PROPOSED UMSOBOMVU WIND ENERGY FACILITY, … Wind Energy...Proposed Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility, Scoping Report, CES, East London. REVISIONS TRACKING TABLE CES Report Revision and

PROPOSED UMSOBOMVU WIND ENERGY FACILITY, NORTHERN CAPE & EASTERN CAPE PROVINCES

DEA Reference: 14/12/16/3/3/2/730

SCOPING REPORT

Prepared for:

InnoWind (Pty) Ltd.

PO Box 1116 Port Elizabeth, 6000

South Africa

Prepared by:

EOH Coastal & Environmental Services EAST LONDON

16 Tyrell Road, Berea East London, 5201

043 726 7809

Also in Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Maputo (Mozambique)

www.cesnet.co.za

February 2015

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION This document contains intellectual property and propriety information that is protected

by copyright in favour of Coastal & Environmental Services and the specialist consultants. The document may therefore not be reproduced, used or distributed to

any third party without the prior written consent of Coastal & Environmental Services. This document is prepared exclusively for submission to InnoWind (Pty) Ltd, and is

subject to all confidentiality, copyright and trade secrets, rules intellectual property law and practices of South Africa.

Draft Scoping Report – February 2015

EOH Coastal & Environmental Services i Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

This Report should be cited as follows: EOH Coastal & Environmental Services, November 2014: Proposed Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility, Scoping Report, CES, East London.

REVISIONS TRACKING TABLE

CES Report Revision and Tracking Schedule Document Title

Proposed Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility, Northern Cape & Eastern Cape Provinces

Client Name & Address

InnoWind (Pty) Ltd. PO Box 1116 Port Elizabeth, 6000 South Africa

Document Reference

DEA Ref: 14/12/16/3/3/2/730

Status

Draft

Issue Date

February 2015

Lead Author

Ms Caroline Evans EOH Coastal & Environmental Services

Reviewer

Dr Cherie-Lynn Mack EOH Coastal & Environmental Services

Study Leader or Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner Approval

Dr Alan Carter EOH Coastal & Environmental Services

Report Distribution Circulated to No. of hard copies

No. electronic copies

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)

2 2

Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (Eastern Cape)

1

Department of Nature Conservation and Environmental Affairs (Northern Cape)

1

This document has been prepared in accordance with the scope of EOH Coastal & Environmental Services (CES) appointment and contains intellectual property and proprietary information that is protected by copyright in favour of CES. The document may therefore not be reproduced, used or distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of EOH Coastal & Environmental Services. This document is prepared exclusively for use by CES’s client. CES accepts no liability for any use of this document other than by its client and only for the purposes for which it was prepared. No person other than the client may copy (in whole or in part) use or rely on the contents of this document, without the prior written permission of CES. The document is subject to all confidentiality, copyright and trade secrets rules, intellectual property law and practices of South Africa.

EOH Coastal& Environmental Services

East London 16 Tyrell Road

East London 5214

+27 43 726 8313 [email protected] www.cesnet.co.za

Also in Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town Johannesburg and Maputo

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.cesnet.co.za/


EOH Coastal & Environmental Services ii Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

INFORMATION REQUIRED BY COMPETENT AUTHORITY

In terms of Section 28(1) of the EIA Regulations (2010), a Scoping Report must contain all the information necessary for a proper understanding of the nature of issues identified during scoping, and must include–

(j) Any specific information required by the competent authority.

1.1 General Site Information Description of affected farm portions

Farm Name Farm number 21 digit SG Code Size (ha)

Klip Krands 60/1 C04800000000006000001 934 ha

Holle Fountain

133/0 C03000000000013300000 1 876 ha

133/1 C03000000000013300001 672 ha

133/3 C03000000000013300003 150 ha

Leeuw Hoek

61/0 C04800000000006100000 1 110 ha

61/2 C04800000000006100002 1 765 ha

61/4 C04800000000006100004 538 ha

61/6 C04800000000006100006 148 ha

Elands Kloof 135/1 C03000000000013500001 16 ha

Uitzicht

3/0 C04800000000000300000 1 765 ha

3/2 C04800000000000300002 1 076 ha

3/3 C04800000000000300003 1 101 ha

3/4 C04800000000000300004 1 069 ha

3/7 C04800000000000300007 1 298 ha

3/8 C04800000000000300008 903 ha

Leuwe Kop 120/0 C03000000000012000000 2321 ha

Elands Kloof 135/0 C03000000000013500000 358 ha

Winterhoek 136/0 C03000000000013600000 1163 ha

Location of the Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility


EOH Coastal & Environmental Services iii Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

Photographs of the site

(a) (b)


EOH Coastal & Environmental Services iv Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

Photographs from sensitive visual receptors

Information not yet available

Turbine design specifications

Nacelle height/Hub height Max. 137m

Blade Diameter Max. 132m

Foundation dimensions Max. 20m x 20m x 5m

Laydown area dimensions 10 000m2

Generation Capacity Max. 4MW each

Onsite measured wind parameters

This information is considered, by the developer, to be confidential because of its commercial sensitivity.

Generation capacity of the facility at delivery point

Delivery point To be determined


EOH Coastal & Environmental Services v Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

THE PROJECT TEAM EOH Coastal & Environmental Services team and responsibilities Dr Cherie-Lynn Mack Project Leader Ms Caroline Evans Project Manager Dr Alan Carter Project Reviewer Mr Roy de Kock Agricultural Assessment Specialist Ms Tarryn Martin Ecological Assessment Specialist Ms Rosalie Evans Visual Assessment Specialist Additional sub-consultant team members and responsibilities Mr Gavin Anderson Umlando: Archaeological, Tourism and Resource Management: Heritage (History and Archaeological) Impact Assessment Dr John Almond Natura Viva CC: Paleontological Impact Assessment Mr Jon Smallie WildSkies Ecological Services (Pty) Ltd.: Avifaunal Monitoring and Impact Assessment Mr Werner Marais Animalia Zoological & Ecological Consultation CC: Bat Monitoring and Impact Assessment Dr Brett Williams Safetech: Noise Impact Assessment Ms Marchelle Terblanche INDEX (Pty) Ltd.: Social Impact Assessment


EOH Coastal & Environmental Services vi Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.1 General Site Information .................................................................................................. ii

2 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1 2.1 Background to the study .................................................................................................. 1 2.2 Environmental Authorisation in South Africa .................................................................... 1 2.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Process .................................................................... 1 2.4 Scoping Phase ................................................................................................................ 5 2.5 Nature and Structure of this Report ................................................................................. 5 2.6 Assumptions and Limitations ........................................................................................... 5 2.7 Details and Expertise of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner .............................. 5

3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................... 9 3.1 Project Locality ................................................................................................................ 9 3.2 Proposed Activity ........................................................................................................... 11 3.2.1 Wind Energy Facility (WEF) ....................................................................................... 11 3.2.2 Access roads ............................................................................................................. 13 3.2.3 Additional infrastructure ............................................................................................. 13

3.3 The development phases of a wind farm ....................................................................... 13 3.3.1 Preliminary civil works ............................................................................................... 14 3.3.2 Construction .............................................................................................................. 14 3.3.3 Electrical connection .................................................................................................. 16 3.3.4 Operational phase ..................................................................................................... 16 3.3.5 Decommissioning of the Wind farm ........................................................................... 17

3.4 Wind Measurement ....................................................................................................... 17 4 PROJECT NEED & DESIRABILITY ..................................................................................... 18 4.1 International ................................................................................................................... 18 4.1.1 The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) .... 18 4.1.2 The Kyoto Protocol (2002) ......................................................................................... 18

4.2 National ......................................................................................................................... 19 4.2.1 National Development Plan (2011) ............................................................................ 19 4.2.2 National Climate Change Response White Paper (2012)........................................... 19 4.2.3 White Paper on Renewable Energy Policy (2003) ..................................................... 20 4.2.4 Integrated Energy Plan for the Republic of South Africa (2003) ................................. 20 4.2.5 Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity 2010-2030 ................................................... 20 4.2.6 Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) ............................................................................................................................ 21 4.2.7 Long Term Mitigation Scenarios (2007) ..................................................................... 22 4.2.8 Industrial Policy Action Plan 2011/12 – 2013/14 ........................................................ 23 4.2.9 Strategic Infrastructure Projects (2012) ...................................................................... 23

5 ALTERNATIVES ................................................................................................................... 24 5.1 Reasonable and feasible alternatives ............................................................................ 24 5.2 Fundamental, incremental and no-go alternatives ......................................................... 24 5.2.1 Fundamental alternatives........................................................................................... 24 5.2.2 Incremental alternatives ............................................................................................. 24 5.2.3 No-go alternative ....................................................................................................... 24

6 RELEVANT LEGISLATION .................................................................................................. 29 6.1 The Constitution (No. 108 of 1996) ................................................................................ 29 6.2 National Environmental Management Act (No.107 of 1998) .......................................... 29 6.3 National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (No. 57 of 2003) ................ 30 6.4 National Environment Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004) .......................... 31 6.5 National Environmental Management: Waste Management Act (No. 59 of 2008) .......... 31 6.6 National Heritage Resources Act (No. 25 of 1999) ........................................................ 32 6.7 Electricity Regulation Act (No. 4 of 2006) ...................................................................... 32 6.8 Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993) .................................................... 32 6.9 Aviation Act (No. 74 of 1962): 13th Amendment of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1997 . 32 6.10 National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (No. 39 of 2004) ......................... 33 6.11 National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998) .............................................................................. 33 6.12 Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (No. 43 of 1983) ........................................ 34


EOH Coastal & Environmental Services vii Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

6.12.1 CARA Regulations ................................................................................................. 34 6.13 Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act (No. 70 of 1970) .................................................... 34 6.14 Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) .......................... 35 6.15 National Road Traffic Act (No. 93 of 1996) .................................................................... 36 6.16 National Veld and Forest Fire Act (No. 101 of 1998) ...................................................... 36 6.17 Other relevant national legislation .................................................................................. 36 6.18 Municipal Policy ............................................................................................................. 36

7 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................. 37 7.1 Bio-physical environment ............................................................................................... 37 7.1.1 Current land use activities .......................................................................................... 37 7.1.2 Climate ...................................................................................................................... 37 7.1.3 Topography ............................................................................................................... 38 7.1.4 Geology ..................................................................................................................... 40 7.1.5 Soils and agricultural potential ................................................................................... 40 7.1.6 Vegetation and Floristics............................................................................................ 44 7.1.7 Fauna ........................................................................................................................ 46 7.1.8 Avifauna .................................................................................................................... 51 7.1.9 Chiroptera (Bats) ....................................................................................................... 60

7.2 Socio-economic profile .................................................................................................. 61 7.2.1 Municipal Background ............................................................................................... 62 7.2.2 Population Statistics .................................................................................................. 62 7.2.3 Age Structure ............................................................................................................. 63 7.2.4 Employment Statistics ............................................................................................... 63 7.2.5 Household Income ..................................................................................................... 64 7.2.6 Economic Profile ........................................................................................................ 64 7.2.7 Tourism ..................................................................................................................... 65 7.2.8 Preliminary Socio-Economic Impacts ......................................................................... 65 7.2.9 Heritage: Culture, History and Archaeology ............................................................... 69 7.2.10 Noise associated with wind energy (excerpts from Rogers and Manwell, 2002) ..... 69 7.2.11 Visual Impacts ....................................................................................................... 70

8 MANNER IN WHICH THE ENVIRONMENT MAY BE AFFECTED ....................................... 71 8.1 Issues identification ....................................................................................................... 71 8.2 Issue rating .................................................................................................................... 72

9 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION .................................................................................................... 75 9.1 Notification of interested and affected parties ................................................................ 75 9.1.1 Surrounding and Affected Landowners ...................................................................... 77 9.1.2 Registered I&APS ...................................................................................................... 77 9.1.3 The Public Participation Process to be followed going forward include: ..................... 77 9.1.4 Issues and Response Trail ........................................................................................ 78

10 PLAN OF STUDY FOR THE EIA .......................................................................................... 81 10.1 EIA phase ...................................................................................................................... 81 10.2 Specialist Studies .......................................................................................................... 82 10.2.1 Visual and Landscape Impact Assessment ............................................................ 82 10.2.2 Noise Impact Assessment ...................................................................................... 83 10.2.3 Ecological Impact Assessment .............................................................................. 83 10.2.4 Avifaunal Impact Assessment ................................................................................ 84 10.2.5 Bat Impact Assessment ......................................................................................... 85 10.2.6 Archaeological Impact Assessment ....................................................................... 86 10.2.7 Paleontological Impact Assessment ....................................................................... 86 10.2.8 Agricultural Impact Assessment ............................................................................. 86 10.2.9 Socio-economic Impact Assessment ..................................................................... 86

10.3 Methodology for assessing the significance of impacts .................................................. 87 10.4 Environmental Impact Report ........................................................................................ 91 10.5 Consideration by the competent authority for Environmental Authorisation and appeals process ..................................................................................................................................... 91

11 CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................... 94 11.1 Activity and Possible Impacts ........................................................................................ 94


EOH Coastal & Environmental Services viii Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

11.2 Fatal flaws ..................................................................................................................... 94 11.3 EIA phase ...................................................................................................................... 94

12 REFERENCES...................................................................................................................... 95 13 APPENDICES ....................................................................................................................... 96 13.1 Appendix A: Public Participation Documents ................................................................. 96 13.1.1 Newspaper adverts ................................................................................................ 96 13.1.2 On-site notice boards ............................................................................................. 97 13.1.3 EMAIL: Correspondence with Stakeholders ........................................................... 99 13.1.4 EMAIL: Correspondence with Landowners .......................................................... 100 13.1.5 EMAIL: Correspondence with Surrounding Landowners ...................................... 101 13.1.6 EMAIL: Correspondence with Registered I&APs .................................................. 102 13.1.7 REGISTERED MAIL: All I&APs ........................................................................... 103

13.2 Appendix B: Interested and Affected Parties Database ............................................... 104 13.3 Appendix C: Project Team CV’s .................................................................................. 109

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1-1. The EIA process flow chart .................................................................................................................. 4 Figure 2-1. Proposed Umsobomvu WEF project locality ..................................................................................... 10 Figure 2-2. Proposed Umsobomvu WEF project affected farms. ....................................................................... 10 Figure 2-3. Wind turbine components ................................................................................................................... 12 Figure 2-4. Illustration of the main components of a typical wind turbine. Note that the transformer in the

figure above would normally be inside the tower (probably at the base).Source: www.powernaturally.org

......................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Figure 2-5. Proposed access routes for the Umsobomvu WEF.......................................................................... 13 Figure 2-6. Indicative dimensions for the foundation of a 3MW/205m high wind turbine. ................................ 15 Figure 2-7. Indicative dimensions for the foundation of a 3MW/205m high wind turbine (taken from internet).

......................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 2-8: An example of a meteorological mast ............................................................................................... 17 Figure 3-1. After consultation process – Policy Adjusted IRP [IRP 2010 final report rev2]. ............................. 21 Figure 6-1. The average annual rainfall, midday and night-time temperature (www.saexplorer.co.za) .......... 37 Figure 6-2. The topography of the Umsobomvu WEF site and surrounding areas. .......................................... 38 Figure 6-3. The topography of the affected farms where the proposed Umsobomvu WEF will be located .... 39 Figure 6-4. The geology of the proposed Umsobomvu WEF. ............................................................................. 40 Figure 6-5. Generalised soil patterns of the Umsobomvu WEF project area and surrounding areas

(www.agis.agric.za) ........................................................................................................................................ 42 Figure 6-6. Agricultural land capability of the Umsobomvu WEF project area and surrounding areas

(www.agis.agric.za) ........................................................................................................................................ 43 Figure 6-7. Vegetation map showing the National Biodiversity Index (NBI) vegetation type of the proposed

Umsobomvu WEF .......................................................................................................................................... 45 Figure 6-8. Important Bird Areas (IBA’s) surrounding the Umsobomvu WEF ................................................... 53 Figure 6-9: Focal sites used during the Umsobomvu avifaunal monitoring. ...................................................... 58 Figure 6-10: Height level at which three key species were observed. ............................................................... 59 Figure 6-11: Age structure of the affected municipalities .................................................................................... 63 Figure 6-12: Unemployment statistics (Census 2011) ......................................................................................... 64 Figure 6-13. The Umsobomvu WEF in relation to the District and Local Municipalities. .................................. 68

LIST OF TABLES Table 1-1: Listed activities triggered by the proposed Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility ................................. 1 Table 4-1. The alternatives for the proposed Umsobomvu WEF ........................................................................ 25 Table 5-1. NEMA Environmental Management Principles .................................................................................. 29 Table 5-2. Categories of permission required for a borrow pit ............................................................................ 35 Table 6-1. Generalised soil patterns which occur in the Umsobomvu WEF project area. ................................ 40 Table 6-2. Mammals likely to naturally occur within the project area and surrounds according to geographical

distribution (Stuart and Stuart, 2007) ............................................................................................................ 47 Table 6-3. The project area of the proposed Umsobomvu WEF falls within the geographical ranges of the

following reptilian fauna ................................................................................................................................. 49 Table 6-4. Potential amphibian fauna within the proposed Umsobomvu WEF project area ............................ 50


EOH Coastal & Environmental Services ix Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

Table 6-5: Preliminary bird list from first avifaunal monitoring ............................................................................ 55 Table 6-6: Summary of findings at the 8 focal sites during autumn .................................................................... 57 Table 6-7. Table of species that may be roosting or foraging on the study area. ............................................. 60 Table 6-8: Key features of the affected Municipalities ......................................................................................... 62 Table 6-9: Population figures for the affected Municipalities (Census 2011; www.world-data-atlas.com) ...... 62 Table 7-1. Issue identified during the Scoping Phase. ........................................................................................ 71 Table 7-2. Significance rating table ....................................................................................................................... 72 Table 7-3. Significance of identified issues pre-mitigation. ................................................................................. 73 Table 8-1. The identified stakeholders for the proposed Umsobomvu WEF. .................................................... 75 Table 9-1. Criterion used to rate the significance of an impact. .......................................................................... 88 Table 9-2. The severity rating scale. ..................................................................................................................... 89 Table 9-3. The rating of overall significance. ........................................................................................................ 90 Table 9-4. Reports that will be generated in the EIA phase for the proposed Umsobomvu WEF ................... 91


EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 1 Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

2 INTRODUCTION

2.1 Background to the study InnoWind is proposing to construct a Wind Energy Facility (WEF) to be developed between Middelburg (Eastern Cape) and Noupoort (Northern Cape) on the provincial border. The WEF will host a maximum of 80 wind turbines, each generating between 1.5 – 4 megawatts (MW) of electricity, with total combined potential power output of approximately 140MW. EOH Coastal & Environmental Services (CES) has been appointed by InnoWind as the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to secure the necessary environmental authorisations for the project.

2.2 Environmental Authorisation in South Africa The regulation and protection of the environment within South Africa, occurs mainly through the application of various items of legislation, within the regulatory framework of the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996). The primary legislation regulating Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) within South Africa is the National Environmental Management Act (“NEMA” Act 107 of 1998). NEMA makes provision for the Minister of Environmental Affairs to identify activities which may not commence prior to authorisation from either the Minister or the provincial Member of the Executive Council (“the MEC”). In addition to this, NEMA also provided for the formulation of regulations in respect of such authorisations. The EIA Regulations (2010) allow for a basic assessment process for activities with limited environmental impact (listed in GN R.544 & 546, 2010) and a more rigorous two tiered approach to activities with potentially greater environmental impact (listed in GN R.545, 2010). This two-tiered approach includes both a Scoping and EIA process.

2.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Process The proposed Umsobomvu WEF project activities trigger the need for an EIA under the Regulations of 2010 in Listing Notices 1, 2 and 3 and published in Government Notices No. R.544, R.545 and R.546, respectively. The listed activities that have been applied for are provided in Table 1-1 below. Table 1-1: Listed activities triggered by the proposed Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

Government Notice Activity Number Activity Description

GN R. 544

BASIC ASSESSMENT

10 (i) The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the

transmission and distribution of electricity

(i). Outside urban areas or industrial complexes

with a capacity of more than 33 but less

than 275 kilovolts.

11 (xi) The construction of:

(xi). Infrastructure or structures covering 50

square meters or more

Where such construction occurs within a

watercourse or within 32 meters of a watercourse,

measured from the edge of a watercourse,

excluding where such construction will occur behind

the development setback line.




13 The constructions of facilities or infrastructure for

the storage, or for the storage and handling, of a

dangerous good, where such storage occurs in

containers with a combined capacity of 80 but not

exceeding 500 cubic meters.

18 (i) The infilling or depositing of any material of more

than 5 cubic meters into, or the dredging,

excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand, shells,

shell grit, pebbles or rock from

(i). A watercourse

GN R. 545

FULL SCOPING & EIR

1 The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the

generation of electricity where the electricity output

is 20 megawatts or more.

8 The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the

transmission and distribution of electricity with a

capacity of 275 kilovolts or more, outside an urban

area or industrial complex.

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.

GN R. 546

BASIC ASSESSMENT

4 (a) ii. (bb) The construction of a road wider than 4 metres with

a reserve less than 13,5 metres.

(a). In Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal,

Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape

provinces

ii. Outside urban areas, in:

(bb) National Protected Area Expansion

Strategy Focus Areas

13 (b) The clearance of an area of 1 hectare or more of

vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetation

cover constitutes indigenous vegetation.

(b). National Protected Area Expansion Strategy

Focus Areas

14 (a) i. The clearance of an area of 5 hectares or more of

vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetation

cover constitutes indigenous vegetation.


Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern

Cape, Northwest and Western Cape.

i. All areas outside urban areas

16 (iv) (a) ii. (bb)

The construction of:

(iv). Infrastructure covering 10 square meters or

more

Where such construction occurs within a

watercourse or within 32 metres of a watercourse,

measured from the edge of a watercourse.






iii. Outside urban areas, in:



19 (a) ii. (bb)

The widening of a road by more than 4 metres, or

the lengthening of a road by more than 1 kilometre.



provinces.

ii. Outside urban areas, in:



Applications for activities listed within GN R544 and GN R546 require a Basic Assessment, while applications for activities listed within GN R545 require a Scoping and EIR process. However, in terms of Section 20(2) (c) of the EIA Regulations (2010), a Scoping and EIR process must be applied to an application if the application is for two or more activities that are part of the same development and one of the two activities requires Scoping and EIA. Because the proposed Umsobomvu WEF triggers at least one listed activity from GNR.545, it will require a full Scoping and EIA. This process, shown in Figure 1-1, is regulated by Chapter 3, Part 3 of the EIA Regulations. The facility proponent is initially required to submit a report detailing the scoping phase (Scoping Report), and set out the terms of reference for the EIA process (Plan of Study for EIA). This is then followed by a report detailing the EIA phase (EIR). The competent authority will issue a final decision subsequent to their review of the EIR. The competent authority that must consider and decide on the application for authorisation in respect of the activities listed in Table 1-1 is the National Department Environmental Affairs (DEA) as the Department has reached an agreement with all Provinces that all electricity-related projects, including generation, transmission and distribution, are to be submitted to DEA, irrespective of the legal status of the applicant. This decision has been made in terms of Section 24(C) (3) of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No 107 of 1998). The decision is effective for all projects until 2015. It is important to note that in addition to the requirements for an authorisation in terms of the NEMA, there may be additional legislative requirements which need to be considered prior to commencing with the activity, for example: • National Heritage Resources Act (Act No 25 of 1999) • Aviation Act (Act No 74 of 1962): 13th Amendment of the Civil Aviation Regulations (1997) • NEM: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) • National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998).



Figure 1-1. The EIA process flow chart

Contextualise Proposed Development

Pre-Application Planning (Determine assessment process using NEMA, 1998 and G/N 543 of 2010)

Adopt the Scoping & Environmental Impact Assessment Process

Submit Application to Relevant Authority

Conduct Public Participation Process

Scoping Report and Plan of Study for the EIA

Public Review of Scoping Report and Plan of Study of the EIA

Authority Review of Scoping

Report and Plan of Study of the EIA

Accept

Request Amendment

s

Conduct Environmental Impact Assessment. Compile EIR and EMP

Public Review of EIR and EMP

Authority Review of EIR and EMP

Accept

Request Amendments

Issue Environmental Authorisation and notify applicant of conditions and appeal provisions

Notify I&APs of Environmental Authorisation and appeal provisions

Consider Appeals if any



2.4 Scoping Phase The Scoping Phase is designed to determine the “scope” of the subsequent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), conducted in fulfilment of the application for authorisation. The overall aim of the Scoping Phase is to determine those environmental issues and impacts associated with the proposed WEF that require further investigation in an EIA. The purpose of scoping is therefore to identify: • Issues • Impacts • Alternatives An integral part of the Scoping Phase is the initial public participation process (PPP). This process ensures that all possible interested and affected parties (I&APs) are informed of the proposed activity and are provided with an opportunity to comment and identify issues.

2.5 Nature and Structure of this Report The structure of this report is based on Section 28 of GN No.543, of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2010), which clearly specifies the required content of a Scoping Report.

2.6 Assumptions and Limitations This report is based on currently available information and, as a result, the following limitations and assumptions are implicit– • The report is based on a project description taken from design specifications for the proposed

wind farm that have not yet been finalised, and which are likely to undergo a number of iterations and refinements before they can be regarded as definitive. A project description based on the final design will be provided in the EIA Phase.

• Descriptions of the natural and social environments are based on limited fieldwork and available literature. More information will be provided in the EIA phase based on the outcomes of the specialist studies.

2.7 Details and Expertise of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner


(a) Details of– (i) The EAP who prepared the report; and (ii) The expertise of the EAP to carry out scoping procedures.

In fulfilment of the above-mentioned legislative requirement the details of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) that prepared this draft scoping report as well as the expertise of the individual members of the study team are provided below.



Coastal & Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd (CES) was established in 1990 as a specialist environmental consulting company. Recently EOH Group of Companies acquired the shares in CES. EOH is the largest provider of enterprise applications, technology, outsourcing, cloud and managed services. The group is active in South Africa, Africa and the United Kingdom and has a strong Black Economic Empowerment profile. This integration will allow CES to combine EOH’s great reach and reputation with CES’s recognised excellence in environmental and social advisory services, thus maximising EOH Coastal & Environmental Service’s strengths and comprehensive offerings in the environmental and social fields. CES has considerable experience in terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecology, the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) process, and state of environment reporting (SOER), Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMP), Spatial Development Frameworks (SDF), public participation, as well as the management and co-ordination of all aspects of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) processes. CES has been active in all of the above fields, and in so doing have made a positive contribution to towards environmental management and sustainable development in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and many other African countries. Dr Alan Carter holds a PhD in Plant Sciences and is a Certified Public Accountant, with extensive training and experience in both financial accounting and environmental science disciplines with international accounting firms in South Africa and the USA. He has over 20 years of experience in environmental management and has specialist skills in sanitation, coastal environments and industrial waste. Dr Carter is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist under the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions and is a certified ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems Auditor.



Dr Cherie-Lynn Mack, holds a PhD and MSc (with distinction) degrees in Environmental Biotechnology, with a BSc degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry. She has postgraduate research experience in industrial and domestic wastewater treatment technologies, with particular emphasis on the coal and platinum mining industries. Her interests lie in the water sector, with experience in ecological reserve determination and water quality monitoring and analysis. She has experience in water quality analysis and industrial wastewater treatment research. She is currently employed in the East London office of CES as a principal environmental consultant. Ms Caroline Evans, Environmental Consultant. Caroline holds a BSc with majors in Environmental Science (distinction) and Zoology, as well as a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science (distinction) both from Rhodes University. Her undergraduate degree included both commerce and natural sciences. Caroline's honours dissertation evaluated the economic impacts of degradation of the xeric subtropical thicket through farming practices, focussing on the rehabilitation potential of the affected areas in terms of carbon tax. She is currently writing up her MSc (Environmental Science and Ichthyology) thesis on the effects of alien fish species on local rural livelihoods. This thesis focuses on the social implications of alien fish species and the impact that the cultural customs of the Xhosa people have on the success of social development projects in the aquaculture industry. She has a broad academic background including statistics, economics, management, climate change, wetland ecology, GIS, rehabilitation ecology, ecological modelling and zoology.



Ms Rosalie Evans, Environmental Consultant. Rosalie holds a BA Social Dynamics degree with majors in Geography and Psychology, as well as BA (Hons) in Geography and Environmental Studies - both from Stellenbosch University. Rosalie's honours dissertation analysed the role of small grains in soil carbon sequestration in the agricultural sector of the Western Cape. Her academic focuses include renewable energy, sustainable development and the interactions between humans and their environment. Mr Roy de Kock, Senior Environmental Consultant. Roy holds a BSc Honours in Geology and an MSc in Botany from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. His thesis was on Rehabilitation Ecology with the focus on Mine Rehabilitation. His Master’s thesis titled; Bushclump Rehabilitation Within Couga Bontveld After Strip Mining focused on rehabilitation of mined Bontveld vegetation on limestones of the Nanaga Formation where he attempts to recognise the evolutionary path of the present landscape, as well as focussing on primary ecological processes such as hydrology, energy capture and nutrient cycling and the impact of mining on change in diversity and ecosystem health. Currently he is working on numerous impact assessments at the East London branch. Roy is registered as a Candidate Natural Scientist under SACNASP. Ms Tarryn Martin, Environmental Consultant, holds a BSc (Botany and Zoology), a BSc (Hons) in African Vertebrate Biodiversity and a MSc with distinction in Botany from Rhodes University. Tarryn's Master's thesis examined the impact of fire on the recovery of C3 and C4 Panicoid and non-Panicoid grasses within the context of climate change. She has spent time at Rhodes University working as a research assistant and has spent many years working within the corporate tourism industry as a project manager. Her research interests include biodiversity conservation, ecotourism and climate change.



3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION


(b) A description of the proposed activity; (d) A description of the property on which the activity is to be undertaken and the

location of the activity on the property, or if it is– (i) A linear activity, a description of the route of the activity; or (ii) An ocean-based activity, the coordinates where the activity is to be

undertaken.

3.1 Project Locality InnoWind (Pty) Ltd proposes the development of a wind energy facility (WEF) on the border between the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces. In the Northern Cape, the proposed WEF falls within the Umsobomvu Local Municipality in the Pixley ka Seme District Municipality. And in the Eastern Cape the Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality and Chris Hani District Municipality. The wind farm will host up to approximately eighty (80) turbines, with a potential power output of one hundred and forty (140) megawatts (MW). Farm properties included in the Umsobomvu WEF include:

Farm name Farm no. 21 Digit SG code Farm size (ha)

Klip Krands 60/1 C04800000000006000001 934 ha

Holle Fountain

133/0 C03000000000013300000 1 876 ha

133/1 C03000000000013300001 672 ha

133/3 C03000000000013300003 150 ha

Leeuw Hoek

61/0 C04800000000006100000 1 110 ha

61/2 C04800000000006100002 1 765 ha

61/4 C04800000000006100004 538 ha

61/6 C04800000000006100006 148 ha

Elands Kloof 135/1 C03000000000013500001 16 ha

Uitzicht

3/0 C04800000000000300000 1 765 ha

3/2 C04800000000000300002 1 076 ha

3/3 C04800000000000300003 1 101 ha

3/4 C04800000000000300004 1 069 ha

3/7 C04800000000000300007 1 298 ha

3/8 C04800000000000300008 903 ha

Leuwe Kop 120/0 C03000000000012000000 2321 ha

Elands Kloof 135/0 C03000000000013500000 358 ha

Winterhoek 136/0 C03000000000013600000 1163 ha

Total 18 263 ha



Figure 2-1. Proposed Umsobomvu WEF project locality.

Figure 2-2. Proposed Umsobomvu WEF project affected farms.



3.2 Proposed Activity 3.2.1 Wind Energy Facility (WEF) The Umsobomvu WEF is proposed to comprise of up to 80 turbines (1.5 - 4.0MW output each), for a total maximum output capacity of 140MW. Wind energy is a form of solar energy. Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth's surface, and rotation of the earth. Wind flow patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetation. This wind flow or motion energy (kinetic energy) can be used for generating electricity. The term “wind energy” describes the process by which wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power and a generator can then be used to convert this mechanical power into electricity. The components of a typical wind turbine subsystem are shown in Figure 2-3 and Figure 2-4 below: • A rotor, or blades, which are the portion of the wind turbine that collect energy from the wind

and convert the wind's energy into rotational shaft energy to turn the generator. The speed of rotation of the blades is controlled by the nacelle, which can turn the blades to face into the wind (‘yaw control), and change the angle of the blades (‘pitch control’) to make the most use of the available wind. The maximum rotor diameter for the Umsobomvu WEF turbines is approximately 132m.

• A nacelle (enclosure) containing a drive train, usually including a gearbox (some turbines do not require a gearbox) and a generator. The generator is what converts the turning motion of a wind turbine’s blades (mechanical energy) into electricity. Inside this component, coils of wire are rotated in a magnetic field to produce electricity. The nacelle is also fitted with brakes, so that the turbine can be switched off during very high winds, such as during storm events. This prevents the turbine from being damaged. All this information is recorded by computers and is transmitted to a control centre, which means that operators don't have to visit the turbine very often, but only occasionally for a mechanical check.

• A tower, to support the rotor and drive train; The tower on which a wind turbine is mounted is not only a support structure, but it also raises the wind turbine so that its blades safely clear the ground and so can reach the stronger winds at higher elevations. The tower must also be strong enough to support the wind turbine and to sustain vibration, wind loading, and the overall weather elements for the life time of the turbine. The maximum hub height of the Umsobomvu WEF turbines is approximately 137m.

• Electronic equipment such as controls, electrical cables, ground support equipment, and interconnection equipment.



Figure 2-3. Wind turbine components

Figure 2-4. Illustration of the main components of a typical wind turbine. Note that the transformer in the figure above would normally be inside the tower (probably at the base).Source: www.powernaturally.org



3.2.2 Access roads Figure 2-5 illustrates the preliminary road layout. There are currently three access route options which may be used depending on the status of the national roads and the results from the engineers who will spend time on site assessing the various options. All three options will be assessed during the EIR phase as more concrete information becomes available throughout the process. Site access and internal roads will in all likelihood cross watercourses. The location of the watercourse crossings will be identified once a layout has been finalised, and authorisation to construct these crossings will be sought from the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Figure 2-5. Proposed access routes for the Umsobomvu WEF 3.2.3 Additional infrastructure Additional infrastructure required during construction will include the following: • A maximum of 10 000m2 temporary lay down area; • Internal access roads; • A contractor’s site office of up to 5 000m2; • Administration and warehouse buildings with a footprint of 5 000m2; • Fencing, linking station and borrow pits if required; • Hard stand areas associated with each turbine base for crane operation during construction;

and • An onsite substation.

3.3 The development phases of a wind farm Typically, the construction of a wind farm is divided into four phases namely:- • Preliminary civil works.



• Construction. • Operation. • Decommission. 3.3.1 Preliminary civil works Prior to the commencement of the main construction works, the Contractor may undertake vegetation clearance (if required) and site establishment works. The site establishment works may include the construction of one, or more, temporary construction compounds and laydown areas and the connection of services such as power and water to these compounds. 3.3.2 Construction The construction footprint will include the platforms, or “crane pads” required to construct the wind turbines, new or upgraded access roads, lay-bys, component storage areas, turning heads and a substation to evacuate the electricity generated to the national grid. A typical platform for the assembly of the crane and construction of the turbine is shown in Figure 2-6. These platforms will be connected by access roads (if none existing) with the following requirements:- • Minimum 7m width (5m running width and 1m verge either side) on straight sections with

widening required on corners. • Should a “crawler” type crane be used, then road widths of up to 12m may be required, of

which 6m would be retained for the life of the wind farm. • Typical approximately 300mm deep road section. • Maximum 14% vertical gradient on gravel roads. • Turning heads provided within approximately 200m of each crane pad. • Passing places of approximately 50m length and 5m width located approximately every 1km. The construction footprint required will be greater than the dimensions specified above to allow for construction of the wind farm infrastructure. These areas used temporarily over the construction period – including temporary construction compound and road verges – will be rehabilitated at the end of construction works to reduce the footprint on the land. Other works during the construction phase include: a) Geotechnical studies and foundation works

A geotechnical study of the area is undertaken for safety purposes. This comprises of drilling, penetration and pressure assessments. For the purpose of the foundations, approximately 1500m3 of soil would need to be excavated for each turbine. These excavations are then filled with steel-reinforced concrete (typically 45 tons of steel reinforcement per turbine including a “bolt ring” to connect the turbine foundation to the turbine tower). Foundation design will vary according to the type and quality of the soil.

b) Electrical cabling

Electrical and communication cables are laid approximately 1-2m deep in trenches which run alongside the access roads as much as possible. All previous farming activities can continue unhindered on the ground above the cables during the operational phase.

c) Establishment of hard standing surfaces and laydown areas

Laydown and storage areas will be required for the contractor’s construction equipment and turbine components on site.

d) Site preparation

If not carried out in the preliminary works phase, this will include clearance of vegetation over the access roads, platforms, lay-bys, substation and any other laydown or hard-standing areas. These activities will require the stripping of topsoil which will be stock-piled, back-filled and/or spread on site.

e) Establishment of substation and ancillary infrastructure



The establishment of these facilities/buildings will require the clearing of vegetation and levelling of the development site and the excavation of foundations prior to construction. A laydown area for building materials and equipment associated with these buildings will also be required.

f) Turbine erection Weather permitting; the erection of the turbines can be completed swiftly and erection rates generally average 1-2 turbines per week. This phase is the most complex and costly.

g) Undertake site remediation

Once construction is completed and all construction equipment is removed, the site will be rehabilitated where practical and reasonable. On full commissioning of the facility, any access points to the site which are not required during the operational phase will be closed and rehabilitated.

Figure 2-6. Indicative dimensions for the foundation of a 3MW/205m high wind turbine.

Tower Base

Underground Foundation

Ground level



Figure 2-7. Indicative dimensions for the foundation of a 3MW/205m high wind turbine (taken from internet). 3.3.3 Electrical connection Each turbine is fitted with its own transformer that steps up the voltage usually to 22 or 33kv. The entire wind farm is then connected to the “point of interconnection” which is the electrical boundary between the wind farm and the municipal or national grid. Most of these works will be carried out by Eskom or an Eskom-approved sub-contractor (line upgrade, connection to the sub-station, burial of the cables etc.) 3.3.4 Operational phase During the period when the turbines are operational, on-site human activity drops to a minimum, and includes routine maintenance requiring only light vehicles to access the site. Only major breakdowns would necessitate the use of cranes and trucks. Facility re-powering The Wind turbines are expected to have a lifespan of approximately 25 years (with appropriate maintenance). The infrastructure would only be decommissioned once it has reached the end of its economic or technological life. If economically feasible, the disassembly and replacement of the individual components with more appropriate technology/infrastructure available at the time will take place.



3.3.5 Decommissioning of the Wind farm The infrastructure would only be decommissioned once it has reached the end of its economic or technological life. If economically feasible, the decommissioning activities would comprise the disassembly and replacement of the individual components with more appropriate technology/infrastructure available at the time. This operation is referred to as ‘facility re-powering’. However, if not deemed so, then the facility would be completely decommissioned which would include the following decommissioning activities. a) Site preparation

Activities would include confirming the integrity of the access to the site to accommodate the required equipment and the mobilisation of decommissioning equipment.

b) Disassemble all individual components

The components would be disassembled and reused and recycled or disposed of in accordance with regulatory requirements.

3.4 Wind Measurement It is necessary to erect a wind measurement mast to gather wind speed data and correlate these measurements with other meteorological data in order to produce a final wind model of the proposed project site. A measurement campaign of at least 12 months in duration is necessary to ensure verifiable data is obtained. This data will advise on the economics of the project and finalise the positions of the wind turbines. The masts are marked as per the requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority.

Figure 2-8: An example of a meteorological mast



4 PROJECT NEED & DESIRABILITY


(i) A description of the need and desirability of the proposed activity

The need and desirability of the proposed Umsobomvu WEF project can be demonstrated in the following main areas: • Move to green energy due to growing concerns associated with climate change and the on-

going exploitation of non-renewable resources. • Security of electricity supply, where over the last few years, South Africa has been adversely

impacted by interruptions in the supply of electricity. • Stimulation of the green economy where there is a high potential for new business

opportunities and job creation. The above main drivers for renewable energy projects are supported by the following recent International, National and Provincial (Northern Cape & Eastern Cape) policy documents.

4.1 International 4.1.1 The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) The UNFCCC is a framework convention which was adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. South Africa signed the UNFCCC in 1993 and ratified it in August 1997. The stated purpose of the UNFCCC is to, “achieve….stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”, and to thereby prevent human-induced climate change by reducing the production of greenhouse gases defined as, “those gaseous constituents of the atmosphere both natural and anthropogenic, that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation”. The UNFCCC is relevant in that the proposed Umsobomvu WEF project will contribute to a reduction in the production of greenhouse gases by providing an alternative to fossil fuel-derived electricity. South Africa has committed to reducing emissions to demonstrate its commitment to meeting international obligations. 4.1.2 The Kyoto Protocol (2002) The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the UNFCCC which was initially adopted for use on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, and which entered into force on 16 February 2005 (UNFCCC, 2009). The Kyoto Protocol is the chief instrument for tackling climate change. The major feature of the Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This amounts to an average of 5% against 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008-2011. The major distinction between the Protocol and the Convention is that, “while the Convention encouraged industrialised countries to stabilize GHG emissions, the Protocol commits them to do so”. The Kyoto Protocol is relevant in that the proposed Umsobomvu WEF project will contribute to a reduction in the production of greenhouse gases by providing an alternative to fossil fuel-derived electricity, and will assist South Africa to begin demonstrating its commitment to meeting international obligations in terms of reducing its emissions.



4.2 National 4.2.1 National Development Plan (2011) The National Development Plan (NDP) (also referred to as Vision 2030) is a detailed plan produced by the National Planning Commission in 2011 that is aimed at reducing and eliminating poverty in South Africa by 2030. The NDP represents a new approach by Government to promote sustainable and inclusive development in South Africa, promoting a decent standard of living for all, and includes 12 key focus areas, those relevant to the current proposed WEF being: • An economy that will create more jobs. • Improving infrastructure. • Transition to a low carbon economy.

Sector Target

Electrical infrastructure

• South Africa needs an additional 29,000 MW of electricity by 2030. About 10,900 MW of existing capacity will be retired, implying new build of about 40,000 MW.

• About 20,000 MW of this capacity should come from renewable sources.

Transition to a low carbon economy

• Achieve the peak, plateau and decline greenhouse gas emissions trajectory by 2025.

• About 20,000 MW of renewable energy capacity should be constructed by 2030.

4.2.2 National Climate Change Response White Paper (2012) The White Paper indicates that Government regards climate change as one of the greatest threats to sustainable development in South Africa and commits the country to making a fair contribution to the global effort to achieve the stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The White Paper also identifies various strategies in order to achieve its climate change response objectives, including: • The prioritisation of mitigation interventions that significantly contribute to an eventual decline

emission trajectory from 2036 onwards, in particular, interventions within the energy, transport and industrial sectors.

• The prioritisation of mitigation interventions that have potential positive job creation, poverty alleviation and/or general economic impacts. In particular, interventions that stimulate new industrial activities and those that improve the efficiency and competitive advantage of existing business and industry.

The White Paper provides numerous specific actions for various Key Mitigation Sectors including renewable energy. The following selected strategies (amongst others) must be implemented by South Africa in order to achieve its climate change response objectives: • The prioritisation of mitigation interventions that significantly contribute to a peak, plateau and

decline emission trajectory where greenhouse gas emissions peak in 2020 to 2025 at 34% and 42% respectively below a business as usual baseline, plateau to 2035 and begin declining in absolute terms from 2036 onwards, in particular, interventions within the energy, transport and industrial sectors.

• The prioritisation of mitigation interventions that have potential positive job creation, poverty alleviation and/or general economic impacts. In particular, interventions that stimulate new industrial activities and those that improve the efficiency and competitive advantage of existing business and industry.

The proposed Umsobomvu WEF project will provide an alternative to fossil fuel-derived electricity, and will contribute to climate change mitigation.