DEA&DP Reference Number(s): 16/3/3/1/D6/32/0006/19; 14/1/1/E3/9/2/3/L1241/22
In 2019, Ruiterbosch Agri (Pty) Ltd applied for environmental authorisation for the proposed Ruiterbosch agriculture development on Portion 413 of the Farm Mooiplaas, Ruiterbosch, located approximately 30 km Northwest of Mossel Bay. The following alternative was authorised by the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) in the Environmental Authorization dated 10 December 2019:
The proposal entails the removal of approximately 19,9 hectares of indigenous vegetation of (which some species are vulnerable and least threatened in terms of conservation status) in order to expand the existing agricultural activities on the farm by adding more agricultural lands. The new land will be used to establish orchards. The clearance of vegetation will take place on the sites as indicated on site development plan attached as Annexure 2.
Conditions E11 – 13 of the Environmental Authorisation, as well as Section 34 of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) EIA Regulations (2014, as amended) requires an Independent Audit be undertaken in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998) (as amended).
The Audit Report was submitted to DEA&DP on 1 November 2022. As required by the regulations.