18. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Proposed Pumped Storage Power Generation Facility in the Steelpoort area, Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces

Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-1

18. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the proposed

establishment of a Pumped Storage Scheme (PSS) in the Steelpoort area has

been undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulations published in Government

Notice No R385, R386 and R387 of 2006 in terms of Section 24 (5) of the

National Environmental Management Act - NEMA (Act No 107 of 1998).

The essence of any EIA process is aimed at ensuring informed decision-making

and environmental accountability, and to assist in achieving environmentally

sound and sustainable development. In terms of NEMA (No 107 of 1998), the

commitment to sustainable development is evident in the provision that

“development must be socially, environmentally and economically

sustainable…and requires the consideration of all relevant factors…”. NEMA also

imposes a duty of care, which places a positive obligation on any person who has

caused, is causing, or is likely to cause damage to the environment to take

reasonable steps to prevent such damage. In terms of NEMA’s preventative

principle, potentially negative impacts on the environment and on people’s

environmental rights (in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,

Act 108 of 1996) should be anticipated and prevented, and where they cannot be

altogether prevented, they must be minimised and remedied in terms of

“reasonable measures”.

In assessing the environmental feasibility of the proposed project, the

requirements of all relevant legislation has been considered including inter alia

those of:

• National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998);

• Environment Conservation Act (No 73 of 1989);

• National Water Act (No 36 of 1998);

• National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999);

• The Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002);

• Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (No 45 of 1965);

• National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004;

• Mine Safety Act (No 29 0f 1996)

• Occupational Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 93);

• White Paper on Energy Policy, GN 3007, 17/12/1998;

• White Paper on Integrated Pollution and Waste Management for South

Africa (January 2000); and

• National Waste Management Strategy documents (October 1999).

This relevant legislation has informed the identification and development of

appropriate management and mitigation measures that should be implemented in

order to minimise potentially significant impacts associated with the project.



The conclusions of this EIA are the result of comprehensive studies and specialist

assessments. These studies were based on issues identified through the EIA

process and the parallel process of public participation. The public consultation

process has been rigorous and extensive, and every effort has been made to

include representatives of all stakeholders within the process.

18.1 Evaluation of the Proposed Project

The preceding chapters of this report provide a detailed assessment of the predicted

environmental impacts on specific components of the social and biophysical

environment as a result of the proposed project. This chapter concludes the EIA

report by providing a holistic evaluation of the most important environmental

impacts identified through the process. In so doing, it draws on the information

gathered as part of the EIA process and the knowledge gained by the environmental

consultants during the course of the EIA and presents an informed opinion about the

proposed project.

In order to meet the objectives as set out in the South African Energy Policy as

well as to meet developmental and socio-economic objectives in South Africa, the

country needs to optimally use the available energy resources. Eskom is required

to respond to the growing electricity demand of approximately 3 - 5% per annum.

This growing demand is placing increasing pressure on Eskom’s existing power

generating capacity. In order to ensure that potential future electricity demands

are met, Eskom is investigating a variety of options including conventional

pulverised fuel power plants, pumped storage schemes, gas-fired power plants,

nuclear plants, greenfield fluidised bed combustion technologies, renewable

energy technologies (mainly wind and solar projects), and import options within

the Southern African region.

Eskom’s “project funnel”, which shows the range of supply options being

considered by Eskom to meet the increasing demand for electricity in the country,

currently consists of 34 projects ranging from research projects to new-build

projects. Research projects include a demonstration solar power project,

underground coal gasification and the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR). In

additions, three ‘mothballed’ stations, including the Camden, Komati and

Grootvlei power stations, are currently being returned-to-service.

In order to meet future peak capacity demands, Eskom proposes constructing a

pumped storage scheme (PSS) in the Steelpoort area.

A PSS utilises surplus electricity generating capacity on the Eskom system during

off-peak hours to pump water from the lower to the upper reservoir and releases

this water again during peak load hours to generate electricity. A PSS thus

relieves the need for other more expensive peaking plant such as gas fired

turbines to meet peak loads and also relieves the need of two running coal fired

plants as load following or peaking plants. Coal fired power stations are best



suited to base load and are optimally run at constant loads. The use of PSS for

peaking power therefore allows coal fired generating units to operate more

efficiently, increases the expected life of these units and to provide a method of

“storing” energy for later release it when it is required.

The proposed PSS will consist of two reservoirs (an upper and a lower reservoir),

interconnected by an underground tunnel system (waterways) with pump turbine

units located in an underground powerhouse complex with an installed capacity of

approximately 1520 MW. In addition to this, the scheme will also have access and

site roads (temporary and permanent), two construction villages, two

communication masts that will each be a maximum of approximately 45m high

(one at the upper reservoir and the other at the lower reservoir).The heights were

assessed in the Visual Impact Assessment and the correct positioning of the

masts will reduce the required height substantially.

The Environmental Scoping Study investigated 3 sites identified as potentially

feasible for the establishment of the proposed PSS. Through numerous specialist

environmental studies (both social and biophysical) the following site was

nominated during the scoping phase for further investigation within the EIA phase

of the project. The scoping report was accepted by the Department of

Environmental Affairs and Tourism:

• Site A3 (between farms Luipershoek 149 JS and Keerom 151 JS)

The potentially significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed

project as discussed in the EIA include:

• Potential impacts on geology, soils and agricultural potential as a result of the

proposed project;

• Potential impacts on geohydrology and surface water drainage;

• Potential impacts on wetlands;

• Potential impacts on flora, fauna and ecology;

• Potential impacts on archaeological and heritage resources;

• Potential visual impacts associated with the proposed project;

• Potential noise impacts;

• Potential social impacts;

• Potential traffic impacts; and

• Potential tourism impacts associated with the proposed project.

On initial investigations associated with the Scoping phase, no fatal flaws were

identified since the impacts were deemed mitigatable to acceptable levels.

Due to the outcomes of the Environmental Scoping Study, additional

investigations were required with regards to associated infrastructure. The EIA

also evaluated the two access road alternatives, two construction villages, and



the construction of two communication masts. The specialist studies undertaken,

made recommendations which are included within the discussions below.

18.2 Final Conclusions of the Specialist Studies

18.2.1 Geology

The feasibility stage geotechnical investigations have revealed the following:

• Poorer foundation conditions at both the upper and lower reservoir than

originally anticipated, however, this will not inhibit the construction process.

• In general, construction materials for the dam walls are all available within

the dam basin. Clay material for the lower dam core is available in close

proximity.

• Generally very good rock conditions exist for the underground works.

• The various rock types grade almost imperceptibly into one another with the

boundaries not readily apparent.

• Major faults/shear zones should not be discounted in the underground works

in the area of the pressure tunnel although the Steelpoort Fault is some

distance away and should not impact on the preferred site. Some minor

zones of highly fractured rock, which may well be associated with water

inflows, should be expected, again these can be adequately mitigated.

• A distinctive “zebra-striped” band of very strong to extremely strong rock

(mixed anorthosite-rich and magnetite-rich diorite) appears to occur in the

upper levels of the machine and transformer halls. This band is expected to

occur over a fairly extensive length in the pressure tunnel. The band does

not appear to form a discontinuity with the adjacent very strong rock diorite,

i.e. no obvious plane of weakness appears to occur between the rock types.

• Portal and trench excavations will require shallow angle cut slopes or fairly

robust support measures.

Further investigations will be required in order to supply sufficient information

and data for detailed design to proceed. However, no fatal flaws were discovered

in the initial geotechnical investigation that would restrict the development from

taking place.

18.2.2 Soils and Agricultural Potential

The upper and lower reservoir sites consist mostly of shallow soils. Closer to the

streams, a zone of deeper, alluvial soils occurs. Some deeper, but more

structured soils occur to the east of the lower reservoir site.

No areas with high agricultural potential occur within the upper and lower

reservoir sites. Furthermore, since all the roads are already existing routes, the

overall impacts on soils and agricultural potential is low.



Developments occurring near the zone of deeper, alluvial soil should be treated

with caution. If such developments are temporary (as in the case of the

construction villages), the land should be rehabilitated and returned to its original

condition as far a possible.

18.2.3 Geohydrology

The study area is underlain by rock formations of the Bushveld Igneous Complex

and from a geohydrological point of view it is classified as minor-aquifer system.

Therefore no large scale groundwater abstraction occurs within the study area.

• A north-east and north-west striking fault converge over the study area.

These geological structures can enhance the groundwater potential in the

area by increasing the permeability and transmissivity of the host rock.

Secondary processes, such as faulting and fracturing, can create

secondary fractured rock aquifers. Should these structures be water

bearing, short term groundwater related impacts are foreseen during the

construction phase of the tunnel, as dewatering will be required.

• Static groundwater levels measured in piezometers at the lower reservoir

site indicated highly weathered zones with possibly enhanced aquifer

parameters. Aquifer recharge may be enhanced as a result of secondary

processes (weathered zones) intersecting in these borehole sites.

• The degree of fluctuation in the groundwater levels along the lower

reservoir site relates to the weathering depth of diorite, as the water table

occurs at the contact between the weathered and unweathered rock.

Artificial aquifer recharge that may result from seepage will improve the

sustainability of groundwater, which is currently classified as poor based

on their poor aquifer parameters. Seepage below and around the dam wall

grouting curtain will allow for base-flow to the tributaries down-gradient of

the lower reservoir site. This will assist in complying with the catchments

ecological reserve requirements.

• Dewatering in order to enable construction of certain components of the

underground pumped storage facilities is only seen as a temporary

negative impact, which will cease during the operational phase.

• Static groundwater levels in the boreholes at the upper reservoir site

remained constant within boreholes. This indicates limited recharge and

transmissivity and conductivity associated with weathering

zones/fractures.

• Intercepting water bearing fractures during the construction phase of the

pumped storage facility is considered as a short-term negative impact.

Grouting of these structures will prevent long-term impacts. There are no

groundwater uses in the expected zone of influence that will be caused by

dewatering.

• Unless prevented, seepage from pollution sources (fuel, sewage and

waste) is considered the only long term negative impact.



• The proposed sewage is a closed system with treatment plants therefore

there is likely to be no impact on groundwater.

• The correct construction and management of the infrastructure will ensure

that the overall risk to the groundwater resources is tolerable and thus the

project can be supported from a geohydrological perspective.

18.2.4 Surface Water and Drainage

The study area is situated in the headwater to middle reaches of a tributary of the

Steelpoort River, where most of the river flow is generated by direct precipitation.

The study has found that there are no fatal flaws or any intolerable impacts,

which will result from the proposed project, with regards to the surface water

aspects. Through careful mitigation, correct management strategies, and auditing

procedures, during the construction and operation phases, the envisaged

potential impacts should be low (mitigation measures are included in Table 18.2).

The impacts are, however, envisaged to be localised.

Negative impacts resulting from the secondary construction activities (including

but not limited to; burrowing, housing, sewage, and water abstraction), can all

successfully be mitigated to low impacts of a temporary nature, and can

successfully be rehabilitated to a state, according to the objective of the

Environmental Management Plan, for the specific area.

It can thus be concluded that the proposed project is feasible should the

suggested management options be implemented.

18.2.5 Wetlands

No wetlands occur within the footprint of the proposed scheme (except for a small

area in the vicinity of the lower construction village), the scheme will not cause a

loss of physical wetland habitat and the project can be supported from a wetland

perspective.

A number of wetlands are located adjacent to the upper reservoir, and a 50m

buffer has been demarcated around these wetlands. It is of crucial importance

that no development or other impacts should be allowed within this zone; this

would include traversing of the area by vehicles or the establishment of any

ancillary infrastructure such as stockpile areas.

18.2.6 Biodiversity

The nature of the proposed development makes the complete mitigation of likely

impacts extremely difficult; the exclusion of high sensitivity areas will in effect

sterilise the entire project and is therefore not considered a viable option.



Impacts resulting from the development will result in transformation of large

tracts of natural and sensitive environment and will be permanent. These impacts

are therefore significant and cannot be mitigated effectively. However, impacts

will mostly be localised and site specific and can therefore be contained within a

relative small area and there were no red data species found within the

construction footprint. Constant environmental monitoring will play a significant

role in the timely identification of potential significant effects resulting from

construction activities while periodic bio-monitoring will highlight effects such as

species changes and infestation by invasive species.

It is, therefore, the conclusion of the biodiversity assessment that, with the

successful implementation of environmental and bio-monitoring programmes, the

resultant loss in biodiversity attributes and habitat is acceptable and within

reason and therefore the project can be supported.

18.2.7 Archaeological and Heritage Resources

A number of sites dating to the Late Iron Age, Early Historic Period were identified

that would be impacted on by the proposed development. The identified sites do

not present much of a problem, as current legislation allows for mitigation

measures to be implemented. However, impacts on sites can be lessened by:

• Rerouting/relocating of access routes, construction yards, etc.

• Formalising sites by fencing them off

Based on what was found and its evaluation, it is recommended that the

proposed development can continue, with implementation of the following

recommendations:

• That the mitigation measures for each identified site are implemented before

development takes place.

• Sites 14 and 15 that will be impacted by the construction yard can be avoided

by moving the yard further south. This can be determined by taking the

coordinates as centre point and extending a buffer zone of 30 metres from

these points. This would be sufficient to avoid the heritage sites.

• Site 3 dating back to the Late Iron Age should be documented and test

excavations done.

• Sites 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17 in the lower reservoir area date to

the Late Iron Age and early historic period. All of these sites should be

documented and test excavated.

• The developer should therefore keep in mind that archaeological sites might

be exposed during construction activities. If anything is noticed, work in that

area should be stopped and the occurrence should immediately be reported

to a museum or regional SAHRA office, specifically one at which an

archaeologist is available. The archaeologist should then investigate and

evaluate the finds.



18.2.8 Visual/Aesthetic

The construction of a feature as huge and extensive as the Pumped Storage

Scheme introduces a highly contrasting feature into the environment. The

character of the study area in general reflects a high degree of natural veld, with

human activities related to rural settlements. The escarpment-like topography of

the area renders it a very high visual quality which will be impacted upon by the

proposed development.

The visual impact of the proposed development will be adverse, the significance

of which varies from very high to medium, as indicated by the Visual Impact

Index. As indicated in Figure 14.16, these impacts are localised and mostly

associated with proximity to the site. However, the overall impact after mitigation

measures are implemented is a medium negative significance.

The area is sparsely populated with critical visual receptor points localised at

villages, farmsteads and on roads. At these points, the adverse impact will be

significant. Cognisance must be taken of lighting as an important visual impact

with an annoyance element linked to it. It is recommended that design specific

mitigation measures be drawn up as soon as details of lighting design become

available. With regard to construction, care are must be taken to maintain

temporary structures and building yards at an aesthetic acceptable level.

In conclusion, visual impacts associated with the project are unavoidable, but the

specialist has investigated these impacts and believes the proposed project does

not hold a fatal flaw that would restrict the development from taking place.

18.2.9 Noise

The following may be concluded from the noise assessment:

• The baseline noise data from a similar facility (Drakensberg PSS) was

available and the assumptions made are considered adequate to give a

meaningful analysis of the noise impact situation.

• The area of potentially serious noise impact around the planned PSS in the

Steelpoort area once the PSS is operational will be fairly small. It is

predicted that any impacts will be contained an area within a distance of

about 300m of the edge of the PSS works. There will be no noise impacts

at Sehlakwane Village from the operations at the upper reservoir site.

• With the natural growth in traffic (with the development of the Veremo Mine),

noise levels alongside the main roads will continue to increase and the already

degraded noise climate within the area of influence of these roads will worsen.

The additional noise from the PSS site generated traffic will be insignificant.

Based on the above conclusions, the project is thus supported from a noise

perspective.



18.2.10 Social

The pre-construction phase has a number of positive impacts that should be

enhanced as this would lay the foundation for the rest of the project. Negative

impacts are mostly found during the construction/decommissioning phases of the

project. This is mainly due to the nature of the activities that take place during

these phases. Most of the negative impacts can be mitigated successfully.

The operational phase is also characterised by a number of positive impacts,

which could be further enhanced if managed effectively. These impacts mostly

relate to sustainable development in the affected community by means of

employment opportunities (directly and indirectly) as well as infrastructure

development.

Both the social and land use themes have a number of negative impacts.

However, all of these impacts can be mitigated successfully if effectively

managed. Economic impacts as a result of the project are all positive in nature,

which is mainly due to the economic investment and development that will take

place in the community as a result of the project. The project can therefore be

supported from a social perspective.

18.2.11 Traffic

• The effect on pavement loading by construction vehicles and subsequent

acceleration of any rehabilitation programme could be mitigated by initiating

negotiations regarding the possible contribution by Eskom to the pavement

rehabilitation programme with the relevant provincial authorities.

• The traffic impact of the envisaged construction traffic on key intersections is

not significant.

• The effect of locating 2500 workers on site at the lower reservoir will reduce

the number of buses to and from the site to zero. This change, therefore, has

the beneficial effect of reducing the traffic impact of transporting the workers

to a very small amount in both peak hour and during the day. The

transportation of food and supplies for the workforce, although higher, is

considered to be low in magnitude and in frequency.

• There is presently sufficient spare capacity at all key intersections (an

increase of approximately 15%) to accommodate peak period traffic increase

during the operational phase.

18.2.12 Tourism

The tourism industry in the Steelpoort area is still in its infancy, but is growing.

The industry has, in the past, been dependant on the mining industry for its

sustainability. There is ‘little to no’ tourism in the Mathula/Sehlakwane area, but

it does form part of the Cultural Heritage Route.


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-10

The proposed development of the PSS is expected to have negative impacts

relating to loss of sense of place during the construction phase and to a lesser

extent during the operational phase. The construction phase is likely to exert the

greatest negative impact on the existing game reserves in the area through the

construction camp and the construction traffic. This is mainly due to the large size

of the construction camp which will house 2500 workers at the lower reservoir.

However, the overall impact will be a positive one both during construction and

operation as a result of the increased business tourism that is expected to be

generated by the proposed development.

18.3 Access Roads

The specialist studies investigated two road alternatives for the permanent access

roads to the proposed site. Both alternatives follow existing routes, and all

specialist studies found that as the roads followed existing routes there would be no

additional impacts on biophysical and social environment, however from a social

perspective Road alternative - Option 1 was deemed as the most viable option,

seeing as this alternative requires the lowest cost to upgrade as most of the road

sections within this alternative are already paved, hence development of this road is

more economical. This route will also have the lowest impact on all environmental

features within the study area. The upgrading of the Tonteldoos Road in Road

alternative - Option 2 is not seen as a major impact, however, the existing road

alternatives in Road alternative - Option 1 are more favourable.

As far as maintenance of roads to be used by Eskom is concerned, it is therefore

recommended that Eskom and/or its appointed contractor(s) meet with the

Provincial Road Agency beforehand to discuss implications and accountability of

road maintenance.

18.4 Recommendations for Appropriate Mitigation Measures

From the findings of the specialist studies undertaken, the following mitigation

measures are proposed to be implemented in order to minimise any potentially

significant impacts. Table 18.1 below displays a summary of aspects, the rating of

impacts and the associated mitigation measures in the construction phase

investigated in the EIA. Table 18.2 below displays a summary of aspects, the

rating of impacts and the associated mitigation measures in the operational phase

investigated in the EIA.

A summary of issues, the rating of impacts and the associated mitigation

measures in the construction and operational phases investigated in the EIA, will

follow, the rating criteria are included in Table 18.1 the rating of 8- for example

indicates a medium negative impact 12+ is a high positive impact.


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-11

Table 18.1 Criteria for the rating of classified impacts environmental impacts

Significance

• Low impact (4-7

points)

• Medium impact (7-10

points)

• High impact (10-13

points)

• Very high impact (13-

16 points)

The significance of impacts is rated as follows.

• A low impact has no permanent impact of significance.

Mitigatory measures are feasible and are readily

inistituted as part of a standing design, construction or

operating procedure

• Mitigation is possible with additional design and

construction inputs

• The design of the site may be affected. Mitigation and

possible remediation are needed during the

construction and/or operational phases. The effects of

the impact may affect the broader environment

• Permanent and important impacts. The design of the

site may be affected. Intensive remediation os needed

during construction and/or operational phases. Any

activity which results in a “very high impact” is likely to

be a fatal flaw.

Status

• Positive (+)

• Negative (-)

• Neutral

Denotes the perceived effect of the impact on the affected

area.

• Beneficial impact.

• Deleterious or adverse impact.

• Impact is neither beneficial nor adverse.

• It is important to note that the status of an impact is

assigned based on the status quo – i.e. should the

project not proceed. Therefore not all negative impacts

are equally significant.


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-12

Table 18.2 Summary of issues, the rating of impacts and the associated mitigation measures in the construction phase investigated in the

EIA.

Issue Impact

Rating

Mitigation Measures Impact Rating after

Mitigation

Geology

Geology 7- • No mitigation measures were recommended at this stage of

these investigations.

• Mitigation measures will be recommended during additional

detailed geotechnical investigations in the design phase of the

project.

-

Soils and Agricultural Potential

Loss of soil resource 9- • No mitigation measures are possible, since the soils will be

covered by the construction of the dams

-

Loss of agricultural potential 7- • Due to the low existing agricultural potential in the area.

Mitigation measures are not required.

-

Geohydrology

Borehole loss 6- • Compensation for boreholes loss by providing alternative water

source.

• Re-drilling boreholes to substitute loss.

10+

Dewatering of surge shaft

decant

4- • Drill 700m deep borehole at the proposed shaft position to

establish presence of water bearing fracture zones.

• Dewater inflowing groundwater during the construction phase.

• Apply water in construction process, minimising the demand

from more expensive sources.

• Grouting side walls will prevent groundwater inflow during

construction phase.

After mitigation no

impact is foreseen.

Dewatering of machine and

transformer halls

4- • Dewatering during the construction phase.

• Apply water in the construction process, minimising the

demand for more expensive sources.

• Grouting side walls will prevent long-term impacts after

construction.

After mitigation no

impact is foreseen.

Dewatering of pressure

tunnel



After mitigation no


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-13



construction.

impact is foreseen.

Dewatering of tailrace,

access and emergency

tunnels





construction.

After mitigation no

impact is foreseen.

Groundwater quality

associated with waste water

treatment

8- • Exclude soak-aways and wastewater irrigation as methods of

disposal.

• Assess underlying geological structures prior to positioning. of

all evaporation/maturation ponds, if any.

• In case of wastewater works as treatment method, ensure

correctly sized, designed and constructed facility.

• Construct all waste water dams to minimise seepage, i.e. lined

dams.

• Design ponds (if any) in such a manner to ensure sufficient

capacity and prevent overflow / spillage.

• Install monitoring boreholes to monitor groundwater quality.

7-

Groundwater quality

associated with seepage from

waste disposal

10- • Area to be managed to prevent ponding of poor quality water.

• Install a drainage system below the disposal facility.

• Poor quality water to be diverted to lined recovery dams.

• Line waste disposal facility to prevent leachate from entering

the groundwater.

• Dispose of solid waste at an alternative licensed disposal

facility.

• Install groundwater monitoring boreholes to monitor

groundwater quality down-gradient of disposal facility.

• Prevent further groundwater use until after remediation period.

7-

Groundwater quality

associated with fuel/oil

spillages

9- • Contain oil and fuel in bunded areas.

• Ensure clean-up protocols are in place and followed when

required.

• Install oil traps and separators.

• Keep accurate oil/fuel records (purchased, disposal, and

recycled).

4-


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-14

• Install monitoring boreholes to monitor groundwater quality.

• Remediate spillages.

• Prevent further groundwater use until after remediation period.

Groundwater losses due to

borrow pit areas

9- • Excavations to remain above static groundwater level to

prevent evaporative losses as a result of groundwater decant.

6-

OVERALL ASSESSMENT 7- • With the appropriate mitigation measures, the potential

impacts on geohydrology will remain low.

6-

Surface Water and Drainage

Ecological instream flow

requirements

12- • Design outlet works, for ecological releases.

• Establish, implement and monitor the ecological reserve.

• Flow measurement of releases.

• Set management objectives for the ecological reserve.

9-

River diversions 8- • Should be engineer-designed to allow for the free movement of

runoff water.

• Should be engineer-designed to prevent degradation of water

courses such as the forming of erosion.

• Should be designed to mitigate biological loss and habitat.

7-

Stream/drainage line

crossings

8- • Adequate drainage systems at river crossings to prevent

damming up and backwater at upstream sides.

• Sufficient drainage systems should be designed as not to choke

watercourse.

• Erosion protection at approaches and drainage systems, to

prevent sediment entering water bodies and to prevent

erosion.

• Protection downstream to prevent scour and to keep flow

velocities down.

• Adequate discharge capacities in the event of flooding.

5-

Permanent stream crossings 10- • Regular inspections at river crossings (EMP).

• Regular maintenance.

• Adequate discharge capacities in the event of flooding.

5-

Spillway erosion 6- • Spillway and stilling basin to be designed according to

acceptable engineering Standards.

6-


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-15

• Regular monitoring of possible forming of erosion or

degradation of watercourses (EMP).

Borrow areas 9- • Borrow areas should be placed outside the 1:100 year flood

line. Where this is not possible, flood protection measures

should be implemented and maintained in cases where borrow

areas are within the 1:100 year flood line.

• Area should be made free draining after construction and

landscaped to follow the natural topography.

6-

Risk of flooding of the

Steelpoort River

12- • Downstream slope, toe, outlet works, spillway, needs to be

designed according to relevant engineering standards.

• Construct dam structure outside relevant flood events.

• Emergency response and preparedness plans need to be

developed for the dam.

• Hydrological data and relevant flood evaluations should be

addressed during the 5-yearly dam safety inspections.

10-

Reservoir breach 12- • Engineer design and construction supervision according to the

guidelines of the South African Committee on Large Dams, and

relevant engineering standards.

• Adequate operation and maintenance.

• Regular dam safety inspections.

• Early warning systems.

• Emergency Response and Preparedness plans.

• - Review of dam design by Authorities or specialists to bring

down the probability of occurrence.

10-

Sewage impacts

8- • Adequate water treatment plant.

• Surface Water Quality Monitoring.

• Flow metering/measuring.

• Safe Disposal of sewage sludge.

6-

Taking of surface water for

the construction camp

7- • Obtaining water from existing water users.

• Installing flow metering / measuring devices to stay within

allocation.

7-


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-16

• Reusing / Recycling of water.

• Maintain systems to reduce leaks.

• Training of workers on water conservation and demand

management.

Service and wash bays 8- • Designated areas for service bay and workshop.

• Adequate bunded and storage areas.

• Safe disposal of oils, grease and soaps off site.

• Environmental clean up procedures in the event of spillage.

• - Separation of clean and dirty water catchments and the

containment of dirty water.

5-

Flooding of the construction

site by surface water bodies

7- • Locality of construction sites should be above 1:100 year flood

lines.

• Adequate engineered designed flood protection measures.

• Maintenance of flood protection measures.

5-

Sewage return flows from

permanent buildings

10- • Community training and awareness.

• Water treatment options.

• Removal or re-routing of contaminant sources.

• - Set environmental objective of the water quality.

7-

OVERALL ASSESSMENT 9- • The medium negative impact can be reduced to a low negative

impact with appropriate mitigation.

7-

Wetlands

Impact on wetlands adjacent

to the upper reservoir site

6- • Ensure that wetlands and associated buffers are not affected

by any construction activities.

4-

Biodiversity

Increase in habitat diversity

and biodiversity

12- • Implementation of bio-monitoring programmes.

• Adaptive management & conservation strategies. • Rehabilitation and control programmes.

9-

Destruction of threatened

species and habitat

11- • Site specific surveys prior to development.

• Removal and translocation of sensitive flora species.

• Use of plants in landscaping.

7-


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-17

• Confine impacts to development area.

• Implementation of site specific rehabilitation programmes.

Destruction of sensitive

habitat types and areas of

high biodiversity

11- • Confine impacts to development area.

• Include sensitive areas as conservation areas.

• Limit movement of vehicles and personnel through areas of

sensitivity.


• Implementation of bio-monitoring programme.

7-

Destruction of pristine habitat

types




sensitivity.


6-

Surrounding natural habitat

and species



sensitivity and within receiving environment.

• Awareness programmes for construction and operational

personnel.



6-

Road infrastructure on

biodiversity

9- • Proper contour sloping.

• Erosion control.

• Perpendicular crossing of rivers and streams.

• Confining construction activities and infrastructure to low

impact areas.

• Avoiding unnecessary peripheral impacts.

6-

OVERALL ASSESSMENT 10- • The high negative impact will be reduced to a low negative

impact after the implementation of mitigation measures.

7-

Heritage

Heritage 12- • Excavation and mapping of sites.

• Shifting of development/infrastructure to avoid sites (sites 14 and 15 that will be impacted by the construction yard can be

avoided by moving the yard further south. This can be

determined by taking the coordinates as centre point and

extending a buffer zone of 30 metres from these points. That

11-


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-18

would be sufficient to avoid the heritage sites.

• Formalising sites by fencing them in.

Visual/Aesthetic

Visual Quality 10.8- • Rehabilitation of construction camps.

• Landscaping of sites, especially lower dam.

• Enhance lower dam as a water feature.

8.8-

Visibility 8.6- • No mitigation measures are proposed, since it is unlikely that the topography of the area will change

8.6-

Observer Proximity 7- • Prevent residential development within 2 km from the sites 7-

Viewer Incidence and

Perception

9.6- • Promote the site as a tourist attraction to positively influence viewer perception.

7-

Visual Absorption Capacity 13- • Ensure that construction material will not contrast with the environment in respect of texture and colour.

• Shield administrative buildings and access roads with appropriate landscaping techniques

10-

Lighting 14- • The use of mast lighting should be avoided. • All light sources should be directed downwards, and away from the mountain side.

• Light sources should be shielded where appropriate.

12-

Final visual impact index 10.6- • All mitigation measures implemented as proposed above. 8-

Noise

Noise 9- • Local residents are to be notified of any potentially noisy field

survey works or other works during the planning and design

phase and these activities are to be undertaken at reasonable

times of the day. These works should not take place at night

or on weekends.

• Construction site yards, concrete batching plants, asphalt

batching plants, construction worker camps (accommodation)

and other noisy fixed facilities should be located well away

from noise sensitive areas adjacent to the development site.

• All construction vehicles and equipment are to be kept in good

repair.

• Construction activities, and particularly the noisy ones, are to

7-


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-19

be contained to reasonable hours during the day and early

evening.

• With regard to unavoidable very noisy construction activities in

the vicinity of noise sensitive areas, the contractor should liaise

with local residents on how best to minimise impact.

• The effect of blasting on the local nesting raptor population, if

relevant, is to be monitored.

• In general operations should meet the noise standard

requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act

No 85 of 1993).

• Construction staff working in areas where the 8-hour ambient

noise levels exceed 75dBA should wear ear protection

equipment.

Social

Intra-conflict

Inter-conflict

7-

8-

• Intra-conflict

� Weekly forum meetings between contractors and

construction workers to address any issues and/or concerns

pro-actively.

� Consider the use of a uniformed salary structure whilst

construction workers are on site.

• Inter-conflict:

� Ensure that a transparent recruitment process takes place

prior to construction.

� Consider making use of the local trade unions, if available,

to enhance the recruitment process.

7-

Increased social problems 14- • An aggressive STI and HIV/AIDS awareness campaign should

be launched, which is not only directed at construction workers

but also at the community as a whole.

• Access at the construction site should be controlled to prevent

sex workers from either visiting and/or loiter at the construction village.

• Construction workers should be clearly identifiable.

• Local women should be empowered.

• The construction village should be located some distance away

12-


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-20

from the local community.

Noise pollution 8- • Construction activities should be restricted to daytime hours

between 07:00 and 19:00.

• Adjacent property owners should be consulted and notified of

any activities that could lead to excessive noise levels, e.g.

blasting, as well as night time construction activities.

• The construction village at the lower dam site should be

located away from the local community to ensure that noise

levels at the village do not affect them during the night.

6-

Dust pollution 8- • Dust pollution could be restricted by the tarring of the access

roads.

• If access roads are not tarred, it should be watered down

regularly to compact the soil and restrict dust pollution to an

extent.

• Residents should be consulted prior to activities that could

cause large amounts of dust pollution.

7-

Increased demand on

municipal services

9- • Contractors should consult with the EMLM prior to construction

to assess the availability of municipal services such as water

and electricity to ensure that these services would be available

and if not, to determine what steps could be implemented to

lessen the burden on the EMLM during the time of

construction.

8-

Damage to roads 7- • Road rehabilitation should take place prior to and once

construction is completed.

• Construction traffic should only make use of an approved

route.

• General road rules should be enforced.

6-

Construction villages 10- • The location of the large construction village should be

determined in consultation with the EMLM in view of the fact

that it would potentially be a permanent structure. It is

therefore vital that the location is appropriate and in line with

the EMLM development plans.

8-

Development of local road

networks

12+ • Potential speeding in the vicinity of the school on the R8/R10

should be controlled.

• Traffic signs should warn motorists of the presence of

12+


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-21

pedestrians and school children along the road.

Direct employment

opportunities

9+ • The positive impact can be enhanced through a transparent

recruitment process.

• Employ a rotary job allocation scheme to enable all unskilled

labour to have an equal opportunity of employment.

9+

Indirect employment

opportunities

8+ • Indirect job opportunities should be offered to the local

community, e.g. by employing local domestic workers.

8+

Local economic investment 10+ • Construction workers should be encouraged to make use of the

local facilities.

10+

OVERALL ASSESSMENT 6- • The benefits outweigh the negative impacts of the project. 6+

Traffic and Transport

Transport of components 8- • Number of trips kept to a minimum.

• Use approved route.

• Transport outside peak hours on busy sections.

8-

Construction traffic 9- • Road rehabilitation after construction. 9-

OVERALL ASSESSMENT 8.5- • The effect on pavement loading by construction vehicles and

subsequent acceleration of any rehabilitation programme could

be mitigated by initiating negotiations regarding the possible

contribution by Eskom to the pavement rehabilitation

programme with the relevant provincial authorities.

• The medium negative impact determined using the matrix

rating system should be given a lower weighting when

compared to other environmental factors as the proposed PSS

benefits far outweigh the considered impact of

transport/traffic.

8.5-

Tourism

Sense of place 11- • Location of construction camp away from tourism areas.

• Containment of construction camps to predetermined areas

away from tourism areas.

9-

Land use 9- • Location of construction camp away from tourism areas.



7-

Tourism growth and

sustainability

8+ • Containment of construction camp and construction

vehicles to as small as area as possible.

14+


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-22

• Use of existing tourism facilities by construction

management staff.

• Marketing of tourism facilities identified near the

development during the construction phase.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT 6+ • The positive impacts associated with the projects outweigh

the negative impacts.

12+


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-23

Table 18.3 Summary of issues, the rating of impacts and the associated mitigation measures in the operational phase investigated in the

EIA.

Issue Impact

Rating

Mitigation Measures Impact Rating after

Mitigation

Geohydrology

Upper reservoir seepage 5- • During the operational phase, seepage through the dam wall

will contribute towards down-gradient base-flow requirements

(springs along mountain slope). Locate possible seepage paths

for remedial grouting by installation of piezometers

downstream of grout curtain, will reduce excessive seepage

(<400m3/d).

• Install groundwater monitoring boreholes down-gradient of the

dam wall to monitor quality and water levels.

8+

Lower reservoir seepage 7- • Less seepage due to fluctuations in water level. Locate possible seepage paths for remedial grouting by installation of

piezometers downstream of grout curtain.

• Install groundwater monitoring boreholes down gradient of the

dam wall to monitor quality and water levels.

7+

Artificial groundwater

recharge

4- • Apply source in construction, oppose to obtaining it from a

more expensive/located source elsewhere.

• Backfill existing geotechnical boreholes in dam basin with a

mixture of bentonite and cement trimmed and filled from the

bottom, to prevent excessive losses through recharge.

• Line reservoirs with clay bases to minimise seepage losses.

8+

OVERALL ASSESSMENT 5- • The recommended mitigation measures would reduce the

overall impact to a medium positive impact.

8+

Surface Water and Drainage

Evaporation 10- • Keep surface areas of reservoirs to a minimum.

• Provide floating covers or buoys for upper reservoir to keep

open water areas to a minimum.

8-

Existing irrigation water

users

7- • Compensation Releases.

• Designing of suitable outlet works.

5-


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-24

OVERALL ASSESSMENT 8.5- • The recommended mitigation measures would reduce the

overall impact to a low negative impact.

6.5-

Wetlands

Streamflow regulation -

functioning of wetlands in the

catchment

9- • Release of a Q70 (i.e. the flow within the tributary that is

exceeded more than 90% of the time) flow from the reservoir

as a compensation flow. This would mimic the baseflow that

typically occurs in the tributary during low flow periods.

4-

Noise

Noise 8- • The design of the PSS in the Steelpoort area should

incorporate all the necessary acoustic design aspects required,

in order for the overall generated noise level from the new

installation not to exceed a maximum equivalent continuous

rating level as specified for industrial districts in SANS 10103.

• Notwithstanding this provision, the design is also to take into

account the maximum allowable equivalent continuous day and

night rating levels of the potentially impacted sites outside the

proposed PSS site.

• The latest technology incorporating maximum noise mitigating

measures for the PSS components should be designed into the

system.

• The design process should consider, inter alia, the following

9aspects:

- The position and orientation of buildings on the site. The

position of the surface facilities that generate the loudest

noise should be located far as possible from the noise

sensitive sites on adjacent farms.

- The enclosure of noisy plants in buildings where possible

and practical.

- The design of the buildings to minimise the transmission of noise from the inside to the outdoors.

- The insulation of particularly noisy plant and equipment.

7-


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-25

Social

Health and safety 9/ • Water should be tested regularly by scientifically accepted

standards for any form of bacteria.

• If any bacteria are found, the community should be notified

and the problem should be rectified.

7/

Safety hazards of water 9- • The area should be fenced and access should be controlled by

means of a security access point.

• The community should be educated on the operation of the

scheme and the dangers involved with rapid moving water,

e.g. at open days or through school excursions to the scheme.

• An emergency plan should be developed outlining standard

operating procedures if a person should fall into one of the

dams.

7-

Employment opportunities 9+ • Enhance the positive impact by employing local community

members if the skills are available in the community.

• Consider on-the-job training for local community members who

show the necessary capabilities and potential to become skilled

in the operation.

9+

Housing developments in

Roossenekal

9+ • Housing developments should be co-ordinated with the EMLM.

• Make use of local contractors and labour for the construction of

these houses.

9+

Maintenance of access roads 11+ • The regular maintenance of the roads should form part of the

EMP.

• Local labour should be used where possible in the maintenance

of roads.

11+

Indirect job opportunities 10+ • Enhance the positive impact by encouraging installation

employees to make use of and employ local community

members in their households.

10+

Sustainable local economic

development

11+ • Enhance the positive impact by encouraging installation

employees to make use of and employ local community

members in their households.

11+

OVERALL ASSESSMENT 10+ • The recommended mitigation measures maintain a high

positive impact.

10+


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-26

Traffic

Operational traffic 8- • Travel between sites is minimised (electronic control).

• Only 40 staff at Valley Control Centre.

8-

Tourism

Sense of place 7- • Location of construction camp away from tourism areas.



6-

Land use 8- • Location of development so as to limit negative impacts on

existing tourism operations.

• Establishment of a tourism Visitor centre and a nature reserve

around the proposed development.

13+

Tourism growth and

sustainability

10+ • Marketing of tourism facilities identified near the development

during the construction phase.

• Use of existing tourism establishments for maintenance management staff

• Location of development so as to limit negative impacts on

existing tourism operations.

• Establishment of a tourist visitor’s centre and a nature reserve

around the proposed development.

12+


Conclusions 22/06/2007 18-27

18.5 Conclusion

The findings of the specialist studies undertaken within this EIA provide an

assessment of both the benefits and potential negative impacts anticipated as a

result of the proposed project. The findings conclude that there are no

environmental fatal flaws that could prevent the proposed project from

proceeding, provided that the recommended mitigation and management

measures are implemented. Thus, from all the studies undertaken to investigate

environmental impacts of the proposed pumped-storage scheme, it is

recommended that the proposed project be approved. This is the view and

recommendation of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner based on the

studies conducted within this Environmental Impact Assessment.

18.6 Recommendations

In order to achieve appropriate environmental management standards and

ensure that the findings of the environmental studies are implemented through

practical measures, the recommendations from this EIA must be included within

an EMP. This EMP should form part of the contract with the contractors appointed

to construct and maintain the proposed plant and associated infrastructure. The

EMP would be used to ensure compliance with environmental specifications and

management measures. The implementation of this EMP for all life cycle phases

(i.e. construction, operation and de-commissioning) of the proposed project is

considered to be key in achieving the appropriate environmental management

standards as detailed for this project.

It is also recommended that the process of communication and consultation with

the community representatives is maintained after the closure of this EIA process,

and, in particular, during the construction phase associated with the proposed

project.

18. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Documents