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E N V IR O N M E N T A L IM P A C T A S S E S S M E N T :

P R O P O S E D D E V E L O P M E N T O F L A N G E Z A N D T Q U A Y S , S T R U IS B A A I, W E S T E R N C A P E
OCTOBER 2009
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT:


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PURPOSE OF THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL Background


IMPACT REPORT

The purpose of the Environmental Impact Report Golden Falls Trading 193 (Pty) Ltd is
Phase is to investigate and assess the biophysical proposing to develop a hotel, residential
and social potential positive and negative and retail complex on Erf 848. The site is
environmental impacts identified during the situated in the harbour precinct of
Scoping Phase associated with the proposed Struisbaai, Western Cape.
project.
The site is surrounded by many different
Please review this Executive Summary and land uses. To the south of the site is an open
preferably the full draft Environmental Impact area utilised for informal parking followed
Report, and submit your comments on the
by residential homes beyond Heide Road.
proposed project by 17 November 2009. Either
To the immediate east of the site is a
complete a Response Form, write a letter or e-
protected coastal dune area, while to the
mail. All EIA documents will also be available on
the Aurecon website: south-east beyond Kusweg East are
residential homes. Adjacent (West) to the
www.aurecongroup.com site are the Marine & Coastal Management
buildings and the formal parking within the
harbour. To the south-west are residential
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS WILL BE HELD AS homes extending along Kusweg Noord. The
FOLLOWS: site currently comprises a “low key” tourist
and fishing development. The harbour is
actively used by commercial and
Friday, 30 October 2009
recreational fisherfolk, some of whom still
OPEN HOUSE use the traditional chakkies.
16h00 – 18h00 Struisbaai North
Library
Saturday, 31 October 2009
PUBLIC MEETING
10h00 – 12h00 Struisbaai North
Library

CONTACT DETAILS
SITE LOCALITY MAP
Simon Van Wyk and John Foord
Aurecon
P O Box 494 Cape Town, 8000 There are currently three single story
Tel: (021) 481 2400 buildings on site that include the popular
Fax: (021) 424 5588 Pelicans Restaurant, a fish processing plant
Email: Simon.VanWyk@af.aurecongroup.com or
John.Foord@af.aurecongroup.com
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called Harbour Catch, marketing offices for proposed development, Alternative 6),
Langezandt Fishermen’s Village and an during an Open Day in December 2008,
office for Way Down Africa tour operators. which has been carried through into the EIA
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The buildings are approximately 9 m above phase.


mean sea level (amsl.), which equates to
±5 m above natural ground level (ngl.).
Project Description
Harbour Catch processes approximately
50% of the fish landed in the harbour and
provides ice and bait to the fisherfolk. The proposed development encompasses
Harbour Catch made use of a portion of Erf a multifunctional waterfront constituted of
848 for boat repairs, however it is approximately 30% retail and 70%
recognised that the fisherfolk make use of combination of residential accommodation
the portion of in-filled land between the site and hotel accommodation. The proposed
and the ocean for boat repairs. development has been designed to cater
for touring groups and visitors in the hotel,
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) fractional title residential apartments as well
used to be housed in a container on the as retail in the form of restaurants and
site, but has since acquired premises shops. The proponent’s vision is to include
outside of the harbour. In terms of existing use by local residents, tourists and visitors. It
vegetation on Erf 848, the site is recognised that the current quiet winter
predominately comprises of kikuyu grass periods are a challenge in terms of
and thus the site does not contain any employment security, especially for
vegetation of conservation value. previously disadvantaged people. The
development proposal aims for all year
Aurecon (previously known as Ninham round occupancy would be achieved by
Shand) was appointed by Golden Falls fractional title residential apartments and
Trading 193 to undertake an Environmental encouraging conferences and weddings.
Impact Assessment (EIA) process, in terms of
the National Environmental Management
Act (No. 107 of 1998) as amended, for the
proposed development activities.

The Scoping Phase of this EIA process was


completed and a Final Scoping Report
(FSR) was submitted to the competent
authority, namely the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Development
Planning (D: EA&DP), in July 2008. The FSR PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT (ALTERNATIVE 6)
and associated Plan of Study for EIA were
approved in August 2008, allowing the The retail component is proposed to
proponent to proceed to the next phase of include a fish handling facility that is
the EIA process. intended to purchase fish from the local
fisherfolk and process it for the in-house
Owing to public interest and concern restaurants and the fish market. The
relating to the alternatives presented during proponent expects this to add value to the
the Scoping Phase, the proponent fish and provide a better price to the
proposed another alternative, which fisherfolk.
comprised of a multi level and multi
functional building (referred to as the

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Alternatives

It is a requirement of the EIA process that


DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

due consideration is given to reasonable


and feasible alternatives, although not all
alternatives need to be investigated at the
same level of detail. The activity, scale and
design alternatives are the most pertinent
to this EIA process, and were explored in
the Scoping Phase. The following sections
summarise the outcome of the Scoping
Phase and hence describe the proposed ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED DURING SCOPING PHASE

project alternatives.
The activity alternatives being evaluated in
Erf 848 is the only site available to the this EIR therefore are the mixed residential
developer for this development as they are and retail development (Alternative 6) and
the landowners. The proponent identified the “no-go” option (Alternative 5).
this site as a location that possessed a
unique quality to compliment a
“waterfront” style development. There are
thus no other location alternatives available
to the developer that will fulfill these criteria.
Site location alternatives are thus not
considered.

As the site is limited in size (3,805m2),


PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVE (ALTERNATIVE 6)
maximum use is proposed for the site for the
project to be financially optimised. Site
layout alternatives are thus limited. Site Proposed Design
layout alternatives have been considered
in the design iterations. Only one feasible
The building would consist of a multi-level
layout is therefore assessed.
structure ranging between two storey (< 8
m) to four storey’s (< 16 m) above natural
Activity and Design Alternatives:
ground level and a basement parking area
During the Scoping Phase a number of
below ground level.
activity alternatives were proposed
including an Industrial development for fish
The proposed development comprises
processing or boat repair and residential
three distinct blocks (North, South-West and
development ranging from four to six
East facing blocks). This design aims to
storeys. As none of these alternatives were
break the bulk effect and the architecture
seen as broadly acceptable for the area
on the town facing façades and to
they were scoped out and will no longer be
respond to the historic fishermen’s cottage
considered.
milieu that once existed in the vicinity. The
harbour facing façade (North block) has a
modern “waterfront” architecture with a
staggered design to reduce the height /
visual effect.

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Identified Impacts
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Scoping Phase of this process identified


several operational and construction phase
impacts that were proposed to be assessed
in the EIA Phase, which are as follows:

Operational Phase Impacts:


o Impact on municipal services;
o Impact on traffic flow and parking;
o Access to harbour;
o Competition and opportunities for other
businesses and activities;
o Impact on character of Struisbaai and
harbour;
THREE PROPOSED BLOCKS o Impact of fisherfolk on development;
o Impact of development on fisherfolk;
The basement parking is proposed to have o Impact on property values;
capacity for 131 parking bays. Fifty Four o Impact on dune processes;
bays would be for the hotel clients, 22 bays o Impact on fauna and flora in adjacent
for the Fractional Title Residential dune area; and
Apartments, and 55 bays for the o Impact of the surrounding environment
commercial sector. The basement would on the development.
have an area of 3,659m2, which is
equivalent to the surface area of the Construction Phase Impact:
proposed Langezandt Quays o Impact on municipal services;
development. o Traffic, particularly heavy construction
The ground level is proposed to have a vehicles;
retail component, informal restaurant(s), o Noise disturbance to surrounding land
hotel apartments and Fractional Title users;
Residential Apartments. The first level would o Vibration should there be rock;
have formal restaurants, hotel apartments o Windblown dust from construction site;
and residential apartments. The second o Litter/ waste pollution;
and third level would only have hotel o Environmental damage due to
apartments and residential apartments. hydrocarbon spillage;
The first and second level would o Visual blight;
furthermore have courtyards in the centre o Impact on safety and security;
of the development creating a more open o Impact on fauna and flora;
effect. o Job creation; and
o Skills development.

Specialists were consulted on the impacts


listed above and consequently Aurecon
(the Environmental Assessment Practitioner)
have collated and processed the
information by undertaking an assessment
of each impact. The methodology utilised is
3D RENDER DEPICTING PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT further detailed below.

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Public Participation Process Methodology & Assessment
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The public participation process forms an The methodology applied during this EIA
integral component of the EIA process. The process is broadly consistent with
process to date has involved the following Regulation 385 of NEMA and with DEAT’s
aspects described below: Guideline Document on the EIA Regulations
• A number of adverts were placed in (1998). The methodology was outlined in
both national and local newspapers the Plan of Study for EIA. Using a tabulated
advertising the various EIA phases. rating system, each impact is described
• The local newspaper adverts in August according to its extent (spatial scale),
2007 advertised the commencement of magnitude (size or degree scale) and
the EIA process. The advertisements duration (time scale). These criteria are
served to advertise the initiation of the used to ascertain the significance of the
study and invited Interested and impact, firstly in the case of no mitigation
Affected Parties (I&APs) to register and and then with the most effective mitigation
provide comment as well as to attend measures in place. Once the significance
an Open House session to discuss the of an impact has been determined, the
proposed development. probability of this impact occurring as well
• The Background Information Document as the confidence in the assessment of the
(BID) was distributed to identified I&APs impact is determined. Lastly, the
on the 24 August 2007, inviting them to reversibility of the impact is estimated.
raise any issues or concerns and to Challenges faced during the application of
indicate any other potential I&APs that the methodology as described relate to the
should be contacted. subjectivity in assigning significance to an
• The draft Scoping Report (DSR) was impact.
lodged in the Struisbaai North Library,
Cape Agulhas Municipality and on the Key indicating the colour coding for the
Environmental Assessment Practitioner’s significance of the various impacts
(EAP’s) website. High negative Red
Medium negative Orange
• The reports were made available for
Low negative Yellow
public review and comment from 10
Very Low negative Green
December 2007 to 10 February 2008. Neutral / NA Not shaded
• I&APs were invited on 24 April 2008 to Very Low Positive impact Blue
comment on the final Scoping Report Low Positive impact Turquoise
Medium positive impact Rose
lodged in the various locations
High Positive impact Pink
mentioned above.
• A letter was then distributed to all
In recognising the extent of the information
registered I&AP’s informing them of the
available at this stage of the project, the
submission of the Final Scoping Report
confidence in the environmental
(FSR) to DEA&DP on 25 July 2008.
assessment undertaken is regarded as
• I&APS were invited to an Open House
acceptable for making an informed
session on 18 December 2008 in the
environmental decision making.
Struisbaai North Library to consider
another alternative and updated Plan of
Study for EIA, that of the proposed
development (Alternative 6).

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various I&APs have supported the
Conclusions
proposed development as it would
significantly upgrade the harbour
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Based on the outcome of the EIA Phase the infrastructure, however many others
potential impacts assessed in this report, value the status quo as a quaint fishing
provide a comprehensive investigation and harbour. As a component of the visual
assessment of the environmental issues impact the height of the building has
raised during the Scoping Phase by I&APs, been assessed using the existing
commenting authorities and the EIA project precedent with Struisbaai and its
team. surrounds (refer to Annexure O of the
EIR).
The “no go” option would entail
maintaining the status quo. No further Appropriate mitigation measures
development would occur on the site and (essential/optional) can effectively
the current retail and fish processing would reduce the significance of the negative
continue. There would be no facilities aspects, however this impact remains
developed by the proponent to retain bus significant.
groups and tourists in Struisbaai and the
Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) Other significant impacts include:
would be required to develop facilities for o Bulk municipal services (water,
the harbour at its own cost. electricity, sewage and stormwater);
CONCLUSIONS o Parking in the harbour area;
Operational Phase Impacts o Impact to the character of the harbour;
The following impact was assessed to have and
the most significant impact with essential o Impact of the rising sea level.
mitigation:
o Visual impact of the developmentFrom a The impact assessment is undertaken in
visual impact perspective it is chapter 5 and summarised in chapter 6 of
paradoxical as it has the potential to be the EIR. Below is a summary table of the
both a positive as well as a negative significance and probability of the assessed
impact, depending on one’s perceived impacts associated with the proposed
opinion on the status quo. To elaborate, development.

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DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Construction Phase Impacts

None of the construction phase impacts design, construction, operation and assigns
were deemed to have a highly significant responsibility for environmental controls.
impact on the environment, given their
short duration and localised extent. The
Needs
Needs & Desirability
most significant potential negative impacts
relevant to the construction of this project
are as follows: The proposed development is supported by
the strategic documents such as Cape
o Traffic, particularly heavy construction Agulhas Municipality Spatial Development
vehicles; Framework as discussed in section1.4 in the
o Noise disturbance to surrounding land EIR.
users;
o Dust creation during construction; As noted in the impact section the visual
o Visual blight; and impact remains one of the most
o Impact on safety and security. challenging aspects. Considering of the
elements of sustainable development viz.
However, many of the construction phase environmental, social and economic
impacts are of low significance and a suite factors the following should be considered.
of mitigation measures can be The proposed development does not
implemented to avoid and/or minimise contravene any of the NEMA sustainability
impacts on the biophysical and social principles (Refer to Section 6.1.3 of the
environment. DEIR). It is however evident that the
proposed development has the capability
A Construction Phase Environmental of providing social and economic benefits
Management Programme (CEMP) has in the form of increased tourism to a
been developed to guide the construction destination that appears to lack adequate
and operational phases respectively. The hotel accommodation, the increase in
implementation of the CEMP would local economy expenditure as well as the
minimise possible negative impacts on provision of jobs during the construction
and operational phase. This proposed

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development has the potential to The impact on the water supply from the
contribute positively to the economy as CAM to the proposed development could
well as to build towards a more sustainable be reduced by:
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

tourism sector within Struisbaai. • Contributing the costs of developing the


required water reticulation and borehole
In terms of the needs and desirability, it is infrastructure.
therefore concluded that despite the visual • Desalinating the water from an existing
impact and height concerns, the borehole that is currently not used due
environmental impacts are medium to very to the saline quality of the water.
low and the social and economic impacts • Reduce the demand for water by using
are viewed as positive overall. Therefore, various water demand management
based on the findings of this EIA process techniques and design.
and subject to the consideration of the
acceptability of the visual and height Electrical supply
impacts (to be considered by both local Essential mitigation measures
and provincial government); it is the EAP’s • Install Solar Hot Water Systems.
opinion that the proposed development is • Reduce maximum temperature in hot
considered to be acceptable from an water systems to appropriate level.
environmental perspective if the essential • Lag all hot water pipes.
mitigation measures as proposed per • Design buildings to optimize on natural
respective impact are implemented. energy e.g. North Facing & Windows
shaded in summer.
• Ensure that buildings are well insulated.
Recommendations
• Use energy saving technology e.g. LED
or CFL bulbs.
With reference to the operational impacts
described above, it can be noted that their Sewage management
significance levels could generally be Essential mitigation measures
reduced by implementing the identified • Encourage staff and guests not to
essential mitigatory measures as highlighted dispose of hazardous chemicals or solid
in Chapter 5 of the EIA Report. waste into sewage system.
• Reduce the amount of water wasted.
Although these essential mitigation • The development should make provision
measures would not reduce the potential for the installation and maintenance of
environmental impacts completely, it is the a sewage pump on the premises.
opinion of the EAP that these impacts
would not be unacceptably high, except Stormwater management
possibly for the visual impact of the overall Essential mitigation measures
height of the development. • Avoid disposing of hazardous substances
or solid waste into stormwater systems.
• Keeping outside surfaces clear of solid
Summary of Essential Mitigation waste to prevent them from blowing
Measures and/or washing into stormwater systems;
and
• Keep stormwater drains clear of
Impact on municipal services
obstructions.
Water supply
Essential mitigation measures

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Solid waste management
Essential mitigation measures Essential mitigation measures
• Ensure that all solid waste is collected • The traffic management alternative
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

and stored in an appropriate location for (Option 4) should be implemented to


collection and not strewn around; reduce the congestion around the
• Ensure that the waste is disposed of in an harbour entrance, provide formalised
appropriate licensed waste parking for peak periods and multiple
management site; entrances and exits to service the
• Ensure that hazardous chemicals, development.
materials and products are removed by • Access right of way would have to be
a licensed operator and disposed of in obtained across Erf 921.
an appropriate licensed waste • An effective and efficient access road
management site; and to Erf 848 / Erf 921 should be positioned
• Separating waste for recycling by the directly opposite the Harbour Road /
municipality or local service provider. Kusweg North to form a cross roads and
it should include a pedestrian crossing.
Impact on traffic flow and parking • The access roads should be surfaced
Traffic flow (paved or tarred) with a surface width of
Traffic flow in the vicinity of the harbour at least 5.5 metres.
entrance can be improved during peak • Provide alternative access and exit
season by implementing the following routes through the parking area to Erf
measures: 848 to avoid traffic congestion at the
Harbour Road / Kusweg North junction
during peak holiday season.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT OPTION 4

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• Provide facilities for busses to drop off entrances and exits to service the
tourists that are not positioned on development. ;
Harbour Road and would thus not • An effective and efficient access road
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

exacerbate traffic congestion. to Erf 848 / Erf 921 should be positioned


directly opposite the Harbour Road /
Parking utilisation Kusweg North to form a cross roads and
Parking utilisation in the harbour area can it should include a pedestrian crossing;
be improved during peak season by • Provide alternative access and exit
implementing the following measures: routes through the parking area to Erf
848 to avoid traffic congestion at the
Essential mitigation measures Harbour Road / Kusweg North junction
• Ensure that there is sufficient parking on during peak holiday season; and
Erf 848 to cater for the parking • Provide facilities for busses to drop off
requirements of the development. tourists that are not positioned on
• Parking bays should have dimensions of Harbour Road and would thus not
2.5 x 5 metres, with an aisle width of exacerbate traffic congestion.
preferably 7.5 and minimum 7 metres to
optimise space utilisation and to ensure Impact on Heritage Resources
efficient access. Essential mitigation measures
• Arrangements for loading bays and • Incorporate a fish handling facility into
refuse collection for the development the development.
should be factored into the final design
drawings. Impact on Visual Aesthetics
• Provide parking for staff or arrange Essential mitigation measures
transport • Any outdoor lighting should be directed
downwards, have low power output and
Competition and Opportunities for Other used decoratively.
Businesses and Activities • Avoid using white paint for the building
and create a matt texture to further
Impact on Tourism reduce the lighter colour impact.
Essential mitigation measures
• Any outdoor lighting should be directed Impact on Character of Harbour Area
downwards, have low power output and Essential mitigation measures
used decoratively. • Create three or more distinct buildings to
• Avoid using white for the building and break the mass of the development.
create a matt texture to further reduce • Architecture should allude to the
the lighter colour impact. traditional fishermen’s cottages town
frontages and the more contemporary
Impact on Fishing and Associated Activities horizontal and colourful features facing
Essential mitigation measures the harbour.
• Ensure that there is sufficient parking • Any outdoor lighting should be directed
provided for the proposed development downwards, have low power output and
on the property avoid conflict with the used decoratively.
fisherfolk; • Avoid using white paint for the building
• Access Option 4 should be implemented and create a matt texture to further
to reduce the congestion around the reduce the lighter colour impact.
harbour entrance, provide formalised • Create an atmosphere for the proposed
parking for peak periods and multiple restaurant that would be situated
adjacent to the servitude, similar to that

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of Pelican’s, that would make people Impact of Water Table
feel comfortable to have a meal and Essential mitigation measures
socialize while dressed casually. • Design the basement level adequately
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Provide for businesses which encourage to keep water out should the water
the fishing activities of the traditional table rise.
local fisherfolk as currently practiced. • Ensure that the water extraction system is
adequately designed, implemented
Impact on Dune Processes, Fauna and Flora and maintained.

Impact of Building on the Dune Processes Impact of Harbour Activities


Impact of building on the dune Essential mitigation measures
Essential mitigation measures • Design the building to minimise noise
• The building must be fragmented to transfer into the building e.g. double
reduce the eddy effect and vacuum glazing of windows, angle and design of
created on the leeward side of the entrances.
building when the westerly winds blow. • Note in the deed of sale the particular
• The dune vegetation should not be environment the owner is entering into
disturbed and damaged, thereby and that harbour noise is to be
exposing the sand. Hotel guests should expected. Hotel guests should be
be encouraged to stay on the existing similarly informed.
paths if they walk in the dunes.
Way Forward
Impact on fauna and flora
Essential mitigation measures The next stage of this EIA process involves
o Provide environmental educational lodging the draft Environmental Impact
material to guests. Report (EIR) for public review and
• Minimise the amount of light that is comment. The opportunities for public
emitted from the development on the involvement are as follows:
dunes, by using low intensity lights that
are appropriately shielded. o Commenting on the Draft EIR, which will
be lodged at the Struisbaai North library,
Impact of the Environment on the Proposed the Cape Agulhas municipal office in
Development Bredasdorp, Cape Town Public Library,
Impact of rising sea level Johannesburg Public Library as well as
Essential mitigation measures on the Aurecon website
• Design the proposed development with (www.aurecongroup.com) (Public
the floor height taking a sea rise of Participation link);
greater than 0.34 m over the next 50 o The public will have until 11 November
years into consideration. 2009 to submit written comment on the
• Build a low re-curve wall around the Draft EIA Report to Aurecon;
development to reduce the effect of o A Open House session will take place on
wave run-up. the 30 October 2009 as well as a Public
• Emergency exits and Evacuation plans Meeting on the 31 October 2009; and
must be designed and implemented to o All registered I&APs will have been
allow for safe exit in the event of notified of the availability of the draft EIA
significant storm surges. Report by means of a letter which
includes a copy of this draft EIA Report
Executive Summary.

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The EIR will be revised on the basis of the
I&AP comment as appropriate. All
comments received will be included in the
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

documentation. The final EIA Report will


then be made available to I&APs for an
additional 21 day comment period. Upon
completion of this comment period, any
additional comments received would be
attached to the Final EIA Report and
submitted to D: EA&DP for review and
decision making. Their decision will be
documented in an Environmental
Authorisation Decision and registered I&APs
will be notified of the decision and their
opportunity to appeal the decision to the
Provincial MEC in terms of the National
Environmental Management Act.
I:\ENV\PROJECTS\401807~Struisbaai\EIA\Draft EIR\Executive Summary\New
06102009\English Executive Summary draft EIR ~ FINAL.doc

Please review this Executive Summary and


preferably the full draft Environmental Impact
Report, and submit your comments on the
proposed project by 17 November 2009. All
EIA documents will also be available on the
Aurecon website: www.aurecongroup.com

CONTACT DETAILS

Simon Van Wyk and John Foord


Aurecon
P O Box 494 Cape Town, 8000
Tel: (021) 481 2400
Fax: (021) 424 5588
Email: Simon.VanWyk@af.aurecongroup.com or
John.Foord@af.aurecongroup.com

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