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Final Scoping Report – 25 MW PV Solar Power Plant on Farm Nuwerus, 450 Portion 6, Worcester DEA Reference No. 12/12/20/2019
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 6 1.1. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................... 6 1.2. PROJECT OVERVIEW .................................................................................................... 7 1.3. SCOPE OF THE WORK TO BE UNDERTAKEN AND PROCESS OVERVIEW ............ 8
1.4 DETAILS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER .............................. 9 2. SOLAR POWER TECHNOLOGY ................................................................................. 11 2.1 PV SOLAR POWER ....................................................................................................... 11 2.2 ADVANTAGES OF PV SOLAR POWER OPERATIONS .............................................. 12 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION............................................................................................. 12 3.1 THE PROPOSED PV SOLAR POWER PLANT ............................................................ 12 3.2 SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE .......................................................................... 13
3.2.2 ROADS .................................................................................................................... 13 3.2.3 WATER .................................................................................................................... 13 3.2.4 SEWER .................................................................................................................... 13 3.2.5 STORM WATER ...................................................................................................... 13
4. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ......................................................................................... 14 4.1 SITE ALTERNATIVES ................................................................................................... 14 4.2 TECHNOLOGY ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................. 14 4.3 LAYOUT (AND SCALE) ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................... 15 4.4 NO-GO ALTERNATIVE ................................................................................................. 19 5. STUDY AREA ................................................................................................................ 20 5.1 LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION ......................................................................... 20 5.2 LANDSCAPE AND GEOLOGY ...................................................................................... 21 5.3 CLIMATE ........................................................................................................................ 22 5.4 HYDROLOGY ................................................................................................................ 23 5.5 VEGETATION ................................................................................................................ 23 5.6 FAUNA ........................................................................................................................... 25 5.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................... 25 5.8 PLANNING CONTEXT ................................................................................................... 25 6. RATIONALE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................... 27 6.1 NEED ............................................................................................................................. 27 6.2 DESIRABILITY ............................................................................................................... 28 7. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. 29 7.1 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA................................. 29 7.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT .................................................. 29 7.3 CONSERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES ACT ....................................... 30 7.4 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT ...................... 30 7.5 NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES ACT.................................................................. 30 7.6 FENCING ACT ............................................................................................................... 31 7.7 GUIDELINES AND CONSERVATION PLANS .............................................................. 31 8. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS .......................................................................... 32 9. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ......................................................................................... 34 9.1 VEGETATION ................................................................................................................ 34 9.2 FAUNA ........................................................................................................................... 34 9.3 ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES ........................................................................................ 34 9.4 STORM WATER ............................................................................................................ 34 9.5 SOIL EROSION ............................................................................................................. 34 9.6 VISUAL IMPACT ............................................................................................................ 34 9.7 HERITAGE RESOURCES ............................................................................................. 35
Final Scoping Report – 25 MW PV Solar Power Plant on Farm Nuwerus, 450 Portion 6, Worcester DEA Reference No. 12/12/20/2019
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9.8 RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................. 35 10. PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA........................................................................................... 36 10.1 TASKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN ...................................................................................... 36 10.2 METHODOLOGY TO BE FOLLOWED .......................................................................... 36 10.3 CRITERIA FOR SPECIALIST ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ....................................... 37 10.4 BRIEFS FOR SPECIALIST STUDIES TO BE UNDERTAKEN AS PART OF THE EIA 38 10.4.1 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENTS ............................................................................ 38
Farm Nuwerus, 450/6, where the proposed solar power development will take place is located within the
Worcester, none-urban sub-region of the Breede Valley Municipality. The Greater Breede Valley
Municipality consists of the town of Worcester, De Doorns, Rawsonville and Touwsrivier, and smaller
settlements of Nuy, Overhex and De Wet.
The closest urban settlements (Historically Disadvantaged (HD) communities of Johnsons Park,
Riverview and Hex Park) are approximately 15 km Northwest of the proposed development. The
description of the socio-economic context is drawn from the Census 2001 data on the Breede Valley
Municipality, Worcester non-urban sub-region.
In 2001, the Breede Valley non-urban sub-region had a population of 44 112 (Census 2001). The vast
majority of people are Coloured (75%), with African (17%) and White (8%) at the minorities. Afrikaans is
by far the most commonly spoken first language (88%), followed by isiXhosa (10%) and English (1%).
The sex ratio is slightly skewed in favour of females (52% females and 48% males).
Education levels were low, with 17% of people 20 years and older having received no schooling, 11%
having only obtained complete primary education, only 8% obtained secondary education and less than
3% obtained tertiary education.
Although the estimated 2001 unemployment rate was very low (2% for this non-urban region compared
to13% for the whole Breede Valley local Municipality area), monthly individual income of the working
population was overwhelmingly less than R800 per month (84%). The majority of the community was
employed in the Agricultural industry (62%) or had an occupation as farm labourers (43%) with 4% in
retail and trade.
In summary: In terms of 2001 Census data, the Breede Valley, Worcester non-urban sub-region may be
described as an overwhelmingly Coloured, Afrikaans speaking community with a low levels of education.
The unemployment rate is low and the largest portion of the community makes a living from the
agricultural industry. Most people are employed as farm workers, with very low income.
5.8 PLANNING CONTEXT
The Breede Valley Municipality Spatial Development Framework (SDF) broadly aims to:
• improve access to services and opportunities for the largest part of the community,
Final Scoping Report – 25 MW PV Solar Power Plant on Farm Nuwerus, 450 Portion 6, Worcester DEA Reference No. 12/12/20/2019
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• place new services where they will not only benefit the surrounding inhabitants but also the
wider community,
• improve the quality of life for all inhabitants,
• integrate the racially divided communities,
• stimulate economic development and access to resources.
The proposed solar power plant development on the subject land supports these objectives especially
with respect to stimulation of economic development and through benefit to the wider community.
The subject land forms part of the rural area of the Breede Valley Municipality. The Breede Valley
Municipality’s SDF states; “The rural areas of the municipality is characterised by intensive agricultural
activities. These activities together with the natural and scenic beauty of the rural areas lends itself to a
host of tourism-related activities, including resort development, tourist accommodation, wine routes and
eco-tourism. The nature of the agricultural activities contributes to large farmsteads with a multiplicity of
processing facilities, farm labour accommodation and storage and cooling facilities. These
characteristics of the agricultural industry give rise to unique challenges in the form of poor, insecure
labourer accommodation, poor access to basic services and facilities and environmental management.”
Furthermore, the SDF recognizes that unemployment is a “major problem in farm areas” and is a priority
issue. The report finds that “With the rural component making up just under one third of the total
populace dependent on seasonal employment in the agricultural sector ... decisive intervention from the
public sector is required.”
The subject land is located in the Worcester-Overhex/Moordkuil Planning Unit of the Breede Valley
Municipality. The SDF classifies the subject land as Extensive Agricultural Land (C.a.). The proposed
PV solar power plant aims to have a much more positive impact with respect to economic development,
employment opportunities and tourist attraction to the region in comparison to the current land use of
small stock farming.
The subject land is currently zoned Agriculture I. The Breede Valley Municipality currently do not have a
specific zoning scheme that applies to this type of development (power generation). After discussions
between BolandPlan Town and Regional Planners and the senior personnel at DEADP PLANNING and
the National Department of Agriculture, they were given the advice not to rezone to accommodate the
establishment of any sunpower structures, supporting infrastructure or access routes in any form or for
any purpose, unless the application adheres to the norms and standards for approval of the subdivision
of agricultural land. Which in this applications case is not applicable.
An application is in process to obtain a temporarily “Departure” from the current zoning scheme to
accommodate the development. There will be no change in land use. No agricultural land will be
subdivided.
DEPARTURE:- a temporary land use in terms of Section 15(1)(a)(ii) of the Ordinance on Land Use
Planning, 1985, to use land on a temporary basis for a purpose that is not included in the Land Use
Planning Ordinance.
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Figure 25. The Spatial Development Framework Proposal for the Worcester-Overhex/Moordkuil
Planning depicting the location of the Subject Land (2003).
6. RATIONALE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
6.1 NEED
South Africa relies currently, largely on fossil fuels (coal and oil) supplemented by nuclear power, for the
generation of electricity. As fossil fuels are non renewable, they are limited in supply and fast depleting.
The rapid development of the South African economy over the last decade has resulted in the country
experiencing degradation in its security of electricity supply. Additionally, there is a growing awareness
of the environment, climate change and sustainable development. Coal combustion in South Africa is
Farm 450/6
Final Scoping Report – 25 MW PV Solar Power Plant on Farm Nuwerus, 450 Portion 6, Worcester DEA Reference No. 12/12/20/2019
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the main contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, which is one of the main greenhouse gasses linked to
climate change. It is therefore becoming critical to find alternative energy sources to meet the expected
increases in electricity demand. South Africa requires investment in an electricity generation mix and the
development of large-scale renewable energy systems is strategically important for increasing the
diversity of electricity supply. Project Alpha therefore attempts to address an issue of national
importance.
The subject land is currently used for grazing of small stock (sheep and goat). This agricultural activity
has a much lower economic value in comparison to the proposed PV solar power plant. The proposed
activity will provide additional employment opportunities and will make use of local companies in the
construction and security sector. Additionally SanVal Energy has indicated its intention to draw on local
woman owned businesses for the proposed development.
6.2 DESIRABILITY
South Africa has a high level of renewable energy potential. The Government’s White Paper on
Renewable Energy Policy (2003) supports the establishment of renewable energy technologies,
targeting the provision of 10 000 GWh ( 10 000 000 MWh) of electricity from renewable resources by
2013.
South Africa experiences some of the highest levels of solar radiation in the World. PV Solar Power
does not require water as an energy transfer medium, which is desirable in a water scarce country.
The Western Cape Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (Western Cape Provincial Government
Gazette, PN 306/2006) identifies the Breede Valley, as a major regional development corridor, and
Worcester, as a leader town with high growth potential.
Although the extent of job creation is difficult to quantify at this stage, it is expected that approximately
200 employment opportunities will be created during the construction, manufacturing and installation
stages for Phase I. For the operation and maintenance phase of this development, back-office support
will be boosted due to the relative infancy of this technology in South Africa. Base operations is
expected to provide 22-25 job opportunities. Additional employment opportunities would include security
services and the proposed science centre.
This development is furthermore desirable as it:
• Does not detract from policy plans.
• Will encourage the social and economic development of marginalised, rural communities.
• May attract environmentally aware (green) tourists to the region and is adequately situated
along the Route 62.
• Falls within an ecosystem that is considered Least Threatened.
• Is located in an area that does not fall within any Critical Biodiversity Areas.
• Will not impact on peoples health or wellbeing as the development is waste, noise, odour and
emission free.
• Can feed the electricity into the Eskom power line crossing the property.
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• Does not require additional infrastructure or municipal services apart from a short distance of
transmission line.
• Will be the first large scale PV technology solar power plant in the region if not South Africa, and
will inform the development of future PV solar power developments.
7. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
The current environmental impact assessment is being undertaken in terms of the National
Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998), read with section 24 (5): NEMA EIA Regulations
2010. Provisions of various other Acts are also considered within this EIA. Compliance with the
provincial planning ordinance, the Land Use Planning Ordinance No. 15 of 1985 (LUPO) is being
undertaken as a separate, but parallel process to the EIA.
The legislation that is relevant to this study is briefly outlined below. These environmental requirements
are not intended to be definitive or exhaustive but serve to highlight key environmental legislation and
responsibilities.
7.1 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) states that everyone has a right to a
non-threatening environment and that reasonable measure are applied to protect the environment. This
includes preventing pollution and promoting conservation and environmentally sustainable development,
while promoting justifiable social and economic development.
7.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT
The National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA), as amended, makes provision
for the identification and assessment of activities that are potentially detrimental to the environment and
which require authorization from the relevant authorities based on the findings of an environmental
assessment. NEMA is a National Act, which is enforced by the Department of Environmental Affairs
(DEA). These powers are delegated in the Western Cape to the Department of Environmental Affairs
and Development Planning (DEA&DP). The DEA is however the relevant authority for all energy
development projects which fall under the National Energy and Response Plan (NERP).
According to the regulations of Section 24(5) of NEMA, authorisation is required for the following for the
proposed PV solar power plant development (Project Alpha) on the farm Nuwerus No. 450, Portion 6,
Worcester.
Government Notice R545 of 2010, listed activities as amended by R660:
1 The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the generation of electricity where the electricity
output is 20 megawatts or more. 15 Physical alteration of undeveloped, vacant or derelict land for residential, retail, commercial,
recreational, industrial or institutional use where the total area to be transformed is 20 hectares or more;
except where such physical alteration takes place for:
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(i) linear development activities; or (ii) agriculture or afforestation where activity 16 in this Schedule will apply.
Government Notice R546 of 2010, listed activities as amended by R660: 14 The clearance of an area of 5 hectares or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the
vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation..., (a) In Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Northwest and Western Cape: All areas outside urban areas.
Government Notice R544 of 2010, listed activities as amended by R660:
56 Phased activities for all activities listed in this Schedule, which commenced on or after the effective date of this Schedule, where any one phase of the activity may be below a threshold but where a combination of the phases, including expansions or extensions, will exceed a specified threshold; -
The environmental scoping and EIA processes are being undertaken in distinct phases, refer to Figures 1a
& 1b. This Report forms part of the Scoping Phase.
7.3 CONSERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES ACT
The purpose of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983) is to provide for control
over the utilization of the natural agricultural resources in order to promote the conservation of the soil,
the water sources and the vegetation and the combating of weeds and invader plants.
7.4 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT
The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) is part of a
suite of legislation falling under NEMA, which includes the Waste Act, Protected Areas Act, the Air
Quality Bill and the Coastal Zone Bill. Chapter 4 of NEMBA deals with threatened and protected
ecosystems and species and related threatened processes and restricted activities. The need to protect
listed ecosystems is addressed (Section 54). Section 73 deals with Duty of Care relating to invasive
species, while Section 76(2) calls for development of invasive species monitoring, control and
eradication plans by all organs of state in all spheres of government, as part of environmental
management plans required in terms of Section 11 of NEMA.
7.5 NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES ACT
The protection and management of South Africa’s heritage resources are controlled by the National
Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999). South African National Heritage Resources Agency
(SAHRA) is the enforcing authority and in the Western Cape, SAHRA have, in most cases, delegated
this authority to Heritage Western Cape (HWC).
In terms of Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act, SAHRA and/or HWC will require a
Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) where certain categories of development are proposed. Section
38(8) also makes provision for the assessment of heritage impacts as part of an EIA process and
indicates that if such an assessment is found to be adequate, a separate HIA is not required.
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The National Heritage Resources Act requires relevant authorities to be notified regarding this
proposed development, as the following activity is relevant:
•••• any development or other activity which will change the character of a site exceeding 5 000 m² in
extent;
Furthermore, in terms of Section 34(1), no person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a
structure, which is older than 60 years without a permit issued by the SAHRA, or the responsible
resources authority. Nor may anyone destroy, damage, alter, exhume or remove from its original
position, or otherwise disturb, any grave or burial ground older than 60 years, which is situated outside a
formal cemetery administered by a local authority, without a permit issued by the SAHRA, or a provincial
heritage authority, in terms of Section 36 (3). In terms of Section 35 (4), no person may destroy,
damage, excavate, alter or remove from its original position, or collect, any archaeological material or
object, without a permit issued by the SAHRA, or the responsible resources authority.
7.6 FENCING ACT
The fencing Act (No 31 of 1963) states that any person erecting a boundary fence may clean any bush
along the line of the fence up to 1.5 meters on each side thereof and remove any tree standing in the
immediate line of the fence. However, this provision must be read in conjunction with the environmental
legal provisions relevant to protection of flora.
7.7 GUIDELINES AND CONSERVATION PLANS
There are a number of guideline documents and conservation plans that must inform the work of both
the environmental practitioner and the various specialists. The principles contained in these documents
will be incorporated into the various aspects of the study. Policies and Guidelines considered during this
environmental assessment process include:
POLICY/ GUIDELINES ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY
Guidelines on Public Participation (2010) Dept. Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Guidelines on Alternatives (2010) Dept. Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Guidelines on Need and Desirability (2010) Dept. Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Information Document on Generic Terms of Reference for
EAPs and Project Schedules (2010) Dept. Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Guidelines for involving Heritage Specialists in EIA
Processes (2005) Dept. Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Guidelines for involving Biodiversity Specialists in EIA
Processes (2005) Dept. Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Guideline for Involving Visual and Aesthetic Specialists in
EIA Processes (2005) Dept. Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Western Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework
(2005) Dept. Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Breede Valley Spatial Development Framework (2007) Breede Valley municipality
Guideline for Environmental Impact assessment for Department of Environmenatl Affairs and Tourism
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Facilities to be Included in the National Energy Response
Plan (2008)
Fynbos Forum Ecosystem Guidelines for Environmental
Assessment in the Western Cape (2005) Capenture, South African National Biodiversity Institute
8. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS
The Public Participation Process (PPP) during the Scoping Phase of this environmental process was
conducted in order to inform Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) of the proposed project and to
identify issues, comments and concerns as raised by I&APs. The PPP aims to promote open channels
of communication between the project team and I&APs. All views and concerns are documented and
considered during the evaluation of potential impacts and risks associated with the project.
Public Participation Process to date:
• The addresses of all neighbours, and properties within 100 metres of Farm 450/6, Worcester
were obtained from the Breede Valley Municipality records office and entered into an I&APs
database.
• An advert describing the proposed development, expected activities to be triggered, the public
participation process and including an invitation to register and comment, was placed in English
and Afrikaans in the local newspaper, the Worcester Standard, on the 14th of October 2010.
• An A1 sized site notice, in English and Afrikaans, describing the proposed development,
expected activities to be triggered, public participation process, and inviting comment, was
erected at the proposed site on the 19th of October 2010.
• Notices describing the proposed development, expected activities to be triggered, the public
participation process and including an invitation to comment, were sent to the neighbours and
properties within 100 metres of Farm 450/6, Worcester on the 15th of October 2010.
• All the notices also advertised the Public Meeting which was held on the 28th of October 2010 at
the Worcester Public Library (Baring Street).
• Notices and copies (digital or hard copy) of the draft Scoping Report were send to the following
commenting authorities:
� Breede Valley Municipality
� Worcester Tourism Office
� Cape Winelands District Municipality
� Cape Winelands Regional Tourism Office
� Municipal Ward Councilor
� Director of Sustainable Resource Management at the Department of Agriculture
Western Cape
� CapeNature
� Heritage Western Cape
� Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (Western Cape)