be
collected in designated waste skips, transported to land
and disposed of through existing waste disposal
facilities and/or contractors.
6 ALTERNATIVES
Appendix 3 Section 3 (h)(i) of the EIA Regulations, 2014,
requires that all S&EIR processes must identify and
describe feasible and reasonable alternatives. Not all
categories of alternatives are applicable to this project:
Location alternatives: Application for an exploration or
production right has to be specific to a block and is
informed by the perceived likelihood of identifying
feasible reserves in the area. Sungu Sungu has lodged
an Exploration Right application for the Pletmos Basin;
therefore no location alternatives will be assessed;
Activity alternatives: In response to stakeholder
comments, 2D and 3D survey methods were
considered. These are used for different purposes, and
are thus not alternatives per se. Only the 3D survey
method is deemed feasible by Sungu Sungu to achieve
the aims of the survey;
Technology alternatives: Seismic surveys require highly
specialised technology and skills, and technology
alternatives are constrained by the best available
proven technology for conducting seismic surveys.
While alternative technologies are being investigated,
these are not yet fully developed and commercially
available; and
The No-Go alternative: The No Go alternative is
considered in the EIA in accordance with the
requirements of the EIA Regulations, 2014. The No-Go
alternative entails no change to the status quo, in other
words, the proposed 3D seismic survey will not be
conducted in the Pletmos Basin.
7 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Stakeholder engagement is a key component of the S&EIR
process and is being undertaken in accordance with
Chapter 6 of the EIA Regulations, 2014. The key
stakeholder engagement activities during the EIA process
are summarised in Table 2 below.
Relevant local, provincial and national authorities,
conservation bodies, local forums and surrounding
landowners and occupants have been directly notified of
the S&EIR process and the release of the EIA Report for
comment.
Table 2: Stakeholder Engagement during Impact Assessment Phase
Activity Date
Scoping Phase
Advertise EIA process and release Scoping Report for comment
17 / 18 Nov 2016
Comment period 21 Nov 2016 – 12 Jan 2017
Impact Assessment Phase
Release EIA Report for comment 11 Apr 2017
Comment period 12 Apr 2017 – 16 May 2017
Public Open Day 1 3 May (Plettenberg Bay)
Public Open Day 2 4 May (St Francis Bay)
Key comments and concerns raised by stakeholders
predominantly relate to:
Potential ecological impacts, specifically on marine
fauna, due to the generation of underwater noise and
the proximity to areas of environmental importance;
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Potential economic impacts if fishing stocks and / or
tourism is affected; and
The undesirability of the seismic survey and possible
subsequent exploitation of mineral resources due to
the above potential impacts.
8 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS
The following specialist studies were undertaken to
investigate key potential direct, indirect and cumulative
impacts:
Marine Ecology Impact Assessment; and
Fisheries Impact Assessment.
The following potential impacts of seismic survey activities
were identified as being of minor significance:
Reduction in local air quality;
Noise from vessel movement and helicopter flights
affecting marine and coastal fauna;
Small spills of hydrocarbons affecting marine
organisms;
Introduction of exotic marine species into local waters
displacing local species;
Disturbance of and damage to the benthic
environment;
Increase in marine traffic and vessel collision risk;
Vessel lighting disturbing marine fauna and birds;
Discharge of wastewater affecting water quality and
marine organisms;
Employment creation; and
Contribution to the national economy.
For all potentially significant impacts, the significance of
the anticipated impact was rated without and with
recommended mitigation measures. These impacts are
presented in Table 4.
The significance of potential impacts of the proposed
project was determined to assist decision-makers.
Relevant observations with regard to the overall impact
ratings, assuming mitigation measures are effectively
implemented, are:
The predicted marine ecology impacts, mainly
associated with possible injury to or altered behaviour
of marine fauna, are rated as low, very low or
insignificant. Cetaceans are of greatest concern,
particularly during migration periods, as are possible
injuries to seabirds and turtles. Whale migration
periods should be avoided in terms of international
best practice. Periods during which no seismic survey
should be conducted are also suggested for penguins,
fish and squid;
The predicted fishery impacts are rated as very low,
provided that certain periods are avoided to avoid
impacts on the hake, south coast rock lobster and squid
jig industries. The squid jig industry is considered most
sensitive in this regard; and
The predicted socio-economic impact on coastal
(tourism) activities, notably recreational scuba diving, is
rated as very low, as no diving activities should take
place within several kilometres of the survey vessel.
Cumulative impacts in the region may derive from existing
and future oil and gas exploration and exploitation
activities, fishing and vessel traffic. The incidence and
frequency of exploration and exploitation activity along
the South African coast are still relatively low, and
significant cumulative impacts are only expected if
simultaneous seismic surveys take place in relatively close
proximity to each other and/or shortly after each other,
which is deemed unlikely at present.
Table 3 below summarises:
The impacts assessed in the EIA;
Their significance before and following the
implementation of essential mitigation measures, on
which the significance rating is based; and
The key (non-standard essential) mitigation measures.
Impact significance ratings legend:
Rating +ve -ve
Insignificant I I
Very Low VL VL
Low L L
Medium M M
High H H
Very High VH VH
The project does not have distinct construction or
operational phases. As such, the impacts discussed below
relate to the impacts of the seismic survey.
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Table 3: Summary of impacts
Impact
Significance rating Key selected non-standard mitigation/optimisation measures
(repeated items are only included the first time) Without Mitig.
With
Mitig.
POTENTIAL MARINE ECOLOGY IMPACTS
Injury or behavioural changes in plankton
I I None
Injury or behavioural changes in inverte-brates (excl. squid)
I I None
Injury or behavioural changes in squid
VL I
Implement airgun “soft-starts” of at least 20 minutes duration.
Avoid surveying during the peak squid spawning periods between early September and late December, if possible.
Injury or behavioural changes in fish
L I Do not undertake seismic survey activities within Marine Protected Areas.
Undertake the survey from February to late May to avoid the key fish spawning period in spring and early summer, if possible.
Injury or behavioural changes in seabirds
M I
Wait until all diving seabirds have cleared an area of 500 m radius of the centre of the airgun arrays before commencing airgun firing.
Employ onboard Independent Observer(s) / MMO(s).
Record seabird incidences and behaviour.
Suspend operations in the event of any obvious mortality or injuries to seabirds as a direct result of the survey.
Avoid surveying during the pre-moult and post-moult period for African Penguins from October to March, if possible.
Injury or behavioural changes in turtles
M VL
Wait until all turtles have cleared an area of 500 m radius of the centre of the airgun arrays before commencing airgun firing.
Record turtle incidences and behaviour and their responses to seismic shooting.
Suspend seismic shooting when obvious mortality or injuries to turtles as a direct result of the survey are observed.
Suspend operations if any obvious negative changes to turtle behaviour are observed from the survey vessel, or animals are observed within the immediate vicinity (within 500 m) of operating airguns and appear to be approaching firing airgun.
Use ‘turtle-friendly’ tail buoys or fit existing tail buoys with either exclusion or deflector 'turtle guards'.
Injury or behavioural changes in seals
VL I
Wait for at least 30 min until all seals have cleared an area of 500 m radius of the centre of the airgun arrays before commencing airgun firing. If, after a period of 30 minutes, seals are still within 500 m of the airguns, the normal “soft start” procedure should be allowed to commence for at least a 20-minutes duration.
Employ onboard Independent Observer(s) / MMO(s) with experience in seabird, turtle and marine mammal identification and observation techniques to carry out daylight observations of the survey region.
Suspend seismic shooting when obvious negative changes to seal behaviour is observed from the survey vessel.
Record obvious mortality or injuries to seals as a direct result of the survey.
Injury or behavioural changes in whales and dolphins
M L
Ensure that the survey vessel is fitted with Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) technology with two hydrophones to allow directional detection of cetaceans. Ideally tow the PAM hydrophone streamer behind the air-gun array to minimise the interference of vessel noise.
Ensure that the survey vessel is fitted with thermal imaging cameras if (a portion of) the survey is conducted between June and December.
Use PAM technology in combination with thermal imaging cameras 24-hours to monitor for the presence of cetaceans near the survey operations as follows:
June to December: Day time: Visual observation and PAM technology and Night time and periods of poor daytime visibility: PAM technology and infra-red technology;
January to May: Day time: Visual observation and Night time and periods of poor daytime visibility: PAM technology;
Record marine mammal incidences and responses to seismic shooting, inlcuding data on position, distance from the vessel, swimming speed and direction and obvious changes in behaviour (e.g. startle responses or changes in surfacing/diving frequencies, breathing patterns) along with seismic noise levels.
Wait until cetaceans have cleared an area of 500 m radius of the centre of the airgun arrays for at least 30 min before commencing airgun firing.
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Impact
Significance rating Key selected non-standard mitigation/optimisation measures
(repeated items are only included the first time) Without Mitig.
With
Mitig.
Suspend seismic shooting when obvious changes to cetacean behaviour are observed from the survey vessel, or animals are observed within the immediate vicinity (within 500 m) of operating air-guns and appear to be approaching firing air-gun.
Avoid surveying during cetacean migration from June to December, in line with the JNCC best practice guidelines for minimising the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from seismic surveys (JNCC 2010).
Avoid surveying during the following periods, as far as possible:
o September to December (peak squid spawning);
o June to January (fish spawning);
o October to March (pre-moult and post-moult period for African Penguins).
POTENTIAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Reduced catch by demersal trawl sector
VL VL
Notify the operators of offshore and inshore trawl vessels of the survey timing, area and safety clearance requirements prior to the commencement of the survey through the South African Deepsea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA) and the South East Coast Inshore Fishing Association (SECIFA).
Ensure that Daily Coastal Navigational Warnings are issued via the South African Navy Hydrographic Office (SANHO).
Maintain adequate safety clearance between fishing vessels and survey operation through at-sea communications with vessels in the vicinity of the survey area.
Reduced catch by mid-water trawl sector
VL VL Notify the operators of mid-water trawl vessels of the survey timing, area and safety
clearance requirements prior to the commencement of the survey through the South African Midwater Trawling Association and Oceana Group Ltd.
Reduced catch by demersal long-line (hake) sector
VL VL
Notify the operators of demersal long-line vessels of the survey timing, area and safety clearance requirements prior to the commencement of the survey through the South Africa Hake Longline Association (SAHALLA).
Undertake the survey from January to March (inclusive), when fishing effort is lower.
Reduced catch by demersal long-line (shark) sector
VL VL Notify the operators of demersal long-line vessels of the survey timing, area and safety
clearance requirements prior to the commencement of the survey through the Shark Longline Association.
Reduced catch by large pelagic long-line sector
I I Notify the operators of pelagic long-line vessels of the survey timing, area and safety
clearance requirements prior to the commencement of the survey through the South Africa Tuna Longline Association (SATLA).
Reduced catch by traditional line-fish sector
VL VL Notify the linefish vessel operators of the survey timing, area and safety clearance
requirements prior to the commencement of the survey through the South African Marine Linefish Management Association (SAMLMA).
Reduced catch by small pelagic purse-seine sector
VL VL Notify the operators of purse-seine vessels of the survey timing, area and safety
clearance requirements prior to the commencement of the survey through the South African Pelagic Fishing Industry Association (SAPFIA).
Reduced catch by south coast rock lobster sector
L VL
Notify the operators of rock lobster vessels of the survey timing, area and safety clearance requirements prior to the commencement of the survey through the South Coast Rock Lobster Association.
Undertake the survey from June to September, when south coast rock lobster fishing effort is lower.
Reduced catch by squid jig sector
M VL
Notify fishermen of the survey timing, area and safety clearance requirements prior to the commencement of the survey through the South African Squid Management Industrial Association (SASMIA).
Undertake the survey from February to September when squid fishing effort is lower.
Reduced opportunity for DAFF research survey
L I
Notify DAFF of the survey timing, area and safety clearance requirements prior to the commencement of the survey.
Ensure that Daily Coastal Navigational Warnings are issued via the South African Navy Hydrographic Office (SANHO).
Maintain adequate safety clearance between the research vessel and survey operation through on-going at-sea communications as necessary.
Implement air gun “soft starts” of at least 20 minutes.
Disruption of coastal (tourism) activities
VL VL
Notify coastal water users, notably dive operators, of the location and schedule of the seismic survey.
If diving operations are scheduled within 15 km of the survey area, establish a communication protocol with diving operators to ensure the survey vessel does not enter within 15 km of divers in the water.
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9 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1 Principal Findings
The potentially significant environmental impacts associated
with the proposed seismic survey considered in the S&EIR
process include marine ecology and socio-economic
(including fisheries and coastal tourism activities).
Key mitigation relates to the detection, observation and
avoidance of marine fauna in the vicinity of the survey
vessel, notification of fishing sectors of the exclusion zones
associated with the survey vessel and avoidance of certain
periods that are of particular importance to certain marine
fauna and/or fishing sectors.
The EIA has identified periods of particular importance to
certain marine fauna and/or fishing sectors, during which
seismic surveys should ideally be avoided to reduce adverse
impacts. In combination, sensitive periods occur throughout
the year: consequently there is no single, ideal
window/period to conduct the seismic survey so as to
further reduce all impacts.
Noting the particular importance and sensitivity of longer-
lived and endangered mammals, notably cetaceans, it is
recommended that the survey takes place outside of the
cetacean migration period. Also considering the importance
of January for fish and squid spawning and squid fishing
sector, it is recommended that the survey is conducted in
the period from February to May, when impacts are largely
minimised.
The impacts associated with the seismic survey, particularly
if undertaken in the clearly preferable period from February
to May, are considered to be acceptable. If the survey is
undertaken outside of this period, pre-mitigation impacts
are rated to be of medium to low significance. Additional
delays to the survey are likely, owing to the increased
presence of cetaceans in the area, and significant
stakeholder concern is anticipated.
The seismic survey does not involve the placement of any
physical infrastructure. As such, there is no need for
decommissioning or rehabilitation at the end of the seismic
survey, or financial provisions in this respect.
The No-Go alternative implies no change to the status quo
and thus no additional impacts on marine ecology or
fisheries relative to the current situation. As such, the No-Go
alternative is preferable from an environmental and socio-
economic perspective at present; however, it precludes the
possible discovery and future exploitation of oil and gas
resources in the Pletmos Basin, which are desired in terms
of national policy.
9.2 Need and Desirability
The analysis of need and desirability of the project indicates
that the survey complies with and responds directly to a
number of national policies by facilitating exploration of
South African oil and gas resources. It does not fully comply
with certain social, economic and ecological planning
objectives, as the seismic survey may affect fisheries and
can cause behavioural changes and disturbance of sensitive
and internationally protected marine fauna, although
injuries and death are less likely if standard mitigation
measures are applied. Impacts can be minimised by
scheduling the survey in the period from February to May.
9.3 Authorisation Opinion
This EIA Report has identified and assessed the potential
biophysical and socio-economic impacts associated with the
proposed 3D seismic survey in the Southern Cape.
SRK believes that sufficient information is available for PASA
to take a decision regarding authorisation of the
development.
The seismic survey will result in unavoidable adverse
environmental impacts, although these are of relatively
limited extent, given the limited footprint of the target area
(relative to the Pletmos Basin), relatively short duration of
the survey and transient nature of the seismic survey (no
physical infrastructure will be installed). Consequently, none
of these adverse impacts are considered unacceptably
significant and all can be managed to tolerable levels
through the effective implementation of the recommended
mitigation measures.
Working on the assumption that Sungu Sungu is committed
to ensuring that the seismic survey is done to high
environmental standards, achieved through implementation
of the recommended mitigation measures and ongoing
monitoring of performance, SRK believes and the EIA Report
demonstrates that through effective implementation of the
stipulated mitigation measures, the adverse impacts can be
reduced to levels compliant with national (and
international) standards or guidelines.
SRK believes that the specialist studies have shown that the
seismic survey is generally acceptable. The EIA has also
assisted in the identification of essential mitigation
measures that will mitigate the impacts associated with
these components to within tolerable limits.
In conclusion SRK is of the opinion that on purely
‘environmental’ grounds (i.e. the project’s potential socio-
economic and biophysical implications) the application as it
is currently articulated can be approved. February to May
are the most suitable months for the seismic survey, when
impacts are largely minimised and would demonstrate
compliance with best practice.
SRK Consulting: Sungu Sungu Pletmos Basin Seismic Survey – EIA Report Executive Summary Page - 10 -
HILL/REUT 510482_Pletmos Seismic_EIA Report_Executive Summary April 2017
REGISTER OR PROVIDE YOUR OPINION
Register or send written comment to:
Wanda Marais
SRK Consulting
Contact details:
Tel: + 27 41 509 4809
Fax: +27 41 509 4850
Email: [email protected]
P O Box 21842, Port Elizabeth, 6000, South Africa
HOW YOU CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE EIA PROCESS
The EIA Report can be amended based on comments received from stakeholders. Stakeholders’ comments on the EIA Report
will assist PASA in making a decision regarding the application. The public is therefore urged to submit comment. The Final EIA
Report will reflect comments and be submitted to PASA for approval. Once a decision is taken by authorities, this decision will
be communicated to all registered IAPs.
IAPs are invited to comment, and/or to register on the
project database. IAPs should refer to the PASA reference
number and must provide their comments together with
their name, contact details (preferred method of
notification, e.g. email), and an indication of any direct
business, financial, personal or other interest which they
have in the application, to the contact person below, by
16 May 2017.
ATTEND A MEETING
Two Public Open Days will be held to present
and discuss the findings of the EIA:
Public Open Day 1:
Venue: Piesang Valley Community Hall
7 Green Point Avenue
Plettenberg Bay
Date: Wednesday 3 May 2017
Time: 15h00 – 18h00
Public Open Day 2:
Venue: St Francis Bay Village Hall
2 Assissi Drive
St Francis Bay
Date: Thursday 4 May 2017
Time: 15h00 – 18h00
Stakeholders can attend at any time during the
specified hours.
REVIEW THE REPORT
Copies of the complete report are available for public review at the following:
Knysna Public Library;
Plettenberg Bay Public Library;
Jeffrey’s Bay Public Library;
SRK’s Cape Town office; and
SRK’s website: www.srk.co.za – click on the ‘Recent Publications’ and then ‘Public Documents’ links.
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