Proposed Xaris Walvis Bay Power Plant and Gas … · Proposed Xaris Walvis Bay Power Plant and Gas Supply Facility Environmental Impact Assessment Power Plant and Specific Associated

Proposed Xaris Walvis Bay Power

Plant and Gas Supply Facility

Environmental Impact Assessment

Power Plant and Specific

Associated Infrastructure

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EIA - Xaris Walvis Bay Power Plant and Gas Supply Facility: Power Plant

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April 2015

COPYRIGHT: ENVIRO DYNAMICS CC, 2015 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

PROJECT NAME Proposed Xaris Walvis Bay Power Plant and Gas

Supply Facility

STAGE OF REPORT Draft – for client review

CLIENT Xaris Energy Namibia (Pty) Ltd

Enquiries: Tilana de Meillon

Tel: +27-12-940 5293

E-Mail: [email protected]

LEAD CONSULTANT Enviro Dynamics cc

Enquiries: Norman van Zyl

Tel: +264-61-223 336

E-Mail: [email protected]

DATE OF RELEASE April 2015

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE

REPORT

Eloise Carstens, Quzette Bosman,

Sheldon Husselmann, Eddy Kuliwoye

Reviewer: Norman van Zyl

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Xaris Energy Namibia (Pty) Ltd (the proponent) intends to construct and manage an

Open Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant on 40 hectares of land in Walvis Bay, Namibia.

The power plant initially will be sized to be able to yield 300 MW of power to the

national grid of Namibia (please refer to the locality plan overleaf) (Figure A).

It is the intention of the proponent to offload Liquid Natural Gas from incoming

vessels, and to utilize a Floating Storage Regasification Unit for the storage and

regasification of the Liquefied Natural Gas. The extracted natural gas will then be

fed via a marine pipeline located on a light trestle (trestle jetty) (approximately 2.4

km) and the rest (approximately 12.5 km) on land to the power plant.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process was conducted and completed

in 2014 with the intention to apply for Environmental Clearance (EC). The client

decided to appoint Enviro Dynamics to continue with the application for EC in 2015

and comply with lender requirements with a second round of public consultation,

additional specialist studies and compiling three separate Environmental Assessment

Reports (each including its own Environmental Management Plan (EMP)).

Due to time constraints and to secure flexibility in applying for EC, the proponent, in

consultation with the Environmental Consultant and the Directorate of

Environmental Affairs, has opted to treat the major components of the project as

separate EIAs and EMPs, but with a combined public participation process. This EIA

therefore covers only the power plant and specific associated infrastructure of the

overall proposed project and serves as an application for EC as per the

Environmental Management Act, No 7 of 2007 for only these components. The other

components, i.e. the pipeline and the marine components will be submitted

separately and need to be approved before the project can be implemented.

During project planning, it was decided that one public participation process will be

carried out, combining all the project components to present the whole project to

the public. Site and press notices were placed informing and inviting the public to

take part in the process. Public and authority meetings were held and comments

and concerned synthesised into the assessment process. All issues and concerns

have been documented and are included in the report. Main concerns with

respect to the power plant have been highlighted and relate to the proposed

location, air quality, noise, visual impacts, civil aviation concerns and impacts

associated with water supply.

These concerns have been considered guided by a review of applicable legislation

and addressed further in an impact assessment. The impact assessment determined

that the impacts identified could be effectively addressed/mitigated so as to

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reduce their significance to an acceptable standard. Mitigation measures are

described in greater detail in the EMP.

The power plant and its specific associated infrastructure, as proposed in this report,

can be implemented with no significant impacts if executed according to the EMP

when Environmental Clearance has been approved.

It is therefore recommended that Environmental Clearance be granted for the

proposed power plant and specific associated infrastructure as described in this

report:

The construction of a 300 MW gas power plant;

The rezoning of the proposed site (if need be);

The construction of a wastewater treatment plant (including pipelines); and

The construction of a substation and overhead transmission cables to connect

to NamPower transmission lines.

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Figure A: Locality of the proposed overall project

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. ii

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES ................................................................................................ vii

LIST OF APPENDICES ................................................................................................................ ix

ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................................ x

1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................... 1

1.2 PROJECT LOCATION ................................................................................................. 1

1.3 TERMS OF REFERENCE ............................................................................................... 3

1.4 NEED AND DESIRABILITY ............................................................................................ 3

1.5 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 3

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 5

2.1 OVERALL PROJECT OVERVIEW ................................................................................ 5

2.1.1 FUEL SELECTION .................................................................................................. 6

2.1.2 KEY PROJECT COMPONENTS ............................................................................ 9

2.2 POWER PLANT AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ........................................... 10

2.2.1 POWER PLANT ................................................................................................... 10

2.2.2 ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE......................................................................... 13

2.2.3 WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE .................................................................... 15

2.2.4 CONSTRUCTION ............................................................................................... 19

2.2.5 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ................................................................... 20

2.2.6 DECOMMISSIONING ........................................................................................ 20

3 LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 21

3.1 NATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................... 21

3.2 INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 22

4 THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................... 27

4.1 NATIONAL POWER SUPPLY SITUATION ................................................................... 27

4.2 OVERVIEW WALVIS BAY ENVIRONMENT ............................................................... 27

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4.3 OVERVIEW OF PROJECT ENVIRONMENT .............................................................. 29

4.4 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF POWER PLANT AND WATER PIPELINE

ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................................................... 30

5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS ................................................................................ 38

5.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 38

5.2 PREVIOUSLY CONDUCTED PUBLIC CONSULTATION ............................................ 39

5.3 RECENTLY CONDUCTED PUBLIC CONSULTATION ................................................ 39

5.3.1 INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES (I&APs) ................................................. 39

5.3.2 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 40

5.4 PUBLIC FEEDBACK ................................................................................................... 46

5.5 PUBLIC CONCERN ................................................................................................... 46

6 ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................................. 49

6.1 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................ 49

6.2 ‘NO GO’ ALTERNATIVE ........................................................................................... 49

6.3 ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS ....................................................................................... 50

6.4 ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN ........................................................... 53

6.4.1 AERODERIVIATIVE VS HEAVY FRAME INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINES ............... 53

6.4.2 OPEN-CYCLE GAS TURBINE (OGCT) VS COMBINED CYCLE GAS TURBINE

(CCGT) CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................. 55

6.4.3 WATER FROM A PROPOSED DESALINATION PLANT VS. WATER FROM THE

WALVIS BAY MUNICIPAL WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT (WWTP) ........................ 57

7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................... 60

7.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 60

7.2 METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................... 60

7.2.1 OVERALL APPROACH ...................................................................................... 60

7.2.2 MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES .............................................. 62

7.2.3 MONITORING .................................................................................................... 62

7.2.4 DISCUSSION ...................................................................................................... 73

8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................ 75

9 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 76

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LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1: Relevant IFC performance standards .............................................................. 23

Table 2: Summary weather statistics for Walvis Bay ...................................................... 28

Table 3: Summary description of key environmental features pertaining to the

Power Plant and Water Pipeline environment ................................................ 30

Table 4: Description of environmental sensitivities and associated impacts

pertaining to the proposed project .................................................................. 35

Table 5: Identification of Interested and Affected Parties ........................................... 40

Table 6: Notifications placed in the press ....................................................................... 41

Table 7: Summary of the meeting conducted at national, regional and local level ..

............................................................................................................................... 44

Table 8: Summary of issues raised during the consultation process ........................... 47

Table 9: Comparison of risk factors associated with the potential location of the

proposed power plant .................................................................................... 52

Table 10: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use of an aeroderivative

vs. heavy frame industrial gas turbines ......................................................... 53

Table 11: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use of OCGT vs CCGT

configuration .................................................................................................... 55

Table 12: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use different water

sources. ............................................................................................................. 57

Table 13: Description of criteria used to define the significance of the impacts ... 61

Table 14: Assessment of potential impacts ................................................................... 63

Figure 1: Three EIA components of the entire project ................................................. 2

Figure 2: The Environmental Assessment Process .......................................................... 4

Figure 3: Components of raw natural gas (source: www.naturalgas.org) ............... 6

Figure 4: Carbon footprint of various fuels in power generation (Xaris Energy (Pty)

Ltd)) ..................................................................................................................... 8

Figure 5: Global LNG supply market predictions .......................................................... 8

Figure 6: Key project components and technologies ................................................. 9

Figure 7: Conceptual layout of the proposed power plant ..................................... 10

Figure 8: Processes of a gas turbine associated with the open-cycle mode ........ 12

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Figure 9: Inner components of a gas turbine .............................................................. 13

Figure 10: Preliminary flow scheme and mass balance (figures m3/h) ..................... 16

Figure 11: View from the proposed site westward toward Dune 7 ............................ 32

Figure 12: View of the proposed site from the west ..................................................... 32

Figure 13: Birds paradise artificial wetland .................................................................... 32

Figure 14: Land use surrounding the proposed site and pipeline route .................... 33

Figure 15: Biophysically sensitive areas affected by the propsed project ................ 34

Figure 16: Public Meeting in Walvis Bay ......................................................................... 43

Figure 17: Alternative locations for the power plant considered during the

NamPower tendering process (Site 1 is the preferred alternative for this

project) ............................................................................................................. 51

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Environmental Management Plan

Appendix B Public Consultation Process

Appendix C Legal Framework

Appendix D Specialist Reports

Appendix E Overall Project Alternatives

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ABBREVIATIONS

AIDS Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome

BID Background Information Document

CAGR Compounded Annual Growth Rate

CCGT Combined Cycle Gas Turbine

CO Carbon monoxide

DEA Directorate of Environmental Affairs

EC Environmental Clearance

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMA Environmental Management Act 7 of 2007

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPC Engineering, Procurement and Construction

FSRU Floating Storage Regasification Unit

GE General Electric

HIV Human Immuno-deficiency Virus

HRSG Heat Recovery Steam Generator

I&AP Interested and Affected Party

IFC International Finance Corporation

LNG Liquid Natural Gas

LNGC Liquid Natural Gas Carrier

MET Ministry of Environmental and Tourism

MTPA Mega Tons Per Annum

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MW Mega Watt

NOx Nitrogen Oxides

NSA Namibia Statistics Agency

OCGT Open-Cycle Gas Turbine

O&M Operation and Maintenance

PPA Power Purchase Agreement

RA Roads Authority

SANS South African National Standard

SAPP South African Power Pool

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SSV Safety Shutoff Valve

TB Tuberculosis

uPCV Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride

WBM Walvis Bay Municipality

WBMC Walvis Bay Municipal Council

WHO World Health Organisation

WWTP Waste Water Treatment Plant

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1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter aims to introduce the proposed project and Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA), providing a brief overview of the key processes while laying the

background for the more detailed discussions to follow in the next chapter.

1.1 BACKGROUND

Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd, a Namibian company, intends to develop, construct, operate

and maintain a Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) import and regasification terminal in the

Walvis Bay North Port area. The regasified natural gas will be used as fuel for an

open cycle gas fired power plant able to deliver 300 MW approximately 12 km east

of the port. The development will comprise the following components:

Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU),

Light marine trestle (trestle jetty) and overland pipelines for transporting the

gas,

Open cycle gas turbine power plant and water treatment plant.

Due to time constraints and to secure flexibility in applying for environmental

clearance, the proponent, in consultation with the Directorate of Environmental

Affairs and Enviro Dynamics, has opted to treat the major components of the project

as separate EIAs and EMPs, but with a combined public participation process (Figure

1). Each EIA component is mentioned below. This document contains the findings

of EIA 3, fitting into the overall project environmental assessment process as outlined

below:

EIA 1: Ship based processes on-board the FSRU, berthing area of the FSRU and

transport of the gas from the ship along a trestle jetty to the port premises

(including associated dredging activities);

EIA 2: Overland pipeline from the port premises to the power plant (including

the port premises);

EIA 3: Power plant including treatment plant for the refinement of semi-

purified effluent from the Walvis Bay Municipal Waste Water Treatment Plant

(WWTP).

1.2 PROJECT LOCATION

Xaris intends constructing and managing an Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT)

power plant on 40 hectares of land within the proposed heavy industrial zone of the

Walvis Bay Municipality (Farm 58), just east of Dune 7 and in the Dorob National

Park.

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Figure 1: Three EIA components of the entire project

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EIA - Xaris Walvis Bay Gas Fired Power Plant and Gas Supply Facility: Power Plant

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1.3 TERMS OF REFERENCE

The EIA had been conducted in terms of the requirements as stipulated in the

Environmental Management Act (EMA) which were used to guide this EIA process.

The scope of work for EIA 3 relates only to the proposed power plant (and specific

associated infrastructure). During the assessment consideration was given to the

receiving environment (baseline description of the environment); alternatives to and

within the proposed project as well as the legal framework.

A public participation process was also conducted in accordance with the EMA for

the entire project. The results of the public participation process were integrated

with the above mentioned considerations and addressed in the Impact assessment

chapter (Chapter 7) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) (see APPENDIX A).

1.4 NEED AND DESIRABILITY

Namibia is currently a net importer of power from the Southern African Power Pool

(SAPP). In the short and medium term this supply pool is severely constrained due to

pressure from demand growth in the region and lack of expansion to the required

infrastructure to support this. Namibia is expected to face a supply deficit by mid-

2016 when key contracts with neighbouring suppliers expire and therefore requires

the development of additional base load generation capacity that will allow the

country to move toward an acceptable level of autonomy from its neighbours.

It is for this reason that NamPower has called for tenders to supply short-term critical

energy until the Kudu gas power project starts functioning in 2018 and in conjunction

with this thereafter. Xaris have embarked on the development of a suitable power

generation project that addresses the NamPower and country requirements. The

project will improve the reliability and stability of the power supply system to meet

the power shortage in the country. The project also makes provision for the

incorporation of natural gas from the Kudu gas project, which may become

available within the region.

1.5 METHODOLOGY

The usual procedure for conducting an Environmental Assessment is described in

Figure 2 below. The procedure is based on the requirements of the EMA and its

regulations. The EIA team is responsible for coordinating the process as an entity,

which is independent from the project proponent.

An EIA process was conducted and completed in 2014 with the intention to apply

for Environmental Clearance (EC). The client decided to appoint Enviro Dynamics

to continue with the application for EC and comply with lender requirements in 2015

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by a second round of public consultation, additional specialist studies and compiling

three separate Environmental Assessment Reports (each including its own EMP).

During the inception/internal scoping meeting it was decided to continue

immediately with a full EIA due to the historical environmental assessment process

(Scoping) which had been conducted. Specialist studies, previously conducted,

were considered during the compilation of this report. These include:

Air quality impact assessment (see APPENDIX D);

Water balance impact assessment (see APPENDIX D);

Noise impact assessment (see APPENDIX D); and

Civil aviation impact assessment (see APPENDIX D).

This EIA followed the steps described in Figure 2 except for the report that is usually

produced at the end of the Scoping Phase. Since there was a previous combined

EIA and scoping done, the DEA advised that a full EIA could now follow on that

work. The proceedings required for the Scoping Report have been fully

incorporated in this final EIA Report.

Figure 2: The Environmental Assessment Process

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2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Xaris provided a project description, which has been detailed below. This includes a

brief overall project description followed by a specific project component

description. The purpose of Chapter 2 is to glean aspects of the project that may

potentially affect the social and biophysical environment.

2.1 OVERALL PROJECT OVERVIEW

From receiving the Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) by means of LNG Carrier (LNGC)

vessels to generating 300 MW of electricity, the following processes are applied:

Liquid Natural Gas is transferred from the LNGC vessel to a permanently

moored Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) located approximately 2.4

km from the shore within the Port of Walvis Bay SADC Gateway.

Steam from the FSRU boilers is used to heat sea water circulated through the

shell-and-tube vaporizers in the regasification plant. This increase in the

temperature of the LNG results in the LNG to change from liquid to gaseous

form.

The gas is then conveyed to shore via a trestle pipeline to the control station

on land. A subsurface pipeline of 12.5 km conveys the gas further to the

power plant in the proposed heavy industrial area behind Dune 7 (Figure 1).

In terms of land acquisition and required approvals Xaris Energy has secured or is in

the process of securing the following:

The proposed site for the power plant: The Walvis Bay Municipal Council

(WBMC) has resolved to conclude a lease agreement with a purchase option

for the site as soon as possible. This is structured as a tri-partite agreement

including government as signatory until the site is fully transferred to the

Council.

The proclamation of the heavy industrial zone and rezoning of the allocated

land: In progress.

Way leaves for the port premises (on land), gas and water pipelines:

Negotiations with Namport, Walvis Bay Municipality (WBM), Roads Authority,

Government and NamPower respectively in progress.

A port usage agreement: Negotiations with Namport in progress for the usage

of the marine area in the Port (i.e. not including dry land).

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2.1.1 FUEL SELECTION

2.1.1.1 PROPERTIES OF NATURAL GAS

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is found in porous geological reserves beneath the

earth’s surface. In a gas state it consists of a blend of combustible hydrocarbon and

non-hydrocarbon gases including methane, ethane, propane, butane, and

pentane (Figure 3).

When chilled to extremely low temperatures (-162 °C), the gas liquefies and has a

600 fold reduction in volume. This allows for the effective storage and transportation

of a fuel with a much higher energy density (Chan, Hartline, Hurley, & Struzziery,

2004).

A typical liquefaction consists of the following processes:

The gas is extracted and transported to a processing plant.

It is purified by removing any condensates such as water, oil, mud, as well as

other gases such as CO2 and H2S.

Trace amounts of mercury is removed from the gas stream to prevent mercury

from reacting with aluminium in the cryogenic heat exchangers.

The gas is then cooled down in stages until it is liquefied.

Natural Gas is finally stored in storage tanks and can be loaded and shipped.

The natural gas liquefaction process inherently produces a product with

reduced contaminants due to the phase change of the gas.

Typical regasification is achieved through heating the liquid natural gas so that it

expands and changes form from liquid to gas.

Natural Gas has the following properties which makes it the ideal fuel source:

It is odourless, colourless, non-corrosive and dissipates when spilled.

The propagation speed of its flame is approximately 40 cm/second which is

why it is called a “lazy flame”. A large amount of energy is stored in Natural

gas which makes it a good fuel source but because of the slow propagation

Figure 3: Components of raw natural gas (source: www.naturalgas.org)

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speed, the energy in Natural Gas cannot be released rapidly enough to

create an explosion in an unconfined space.

Natural gas can only burn if the concentration ratio of Natural Gas to air is

within the flammable range of 5 percent to 15 percent. For Natural Gas to

burn, it must first vaporize (return to a gaseous state), then mix with air in the

proper proportions and then be ignited. If a leak occurs in the storage

containers or pipeline, Natural Gas vaporizes rapidly, turning into a gas

(methane plus trace gases), and mixing with air. Only if this mixture is within

the flammable range (temperature) will there be a risk of ignition, but not

explosion.

Natural Gas has a high ignition temperature and cannot be ignited

unintentionally.

When burning, the reaction yields carbon dioxide and water. All free carbon

is consumed which is why it does not create black smoke.

No chemicals or high pressures are used in the regasification or liquefaction

process of Natural Gas.

Because Natural Gas is lighter than water it will not mix when spilled in water.

It will float on top until it evaporates, leaving no residue behind.

2.1.1.2 CARBON EMISSIONS

The carbon content of Natural Gas is typically between 60-70% and hence the

products of natural gas combustion contain less Carbon Dioxide than fuels with

higher carbon content. As illustrated in Figure 4, for an equivalent amount of heat,

burning natural gas produces about 30 percent less carbon dioxide than burning

petroleum and about 45 percent less than burning coal (Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd).

Natural gas typically has low sulphur levels (0.05 to 0.18% by mass) and therefore

emissions of SOx from natural gas combustion are low. Because natural gas is a

gaseous fuel, filterable Particulate Matter (PM) emissions are also typically low. NOx

emissions are controlled by the use of Dry Low NOx technologies and or turbine

water injection.

Natural gas exists as a vapour at normal conditions and therefore any potential loss

of gas would result in air emissions (Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd). Gas loss would typically be

detected by pipeline pressure drop, in which case the pipeline will be shut off from

the supply and investigated to ensure no further loss of product and reduced

environmental impact. Natural gas has a very limited risk of soil and groundwater

pollution.

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2.1.1.3 NATURAL GAS MARKETS

World trade in Natural Gas has more than tripled over the last 15 years, moving from

an annual trade of 66 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) in 1997 to 240 MTPA in

2013 (Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd).

The Natural Gas market has been regionally split into the Atlantic Basin and Pacific

Basin Markets. The Atlantic Basin is historically dominated by European buyers and

the Pacific Basin dominated by Japanese and Korean buyers. The highest portion of

global imports are attributed to the Pacific Basin (181.50 MMTPA) whereas the

Atlantic Basin imports account for 62.05MMTPA (Figure 5).

Projections over the years 2015 to 2021 period indicate that supply will grow with a

compounded annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 8.7%, from 264 MTPA in 2015 to 436

MTPA.

Figure 5: Global LNG supply market predictions

Figure 4: Carbon footprint of various fuels in power generation (Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd))

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2.1.1.4 COMPATIBILITY WITH KUDU GAS

The selected technologies fully support the development of the Kudu gas field as the

Power Plant is flexible with respect to the proposed load factor. This means that

once the Kudu gas project becomes operational, liquefied gas from the Kudu gas

field can be supplied to the FSRU for use at the power plant. Furthermore any future

gas infrastructural development in the region would seamlessly integrate with gas

supply from the Kudu Fields.

The skills developed and utilised in the construction and operation of the plant, as

well as the FSRU, overland and marine gas pipeline, will be invaluable in the

development of skills for the Kudu gas field and any future Power Plant Projects.

2.1.2 KEY PROJECT COMPONENTS

The overall proposed project will consist of the following components (Figure 6):

Ship based processes on board the FSRU including cooling water discharge,

berthing infrastructure to safely moor the FSRU and LNGC for regasification

and transport of the gas from the ship along a trestle jetty to the port premises

(including associated dredging activities);

Overland pipelines for transporting the gas to the power plant

Open cycle gas turbine power plant and water treatment plant.

Fuel storage

and

regasification

Fuel transport

to port

Overland fuel

transport to power

plant

300 MW gas fired

power plant for power

generation

Power into the grid

The next section provides more information on the power plant and specific

associated infrastructure as the focus of this report.

Figure 6: Key project components and technologies

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2.2 POWER PLANT AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE

2.2.1 POWER PLANT

2.2.1.1 SITE LOCATION

The proposed site for the Power Plant is located within the proposed heavy industrial

area within the Walvis Bay Townlands (Farm 58). The site comprises a footprint area

of 16 ha (on a 40 ha piece of land). The balance of land is for possible future

expansion. This area will initially be leased with an option to purchase as soon as it

becomes available.

The conceptual layout takes into consideration key aspects such as fuel supply,

power evacuation and future expansion of the power plant (Figure 7).

The site has been selected due to the:

Close proximity to existing and planned services corridors and servitudes,

Proximity to road infrastructure,

Earmarked industrial site,

Close proximity to132kV sub-station planned,

Close proximity to port.

Figure 7: Conceptual layout of the proposed power plant

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The WBMC has resolved that the site will be allocated

for the Xaris Energy power project. Xaris Energy has

subsequently commenced to negotiate a lease

agreement and offer to a purchase option as soon as

possible which has been received favourably by the

WBM and the WBMC. The proclamation of the heavy

industrial zone and rezoning of the allocated land and

way leaves for the gas and water pipelines are also in

progress. Xaris is also engaging with Government in this

regard. Consultations with the Roads Authority (RA)

regarding access to the proposed site from the District

Road D1984 are underway.

What is the difference

between an open and a

closed gas turbine?

During an open-cycle

combustion process

some of the heat

generated is lost through

exhaust fumes. A

combined cycle is able

to make use of some of

this heat and is thus more

efficient.

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2.2.1.2 PROCESS DESIGN

The power generation is based on an Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) design,

which will utilise natural gas as the source of fuel. The Gas turbines will be operated

in an open-cycle mode (Figure 8) with space and equipment provisions for future

conversion to combined-cycle if required. This technology selection was made as it

is a simple, robust technology with LM6000 units deployed all over the world (more

than 1100 units produced with 25 million fired hours).

The open-cycle mode includes the following processes:

Piped gas is supplied to the power plant through the receiving and metering

station.

Fuel is distributed to six LM6000PC SPRINT gas turbines.

The fuel is used to turn a generator rotor that produces electricity.

A compressor sucks air in from the atmosphere and compresses it through a

number of compressor stages.

Fuel is then pumped into a combustion chamber and mixed with the

compressed air.

The fuel/air mixture is ignited to form hot, high velocity gas.

This gas is passed through turbine blades that turn the shaft that is attached to

the rotor of the generator.

The rotor turns inside the stator and electricity is generated.

This electricity is then distributed via the high voltage network to where it is

needed

Figure 8: Processes of a gas turbine associated with the open-cycle mode

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2.2.1.3 OPEN-CYCLE GAS TURBINES (OCGTs)

Each turbine (Figure 9) will generate 42.2 to 49.4 MW of electrical power. The

efficiency of the turbine is partly determined by the temperatures at which it

operates, with higher temperatures leading to higher efficiency. Gas temperatures

at the turbine inlet can reach up to 1400 ˚C. In order to protect the components

from thermal damage, evaporative SPRINT air-cooled technology will be used to

cool the condenser down.

Nonetheless, the temperatures associated with exhaust gas leaving the turbine will

remain in the range of 600 ºC. Should a combined cycle configuration be

implemented later on, the waste heat expelled through the exhaust stack (15 m

high) can be recovered and utilised for the production of electricity, thereby

improving the efficiency of the power plant.

In order to control mono-nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, demineralised water

(treated to be of boiler-quality) is injected into the turbine either upstream of the low

pressure compressor or between the low pressure and high pressure compressors.

This cools the combustion flame temperature to reduce the formation of NOx. Once

injected to the combustor the demineralised water is exhausted to atmosphere in

the form of steam.

The turbine and generators will be housed in enclosures designed to reduce noise

levels.

2.2.2 ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

2.2.2.1 220 kV SUBSTATION

The generated power will be distributed via a high voltage 220 kV substation

located within the site boundary.

Figure 9: Inner components of a gas turbine

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The substation will comprise an outdoor double bus substation, which includes:

6 generator incoming bays, including link to the Generator Step-Up (GSU)

transformer;

1 bus coupler bay;

2 outgoing 220 kV line bays; and

2 station transformer bays.

The power will be connected to a double 220kV transmission line connected to

feeder bays within 220 kV NamPower Kuiseb substation, to be constructed in the

near future.

Two emergency diesel generators will be provided for safe shutdown of the power

plant (1000 kVA with step up to 6.6 kV and closed transition change over at 6.6 kV).

The units shall consist of a diesel engine directly coupled to a generator, mounted

on a common steel base with a fuel tank and a self-contained enclosure. In case of

failure of normal power supply the diesel generators shall start automatically to

supply power to the essential loads of the power plant for a safe shutdown.

11.5 kV power generated per gas turbine is reticulated using 11 kV single core

cables in trefoil on racks to the generator circuit breaker and GSU.

2.2.2.2 POWER PLANT AUXILIARY POWER INSTALLATION

Part of the electricity produced is consumed by the power plant’s auxiliary system.

Typically, an auxiliary system includes components such as pumps, fans and soot

blowers, most of which are driven by motors. The auxiliary system proposed consists

of:

2 station transformers (10 MVA 220/6.6 kV),

Station medium voltage panel,

6 auxiliary transformers,

2 auxiliary main distribution boards (each 3-section with bus couplers),

2 emergency diesel generators (1000 kVA with step up to 6.6 kV and closed

transition change over at 6.6 kV),

Medium voltage and low voltage power cabling,

Uninterruptible power supply systems – 20 kVA uninterruptible power supply

system for each of distributed control system and Admin,

Earthing grid and lightning protection,

Building lighting and small power,

Street and area lighting, and

Security.

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2.2.3 WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE

Namibia has limited freshwater resources for both human consumption as well as

industrial development, impacting negatively on its growth potential. The power

plant has a demineralised water consumption requirement of 850 000 m3/annum

(approximately 3730 m3/day of raw effluent translating to approximately 2400

m3/day of demineralised water) (Figure 10).

The power plant’s water demand will be supplied by a demineralisation plant,

constructed on-site, that will treat raw effluent. This effluent will be obtained directly

from the Municipal WWTP inlet pipe (feed) within the Municipal WWTP premises,

which is under the ownership of the Water, Waste and Environmental Management

Department of the WBM. The effluent will be transferred via a pipeline

approximately 12.8 km in length. This pipeline will have right of access within the

boundary of the road reserve and NamPower Transmission servitude, as provided

and approved by the WBM, RA and NamPower. The artificial wetland/ Birds

Paradise will be affected in terms of available water in the short-term, however the

water quality of the wetland will not be affected. This issue has been addressed in a

specialist investigation (see APPENDIX D) in Chapter 7 below and the EMP (see

APPENDIX A).

2.2.3.1 POTABLE WATER

Potable water will be provided by a municipal water connection. Potable water will

be transferred to standpipes and buildings via High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

pipes as required. This water will be used for domestic purposes only. Potable water

piping will be mechanically protected where installed on pipe racks.

2.2.3.2 DEMINERALISATION WATER SYSTEM

The demineralisation plant and 48 hour water storage is provided for the purposes of

evaporative cooling, NOx control (through water injection), fire control and wash

water as required by the turbines. Two 1 500 m3 demineralisation water storage

tanks will be provided. The demineralised water consumption will be approximately

100 m3/hr (Figure 10).

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Planned Scenario All black figures m3/d

All red figures mg/l

1381 1979.0 1979.0 m3/d 2479.0

4409 4109.805 TDS: 3316 4236.068

597.7

3418.3

1673 m3/d 1673 m

3/d 2465

TDS: 3418 mg/l TDS: 2758 mg/l 4403.902

6000 500 792

4409 ?? m3/d 7879 7879

2270 TDS

3418.3

37.3 m3/d

1292 m3/d

TDS 7879 mg/l

3730 m3/d 3692 m

3/d 2400 m

3/d

TDS 3418 mg/l 2757.744 mg/l

WAS Rate: 1% RO Recovery: 65%

Located at WWTP Located at Power Plant

To Turbine

Reverse Osmosis

Ultra Filtration

Bio-reactor

Electro Deionisatio

WAS to Disposal

WWTP Feed Trickling Filters

Wetland Disposal

Irrigation

Softener

Pasveer

Figure 10: Water balance for the proposed use of raw effluent from the Municipal WWTP

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A demineralisation plant with two treatment processes (trains), each capable of

running at full duty capacity (or three trains each having half duty capacity) will be

provided.

The original equipment manufacturer (General Electric (GE)) scope includes the

demineralised water booster pumps at each turbine. Demineralised water will be

transferred via unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)/ polypropylene piping

(mechanically protected where installed on pipe racks).

The demineralised water system will consist of two pipelines – one to supply the

demineralisation plant with the treated effluent and a second for the distribution of

the brine (i.e. wastewater produced after demineralisation). The brine returning from

the power plant is split between the Municipal irrigation system and the discharge

pipeline to the artificial wetlands (Figure 10). This is to ensure that both streams out

of the WWTP (irrigation and discharge to the wetlands) remain within the WBM

effluent discharge permit requirements. The supply pipe will be sized to

accommodate 3700 m3/day while the brine return pipeline will be sized to

accommodate 1300 m3/day. uPVC pipes will be utilised and will adhere to the

South African National Standard (SANS) 966 Part 1.

From the Municipal WWTP, the water pipelines run between the southern border of

the B2 Trunk Road servitude and the northern border of the Municipal WWTP (Figure

14). The pipelines then run eastbound along the southern boundary of the C14 Main

Road servitude between the road reserve and NamPower Transmission servitude.

The pipelines then cross the D1983 District Road, before turning northwards and

crossing the C14 east of the intersection with the D1984 District Road and continuing

northbound along the eastern boundary of this D1984 (Figure 14). The total length of

the proposed pipeline route is 12.8 km. Consultations with the RA regarding road

crossings are underway.

The use of raw effluent from the Municipal WWTP will have several advantages.

These include a reduction in flow delivered to the wetland by 2 400 m3 per day,

which will reduce the problem of the wetlands encroaching on the road and

planned developments. Furthermore this will result in a reduction in the current

mosquito problem and the generation of hydrogen sulphide and its associated

effects.

2.2.3.3 FIRE WATER SYSTEM

A fire water system built to the United States National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA) standards will be provided.

The system includes an electric fire pump, diesel back-up pump and two jockey

pumps. The fire/potable water storage will be suitably rated to NFPA standards.

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One 2 500 m3 tank will be provided, with space provided for a second tank if

required in future. The upper section of each tank is intended for potable water

storage but is available for use as fire water if required. The fire water storage will be

reviewed and amended if necessary during the detailed design phase.

A fire water ring main of 300 mm diameter will be provided. The fire water ring main

will be HDPE below ground and steel above ground.

The fire water system includes 4 hour storage as required, outdoor hydrants,

transformer spray systems and indoor hose reels.

2.2.3.4 Waste Water (WAS)

Construction phase waste water shall be managed and treated by the Engineering,

Procurement and Construction Contractor.

Operational phase waste water will be treated as follows:

A used wash water tank will be provided per turbine. The used wash water will

be passed through an oil water separator. The oil will be reclaimed and the

remaining wash water, if of a suitable water quality, will be discharged along

with the brine stream from the water treatment plant located at the proposed

site. In the event that the wash water quality is deemed unsuitable, it will be

removed by an appropriate, registered waste water services provider; and

An oil water separator, sumps and submersible pumps will be provided for the

oily waste water system.

2.2.3.5 UTILITY SERVICES

The following utility services will be provided at the power plant:

UTILITY SERVICE DESCRIPTION

Gas system Gas intake header, safety shutoff valve, gas pressure let down,

metering, gas heating and distribution pipework.

Raw/service/ water Incoming pipework from intake point at Municipal WWTP, raw

water tank (shared with fire water), treatment to boiler

standards for and distribution to service points.

Potable water Potable water pipes connected to existing municipal potable

water network and distributed to buildings and standpipes.

Fire water system One raw/fire water tank (2 500 m3), fire water pumps (electric,

diesel and 2 by jockey pumps), fire ring main with hydrants, hose

reels and building supply points.

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UTILITY SERVICE DESCRIPTION

Demineralised water

system

Demineralised water plant, storage and distribution to points of

use.

Instrument and service air 2 by 100% (or 3 by 50%) filter, compressor, dryer, fine filter trains,

instrument air distribution ring with buffer vessel to moderate

pressure, service and pulse filter cleaning air distribution ring and

service air supply to the maintenance building.

Waste wash water system Pumps and pipework for collection from the Generating

Turbines (GT) to an underground tank.

Oily waste water system Collection sumps in the transformer bunded area and GT area.

Sumps Sumps fitted with submersible pumps to pump to oily water

separator. The hazardous waste (oily water) will be removed by

registered service providers.

Sewage collection and

treatment system

Treated on site using a packaged sewage treatment plant –

trickling filter system. Sewage will be treated to near potable

standards and remain on-site (i.e. will not be connected to the

municipal sewage system).

Civil works Bulk earthworks, major equipment foundations (GT, stacks, GSU

transformer and station transformers), roads and parking,

perimeter fencing, minor equipment plinths and rainwater

2.2.4 CONSTRUCTION

The detailed Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the power plant

will be outsourced by Xaris to Garanti Koza Energy (GKE) (EPC Contractor).

Building materials will be sourced locally where possible. Local sourced materials will

be tracked and reported on during project implementation.

At the peak of the construction phase, the total number of workers employed

(skilled and unskilled) will be approximately 400. These workers will be sourced

locally as far as possible. Migrant labour will be accommodated at a temporary (for

the duration of construction period) construction accommodation facility on the

remainder of the proposed power plant farm, which will be supplied with formal

accommodation, ablution and cooking facilities, basic medical services and

transport. Labour sourced from Walvis Bay will not reside at the construction

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accommodation facility. Local sourced labour will be tracked and reported on

during project implementation.

The estimated time for construction (from site establishment to final commissioning) is

12 – 18 months. Xaris intends to commence with construction in June 2015.

The current total estimated cost for the EPC is US$250 million.

2.2.5 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Approximately 49 permanent staff will be employed during the operation and

maintenance phase of the proposed power plant. Approximate 75% of these

employees (+/- 37) will be sourced locally.

The planning, construction and operation of the proposed power plant will have to

be executed in accordance with a related legal framework. This framework is

presented in the following section.

The current estimated total annual cost for operation and maintenance of the

power plant and its specific associated infrastructure is US$26 million.

2.2.6 DECOMMISSIONING

It is envisaged that the proposed power plant will continue as long as the town

exists, hence decommissioning is not expected. However measures will be

prescribed in the EMP (APPENDIX A) in the event that the proposed power plant

needs to be decommissioned.

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3 LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

3.1 NATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The Environmental Management Act (EMA) (Act No. 7 of 2007) Government Notice

No. 29 of 2012 stipulates, which activities require an Environmental Clearance

Certificate in Namibia. In terms of this assessment and proposed power plant and

specific associated infrastructure the following activities apply:

Activity 1. The construction of facilities for –

(a) the generation of electricity.

A permit will need to be secured from the Electricity Control Board for the

generation of electricity.

Activity 5.1: The rezoning of land from –

(d) use of nature conservation or zoned open space to any other land use.

The proposed site for the power plant falls within a nature conservation area (Dorob

National Park). The land ownership and zoning details of the land are yet to be

finalised. The Municipal Council has however approved that the use may continue

while these statutory matters are being processed. This EIA needs to consider the

suitability of the proposed power plant on the land in question, even though it has

already been earmarked industrial activity according to the Walvis Bay Spatial

Development Framework.

Activity 8.6 Construction of industrial and domestic wastewater treatment plants and

related pipeline systems.

The relevant permits should be obtained by the Walvis Bay Council WWTP and Xaris

from the Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry.

Activity 9.3 The storage or handling of a dangerous goods, including petrol, diesel,

liquid petroleum gas or paraffin, in containers with a combined capacity of more

than 30 cubic meters at any one location.

Activity 10.1 The construction of –

(a) cable ways.

Transmission cables will be laid within the power plant site.

A more detailed treatment of the information summarised above can be found in

APPENDIX C.

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3.2 INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Relevant SANS need to be adhered to with respect to noise and air quality

concerns.

The International Finance Corporation has compiled a series of performance

standards and guidelines to assure accountability in the financing process in terms of

the socio-economic and biophysical environment. The relevance of these

performance standards to this project is set out below in Table 1.

The IFC Guidelines provide a particular focus on:

On-shore oil and gas development, which cover matters such as:

o Air emissions;

o Wastewater/ effluent discharges;

o Solid and liquid waste management;

o Noise generation;

o Terrestrial impacts and project footprint; and

o Spills

Waste Management Facilities, which cover waste generated by:

o Human dwellings;

o Construction sites;

o Power plants; and

o Wastewater treatment plants.

Water and sanitation, which cover matters such as:

o Transport, treatment, storage and disposal of residential wastewater;

and

o Transport, treatment, storage and disposal of industrial wastewater

New thermal power plants, which cover matters such as:

o Air and water quality and associated monitoring and reporting; and

o Considerations for Environmental Assessments.

The guidelines listed above have been addressed in the EMP (APPENDIX A).

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Table 1: Relevant IFC performance standards

PERFORMANCE

STANDARD

FOCUS AREA AND DESCRIPTION RELEVANCE AND REQUIREMENTS ADDRESSED IN

1: So

cia

l a

nd

En

viro

nm

en

tal

Ass

ess

me

nt

an

d M

an

ag

em

en

t

Syst

em

s:

Emphasizes “the importance of managing social and

environmental performance throughout the life of a

project”.

The management process of “plan, implement, check

and act entails the thorough assessment of potential

social and environmental impacts and risks from the early

stages of project development and provides order and

consistency for mitigation and managing these on an

ongoing basis”.

Limited relevance, which is likely only to indirectly

enhance long term socio-economic conditions.

Establish and maintain a Social and Environmental

Management System that is applicable to the size

and nature of the project.

Require Social and Environmental Assessment,

relevant Management Plan, organizational

capacity, training, community engagement,

monitoring and reporting

Chapter 5

EMP

(APPENDIX A)

2: La

bo

ur

an

d W

ork

ing

Co

nd

itio

ns

Acknowledges “that the pursuit of economic growth

through employment creation and income generation

should be balanced with protection for basic rights of

workers”.

A “sound worker-management relationship is a key

ingredient to the sustainability of the enterprise”.

Adopt a human resources policy appropriate to

the project size that sets out its approach to

managing employees in conformance with the

IFC requirements

EMP

(APPENDIX A)

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PERFORMANCE

STANDARD

FOCUS AREA AND DESCRIPTION RELEVANCE AND REQUIREMENTS ADDRESSED IN 3: P

ollu

tio

n P

rev

en

tio

n a

nd

Ab

ate

me

nt

Recognizes “that increased industrial activity and

urbanization often generate increased levels of pollution

to air, water and land that may threaten people and the

environment at the local, regional and global level”.

Outlines “a project approach” towards “pollution

prevention and abatement” in line with “internationally

disseminated technologies and practices”.

Managed through the Social and Environmental

Management Systems and must be incorporated

therein.

Chapter 6

and 7

EMP

(APPENDIX A)

4:

Co

mm

un

ity H

ea

lth

, Sa

fety

an

d

Se

cu

rity

“acknowledges the public authorities’ role in promoting

the health, safety and security of the public”,

“addresses the clients responsibility to avoid or minimize

the risks and impacts to community health, safety and

security that may arise from project activities”.



therein.

Entails adherence to Environmental Health and

Safety Guidelines for:

Thermal Power Plants;

Onshore Oil and Gas Development;

Waste Management Facilities; and

Water and Sanitation.

Chapter 6

and 7

EMP

(APPENDIX A)

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PERFORMANCE

STANDARD

FOCUS AREA AND DESCRIPTION RELEVANCE AND REQUIREMENTS ADDRESSED IN 5: La

nd

Ac

qu

isitio

n a

nd

Invo

lun

tary

Re

sett

lem

en

t

Recognizes that “project-related land acquisition and

restrictions on land use can have adverse impacts on

communities and persons that use this land. Involuntary

resettlement refers both to physical displacement

(relocation or loss of shelter) and to economic

displacement (loss of assets or access to assets that leads

to loss of income sources or other means of livelihood1)

as a result of project-related land acquisition and/or

restrictions on land use.

The Project site is situated within the Dorob

National Park and planned heavy industry zone.

The project does not entail land acquisition or

resettlement of communities. This Performance

Standard is thus not applicable to this Project.

N/A

6 B

iod

ive

rsity

Co

nse

rva

tio

n a

nd

Su

sta

ina

ble

Na

tura

l

Re

sou

rce

Ma

na

ge

me

nt

Recognizes “that protecting and conserving biodiversity

and its ability to change and evolve, is fundamental to

sustainable development”.

This Performance Standard “reflects the objectives of the

Convention on Biological Diversity to conserve biological

diversity and promote use of renewable natural resources

in a sustainable manner”.



therein.

The habitat is considered as modified by existing

human activities. This includes the area of

channel and berth dredging and foundation

piling.

Chapter 6

and 7

EMP

(APPENDIX A)

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PERFORMANCE

STANDARD

FOCUS AREA AND DESCRIPTION RELEVANCE AND REQUIREMENTS ADDRESSED IN 7

: In

dig

en

ou

s P

eo

ple

s

Recognizes that Indigenous People (“social groups with

identities that are distinct from dominant groups in

national societies”) are often among the most

“marginalized and vulnerable segments of the

population”. Indigenous People are exposed to “different

types of risks and severity of impacts than other

communities including loss of identity, cultural and natural

resource-based livelihoods”, etc.

On the other hand development projects “may create

opportunities for Indigenous People to participate in and

benefit from project-related activities that may help them

fulfil their aspiration for economic and social

development.

No relevance to the project for there is no

indigenous people affected by the project.

N/A

8:

Cu

ltu

ral

He

rita

ge

“recognizes the importance of cultural heritage for

current and future generations”.



therein.

N/A

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4 THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

The information outlined below has been sourced from primary data (site visits

conducted) and secondary sources (e.g. published literature, previous EIA reports

etc.). The biophysical description below has relied on reports compiled for previous

assessment work conducted in the area and Mendelsohn, et al. (2009), while the

social environmental description has been sourced from the Walvis Bay Integrated

Urban Spatial Development Framework (Urban Dynamics Africa, 2012).

The structure of this receiving environment chapter is as follows:

Firstly a broad overview description of the Walvis Bay Townlands is provided;

Secondly an overview of the environment affected by all three project

components is provided; and

Finally a description of the environment directly affected by the individual

project component (i.e. the power plant and associated infrastructure) is

provided.

This chapter also identifies sensitivities of key environmental features affected by the

power plant and associated infrastructure as well as the potential impacts

associated with these affects (Table 4).

4.1 NATIONAL POWER SUPPLY SITUATION

Namibia’s current peak electricity demand is approximately 600 MW (NamPower,

2015). Namibia has the capacity to supply up to 70% of this demand, depending on

the run of the Kunene River (NamPower, 2015). Namibia makes up for the difference

(which varies over time) through a number of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

with members of the SAPP (NamPower, 2015). One significant PPA will expire this

year and another in 2017, which currently puts Namibia at risk in terms of power

supply.

4.2 OVERVIEW WALVIS BAY ENVIRONMENT

Walvis Bay is located within the central coastal region of Namibia. This environment

has been (and continues to be) shaped by a combination of large scale ocean and

atmospheric conditions, namely the northward flowing cold Benguela ocean

current and the South Atlantic Anticyclone (a large scale high pressure system)

respectively.

Weather conditions in and around Walvis Bay are unique and are driven by the

large scale features mentioned above. The main features include low radiation and

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sunshine levels, low temperatures, low rainfall, but frequent fog and strong and

frequent winds (see Table 2 below).

Table 2: Summary weather statistics for Walvis Bay

VARIABLE VALUE VARIABLE VALUE

Ave. annual temperature (°C) <16 Prevailing wind direction South-west

Fog frequency (days/year) 50-100 Ave. wind speeds (m/s) 2-4

Ave. annual rainfall (mm) <50 Radiation (kWh/m2/day) <5.4

Humidity (%) summer & winter >90 & 65 Sunlight (hours/day) <5

The cold Benguela ocean current is a major driver of marine life. Winds driven by

the South Atlantic Anticyclone cause the offshore movement of surface water and

gives rise to flow of colder nutrient rich water from the ocean depths. This

phenomenon is known as upwelling and is responsible for the abundance of fish and

other marine resources. Several upwelling cells occur along the Namibian coastline,

one of which is located adjacent to Walvis Bay’s coastline.

A coastal spit is a landform which develops as a result of sediment deposition as

sediment is transported along the coast. A coastal spit (terminating at Pelican Point)

provides protection for Walvis Bay from turbulent conditions in the Atlantic Ocean.

This southernmost portion of this sheltered area (i.e. the lagoon) is a biodiversity

hotspot demonstrated by its declaration as a Wetland of International Importance

(Ramasar Site).

The Walvis Bay environment consists of several key physical geographical features.

Dune fields (coastal, inland, vegetated and unvegetated) are one such prominent

feature, most notably the Namib Sand Sea located to the south of the townlands. A

major ephemeral river – Kuiseb River (and its delta) is another prominent feature and

forms the boundary between sand sea to the south and the gravel plains to the

north (Figure 15). The lower reaches of the Kuiseb River are underlain by a

productive groundwater reserves (aquifers) which supply Walvis Bay’s potable water

needs. An artificial wetland has developed overtime from the discharge of Walvis

Bay’s treated wastewater. The unique biophysical configuration of the Walvis Bay

environment, and the coastal Namib in general, gives rise to high levels of species

endemism and biodiversity.

The economy of Walvis Bay is based largely on fishing and aquaculture, tourism, port

activities and manufacturing. The Walvis Bay population was estimated at 80 000 in

2012 and with a population growth rate of 4.7% (averaged over the past 16 years) is

expected to more than double by 2030 to approximately 180 000 (Urban Dynamics

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Africa, 2012). Unemployment for the Erongo region is estimated at 30% (Republic of

Namibia (RN): National Statistics Agency (NSA), 2011).

The major constraints to the future development of Walvis Bay include the sensitive

Kuiseb Delta area to the south and a prominent dune belt to the north, both which

fall within the Dorob National Park. This national park is a state protected area.

Hence, the reasonable growth direction is eastward (inland).

Existing serviced industrial land is scarce and not suitable for noxious industrial

activity. In light of this, the Walvis Bay Municipal Council (WBMC) has approved the

establishment of a heavy/noxious industrial area to the east of Dune 7, north and

west of the Rooikop Airport. This area is part of the Spatial Development Framework

for Walvis Bay, which has been approved by the public and the WBMC. This area

however still falls within the Dorob National Park. Ambiguity also exists regarding the

ownership of the proposed site, which is identified as “Farm 58”. The Ministry of

Environment and Tourism (MET) and the WBM will need to clarify this matter and the

way forward.

The WBM has adopted a new vision for the period 2012-2022. The WBM is aiming to

“facilitate the substantial transformation of Walvis Bay from its present status as a

small tourism destination and a semi-industrial port town based mainly on fishing, into

a modern regional capital and the primary industrial city of Namibia” (Urban

Dynamics Africa, 2012). In line with this vision the WBM has plans to expand the

harbour and their road network. The establishment of several residential and

industrial townships is also planned in order to keep pace with current growth trends.

4.3 OVERVIEW OF PROJECT ENVIRONMENT

The project-specific receiving marine environment is located near the northern edge

of the sheltered bay area. The area affected by the FSRU (and associated

development) and Trestle Jetty is approximately 6.5 km in length stretching from the

high water mark approximately 1.5 km north of the current built-up area off-shore in

a north-westerly direction.

The project-specific receiving terrestrial environment can generally be divided into

two components, namely, the coastal and inland dune fields and the gravel plains

further inland (Figure 15). The coastal and inland dune fields are located along the

fringes of the existing built-up area and as such have been exposed to human

activity and the associated habitat degradation. The gravel plains have a unique

biologically sensitive soil crust that supports several endemic plant species, most

notably lichens. These lichens are located mostly north and east of the proposed

power plant site. These plains likewise because of their proximity to Walvis Bay’s

existing built-up area have been subjected to habitat disturbance and degradation.

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4.4 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF POWER PLANT AND WATER PIPELINE ENVIRONMENT

Table 3: Summary description of key environmental features pertaining to the Power Plant and Water Pipeline environment

BASELINE ENVIRONMENT

BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

Biodiversity Biophysical uniqueness within the Namib Desert and hence

species diversity and endemism, increases with a reduction

in the distance from coastal area.

The gravel plains, located east of the Dune 7 belt (Figure

15) in general are largely vegetationless, but exhibit a

relatively high overall species diversity and endemism,

notably lichen and invertebrate communities (Urban

Dynamics Africa (UDA), 2012). However, no lichen

communities have been observed on-site due to human-

induced habitat destruction. These arid environments have

a slow recovery time with respect to habitat disturbance.

Inland hummock dune fields a (see Figure 15) in general

are sparsely vegetated (mostly salsola bushes) with

moderate overall species diversity (UDA, 2012). However,

affected areas have been degraded by human activity.

The artificial wetland (Figure 13) east of the Municipal

WWTP exhibits high bird diversity. This wetland is expanding

across the C14 road and existing transmission line owing to

an increase in domestic effluent. This results in increased

bird mortalities due to powerline interactions and water

damage to the C14 road

Infrastructure

& Services

The Rooikop Airport is located approximately 4.5 km to the

south-east of the proposed site (see Figure 14).

The proposed site is located approximately 1 km from the

existing railway line and adjacent to the gravel District Road

D1984, which links up to the Main Road C14 (see Figure 14).

The RA intends to upgrade the D1984 and parts of the C14 to

a dual carriage way in future (see Figure 14).

Options for access to potable water for construction and

operation purposes include purified effluent from the

Municipal WWTP (water conserving option) and the municipal

supply of potable water.

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Landscape,

Elevation

and Soils

Mostly flat topography gently sloping north-west towards

the coastline.

< 50 m above sea level

The Petric gypsisols of the gravel plains (Figure 15) underlie

the proposed site.

Land

Ownership

Ambiguity currently exists regarding the ownership of “Farm

58”. According to the WBM “Farm 58” has been under its

ownership since 2004, prior to the extension of the Dorob

National Park boundary in 2010. The MET and the WBM

should engage one another to clarify this matter and the way

forward.

The servitude for the proposed semi-purified effluent pipeline

is under the ownership of the WBMC.

Air quality Background concentrations for PM10 (Particulate Matter,

aerodynamic diameter size less than 10μm) currently known

to exceed World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline of

75 μg/m3 (see air quality study – APPENDIX D)

Dust fallout for the period 2009-2011 were recorded at 500

mg/m2/day, which is below the South African dust fallout

standard of 600 mg/m2/day for residential areas (see

APPENDIX D).

There is no background data available for nitrogen oxides

(NOx) or carbon monoxide (CO).

Temperature inversion exists near the Dune 7 belt.

Population

statistics

Incidence of HIV/AIDS is high but decreasing. HIV/AIDS

prevalence rates in the 15-49 age group has decreased from

16.1% in 2000 to 14.3% in 2013 (World Bank, 2014).

High Tuberculosis (TB) incidence rate – 655 per 100 000 people

(World Bank, 2014).

Gender distribution of population (more women than men)

and poor living conditions give rise to an increase in

prostitution (EON Consulting, 2015).

Water Walvis Bay’s water is supplied by Kuiseb aquifer

groundwater reserves. Potable water resources are scarce

and currently utilised to capacity.

No nearby potable groundwater. However, saline

groundwater reserves underlie the proposed site and

Noise No sensitive noise receptors within 5 km of the propose power

plant site.

The baseline noise level recorded during a field survey was

37.9 dB(A) during daytime (07:00-22:00) and 37.9 dB(A) during

the night time (22:00-07:00). These values are approx. half the

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pipeline route. SANS guideline noise rating limit – 70 and 60 dB(A)

respectively (see noise study – APPENDIX D).

Land Use The proposed site is located within an area designated for

heavy/noxious industrial activity (see Figure 14).

Tourism activities take place along the Dune 7 (Figure 11)

belt, located approximately 1 km to the south-west of the

proposed site (see Figure 14). These are daytime activities,

which include walking on the dune, dune boarding,

cooking/picnic facilities, photography etc.

Business located near Birds Paradise wetland.

A clear depiction of the area is shown in the photos below.

Figure 11: View from the proposed site westward

toward Dune 7

Figure 12: View of the proposed site from the west Figure 13: Birds paradise artificial wetland

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Figure 14: Land use surrounding the proposed site and pipeline route

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Figure 15: Biophysically sensitive areas affected by the propsed project

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Table 4: Description of environmental sensitivities and associated impacts pertaining to the proposed

project

FEATURE DESCRIPTION SENSITIVITY POTENTIAL IMPACT

BIOPHYSICAL

Biodiversity The proposed site is located

within a wider

biogeographical area

within the Namib Desert,

which in general is sensitive.

However the site is

degraded.

Biogeographical

uniqueness of the Namib

Desert, particularly the

Inner (coastal) Namib, as

evidenced by small

bioclimatic envelopes

Loss of

biogeographically

unique areas and

the species they

support.

A temperature inversion

exists near the Dune 7 belt.

Pollutants released in this

area will therefore be

capped and will not

escape. Fog can then

dissolve these pollutants,

which may precipitate on

the dune belt.

Nearby habitat of

invertebrates (dune belt)

located beneath

temperature inversion

layer.

Loss of

invertebrate

biodiversity due to

air pollution

The power plant will use

semi-purified water from the

Municipal WWTP. This will

reduce the rate of

expansion of the artificial

wetland.

Limit expansion of the

wetland and hence bird

habitat south of C14

road and transmission

line.

Positive: Reduced

risk of bird

collisions with

power line.

Reduce mosquito

problem,

encroachment on

future urban

development and

generation of

Hydrogen

Sulphide and

associated effects

The artificial wetland will

reduce in size and

potentially increase in

salinity owing to a reduction

in water available to the

wetland because of and

release of brine by the

Less water available to

sustain freshwater

plants dependent on

the artificial wetland

Reduction in water

quality of wetland

Loss of plant

species diversity

Illegal reduction

in wetland

water quality

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power plant.

Groundwater Saline groundwater reserves

under the proposed

pipeline route and

proposed power plant site.

Construction activities

taking place above

relatively shallow saline

groundwater reserves

Contravention of

Water Act by

contaminating of

groundwater.

SOCIAL

Employment Regional unemployment,

currently at 30%, is a

concern for the WBMC.

Construction, operation

and maintenance

activities associated with

the power plant and

installation of the pipeline

will require labourers.

Positive: Creation

of 400 temporary

and 49 permanent

jobs.

Power supply 300 MW of base load power

will be generated nationally

Namibia is currently

dependent on imported

power to meet local

demand.

Positive: security

of power supply.

Land use Ambiguity regarding the

ownership of “Farm 58”

exists.

Ownership of “Farm 58” is

unclear.

Uncoordinated

development of a

heavy industry

complex in a

national park.

Land use conflict.

Air quality Particulate matter (dust) will

be generated during

construction of the pipeline

and plant.

Residents are located in

the vicinity of the water

pipeline.

Nuisance dust

impacts.

Noxious gases will be

emitted from the power

plant.

Emissions, when

combined cumulatively

with other noxious

emissions might exceed

WHO guideline values.

Impacts on

human respiratory

health.

Tourism Tourists frequent Dune 7 and

the C14 road en-route to

the coast and back inland.

The structures can be

visually intrusive,

changing the sense of

place and potentially

adversely impact on

Visual impact

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tourism activities.

Noise will be generated by

various components within

the power plant.

Tourists frequent Dune 7,

located approximately 1

km to the south-west of

the proposed site.

Noise impacts

Health and

safety

A flammable gas will be

handled within the power

plant site, where gas

conduits may fail or leak.

Employees working in

proximity to flammable

gas, where gas conduits

may fail or leak.

Injury or loss of life

due to failure or

leakage of gas

conduits.

Spread of

disease

Construction labourers will

be employed from beyond

the town boundaries.

People will flock to Walvis

Bay in seek of employment.

Increase in disposable

income of construction

labourers. Increase in

risky sexual activity.

Existing prostitution

activity among poor.

Increased number

of HIV infections

People will flock to Walvis

Bay in seek of employment.

Overcrowding in informal

settlements and nutrition

is a predisposing factor.

Increased number

of TB infections

Civil aviation An electromagnetic field

will be generated by the

activities at the proposed

power plant.

Avionic instruments are

prone to experiencing

interruptions from

electromagnetic fields

Impact negligible

as per Aviation

Specialist Report

(Appendix D4)

Structural

integrity

A military base located

within the vicinity of the

power plant is known to

occasionally carry out

detonations, which may

result in seismic activity.

However, no media records

exist of such seismic activity

The power plant facility

might not be designed to

withstand seismic activity

Compromised

structural integrity

of power plant

Economic

losses

The artificial wetland will

reduce in size owing to a

reduction in water available

to the wetland due to use

by the power plant.

Birds move away and

some vegetation will

potentially die off

reducing the aesthetic

and tourist appeal of the

wetland.

Impact on

profitability of Birds

Paradise business

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5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS

As mentioned in the project description, the power plant is a component of a

greater project. However, a joint public participation process was conducted for

the project at large. Specific concerns with regard to the power plant have been

highlighted at the end of this chapter. During the public consultation process

identified Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) were introduced to the project as

a whole, allowing them to participate on all three components. This chapter

provides a description of how the public consultation process was carried out by

describing:

the Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs),

the means of communicating with them, and

common themes resulting from the consultation process.

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Public participation forms an important component of an Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) as it provides potential I&APs with a platform where they can raise

any issues or concerns relevant to the proposed project. This assists the consultant in

considering the full spectrum of potential impacts and to what extent further

investigations are needed.

In addition, the public participation process also grants I&AP’s an opportunity to

review and comment on all the documents produced throughout the EIA process.

This is done in accordance with both the Namibian Environmental Management Act

of 2007, its Regulations (2012), as well as international best practice principles.

The IFC’s manual “Doing Better Business through Effective Public Consultation and

Disclosure: A Good Practice Manual” provides action oriented guidelines aimed at

ensuring that consultation is both effective and meaningful. The guidelines

emphasise the need for the project sponsor to ensure that the process of public

consultation is accessible to all potentially affected parties, from national to local

level. Emphasis is placed on the engagement of local stakeholders, namely people

who are likely to experience the day-to-day impacts of a proposed project. On a

practical level, the sponsor has to ensure that:

1. all stakeholders have access to project information;

2. the information provided can be understood;

3. the locations for consultation are accessible to all who want to attend; and

4. measures are put in place that ensure that vulnerable or minority groups are

consulted.

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5.2 PREVIOUSLY CONDUCTED PUBLIC CONSULTATION

To this end Xaris Energy has carried out targeted and specific consultation meetings

with key stakeholders of the project. This consultation assisted to develop and guide

the project scope in preparation for the project Expression of Interest and Request

for Proposal. It was also aimed at building relationships and to inform national

authorities and the relevant interested parties about the project and to allow for the

identification of key constraints within the proposed power plant project. This is a

continuous process which helps to refine the project, secure the necessary

approvals and support and ensure the ultimate success of the project.

As part of the initial EIA (not part of this EIA process), a number of focus group

meetings were held during 2014. A public meeting was also arranged to obtain

public input and to present the intended development to the public. The public

meeting was held on 8 May 2014 at the Pelican Bay Hotel in Walvis Bay.

Advertisements about the meeting were placed in the Namib Times and Republikein

newspapers respectively over a 2 week period.

I&APs that participated in this EIA process provided valuable inputs and are

acknowledged.

5.3 RECENTLY CONDUCTED PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Subsequent to a meeting with the DEA, the client decided to repeat the public

consultation process which is now part of the new EIA process.

5.3.1 INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES (I&APs)

Previously identified stakeholders were informed of the change of Environmental

Consultant and were provided with updated project information, whilst inviting them

to again provide their comments.

Additional I&AP’s (not previously included in the communication) were identified

using the existing Enviro Dynamics’ stakeholder database and information provided

by the proponent.

Notices regarding the project were also placed in various newspapers inviting the

public to register as I&AP’s. All of this was done in compliance with the following

definition of an interested and affected party:

“(a) any person, group of persons or organization interested in

or affected by an activity; and (b) any organ of state that may

have jurisdiction over any aspect of the activity’ (MET, 2010).”

(Environmental Management Act, 2007).

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A summary of the stakeholder groups, consisting of authorities and interest groups at

national, regional and local level, are presented in Table 5. The complete IAP list

can be viewed in APPENDIX B.

Table 5: Identification of Interested and Affected Parties

ITEM LEVEL DESCRIPTION

STA

KEH

OLD

ER

DA

TAB

ASE

NA

TIO

NA

L

Ministry of Environment and Tourism

Ministry of Mines and Energy

Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry

Ministry of Trade and Industry

Ministry of Works and Transport

Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources

Namibia Defence Force / Ministry of Defence

NamPower

NamWater

REG

ION

AL

Erongo Regional Authorities

Namibia Airports Company (NAC) & Directorate Civil Affairs (DCA)

Erongo RED

Roads Authority

LOC

AL

Walvis Bay Municipality

Walvis Bay Town Council

NamPort

Tourism Associations

Walvis Bay Chamber of Commerce

Walvis Bay Corridor Group

NGOs

Local interest groups e.g. Dolphin group and NACOMA

All individuals, groups, organisations and organs of state registered as I&AP’s on the

project are kept up to date for the duration of the EIA study.

5.3.2 METHODOLOGY

The consultant used various means of contacting the I&APs including telephone

calls, faxes, e-mails and published invitations to public meetings in the media

(newspaper adverts). These tools are used to inform the largest possible number of

people around the project area and the country about the proposed project.

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5.3.2.1 NEWSPAPER NOTICES

Newspaper notices were placed for two consecutive weeks in national (and local)

circulars (see Table 6). The notice served as an introduction to the project, also

indicating its locality, while inviting the public to register as I&AP’s (APPENDIX B).

After the project scope had changed another round of notices were placed in two

newspapers indicating the amendment.

Table 6: Notifications placed in the press

DATE NATIONAL

NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION INFORMATION SHARED

26 February 2015 Republikein Afrikaans Newspaper,

National

Project introduction, Invitation to

public meeting

27 February 2015 Namib Times English Newspaper, Local Project introduction, Invitation to

public meeting

5 April 2015 Namibian English Newspaper,

National

Project introduction, Invitation to

public meeting

6 April 2015 Namib Times English Newspaper, Local Project introduction, Invitation to

public meeting

9 April 2015 Republikein Afrikaans Newspaper,

National Amendment to project scope

10 April 2015 Namib Times English Newspaper, Local Amendment to project scope

5.3.2.2 POSTERS

Notices (i.e. Posters) were fixed at conspicuous places and available notice boards

throughout Walvis Bay (See APPENDIX B), namely:

o Woermann Brock (Town Centre)

o Walvis Bay Spar

o Walvis Bay Shoprite

o Walvis Bay Municipality

o Woermann Brock (Kuisebmond)

o Shop4Value Kuisebmond

o Immanuel Ruiters Primary School

Kuisebmond

o Woermann Brock (Narraville)

o Public Library (Narraville)

o Erongo Region Police Station Head

Office in Walvis Bay

These notices were not place at the site as required by the EMA EIA Regulations,

because the locations above proved to be more practical in notifying the public.

They have a greater visibility and audience to that of the site area which is not

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visited by such a large portion of the community. The notices provided the following

information:

The application is done in accordance to the Environmental Management

Act of 2007 and its regulations;

The nature and location of the proposed project;

Where further information can be obtained (inviting them to a public

meeting); and

The contact information of Enviro Dynamics who is responsible for the EIA

application.

5.3.2.3 BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT (BID)

A BID containing up to date information of the project was also circulated to all

identified stakeholders as well as registered I&AP’s via e-mails or fax (APPENDIX B).

The BID informed them about the proposed project, its locality as well as the public

meeting and contact details if they require additional information. When the

project scope changed, the BID was updated and re-circulated.

5.3.2.4 MEETINGS

Meetings were held at national, regional and local levels. The following meetings

were called and invitations were sent out by fax and e-mail:

Authority meeting 11 April 2015, 14:00 at Ministry of Mines and Energy

Auditorium; Aviation Road; Windhoek.

Authority meeting 12 April 2015, 14:00 at Town Hall, Walvis Bay Municipality.

Public consultation meeting 12 April 2015, 18:00 at Emmanuel Ruiters Primary

School, Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay (Figure 16).

A Summary of the meeting conducted at national, regional and local level is given

in Table 7. The meetings’ proceedings can be viewed in APPENDIX B.

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Figure 16: Public Meeting in Walvis Bay

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Table 7: Summary of the meeting conducted at national, regional and local level

OBJECTIVES THE MEETING MAIN ISSUES RAISED

NATIONAL LEVEL

To engage with relevant ministries

to solicit their ideas and concerns

about the project.

This was expected to assist the

consultant in defining the

parameters for the study in terms of

issues to explore.

Held on Wednesday, 11 April 2015 in

Windhoek at the Ministry of Mines and

Energy - Auditorium.

19 attendees including representatives

from the Ministry of Mines and Energy,

Ministry of Trade and Industry, NamPower,

NamWater, Namibia Airports Company,

Ministry of Works and Transport and the

Walvis Bay Corridor Group.

Air and noise pollution from the power plant.

Hydrates in the natural gas pipeline and how this is

dealt with.

Safety zones and standards for this type of energy

project.

Land ownership associated with the power plant.

Strategic considerations of the project with other

projects in the area.

Impact of reduced water supply to Birds Paradise.

Stack heights and the potential impact on the

airport.

Tariff and off take prices associated with the project.

REGIONAL LEVEL

To engage with relevant authorities

that have jurisdiction over the area

to solicit their ideas and concerns

about the project.

Held at the Municipality’s Town Hall in

Walvis Bay on the 12th of April 2014.

19 people attended including

representatives from the Walvis Bay

Municipality, Erongo Regional Council,

ErongoRED, Namport, Ministry of Fisheries

Effects of electromagnetic induction from the

substation on the airport controls.

Impact of the project on existing water sources.

Visual impact.

Effect on the dolphin communities in the area.

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OBJECTIVES THE MEETING MAIN ISSUES RAISED

and Marine Resources, Namibian Navy,

and the Namibia Airports Company.

Land issues – Municipal land vs. state land.

Effect of wind on the buried pipeline.

Effect of the permanent temperature inversion layer

in the area of Dune 7.

Impact of reduced water supply to Birds’ Paradise.

Impacts associated with pipeline failures.

LOCAL LEVEL

To create a platform whereby the

concerns of individuals, groups, or

local communities could be

conveyed

Held on the 12th of April 2015 at 18h00 at

the Immanuel Ruiters Primary School in

Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay.

31 people attended, local business owners

and representative from the Namibian

Dolphin Project, the press and NGOs such

as NACOMA, as well as some community

members

Effect of corrosive environment on the infrastructure.

Consideration of existing SEA and EIAs done for

Namport.

Close proximity of the natural gas pipeline to

communities – potential safety concerns.

Seismic activity in the area due to detonations by

the military.

Existing diesel pipeline from Engen in proximity.

Environmental sustainability of Natural Gas and its

extraction.

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5.4 PUBLIC FEEDBACK

All the comments received on this project are included in the Issues and Responses

Trail (APPENDIX B). These issues have been considered and included in the EIA

reports where applicable.

The draft EIA reports will be circulated for one week to all registered stakeholders in

April 2015. Comments received on the draft report will be documented in the

Comments and Responses Trail document. This report will highlight comments raised

from the public on the documents and contain statements of how these are

addressed and incorporated into the final document. After incorporating the

comments, the final version of the document will be submitted to the Directorate of

Environmental Affairs for consideration of environmental clearance.

5.5 PUBLIC CONCERN

From the comments submitted to Enviro Dynamics, a number of key issues came to

our attention. It is clear that they should be considered at a strategic level for the

proposed project. The key concerns are listed below in Table 8.

For this particular power plant environmental assessment, the relevant issues are

highlighted in bold.

These issues, as well as the sensitivities identified in the baseline section are collated

in Chapter 4 where the potential impacts related to the sensitivities are further

assessed.

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Table 8: Summary of issues raised during the consultation process

THEME POTENTIAL IMPACT PUBLIC CONCERN

BIOPHYSICAL

ENVIRONMENT

Impact on the

airport

Stack heights and the potential impact on the airport.

Effects of electromagnetic induction from the

substation on the airport controls.

Impact on water

sources

Impact of the project on existing water sources.

Impact on marine

ecology

Lighting impact on birds.

Effect on the dolphin communities in the area.

Marine water quality, with respect to, dredging, and

cold-water discharge from the FSRU.

Effect of dredging activities on surrounding mariculture

projects.

Impact on land

based ecology

Impact of reduced water supply to Birds’ Paradise.

Positive impact on reduced habitat on bird collisions.

Effect of wind on the buried pipeline.

Effect of the permanent temperature inversion layer in

the area of Dune 7.

Environmental sustainability of Natural Gas and its

extraction.

Impact of

pollution

Air and noise pollution from the power plant.

Effect of spoil grounds for dredging material on the

surrounding environment.

Alternatives Rail to transport the staff

Local climate Impact of local climate on the project – corrosion,

wind and wind-blown sand.

SOCIO-

ECONOMIC

ENVIRONMENT

Safety concerns Safety zones and standards for this type of energy

project.

Seismic activity in the area due to detonations by the

military.

Existing diesel pipeline from Engen in proximity.

Close proximity of the natural gas pipeline to

communities – potential safety concerns.

Safe access for incoming and outgoing oil and Natural

Gas tankers which will be discharging to the oil

terminal and FSRU.

Safety requirements of the trestle and related pipelines

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THEME POTENTIAL IMPACT PUBLIC CONCERN

from the FSRU and its compatibility with those of the

incoming oil terminal pipelines.

Impacts associated with pipeline failures.

Fire risk.

Land use

concerns

Land ownership associated with the power plant.

Land issues – Municipal land vs. state land.

Impact on sense

of place

Visual impact.

Strategic

considerations

Consideration of existing SEA and EIAs done for

Namport.

Strategic considerations of the project with other

projects in the area.

Alignment with existing and planned infrastructure

particularly with the planned new freeway, its

intersections and interchanges.

Decommissioning There should be a closure plan for decommissioning.

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6 ALTERNATIVES

When considering development proposals, the analysis and comparison of feasible

alternatives is the key to well informed and justifiable decision making. This chapter

provides such a comparison and analysis of different kinds of alternatives.

6.1 OVERVIEW

Throughout the course of the project development, decisions are made concerning

e.g. the possible locations, the type of technologies and the processes involved in

the proposed development. Many of the identified alternatives are not viable due

to technical, regulatory, time and economic constraints. This chapter provides a

description of the various alternatives associated with the overall project as well as

the specific power plant project and how they were considered. A full description

of the various overall project alternatives have been included in Appendix E these

include:

Alternative activities including the “no-go” alternative;

Alternative fuel sources;

Location alternatives for the power plant; and

Design and technology alternatives.

The power plant alternatives have been detailed below. Only the preferred

alternative will be considered during the assessment of potential impacts.

6.2 ‘NO GO’ ALTERNATIVE

As the power plant is a vital component of a much larger project, the larger project

would not be able to continue without the construction of the power plant (and its

specific associated infrastructure). This ‘no-go’ alternative predicts the future

scenario which would exist in the absence of this larger project. Due to the looming

supply deficit Namibia is expected to face when key contracts with neighbouring

suppliers expire in 2016; the ‘no-go’ option is not considered the preferred

alternative.

If the power plant is not constructed and the larger project does not go ahead, the

wider benefits to the stability and availability of electricity and associated benefits to

the national economy will not be realised. By implementing the project the reliability

and stability of the power supply system will be improved to meet the power

shortage in the country and possibly even contribute to the shortage in the Southern

African Power Pool (SAPP).

The ‘no-go’ alternative is not considered to be a viable alternative.

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6.3 ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS

The NamPower Request for Proposal provided four possible sites considered by

NamPower as suitable (Figure 17). Shortlisted bidders were allowed to base their

proposal on the site of their choice. The site chosen was evaluated in terms of:

fuel supply,

fuel delivery logistics,

power evacuation,

possible future expansion and desalination options, and

the availability of support services and utilities.

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Figure 17: Alternative locations for the power plant considered during the NamPower tendering process (Site 1 is the preferred alternative for this project)

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Location within the proposed industrial area was allocated by the Walvis Bay

Municipal Council (WBMC) but was optimised to ensure power evacuation and site

access. Table 9 below indicates the risk factors considered in determining the

preferred site location:

Table 9: Comparison of risk factors associated with the potential location of the proposed power plant

RISK

FACTOR

PROPOSED POWER PLANT LOCATION (SITE 1

IN FIGURE 17)

ALTERNATIVE POWER PLANT

LOCATIONS (FIGURE 17)

Distance to

the harbour

In terms of fuel supply and fuel delivery, a

key determining factor is the distance to

the port. The LNG vessels will make use of

the existing port and therefore the

proposed OCGT site needs to be located

sufficiently close to the harbour. Site 1

fulfils this requirement.

Site 2, 3 and 4 are located too

far from the port and are less

technically and economically

feasible in terms of transporting

the gas.

Connection

to power

grid

The selected site is located sufficiently

close to the power network to ensure that

it can connect to new power line routes.

Connection points are available

for the other alternatives.

Alternative

landuses

The site of the OCGT is in an area

earmarked for heavy industry and is

some way out of town.

The proposed power generation

activities are therefore compatible with

surrounding land uses; and fuel supply to

(and power evacuation from) the site.

All the alternative sites (2, 3 and

4) are located in parks and not

planned for industrial use.

Future

expansion

The proposed location allows for sufficient

expansion to the east of the site since this

area is still located within the proposed

industrial zone.

All the alternative sites (2, 3 and

4) are located in parks.

Social and

environmen

tal risks

The Site is available at minimal cost and

with minimal social and environmental

disruption

The alternative sites do not pose

social risks, however, due to the

sensitive surrounding biophysical

environment, it does pose

significant environmental risks.

Support

services

and utilities

Another key consideration is the

availability of road and/ or rail

infrastructure. The proposed site is located

near the planned highway and railway line

Most of the alternative sites are

located close to road

infrastructure and services

corridor supported by WBM and

Namport.

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The site selected is the best available option and is regarded as the preferred

alternative because:

it is located in an area earmarked for industrial development;

it is located close to the port and therefore provides better fuel transport

logistics with reduced costs; and

infrastructure is available on site (e.g. connection can easily be made to the

power grid, road and rail infrastructure and services corridor is available close

to the site).

6.4 ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN

6.4.1 AERODERIVIATIVE VS HEAVY FRAME INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINES

Gas turbines are similar in their design to steam turbines, except that it uses air

instead of water. In these turbines, high-temperature high-pressure gas enters a

combustion chamber that drives the turbine. Two types of gas turbines are typically

used in gas fired power stations, namely aeroderivative (derived from jet engine

design) (model GE LM6000) and heavy industrial turbines. The risk factors associated

with each of these turbines are discussed in Table 10:

Table 10: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use of an aeroderivative vs. heavy frame

industrial gas turbines

RISK FACTOR AERODERIVATIVE GAS

TURBINE

HEAVY FRAME

INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINE

PREFERRED

ALTERNATIVE

Efficiency Aeroderivative gas

turbines offer 10-15%

more efficiency

compared to heavy

frame industrial type gas

turbines.

Ability to be shut down,

and handle load

changes more quickly

than industrial machines.

Less efficient compared

to aeroderivative gas

turbines.

Aerodirivative gas

turbines are more

efficient.

Design Usually has smaller

horsepower output than

an industrial gas turbine.

Use anti-friction bearing,

light weight and

compact aero-

derivative.

Usually has bigger

horsepower output

than an industrial gas

turbine.

slower in speed,

narrower in operating

speed range,

heavier, larger,

The robust design

of the

aeroderivative gas

turbine is the

preferred

alternative.

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RISK FACTOR AERODERIVATIVE GAS

TURBINE

HEAVY FRAME

INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINE

PREFERRED

ALTERNATIVE

higher air flow,

slower in start-up and

Heavy frame industrial

gas turbines use

hydrodynamic

bearing.

Maintenance Based on an aircraft

engine, they are not

intended to long term

continuous duty and

require more down time

for inspection and repair.

Modular concept which

provides for removal of

components and

replacement without

removing the gas turbine

from its support mounts.

Built specifically for

continuous duty over

long periods of time.

Need more time and

spare parts for

maintenance.

The aeroderivative

gas turbine requires

more

maintenance, but

due to the modular

concept,

maintenance is

easier.

Application Remotely located

applications (including

offshore)

Are useful where smaller

power outputs are

needed.

Quick to deploy

compared to frames.

Easily accessible base-

load applications.

In terms of its

application, heavy

frame industrial gas

turbines are

traditionally the

preferred

alternative for base

load power plants,

but long

deployment

period.

Fuel diversity Ability to burn a wide range

of gaseous fuels

Less diverse in the

range of gas fuels that

could be used.

Because of their large

frames, they normally

have higher power

outputs and therefore

produce larger

amounts of emissions.

Heavy frame

industrial gas

turbines are limited

in the range of gas

fuels it could use.

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For this project, the use of aeroderivative gas turbines is the preferred alternative

because it:

Is modular, quick to deploy and can be expanded as required,

is more energy efficient,

is lighter and more compact,

easier to maintain, and

can make use of a wider range of gas fuels.

6.4.2 OPEN-CYCLE GAS TURBINE (OGCT) VS COMBINED CYCLE GAS TURBINE (CCGT) CONFIGURATION

There are two main types of gas fired electricity generation plants. These are:

Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT): Air is sucked into the engine intake and

then compressed. The compressed air is ignited using fuel in the combustion

chamber and the hot exhaust gases produced drive the ‘gas’ turbine. The

gas turbine rotates at a high speed to drive the generator which creates

electricity.

Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT): the gas turbine cycle is combined with

a steam turbine cycle. The hot exhaust gas from the gas turbine engine is

captured in a type of boiler called a “Heat Recovery Steam Generator”

(HRSG). The HRSG uses the hot exhaust gases from the gas turbine engine to

boil water to steam. The steam is then fed into a “steam turbine” which rotates

at high speed to drive a generator, creating more electricity, in addition to

the gas turbine.

The key risk factors associated with the two types of electricity generation plants is

highlighted below (Table 11):

Table 11: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use of OCGT vs CCGT configuration

RISK

FACTOR

OCGT CCGT PREFERRED

ALTERNATIVE

Simplicity Since it only has three

components (i.e. compressor,

combustion chamber and

turbine it is inexpensive, light

weight and small with a high

rate of heat release.

It can be designed to burn

almost all hydrocarbon fuels

ranging from gasoline to

heavy diesel oil.

The system is more

complicated and

costly than the

OCGT.

It also requires a

longer construction

time.

The OCGT is a

simple system that

is not expensive to

implement.

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RISK

FACTOR

OCGT CCGT PREFERRED

ALTERNATIVE

Efficiency Thermal efficiency of around

40% in base-load operation

It requires no warm-up period;

it can be accelerated from a

cold start to a full load without

a warm-up period.

Efficiencies of over 50%

can be achieved.

A combination of

OCGT and CCGT

provides the

highest power

efficiency.

Cost Due to the simplicity of the

system, it is less expense

compared to other plants.

More costly than the

OCGT.

OCGT is less

expensive.

Sensitivity Sensitive to changes in the

component efficiencies. A

reduction in the efficiencies of

compressor and turbine will

rapidly lower the efficiency of

the cycle.

The open cycle gas turbine is

sensitive to changes in the

atmospheric temperature. An

increase in atmospheric

temperature lowers the

thermal efficiency.

Corrosion and accumulation

of deposits of Carbon or Tar

on the Blade and Nozzles.

Corrosion and

accumulation of

deposits of Carbon or

Tar on the Blade and

Nozzles are not a

concern. No internal

cleaning required.

OCGT is more

sensitive to

environmental

elements.

Air rate Has high air rate compared to

the other cycles, therefore, it

results in increased loss of heat in

the exhaust gases.

The waste Heat of the

Combustion Gases from

the Heat and Re-

heaters can be further

used for Heating Water.

This can be used in a

desalination plant.

The excess exhaust

heat is lost in the

OCGT while it can

be utilized in the

CCGT for the

operation of a

desalination plant

in the future.

Due to the simplicity and shorter construction period associated with the OCGT, it is

the preferred alternative for the start-up of the power plant. Future expansion to

CCGT is however still an option due to the excess exhaust heat that can be utilized

for the operation of a desalination plant.

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6.4.3 WATER FROM A PROPOSED DESALINATION PLANT VS. WATER FROM THE WALVIS BAY MUNICIPAL WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT (WWTP)

The power plant has a demineralised water consumption requirement of 850 000

m3/annum. This is made up from 3,730 m3/day of raw effluent, with a conservative

recovery factor of 65%, assumed to produce approximately 2,400 m3/day

demineralised water. This water is required to meet the demands of the turbines for

NOx control without impacting on the regional water constraints. To supply this, Xaris

examined two possible alternatives, namely:

A desalination plant with a net capacity of 19 million m3/annum – the plant

would use seawater to supply utility water for “own use” at the power plant

with the possibility of future expansion to provide water for the region.

A water treatment plant (Figure 10) using water from the Municipal WWTP –

Excess water (up to 3730 m3/day as above) will be pumped from the

municipal WWTP to the power plant and reducing the flow delivered to the

Birds Paradise.

The risk factors associated with the two alternatives are discussed in the Table 12

below:

Table 12: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use different water sources.

RISK FACTOR OWN USE

DESALINATION PLANT

(USING SEAWATER)

WATER TREATMENT PLANT

(USING WATER FROM THE

WALVIS BAY WWTP)

PREFERRED

ALTERNATIVE

Brine water

return

Brine water will be

returned to the sea

The high saline brine

will affect the coastal

water quality.

Brine would be returned

back to the WWTP

system.

The loading to the WWTP

will not be increased.

WWTP option is

preferred.

Environmental

impacts

The increased salinity

will cause the effluent

to sink to the bottom

which will affect the

benthic communities

May cause increased

water temperatures

May contain residual

chemicals from the

pre-treatment

process

May contain heavy

metals from corrosion

or cleaning agents

Reduction in the amount

of water reaching Birds

Paradise (not

anticipated)

Quality of the waste

water returned from the

power plant is not

anticipated. The current

loading on the WWTP will

not be increased.

Reduce mosquito

problem.

Reduce generation of

Hydrogen Sulphide,

The returning of

brine to the sea

could have

potentially

significant effects

on the marine

environment and

therefore require

various specialist

studies.

The brine

discharge to the

WWTP will not

change the salt

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RISK FACTOR OWN USE

DESALINATION PLANT

(USING SEAWATER)



WALVIS BAY WWTP)

PREFERRED

ALTERNATIVE

Organic content in

the brine needs to be

disposed of

separately and may

reach substantial

volumes.

improve corrosive

atmosphere & health

effects.

Reduce risk of raw

sewerage spill into the

wetlands due to plant

failures.

Will affect profitability of

Birds Paradise business.

load (see

APPENDIX D).

Additional

advantages

The exhaust heat

from the power plant

could be used for

desalination but this

could also be used to

include plant

efficiencies which is

preferred as it will

result in more power

being generated.

Lower NOx emissions

Benefits of potential

future expansion

which could provide

increased

desalinated water

supply capability in

the region.

Birds Paradise

business left

unaffected.

Cost associated with the

construction of the plant

is less.

Lower NOx emissions, and

Fewer specialist studies

are required to assess the

potential environmental

impacts, therefore saving

time and money.

The opportunity remains

to implement a

desalination plant or

expand the current plant

which could provide

increased water supply

capability in the region.

The WWTP already

receives more water than

it can treat. This leads to

an overload of the

system and treated water

quality suffers. Expansion

in Walvis Bay will increase

the loading. The use of

the water by the project

will reduce the loading

and avoid refurbishment

and expansion of the

current plant in the short

to medium term.

The use of water

from the WWTP

has several

advantages,

particularly to

the current

problem the

Walvis Bay

Council is

experiencing

with the excess

water.

A desalination

plant could

however

increase the

water supply in

the region.

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RISK FACTOR OWN USE

DESALINATION PLANT

(USING SEAWATER)



WALVIS BAY WWTP)

PREFERRED

ALTERNATIVE

The salt loading of the

wetland will be

unaffected (see

APPENDIX D). The inflow

into the wetland will be

reduced by 2400m3 per

day. This will substantially

reduce the Walvis Bay

Municipality’s concern of

the wetland encroaching

on areas to be

developed, affecting

roads and causing a

mosquito problem.

The opportunity reduces

the need to refurbish or

optimise the current

plant.

While the construction of a desalination plant poses risks that would require

extended investigations, it represents a benefit to the project, in terms of an

unlimited water source through sea water intake.

The water treatment plant has a number of benefits, most notably the ability to

support the Municipal WWTP to continue to operate efficiently and effectively. The

associated time it would take to undertake the necessary specialist studies for the

desalination alternative was also a consideration. The demineralisation plant has

thus been indicated as the preferred alternative for this project phase. The option of

constructing a desalination plant in the future has however not been excluded for

future expansion for the power plant and water supply to the region. It is

acknowledged that a desalination plant will indeed be a major advantage to the

Walvis Bay community and the Region.

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7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT

7.1 INTRODUCTION

This section provides an assessment of the significance of the potential impacts

identified by the public and those related to the sensitivities of the power plant and

water pipeline environment. It is based on the assumption that the project

description provided by Xaris will be implemented as is.

The impacts assessed in Table 14 below have been sourced from the sensitivities and

impacts table (Table 4) in the Receiving Environment chapter (Chapter 4) and the

issues summary table (Table 8) in the Public Consultation chapter (Chapter 5).

7.2 METHODOLOGY

7.2.1 OVERALL APPROACH

The Environmental Consultant was tasked to consider the following when identifying

potential impacts:

The type of effect that the proposed activity will have on the environment;

What will be affected; and

How will it be affected?

The sources of risk are, where possible, based on accepted scientific techniques.

Failing this, the specialists and project team made a professional judgment based

on expertise and experience. Specialists were appointed to conduct investigations

where there was a lack of information, or uncertainty regarding a potential impact.

All potential impacts that result from the proposed project have been evaluated for

the construction and operational phases.

Potential Impacts were identified considering the sensitivities of the social and

ecological qualities of the area, as well as the issues raised during public

consultation.

The impact assessment methodology is contained in Table 13 below.

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Table 13: Description of criteria used to define the significance of the impacts

DESCRIPTION

NATURE Reviews the type of effect that the proposed activity will have on the relevant

component of the environment and includes “what will be affected and how?”

EXTENT Geographic area. Indicates whether the impact will be on-site (on site where

construction is to take place); local (limited to within 15 km of the area); regional

(limited to ~100 km radius); national (limited to the coastline of Namibia); or

international (extending beyond Namibia’s boarders).

DURATION Whether the impact will be temporary (during construction only), short term (1-5

years), medium term (5-10 years), long term (longer than 10 years, but will cease

after operation) or permanent.

INTENSITY Establishes whether the magnitude of the impact is destructive or innocuous and

whether or not it exceeds set standards, and is described as none (no impact); low

(where natural/ social environmental functions and processes are negligibly

affected); medium (where the environment continues to function but in a

noticeably modified manner); or high (where environmental functions and

processes are altered such that they temporarily or permanently cease and/or

exceed legal standards/requirements).

PROBABILITY Considers the likelihood of the impact occurring and is described as uncertain,

improbable (low likelihood), probable (distinct possibility), highly probable (most

likely) or definite (impact will occur regardless of prevention measures).

SIGNIFICANCE Significance is given before and after mitigation. Low if the impact will not have an

influence on the decision or require to be significantly accommodated in the

project design. Medium if the impact could have an influence on the environment

which will require modification of the project design or alternative mitigation (small

incremental changes). High where it could have a “no-go” implication regardless

of any possible mitigation (where alternatives to the given activity should be

considered).

STATUS OF THE

IMPACT

A statement of whether the impact is positive (a benefit), negative (a cost), or

neutral. Indicate in each case who is likely to benefit and who is likely to bear the

costs of each impact.

DEGREE OF

CONFIDENCE IN

PREDICTIONS

Based on the availability of specialist knowledge and other information.

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7.2.2 MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES

Where negative impacts have been identified, mitigation objectives have been set,

and practical, attainable mitigation measures are recommended that will minimise

or eliminate the impacts.

In the case of positive impacts, enhancement measures are recommended for

optimising the benefit to be derived.

Table 14 below provides the principle of the mitigation to be applied, but the

detailed mitigation is provided in the EMP.

7.2.3 MONITORING

Monitoring requirements with quantifiable standards to assess the effectiveness of

mitigation actions have been recommended where appropriate. These should

indicate what actions are required, by whom, and the timing and frequency

thereof.

Monitoring is recommended in Table 14 below as principles, but the detailed

recommendations in this regard are contained in the EMP (APPENDIX A).

The outcome of the impact assessment is presented in Table 14 below.

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Table 14: Assessment of potential impacts

POTENTIAL IMPACT EXTENT DURATION INTENSITY PROBABILITY STATUS DEGREE OF

CONF.

SIGNIFICANCE

PRE-

MITIGATION

MITIGATION/

ENHANCEMENT

POST-

MITIGATION

PLANNING AND DESIGN

Conflict with other

pipelines and

services

infrastructure in

the area.

Local Short term Medium Probable Negative with other

stakeholders.

High Low to

medium

Identify all other

infrastructure corridors

(existing and future)

and plan a detailed

route to avoid, cross or

construct underneath.

None

Uncoordinated

development of a

heavy industry

complex in a

national park.

Land use conflict

Local Medium

term

Medium Definite Negative. Ambiguity

regarding whether

state or municipal

council owners of

Farm 58. However,

this area has been

deemed suitable for

industrial activity in the

WB Spatial

Development

Framework.

High Medium Pursue resolution in

terms of land ownership

and use rights.

None

Compromised

structural integrity

Site-

specifi

Long term High Improbable Negative.

Detonations, which

take place at a

Medium Medium Contact military base

to ascertain

frequency and

Low

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CONF.

SIGNIFICANCE

PRE-

MITIGATION

MITIGATION/

ENHANCEMENT

POST-

MITIGATION

of power plant c military facility within

the vicinity of the

proposed power plant

site may cause seismic

activity, which may

affect the structural

integrity of the plant.

However no records

exist of seismic activity

magnitude of

detonations and

verify seismic activity.

If deemed a

significant threat,

apply relevant

design modifications

to the relevant

structures.

Loss of plant

species diversity

Site-

specifi

c

Long term Medium Probable Negative. High Low to

medium

Ensure that only

vegetation located

outside the 2030

wetland planned

boundaries die out.

Low

Illegal reduction in

wetland water

quality

Site-

specifi

c

Long term High Improbable Negative. High Low to

medium

Install monitoring holes

to monitor fluctuations

in saline and fresh

water

Low

Impact on

profitability of

Birds Paradise

business

Site-

specifi

c

Long term Medium Probable Negative. High Medium An agreement based

on a specific rate of

water use should be

signed between Xaris

Low

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CONF.

SIGNIFICANCE

PRE-

MITIGATION

MITIGATION/

ENHANCEMENT

POST-

MITIGATION

and the owners of the

Birds Paradise business.

CONSTRUCTION

Groundwater and

soil pollution

Local Long term Medium Probable Negative:

Groundwater reserves

near the artificial

wetland are saline,

but should be

protected in terms of

legislation.

High Medium Spill and waste

management, cement

mixing on impermeable

layer, other provisions in

EMP.

Low

Nuisance dust

impact.

Local Short term Low to

medium

Highly

probable

Negative.

Construction activity

will generate dust.

Construction site is

downwind and

isolated from

residential areas.

High Low Soil to be stacked in

heaps to reduce

wind-blown sand.

Topsoil to be stored

separately from

subsoil and replaced

back in natural order.

Backfill and compact

the trench area to

prevent loose sand.

Low

Noise Impact (see Local Temporary Low Improbable Negative. High Low Noise Monitoring Low

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CONF.

SIGNIFICANCE

PRE-

MITIGATION

MITIGATION/

ENHANCEMENT

POST-

MITIGATION

noise study

APPENDIX D)

Construction activities

will generate noise

audible to nearby

receptors.

Loss of unique

biogeographical

areas and the

species they

support.

Local Short term Low Highly

probable

Negative.

Invertebrates and

salsola bushes will be

lost through the

clearing of land and

other construction

activities.

High Low Avoid destruction of

any salsola bushes

(They stabilise the soil

and provide habitat

to desert life)

Replace soil layers in

the same order as

they were found.

Low

Employment

Creation

Local Short term Medium Highly

probable

Positive. Up to 400

temporary jobs

created.

High Medium Unskilled labour to be

sourced from Walvis

Bay area.

Skilled labour to be

sourced locally

where possible.

Female labour to be

prioritised where

possible.

Medium to

high

Increased number Local Short term Low to Probable Negative. Medium Low to Pre-employment and

regular screening of

Low

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CONF.

SIGNIFICANCE

PRE-

MITIGATION

MITIGATION/

ENHANCEMENT

POST-

MITIGATION

of TB infections medium medium employees for TB.

Employee and local

community

awareness

education

programme to

include preventative

measures (balanced

nutrition) and early

identification of

symptoms of TB and

influenza.

Construction camps

to comply with

health standards.

Increased number

of HIV infections

Local Long term Medium Highly

probable

Negative. Migrant

construction labourers

with an increase in

disposable income

may engage in risky

sexual behaviour.

Existing prostitution

activity among poor.

High Medium to

high

Co-opt health/social

worker to conduct

HIV/ AIDS training

and awareness

among workers and

local community.

Provide condoms to

migrant workers.

Voluntary screening

Medium

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CONF.

SIGNIFICANCE

PRE-

MITIGATION

MITIGATION/

ENHANCEMENT

POST-

MITIGATION

for HIV status of

employees

Employ labour from

the area.

Visual impact. Local Short term Low Highly

probable

Negative.

Construction activity

like digging of

trenches will take

place near residential

and tourist areas.

High Low Keep the trenches

open for the shortest

possible time.

Constant waste

management.

General neatness of

the site according to

the EMP.

Backfilling and

rehabilitation

according to the

EMP.

Low

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE (O&M)

Security of power

supply

Region

al

Long term High Highly

probable

Positive. 300 MW of

base load power will

be generated locally

High High N/A N/A

Employment Local Short term Medium Highly Positive. 49 High Low to Local people Medium

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CONF.

SIGNIFICANCE

PRE-

MITIGATION

MITIGATION/

ENHANCEMENT

POST-

MITIGATION

Creation and long

term.

probable Permanent jobs

created.

medium employed where

possible.

Female Labour to be

prioritised where

possible.

Reduced risk of

bird collisions with

power line.

Local Long term Medium Highly

probable

Positive. Artificial

wetland will retreat

south of the C14/

power line owing to

water use for power

plant, thus reducing

risk of collisions.

High Low to

medium

N/A N/A

Injury or loss of life

during operation.

Local Long term Low Improbable Negative. Employees

working at the power

plant can be affected

by leaks or failure of

gas conduits.

High Low to

medium

Good

communication

about the health and

safety risks.

Constant monitoring.

Training of staff.

Leakage detection.

Emergency plan for

failures.

Other measures in

Low

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CONF.

SIGNIFICANCE

PRE-

MITIGATION

MITIGATION/

ENHANCEMENT

POST-

MITIGATION

the EMP.

Impacts on

human respiratory

(see air quality

study APPENDIX

D)

Local Long term Low Improbable Negative. Noxious

gases will be emitted

by the power plant

smoke stacks.

However,

concentrations are

below guideline

values.

High Low Water injection

system to reduce

NOx

Use of CO catalysts

where water injection

system used.

Low

Loss of

invertebrate

biodiversity due to

air pollution

Local Long term Low to

medium

Probable Negative. Pollutants

emitted by the power

plant stacks will be

trapped by the

temperature inversion,

dissolve in the fog and

precipitate on the

nearby dune belt

Low Low-

medium

See row immediately

above.

Low

Visual impact Local Long term Medium Probable Negative. Structures

of a contrasting

nature to the

surrounding gravel

plains landscape will

High Low Colours of all

structures to blend in

with that of the

surrounding

landscape as far as

Low

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CONF.

SIGNIFICANCE

PRE-

MITIGATION

MITIGATION/

ENHANCEMENT

POST-

MITIGATION

be erected. Impact

on tourism

possible

Architect to consider

visual concerns

during detailed

design phase.

Sustainability of

project due to

high

maintenance

(wind and

corrosion effects).

Local Long term High Definite Negative. Project

proponent will incur

maintenance costs.

High Medium Include these matters

in the O&M contract.

Consider wind and

corrosion matters in

final design.

Medium to

low

Noise impact (see

noise study

APPENDIX D) Local Long Term Low Improbable

Negative. The

turbines and

equipment will

generate noise

audible to nearby

receptors.

High Low Noise Monitoring Low

Compromised

aviation safety

Local Long term High Improbable Negative.

Electromagnetic fields

generated by the

power plant could

interfere with avionic

Low Low Construction to

internationally

recognised codes and

standards including IEC

International Electro-

Low

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CONF.

SIGNIFICANCE

PRE-

MITIGATION

MITIGATION/

ENHANCEMENT

POST-

MITIGATION

instruments. technical Commission

Standards

DECOMMISSIONING

Flooding of the

areas outside the

2030 wetland

planned

boundaries

Local Long term High Probable Negative. The

wetland will flood

beyond its 2030

planned boundaries in

the event that the

Xaris WWTP is

decommissioned if the

WBM does not have a

contingency plan.

Medium Medium Xaris to inform WBM two

years in advance if the

wastewater treatment

plant) is to be

decommissioned.

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7.2.4 DISCUSSION

There are no impacts with a “high” pre-mitigation significance rating. However, the

following potential impacts required specialist investigation owing to lack of

information and certainty as to their significance. The following conclusions have

been drawn from the respective specialist studies (see APPPENDIX D):

Impact on Air quality: the specialist investigation conducted dispersion

modelling for fine dust (PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide

(CO). Emissions scenarios for each air quality variable were found to be

below the WHO guideline and/or SANS recommended values. Cumulatively

the maximum predicted concentration generated for PM10 combined with

the maximum daily background concentration exceeds the WHO guideline

value, however these concentrations are still deemed to be minimal and will

be restricted to the construction period. No background data is available for

NOx and CO. These need to be determined in order to accurately assess the

cumulative impact of these air quality variables. Dust suppression methods

are recommended during the construction phase. A water injection system is

recommended for NOx generated by the turbines during operation. CO can

be controlled with the use of CO catalysts where the water injection system is

used.

Noise impact: Ambient/background noise levels will be exceeded during

construction period, but this is not deemed significant, because it will be

temporary. The noise impact from the power plant is deemed minimal due to

the distance from the nearest noise sensitive human receptors. The noise limits

set by the IFC Environmental Noise Guidelines for daytime and night time are

not exceeded.

Impact on artificial wetland (Birds Paradise): The use of water from the

Municipal WWTP feed will reduce the amount of water available to the

artificial wetland as well as possibly increase the salinity thereof. This will

reduce the amount of water available for sustaining the growth of the existing

freshwater vegetation and existing bird activity. This will result in dying of some

vegetation and the exodus of a portion of the birds utilising the wetland. This

will have a potentially negative affect on the nearby Birds Paradise business in

terms of reducing the appeal of the wetland from an aesthetic, bird-watching

and hence tourism point of view. This may affect the profitability of the

business. It should be noted that the wetland at present is already expanding

beyond its 2030 planned boundary and thus poses a risk to future planned

development. In order to mitigate the impact on the vegetation and business

it recommended that only vegetation beyond the 2030 planned wetland

boundary be allowed to die. Furthermore an agreement between Xaris and

the business owners regarding an acceptable rate of water use should be

reached and put in writing.

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The return of brine from the WWTP located at the power plant has the

potential to increase the salinity of the wetland. However this impact is

unlikely given the design interventions introduced (see Water Balance Impact

Assessment APPENDIX D) which ensure that the water quality of the brine

discharged to the artificial wetland is of a similar standard.

The wetland will flood beyond its 2030 planned boundaries in the future event

that the Xaris WWTP is decommissioned, if the WBM does not have a

contingency plan. To avoid this Xaris should inform the WBM two years in

advance if the wastewater treatment plant is to be decommissioned. The

WBM should then devise a contingency plan to utilise the necessary volume of

water.

Impact on civil aviation: As the Power Plant will be situated within 8kkm of the

Walvis Bay Airport, the project may present a physical danger in terms of the

six exhaust stacks as well as be a source of radio interference due to

electromagnetic radiation. As per the Namibian Civil Aviation Regulations,

2001 no obstacle higer than 45m above the mean level of the landing area

shall be erected or allowed to come into existence within a distance of 8 km

unless approved by the Director of the Namibia Directorate of Civil Aviation

(DCA). Although the stacks have been proposed to be only 15m high and

not in line of sight of the landing strip, it is still recommended that the DCA

must be approached to brief, explain and clarify the planned design of the

power plant.

As per the Aviation Report (Appendix D4) it is noted that “with distance the

exposure to electromagnetic radiation decreases exponentially, tending

towards zero” and as the Power Plant will be constructed to internationally

recognised codes and standards including IEC international Electrotechnical

Commission standards that address non-ionizing radiation emission standards,

the proposed Power Plant will have a negligible impact or radio interference.

Furthermore, ambiguity surrounding the ownership of Farm 58 poses a potential

threat to the proposed project if not resolved. The WBMC and the Ministry of

Environment and Tourism (MET) should engage in consultations regarding the matter

in order to lay guidelines for future industrial activity in a national park environment.

From a planning perspective Farm 58 is suitable for heavy industrial activity, such as

the operation of a power plant. This is confirmed by the Walvis Bay Spatial

Development Framework (Urban Dynamics Africa, 2012).

Impacts associated with the decommissioning of the proposed power plant, will be

similar to that of constructing the plant – i.e. dust, noise and general construction

waste management. Mitigation measures will be prescribed for these in the EMP.

The assessment above indicates that all of the potential impacts can be mitigated

effectively to reduce the significance to acceptable levels.

Detailed mitigation and enhancement may be found in the EMP.

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8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Namibia is currently partially dependent on neighbouring nations to meet it power

demand. The need for additional local supply is undeniable. This need can be met

by the proposed Xaris Walvis Bay Power Plant and Gas Supply Facility, of which the

power plant is a key component.

Potential impacts associated with the proposed project have been identified and

their significance determined. None of the potential impacts identified had a “high”

impact significance. Specialist studies have been conducted where uncertainty

and a lack of information about potential impacts existed. These include:

Impact on air quality;

Noise impacts;

Impact on artificial wetland (Birds’ Paradise); and

Impact on civil aviation.

The ownership of Farm 58 needs to be resolved between the WBMC and the MET

before the project is implemented. It should be noted that the proposed site, from a

future spatial planning point of view is suitable.

All identified impacts can be mitigated so as to reduce the significance of these

impacts to an acceptable level. Mitigation measures are described in greater detail

in the EMP. Hence, the project, as proposed in this report, can be implemented with

no significant impacts if executed according to the EMP.

It is therefore recommended that Environmental Clearance be granted for the

proposed power plant and specific associated infrastructure as described in Chapter

2 above:

The construction of a 300 MW gas power plant;

The rezoning of the proposed site (if need be);

The construction of a wastewater treatment plant (including pipelines); and

The construction of a substation and overhead transmission cables to connect

to NamPower transmission lines.

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9 REFERENCES

Chan, A., Hartline, J., Hurley, R. J. & Struzziery, L., 2004. Evaluation of Liquefied Natural

Gas receiving terminals for southern California, Santa Barbara: University of

California.

EON Consulting, 2015. Health Impact Assessment - Gas Fired Power Plant and

Operation of a Floating Storage Regasification Unit, Erongo Region, Walvis Bay, s.l.:

s.n.

NamPower, 2015. EIA for the Proposed 300 MW Gas Power Station in Walvis Bay -

Information Request [email], s.l.: s.n.

Urban Dynamics Africa, 2012. Walvis Bay Integrated Urban Spatial Development

Framework, Walvis Bay: Walvis Bay Municipality.

World Bank, 2014. Namibia Overview. [Online]

Available at: http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/namibia/overview

[Accessed 13 April 2015].

Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd, n.d. Request for proposal on the joint development of a 230

MW - 250 MW power station - Volume 2: Minimum funtional specification, South

Africa: Xaris Energy.

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