DRAFT BASIC ASSESSMENT Proposed 132 kV Overhead Transmission Line Option 3 (Cuprum) for the Kronos Photovoltaic Development near Copperton, Northern Cape. DEA Ref No.: 4/12/16/3/3/1/1344 Prepared for Juwi 5 November 2015 Revision: 1 Reference: 111285
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DRAFT BASIC ASSESSMENT
Proposed 132 kV Overhead Transmission Line Option 3 (Cuprum) for the Kronos Photovoltaic Development near Copperton, Northern Cape. DEA Ref No.: 4/12/16/3/3/1/1344
Prepared for Juwi
5 November 2015
Revision: 1
Reference: 111285
Project 111285 File 401001087-09_REP_Cuprum Line_DBAR_COW_NAZ (1)CS.docx 5 November 2015 Revision 1 Page i
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Report title Proposed 132 kV Overhead Transmission Line Option 3 (Cuprum) for the Kronos Photovoltaic Development near Copperton, Northern Cape. DEA Ref No.: 4/12/16/3/3/1/1344
1.12. Waste, effluent, emission and noise management 27
1.13. Water use 30
1.14. Energy efficiency 30
2. Section B: Site/area/property description 31
2.1. Gradient of the site 33
2.2. Location in landscape 33
2.3. Groundwater, soil and geological stability of the site 33
2.4. Groundcover 33
2.5. Surface water 35
2.6. Land use character of surrounding area 35
2.7. Cultural/historical features 36
2.8. Socio-economic character 37
2.9. Biodiversity 39
3. Section C: Public participation 42
3.1. Advertisement and notice 42
3.2. Determination of appropriate measures 42
3.3. Issues raised by interested and affected parties 42
3.4. Comments and response report 43
3.5. Authority participation 43
3.6. Consultation with other stakeholders 44
4. Section D: Impact assessment 45
4.1. Impacts that may result from the planning and design, construction, operational, decommissioning and closure phases as well as proposed management of identified impacts and proposed mitigation measures 45
4.2. Environmental impact statement 56
5. Section E: Recommendation of practitioner 1
6. Section F: Appendices 4
Maps
Project 111285 File 401001087-09_REP_Cuprum Line_DBAR_COW_NAZ (1)CS.docx 5 November 2015 Revision 1 Page iii
APPENDIX A.1: Locality map
APPENDIX A.2: Layout/Route Plan
APPENDIX A.3: Sensitivity Map
Photographs
Facility illustration(s)
Specialist reports (including terms of reference)
Public Participation
APPENDIX E.1: Proof of advertisements and notices
APPENDIX E.2: Proof of notification receipt/dispatch
APPENDIX E.3: Comments and response report
APPENDIX E.4: Proof of notification receipt/dispatch to Authorities
APPENDIX E.5: I&AP Register
APPENDIX E.6: Minutes and correspondence received
Impact Assessment
APPENDIX F.1: Assessment methodology
Environmental Management Programme
Details of EAP and expertise
APPENDIX H.1: CV ~ Diane Erasmus
APPENDIX H.2: CV ~ Patrick Killick
APPENDIX H.3: CV ~ Corlie Steyn
Specialist’s declaration of interest
Additional Information
Figures
Figure 1: Location of the proposed 132 kilovolt overhead transmission line Option 3 (Cuprum) for the Kronos Photovoltaic Development near Copperton, Northern Cape 7 Figure 2: Typical landscape and veld conditions on the proposed site (Lanz 2015) 31 Figure 3: Typical Asteraceous vegetation of the Bushmanland Basin Shrubland found along the Cuprum Sub-station connection route. The sub-station is located north of the slimes dam seen on the horizon on the left of the illustration. (MacDonald, 2015) 34 Figure 4: GDP Growth (2001 – 2014) (Urban-Econ, 2015) 38 Figure 5: The highly disturbed zone of the disused railway reserve that runs through the northern part of Portion 6 of Nelspoortjie 103. 41
Tables
Table 1: The applicability of NEMA Sustainability Principles to the proposed project 20 Table 2: Summary of construction and operational impacts. 56
Abbreviations
BAR Basic Assessment Report
Project 111285 File 401001087-09_REP_Cuprum Line_DBAR_COW_NAZ (1)CS.docx 5 November 2015 Revision 1 Page iv
CO2 Carbon Dioxide DEA Department of Environmental Affairs (previously Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism) DEA&DP Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning DEANC Department of Environmental Affairs and Nature Conservation DoE Department of Energy EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner EMPr Environmental Management Programme EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ERA Electricity Regulation Act (No. 4 of 2006) GN Government Notice G:S:B- General: Small: negative water balance GWh Gigawatt hours ha Hectares HIA Heritage Impact Assessment I&APs Interested and Affected Parties IEP Integrated Energy Plan IPP Independent Power Producer IRP Integrated Resource Plan kV Kilovolt LILO MW
Loop in loop out Megawatts
MWh Megawatt hours NEMA National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) (as amended) NHRA National Heritage Resources Act (No. 25 of 1999) NWA National Water Act (No 36 of 1998) PV Photovoltaic SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency SACNASP South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions SDF Spatial Development Framework SO2 Sulphur Dioxide UNCBD United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Basic assessment report in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended.
Kindly note that: 1. This basic assessment report is a standard report that may be required by a competent authority in terms of the
EIA Regulations, 2010 and is meant to streamline applications. Please make sure that it is the report used by the particular competent authority for the activity that is being applied for.
2. This report format is current as of 1 September 2012. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ascertain whether subsequent versions of the form have been published or produced by the competent authority
3. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with typing.
4. Where applicable tick the boxes that are applicable in the report.
5. An incomplete report may be returned to the applicant for revision.
6. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of material information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it may result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations.
7. This report must be handed in at offices of the relevant competent authority as determined by each authority.
8. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted.
9. The signature of the EAP on the report must be an original signature.
10. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner.
11. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the competent authority. Any interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in this report on request, during any stage of the application process.
12. A competent authority may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this report need to be completed.
13. Should a specialist report or report on a specialised process be submitted at any stage for any part of this application, the terms of reference for such report must also be submitted.
14. Two (2) colour hard copies and one (1) electronic copy of the report must be submitted to the competent authority.
15. Shape files (.shp) for maps must be included on the electronic copy of the report submitted to the competent authority.
Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES√ NO
If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for the specialist
appointed and attach in Appendix I.
All specialist reports contain the signed form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest”
(Please refer to Appendix I).
1.1. Project description
1.1.1. Describe the project associated with the listed activities applied for
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd (juwi) wish to develop up to two ~12.8km, double circuit 132kV overhead transmission lines inside a 200m wide assessed corridor between the proposed Kronos Solar Park Central Substation (29°58'52.00"S by 22°25'1.65"E) and the Eskom’s Cuprum substation (29°57'34.02"S by 22°18'1.20"E). The project would include the following:
Self-supporting or suspension pole pylons (≤60 pylons @ 250m intervals) to support each 132 kV
line; and
Access and maintenance tracks (gravel) along the transmission line route.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The proposed Kronos Solar Park will consist of up to three 100 MWac PV facilities. Each of the proposed
grazing. The proposed transmission line from the solar facility to the Eskom Cuprum substation will start
on and cross the following properties:
Nelspoortje, Farm 103, Portion 6
Humansrus, Farm 147, Portion 0
Vogelstruisbult, Farm 104, Portion 1
Figure 1: Location of the proposed 132 kilovolt overhead transmission line Option 3 (Cuprum) for the Kronos Photovoltaic Development near Copperton, Northern Cape
“alternatives”, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and
requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to—
(a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity;
(b) the type of activity to be undertaken;
(c) the design or layout of the activity;
(d) the technology to be used in the activity;
(e) the operational aspects of the activity; and
(f) the option of not implementing the activity.
Describe alternatives that are considered in this application as required by Regulation 22(2)(h) of GN R.543. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity (NOT PROJECT) could be accomplished in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. The determination of whether site or activity (including different processes, etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. After receipt of this report the, competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent. The identification of alternatives should be in line with the Integrated Environmental Assessment Guideline Series 11, published by the DEA in 2004. Should the alternatives include different locations and lay-outs, the co-ordinates of the different alternatives must be provided. The co-ordinates should be in degrees, minutes and seconds. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection.
1.2.1. Site alternatives
Since transmission lines have a fixed starting and ending point and serve to connect the generating facility
to the national grid, no alternative site would allow the required connection from the development to
Cuprum substation. In terms of GN. R.543 (EIA Regulations, 2010) Section 22(4) it is thus motivated that
there are no feasible and reasonable site alternatives.
As mentioned under the project description there are connection options to other substations or lines that
are being assessed separately in order to allow for Eskom to connect the proposed development to the
connection point that is technically feasible at the time of construction. These options are, however, not
alternatives to achieve the connection to Cuprum substation. 1 In the case of linear activities:
Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E):
Alternative S1 (preferred)
Starting point of the activity 29°58'41.70"S 22°24'59.18"E
Middle/Additional point of the activity 29°58'25.52"S 22°21'37.41"E
End point of the activity 29°57'34.02"S 22°18'1.20"E
For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates taken every 250 meters along the route for each alternative alignment.
Please refer to Appendix A for the Map indicating centre line points of route corridor and corresponding
co-ordinate table for the Preferred Alternative [Referred to in specialist reports as Option 3 (Cuprum)].
In the case of an area being under application, please provide the co-ordinates of the corners of the site as indicated on the lay-out map provided in Appendix A.
1.2.2. Lay-out alternatives
The area has several proposed developments which limits the potential routing options to those currently
under assessment. A 200m wide corridor is being assessed and within each 200m corridor are numerous
potential alternative layouts or routes for the transmission line. The final route will be adjusted to follow
the shortest route whilst avoiding any identified sensitive environmental or development features and no
go areas identified by the specialists or during the pre-construction walkthrough. Given that there are no
additional available routes (apart from those being applied for separately), and a corridor is being assessed
as opposed to a single route, in terms of GN. R.543 (EIA Regulations, 2010) Section 22(4) it is thus
motivated that no further feasible and reasonable routing alternatives exist.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993 (the OHS Act), provides for statutory clearances
to ensure minimum safety standards. In order to comply with these statutory clearances, Eskom and a
number of other authorities (Roads Department, Transnet and Telkom, etc.) have laid down minimum
clearances to their works. The minimum clearances will thus be prescribed by Eskom, taking into account
If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built m
Describe the type of access road planned:
Access to the transmission line route already exists. The transmission line service road will take the form
of a cross-country track, approximately 4m (and perhaps wider than 8m for short distances) wide and used
only by off-road vehicles and equipment during construction and maintenance. Obstacles and vegetation
may be removed and depressions filled where needed to allow cross country travel.
Include the position of the access road on the site plan and required map, as well as an indication of the road
in relation to the site.
Refer to Appendix A for the site access layout plan. The service road will follow the same route as the
transmission line.
1.5. Locality map
An A3 locality map must be attached to the back of this document, as Appendix A. The scale of the locality
map must be relevant to the size of the development (at least 1:50 000. For linear activities of more than 25
kilometres, a smaller scale e.g. 1:250 000 can be used. The scale must be indicated on the map.). The map
must indicate the following:
an accurate indication of the project site position as well as the positions of the alternative sites, if any;
indication of all the alternatives identified;
closest town(s;)
road access from all major roads in the area;
road names or numbers of all major roads as well as the roads that provide access to the site(s);
all roads within a 1km radius of the site or alternative sites; and
a north arrow;
a legend; and
locality GPS co-ordinates (Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees and decimal minutes. The minutes should have at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection).
The A3 Locality Map is included in Appendix A.1:
1.6. Layout/route plan
A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this document.
The site or route plans must indicate the following:
the property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50 metres of the site;
the current land use as well as the land use zoning of the site;
the current land use as well as the land use zoning each of the properties adjoining the site or sites;
the exact position of each listed activity applied for (including alternatives);
servitude(s) indicating the purpose of the servitude;
A detailed Layout/Route Plan is included in Appendix A.2:
1.7. Sensitivity map
The layout/route plan as indicated above must be overlain with a sensitivity map that indicates all the sensitive areas associated with the site, including, but not limited to:
watercourses;
the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWA);
ridges;
cultural and historical features;
areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species); and
critical biodiversity areas.
The sensitivity map must also cover areas within 100m of the site and must be attached in Appendix A.
The Sensitivity Map is included in Appendix A.3:
1.8. Site photographs
Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this report. It must be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable.
Site Photographs are included in Appendix B.
1.9. Facility illustration
A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of at least 1:200 as Appendix C for activities
that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned
activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity.
Refer to Appendix C: for an illustration of the transmission poles types that may be used by Eskom.
1.10. Activity motivation
Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity):
1. Is the activity permitted in terms of the property’s existing land
use rights? YES√ NO Please explain
The proposed servitudes would be situated on private property which is currently zoned as Agriculture I. A
formal agreement will be entered into between the landowner and Juwi. It is envisaged that the servitudes
would then be transferred to Eskom once the transmission lines are operational. The transmission line
servitude would remain available to the existing landowner for his use.
2. Will the activity be in line with the following?
(a) Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES√ NO Please explain
The Northern Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) 2011 promotes the provision of
electricity to all and supports economic development through sustainable green energy initiatives on a
national scale. The proposed construction of the 132 kV transmission line will allow electricity, generated
through renewable technology, to be evacuated from the PV to the national grid. Electrification of
List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are applicable to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations, if applicable:
1.12. Waste, effluent, emission and noise management
1.12.1. Solid waste management
Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation
phase?
YES
√ NO
If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 20m3
Low quantities of solid waste would be created during the construction period. Excavated soil will be
reused as backfill and no spoil is expected. There are no components that would require continuous
recycling and there are no processes that would generate a significant amount of waste. The quantities of
waste produced would vary significantly from month to month and therefore a quantity cannot be accurately
estimated at this stage. However, measures have been included in the EMPr to ensure efficient
management of solid waste.
How will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)?
Construction solid waste will be dealt with in the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) which
will incorporate waste minimisation strategies including reduction, recycling, and re-use principles where
viable. As mentioned above, there are no components that would require continuous recycling and there
are no processes that would generate a significant amount of waste.
Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)?
It is envisaged that the construction waste will be transported to and disposed of at a local licensed
landfill by the EPC contractor, as stated in the EPC contract. The contractor shall ensure that waste
generated at working areas are collected and disposed at a licensed facility at least once a week. Items
such a cable spools and excess cable will be returned to the suppliers.
Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? YES
√
NO
If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? No waste will be
generated
How will the solid waste be disposed of (describe)?
If the solid waste will be disposed of into a municipal waste stream, indicate which registered landfill site
will be used.
Where will the solid waste be disposed of if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)?
If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site
or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent
authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.
Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the NEM:WA? YES NO
If YES, inform the competent authority and request a change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application.
Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility? YES NO
If YES, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application.
1.12.2. Liquid effluent
Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of
in a municipal sewage system? YES NO√
If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 0m3
Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site? YES √NO
If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary
to change to an application for scoping and EIA.
Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another
facility? YES√ NO
If YES, provide the particulars of the facility:
Facility name: Temporary chemical toilets will be installed during the construction phase. These
toilets will be serviced regularly and waste will be disposed of at the Siya Themba
Wastewater Treatment Works. Confirmation from Siya Themba Municipality will be
obtained prior to the commencement of the construction phase.
Contact person: The Municipal Manager: Siya Themba Local Municipality: Mr JRM Alexander
Postal address: PO Box 16, Victoria Street, Prieska
Will any aspect of the activity produce waste that will require a waste permit in terms
of the NEM:WA? YES
√
NO
If YES, please submit evidence that an application for a waste permit has been submitted to the competent
authority
1.12.5. Generation of noise
Will the activity generate noise? YES NO√
If YES, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO√
If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to
change to an application for scoping and EIA.
If NO, describe the noise in terms of type and level:
Minor and temporary noise generation by construction vehicles, operation of machinery and site staff
would be limited to the construction phase. Mitigation measures will be discussed in the EMPr and in
Section D below to limit the noise generated during the construction phase.
1.13. Water use
Please indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity by ticking the appropriate box(es):
4Municipal√ Water board Groundwater River, stream, dam or lake
Other The activity will not
use water
If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month:
- litres
Does the activity require a water use authorisation (general authorisation or water use license) from the Department of Water Affairs?
YES NO√
If YES, please provide proof that the application has been submitted to the Department of Water Affairs.
1.14. Energy efficiency
Describe the design measures, if any that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient:
Not applicable due to the nature of the project, which is facilitating the evacuation of electricity generated
at a renewable energy site. The facility will not use electricity.
Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the
activity, if any:
The project serves to supply renewable or alternative energy to the national grid.
4 Juwi has applied to the Siya Themba Municipality and is awaiting comment from them.
Important notes: 1. For linear activities (pipelines, etc) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary
to complete this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section B and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan.
2. Paragraphs 1 - 6 below must be completed for each alternative.
No feasible or reasonable alternatives could be identified. Refer to Appendix J for the motivation.
3. Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES√ NO
If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for each
specialist thus appointed and attach it in Appendix I. All specialist reports must be contained in Appendix
D.
Section B Copy No. (e.g. A): A
The proposed PV facilities will be located on a terrain unit of plains with some relief at an altitude of 1,100
meters. Slopes will be below 2% across the entire development area. From a topographical point of view
there is very little change in landscape through which the transmission line passes. Refer to Figure 2.
Figure 2: Typical landscape and veld conditions on the proposed site (Lanz 2015)
Where a large number of properties are involved (e.g. linear activities), please attach a full list to this application including the same information as indicated above.
C 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 6
C 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 7 0 0 0 0 0
C 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 1
1 2 3 4 5
Current land-use
zoning as per local
municipality
IDP/records:
Current land use zoning is Agriculture I.
In instances where there is more than one current land-use zoning, please
attach a list of current land use zonings that also indicate which portions each
use pertains to, to this application.
Is a change of land-use or a consent use application required? YES NO√
Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the biodiversity
occurring on the site and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. To assist with the identification of
the biodiversity occurring on site and the ecosystem status consult http://bgis.sanbi.org or
[email protected]. Information is also available on compact disc (cd) from the Biodiversity-GIS Unit, Ph
(021) 799 8698. This information may be updated from time to time and it is the applicant/ EAP’s
responsibility to ensure that the latest version is used. A map of the relevant biodiversity information
(including an indication of the habitat conditions as per (b) below) and must be provided as an overlay map
to the property/site plan as Appendix D to this report.
2.9.1. Indicate the applicable biodiversity planning categories of all areas on site and indicate the reason(s) provided in the biodiversity plan for the selection of the specific area as part of the specific category)
Systematic Biodiversity Planning Category If CBA or ESA, indicate the reason(s) for its selection
in biodiversity plan
Critical
Biodiversity
Area (CBA)
Ecological
Support
Area
(ESA)
Other
Natural
Area
(ONA)
No Natural
Area
Remaining
(NNR)
No CBA’s or ESA’s in the immediate vicinity of the
project area. Refer to Appendix A for SANBI maps
and Appendix D for the Botanical Report.
2.9.2. Indicate and describe the habitat condition on site
Habitat Condition
Percentage of
habitat
condition class
(adding up to
100%)
Description and additional Comments and Observations
(including additional insight into condition, e.g. poor land
management practises, presence of quarries, grazing,
harvesting regimes etc).
Natural√ 80%
The Bushmanland Arid Grassland found at Portion 6,
Nelspoortjie 103, and more specifically in the area proposed for
the PV facility, occurs over extensive areas. Although there are
few statutory conservation areas in this vegetation type, it is
used as agricultural rangelands and is conserved for its grazing
potential. This is true for Bushmanland Basin Shrubland as well,
in this case occurring along the transmission line route.
According to the National Biodiversity Assessment (Driver et al.
2012) these vegetation types are classified as LEAST
Although the majority of the area is of a natural condition the
land constitutes animal husbandry (sheep farming) and as such
consists of farm roads, fences, and associated agricultural
infrastructure. The presence of a farm dam in the north-eastern
sector of the site has a low concrete wall and is formed by soil
having been bulldozed into a crescent-shaped catchment.
c) Complete the table to indicate:
(i) the type of vegetation, including its ecosystem status, present on the site; and
(ii) whether an aquatic ecosystem is present on site.
Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems
Ecosystem threat
status as per the
National Environmental
Management:
Biodiversity Act (Act
No. 10 of 2004)
Critical Wetland (including rivers,
depressions, channelled and
unchanneled wetlands, flats,
seeps pans, and artificial
wetlands)
Estuary Coastline
Endangered
Vulnerable
Least
Threatened√ YES√ NO UNSURE YES NO YES NO
2.9.3. Please provide a description of the vegetation type and/or aquatic ecosystem present on site, including any important biodiversity features/information identified on site (e.g. threatened species and special habitats)
Vegetation
The vegetation at Portion 6, Nelspoortjie 103 is strikingly uniform over a wide area and is similar to the
Remainder Hoekplaas 146 and Vogelspruitbult. From ‘the central hub’ substation, the Option 3 connection
to the Cuprum Sub-station would traverse low Bushmanland Arid Grassland vegetation (Asteraceous
Shrubland and Rhigozum trichotomum Shrubland). At the disused railway reserve, that is highly disturbed
(Figure 5) the transmission lines would turn west and follow the disturbed zone of the disused railway reserve
to S 29° 58’ 23.32” E 22° 19’ 16.78 at which point it would turn to the northwest and traverse undisturbed
Bushmanland Basin Shrubland vegetation to Cuprum Sub-station.
The assessment of impacts must adhere to the minimum requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2010, and should
take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also be
addressed in the assessment of impacts.
4.1. Impacts that may result from the planning and design, construction, operational, decommissioning and closure phases as well as proposed management of identified impacts and proposed mitigation measures
Provide a summary and anticipated significance of the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts that are likely
to occur as a result of the planning and design phase, construction phase, operational phase, decommissioning and
closure phase, including impacts relating to the choice of site/activity/technology alternatives as well as the mitigation
measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed. This impact assessment must be applied to all
the identified alternatives to the activities identified in Section A(2) of this report.
The following provides a summary of the assessment of potential impacts contained in Specialist studies (attached
hereto) per phase (construction, operation and decommissioning) of the proposed developments. To assess the
“worst case” scenario, the assessment is for a length of approximately 12.8km in length and 200m in width. This
will allow for minor alignment deviations (micro-siting) within the corridor to assist in avoiding sensitive features
identified. The assessment methodology used in the assessment of the potential impacts is included in Appendix
A complete impact assessment in terms of Regulation 22(2)(i) of GN R.543 must be included as Appendix F.
Please refer to Appendix F for the assessment methodology and Appendix D for the detailed assessments.
4.2. Environmental impact statement
Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement
that summarises the impact that the proposed activity and its alternatives may have on the environment after
the management and mitigation of impacts have been taken into account, with specific reference to types of
impact, duration of impacts, likelihood of potential impacts actually occurring and the significance of impacts.
The following provides a summary of the assessment of potential impacts contained in Annexure D per phase (construction, operation and decommissioning) of the proposed developments. The significance of the potential impacts, without and with mitigation, are summarised in Table 2 which presents the potential construction and operational impacts anticipated by the proposed projects, before and after mitigation measures have been implemented.
Table 2: Summary of construction and operational impacts.
IMPACTS PROJECT ASPECT
Construction Operation
No Mitigation With Mitigation No Mitigation With Mitigation
Impact on botany and ecology Option 3 (Cuprum) Minor
negative (-) Minor
negative (-) Minor
negative (-) Minor
negative (-)
Impact on avifauna Option 3 (Cuprum) Negligible negative (-)
Negligible negative (-)
Moderate negative (-)
Minor negative (-)
Impact on freshwater Option 3 (Cuprum) Negligible negative (-)
Negligible negative (-)
Minor negative (-)
Minor negative (-)
Impact on agriculture Option 3 (Cuprum) Minor
negative (-) Minor
negative (-) Minor
negative (-) Minor
negative (-)
Impact on Palaeontology Option 3 (Cuprum)) Minor
negative (-)
Negligible negative (-)
Impact on heritage Option 3 (Cuprum)
Minor positive (+)
Visual impacts Option 3 (Cuprum) Moderate
negative (-)
Negligible negative (-)
Moderate negative (-)
Negligible negative (-)
Impacts on socio-economic Option 3 (Cuprum) Minor positive (+) Minor positive (+) - -
Impact on climate change Option 3 (Cuprum) Low
positive (+) Low
positive (+)
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
No-go alternative (compulsory)
No potential impacts would result from the No-go alternative as this would be a continuation of the current state.
However, the potential for positive impacts (such as the provision of electricity for the South African grid and
investment and economic development opportunities and associated upliftment of the Copperton and Prieska
Public Participation APPENDIX E.1: Proof of advertisements and notices APPENDIX E.2: Proof of notification receipt/dispatch APPENDIX E.3: Comments and response report APPENDIX E.4: Proof of notification receipt/dispatch to Authorities APPENDIX E.5: I&AP Register APPENDIX E.6: Minutes and correspondence received