The client, Kruger Berries, proposed the development of approximately 100ha of blueberry cultivation on a farm that had previously been utilised partially for mango cultivation, in the Deerpark area near Tzaneen, Limpopo Province.
Polygon undertook a Basic Assessment (BA) and cultivation permit application for the expansion of cultivation into previously uncultivated indigenous vegetation and the establishment of associated infrastructure, including a balancing dam, as well as a subsequent Environmental Impact Assessment for further expansion into a larger area of virgin land. We also undertook a separate BA and a Water Use Licence Application for the proposed establishment of a small instream dam for irrigation.
Environmental Authorisation (EA) for the expansion of cultivation was issued in 2016 (Phase 1) and 2017 (Phase 2) and the cultivation permit was issued in 2017. We undertook environmental compliance monitoring during the development phase from 2017 to 2018. EA for the proposed dam was issued in 2017 an the WULA is still pending. Construction of the dam has not yet commenced, pending the WULA.
