Lydenburg – Merensky 132kV Power lines Project Visual Impact Assessment Study

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd

October 2015

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION Client : Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd

Project Name : Lydenburg – Merensky 132kV Power lines Project –Visual Impact Assessment Study

Royal HaskoningDHV Reference Number : T01.JNB.000507

Compiled by : Paul da Cruz

Date : October 2015

Location : Woodmead

Approval: Malcolm Roods

______Signature

© Royal HaskoningDHV All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission from Royal HaskoningDHV

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 0

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 0

ACRONYMS 0

SPECIALIST DECLARATION 1

1 INTRODUCTION 2 1.1 AIMS OF THE STUDY 2 1.2 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS 2 1.3 PROJECT TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION 3 1.3.1 SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION 3 1.3.2 TECHNICAL DETAILS 3 1.3.2.1 Servitude Requirements and Clearances 1.3.2.2 Access

2 STUDY AREA VISUAL ENVIRONMENT 6 2.1 LANDSCAPE STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS , TOPOGRAPHY , VISUAL CHARACTER , AND VAC 6 2.2 VISUAL CHARACTER OF THE STUDY AREA 9 2.3 VISUAL ABSORPTION CAPACITY (VAC) 10 2.4 VISUAL SENSITIVITY 10 2.5 LOCATION OF VISUAL RECEPTORS AND KEY OBSERVATION LOCATIONS 13

3 VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 20 3.1 GENERIC ASPECTS OF VISUAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENTS AND STRUCTURES 20 3.2 VISUAL ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH EACH ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENT 22 3.2.1 VISUAL ISSUES POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERNATIVE 1 22 3.2.2 VISUAL ISSUES POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERNATIVE 2 22 3.2.3 VISUAL ISSUES POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERNATIVE 3 23 3.2.4 VISUAL ISSUES POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERNATIVE 4 23 3.2.5 VISUAL ISSUES POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERNATIVE 5A 25 3.2.6 VISUAL ISSUES POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERNATIVE 5B 27 3.3 SELECTION OF KEY OBSERVATION POINTS AND ZONES OF VISUAL EXPOSURE 28 3.3.1 IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT 36 3.4 VISUAL CONTRAST RATING – KEY OBSERVATION LOCATIONS 36 3.4.1 TOLERANCE LEVELS RELATING TO DEGREE OF ACCEPTABLE CHANGE 37 3.4.2 VISUAL CONTRAST RATING AT KEY OBSERVATION LOCATIONS 39 3.4.2.1 Buffelsvley Guest Farm 3.4.2.2 Sharalumbi Estate Phase 1 northern household 3.4.2.3 Black Leopard Lodge 3.4.2.4 Thaba Tholo Stakeholders Household 3.4.2.5 Lapolosa Ranger’s House 3.4.2.6 Lapolosa Volunteer Accommodation 3.4.2.7 Kudu Ranch – North-western Households

3.4.2.8 Kudu Ranch – South -western Households 3.4.2.9 Kudu Ranch – North-eastern Households 3.4.2.10 Kudu Ranch – George’s View 3.4.3 DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR VISUAL IMPACT 79 3.5 COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS 82

4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 87

5 REFERENCES 88

List of Tables TABLE 1 - MINIMUM STANDARDS TO BE USED FOR VEGETATION CLEARING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SUB- TRANSMISSION LINE 5 TABLE 2 - SENSITIVE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS IN THE STUDY AREA 14 TABLE 3 – DEGREE OF VISIBILITY OF NEAREST LINE ALTERNATIVE FROM SENSITIVE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS TABLE 4 - VISUAL CHANGE OBJECTIVE AND TOLERANCE LEVEL FOR THE STUDY AREA 38 TABLE 5 - COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF DEGREE OF VISUAL CONTRAST AND CONSISTENCY WITH TOLERANCE LEVEL FOR EACH ALTERNATIVE 79 TABLE 6 – FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS

List of Figures FIGURE 1 – STUDY AREA 3 FIGURE 2 - STEEL MONOPOLE STRUCTURE IN THE STUDY AREA NEAR THE LYDENBURG SUBSTATION FIGURE 3 – BUFFELSVLEY GUEST FARM SITUATED IN THE WATERVALS RIVER VALLEY ENCIRCLED BY MOUNTAINS FIGURE 4 – FLAT TERRAIN , TRANSFORMED BY AGRICULTURE (CULTIVATION ) ALONG THE KLIPFONTEIN ROAD FIGURE 5 – DENSE RIPARIAN WOODLAND VEGETATION IN THE SHARALUMBI ESTATE THAT IS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN SCREENING EVEN LARGE OBJECTS FROM VIEW 9 FIGURE 6 – HIGHLY NATURAL , SCENIC LANDSCAPE IN THE THABA THOLO WILDERNESS RESERVE FIGURE 7 – LATTICE TOWER OF THE EXISTING 132 KV LINE IN THE KUDU RANCH RESERVE 15 FIGURE 8 – SENSITIVE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE STUDY AREA 16 FIGURE 9 – RECEPTOR LOCATIONS IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE STUDY AREA 17 FIGURE 10 – RECEPTOR LOCATIONS IN THE SOUTH -WESTERN PART OF THE STUDY AREA 18 FIGURE 11 – SENSITIVE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS IN THE SOUTH -EASTERN PART OF THE STUDY AREA FIGURE 12 - DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING DIMINISHING VISUAL EXPOSURE OVER DISTANCE 20 FIGURE 13 – VIEW UP THE WATERVALS RIVER PASS ALONG WHICH ALTERNATIVE 4 IS ALIGNED FIGURE 14 – HOUSEHOLDS IN THE VICINITY OF ALTERNATIVE 5A WHERE THE PROPOSED ALIGNMENT CROSSES THE SPEKBOOM RIVER VALLEY . NOTE THE EXISTING RETICULATION POWER LINE . 26 FIGURE 15 – THE EXISTING POWER LINES ALONG WHICH ALTERNATIVE 5B IS ALIGNED CLOSE TO THE LYDENBURG SUBSTATION 27

FIGURE 16 – HOUSEHOLDS IN THE KUDU RANCH NATURE RESERVE THAT ARE VISUALLY EXPOSED , AND PARTIALLY VISUALLY EXPOSED TO THE EXISTING POWER LINE SERVITUDE ; NOTE THE SCREENING EFFECT OF VEGETATION AT CERTAIN OF THESE 28 FIGURE 17 – DEGREE OF SCREENING OF SENSITIVE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS BY VEGETATION AND TOPOGRAPHY – NORTHERN PART OF STUDY AREA 32 FIGURE 18 - DEGREE OF SCREENING OF SENSITIVE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS BY VEGETATION AND TOPOGRAPHY – MIDDLE PART OF STUDY AREA 33 FIGURE 19 - DEGREE OF SCREENING OF SENSITIVE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS BY VEGETATION AND TOPOGRAPHY – SOUTHERN PART OF STUDY AREA 34 FIGURE 20- DEGREE OF SCREENING OF SENSITIVE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS BY VEGETATION AND TOPOGRAPHY – SOUTH - EASTERN PART OF STUDY AREA 35 FIGURE 21 – EXISTING POWER LINE SPANNING A DEEP VALLEY IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE KUDU RANCH PROPERTY

Glossary of Terms Anthropogenic Human related, as opposed to natural Back Slope The gentler, longer slope of a cuesta / escarpment (an asymmetrical ridge produced by differential erosion of dipping strata, in which the long gentle slope is generally accordant with the dip of the resistant strata), located ‘behind’ the scarp face. Ba nd (banding) In a visual assessment context a band is a contrasting linear form with two roughly parallel edges dividing an area in two. Biome A biological division that represents the ecological character of vegetation, being the largest geographical biotic community that is convenient to delineate. The two biomes in the study area are the grassland biome and the savannah biome. Butt Edge In a visual context this is the simple sharp edge between two contrasting areas. Dimensional Mass The volume of a landform, natural object, or manmade structure in the landscape. Dimensional Shape The presence of an area or areas which contrast in colour and/or texture from adjacent areas creating a two-dimensional shape in the landscape. Petroglyph Rock engravings of prehistoric nature created by removing part of a rock surface by incising, picking, carving, and abrading Riparian Pertaining to a river bank; in many settings riparian zones / corridors are characterised by the presence of vegetation that is characterised by a different structure (typically larger trees and denser vegetation) and species composition to the surrounding vegetation Scarp Face The steep (vertical) face of an escarpment located below the crest, and above the pediment slope below Sense of Place “Sense of Place” is usually is defined as an overarching impression encompassing the general ways in which people feel about places, senses it, and assign concepts and values to it (Najafi, et al, 2011). Understorey The lower strata of vegetation in a wooded environment, below the canopy and closer to the ground Viewshed A viewshed is an area of land, water, or other environmental element that is visible to the human eye from a fixed vantage point Visual Envelope = a viewshed Wilderness An extensive area of land that has never been permanently occupied by humans or subjected to intensive use (e.g. cultivation or mining), and which exists in a natural or near-natural state.

Acronyms

Amsl – Above mean sea level BA – Basic Assessment VAC – Visual Absorption Capacity

Specialist Declaration

I, Paul da Cruz, declare that I – • act as a specialist consultant in the field of visual impact assessment • do not have and will not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity, other than remuneration for work performed in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010; • have and will not have any vested interest in the proposed activity proceeding; • have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity; • undertake to disclose, to the competent authority, any material information that have or may have the potential to influence the decision of the competent authority or the objectivity of any report, plan or document required in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2006; and • will provide the competent authority with access to all information at my disposal regarding the application, whether such information is favourable to the applicant or not.

PAUL DA CRUZ

1 INTRODUCTION

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. has appointed RHDHV to undertake a Basic Assessment (BA) Study for the proposed development of a 132kV distribution power line in the area between Mashishing (Lydenburg) and Steelpoort in Mpumalanga, a route that traverses both Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces.

Following concerns raised by a number of interested and affected parties regarding the potential visual impacts associated with the proposed power line, a visual impact study was commissioned as part of the BA studies being conducted for the proposed development. The study aims to identify how the proposed power line would affect the visual environment of the study area and how to mitigate potential visual impacts associated with it.

The current draft of this report has been updated to include two new alignment alternatives that have been created to take account of environmental sensitivities in the study area related to the presence of a proclaimed nature reserve (the Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve).

1.1 Aims of the Study

The aims of the study are to:

Characterise the visual environment of the area in which the power line alternatives are proposed to run and to identify the degree of likely visual impact that would be exerted at receptor locations by the proposed development.
Assess the nature and intensity of the visual impacts associated with the proposed power line
Comparatively assess the three alignment alternatives provided for comparative assessment and recommend a preferred alignment from a visual perspective

1.2 Assumptions and Limitations

It should be noted that the ‘experiencing’ of visual impacts is subjective and largely based on the perception of the viewer or receptor. The presence of a receptor in an area potentially affected by the proposed power line does not thus necessarily mean that a visual impact would be experienced.

It should be noted that at the time of compilation of this draft, no public participation had been undertaken in the areas traversed by the new Alternatives 5A and 5B and thus no feedback from people inhabiting this area has been able to be considered. Should visual-related feedback from these areas be received as part of the BA public participation process, this will be considered in an updated draft of this report.

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1.3 Project Technical Description

1.3.1 Site Location and Description

The Study Area stretches across the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, being located within the Lydenburg and Steelpoort districts. The proposed line runs northwards from the Lydenburg Substation just to the north of Mashishing (Lydenburg), crossing the Mpumalanga-Limpopo border and ending at the Merensky Substation just outside the town of Steelpoort. The area traversed by the proposed lines is predominantly rural in character, with the majority of it consisting of farming areas characterised by livestock rearing, as well as some areas of irrigated cultivation, game farms and nature reserves. As such most of the area has thus retained a natural or rural character. The proposed power line corridor will commence at the existing Merensky substation to the existing Lydenburg substation. The proposed length is approximately 34-59km, depending on the alternative selected for development. The study area is indicated in the maps in the figure below.

Figure 1 – Study Area

1.3.2 Technical Details

In South Africa, thousands of kilometres of high voltage transmission lines (i.e. 765 kV, 400 kV or 220 kV transmission lines) transmit electricity generated at power stations to Eskom’s major substations. At these major substations, the voltage is reduced, and the electricity is distributed to smaller substations all over the country through sub-transmission lines (i.e. 132 kV, 88 kV or 66 kV lines). At the smaller substations the voltage is further

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reduced and the power is distributed to local users via numerous small power lines (i.e. 22 kV and 11 kV lines) referred to as reticulation lines. The power generated by Eskom can only be utilised from those points of supply, which transform the power into a usable voltage.

The proposed power line would be developed as a 132kV Sub-transmission line, and towers are proposed to be single mast suspension structures; the single mast suspension structure was developed as an alternative to self- supporting structures available at 132kV voltage level. This configuration is designed to be highly flexible during broken conductor conditions, resulting in a very light structure, as illustrated below.

Figure 2 - Steel monopole structure in the Study Area near the Lydenburg Substation

The towers would be 17-24m in height.

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1.3.2.1 Servitude Requirements and Clearances

The servitude width for a 132 kV sub-transmission line is 32m (11m and 15.5m on either side of the centre line of the power line respectively). The minimum vertical clearance to buildings, poles and structures not forming part of the power line must be 3.8 m, while the minimum vertical clearance between the conductors and the ground is 6.7m. The minimum distance of a 132 kV sub-transmission line running parallel to proclaimed public roads is 95m from the centre of the sub-transmission line servitude to the centre of the road servitude. The minimum distance between any part of a tree or shrub and any bare phase conductor of a 132 kV sub-transmission line must be 3.8m, allowing for the possible sideways movement and swing of both the sub-transmission line and the tree or shrub. On receipt of an approval of the final corridor by the environmental authorities and after negotiations with landowners, the final definition of the centre line for the sub-transmission line and coordinates of each bend in the line will be determined. Optimal tower sizes and positions will be identified and verified using a ground survey (in terms of the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) requirements). A minimum 8 m (4 m either side of the centre line of the power line) wide strip is to be cleared of all trees and for stringing purposes only. If any tree or shrub in other areas will interfere with the operation and/or reliability of the sub-transmission line it will be trimmed or completely cleared. The clearing of vegetation will take place, with the aid of a surveyor, along approved profiles and in accordance with the approved EMPr, and in accordance with the minimum standards to be used for vegetation clearing for the construction of the proposed new sub-transmission lines as listed in Table 1 (Eskom, 2000).

Table 1 - Minimum standards to be used for vegetation clearing for construction of a new sub- transmission line Item Standard Follow up Centre line of the Clear to a maximum (depending on tower type and Re-growth shall be cut within proposed Sub- voltage) of an 8 m wide strip of all vegetation along 100 mm of the ground and transmission line the centre line. Vegetation to be cut within 100 mm treated with herbicide, as of the ground. Treat stumps with herbicide. necessary. Inaccessible valleys Clear a 1 m strip for access by foot only, for the Vegetation not to be disturbed (trace line) pulling of a pilot wire by hand. after initial clearing – vegetation to be allowed to re- grow. Access / service roads Clear a maximum (depending on tower type) 5 m Re-growth to be cut at ground wide strip for vehicle access within the maximum 8 m level and treated with width, including de-stumping/cutting stumps to herbicide as necessary. ground level, treating with a herbicide and re- compaction of soil. Proposed tower position Clear all vegetation within proposed tower position Re-growth to be cut at ground and proposed support / and within a maximum (depending on tower type) level and treated with stay wire position radius of 5 m around the position, including de- herbicide as necessary. stumping / cutting stumps to ground level, treating with an herbicide and re-compaction of soil. Allow controlled agricultural practices, where feasible. Indigenous vegetation Area outside of the maximum 8 m strip and within the Selective trimming within servitude area servitude area, selective trimming or cutting down of (outside of maximum 8 those identified plants posing a threat to the integrity m strip) of the proposed Sub-transmission line.

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Once the centre line has been cleared, the surveyor pegs every tower position and marks the crossing point with existing fences for new gate installation. Once the tower positions have been marked, the vegetation clearing team will return to every tower position and clear vegetation (in accordance with the EMPr) for assembling and erection purposes.

1.3.2.2 Access

Approximately 60% of each of the proposed corridor alternatives are situated along existing access routes, and therefore access to the sites are readily available. A vehicle access road is usually required to be established to allow access along the entire length of the servitude. Access is required during both the construction and operation / maintenance phases of the Sub- transmission line life cycle. Areas without access points and roads will be negotiated with landowners, and are to be established during the construction phase. The access roads will be considered for the various alternative routes being evaluated for the proposed project. Should a new access road be required to be constructed for the final route, it will need to be negotiated with the individual landowner/s concerned.

2 STUDY AREA VISUAL ENVIRONMENT

The study area visual environment is assessed below in order to provide an understanding of the visual environment in which the power line is proposed to be developed.

2.1 Landscape Structural Components, Topography, Visual Character, and VAC

Topographically the study area is varied, with mountainous areas providing a strong element of relief in most areas traversed by the power line route alternatives. The study area is located close to north-eastern extension of the Great Escarpment in South Africa that separates the interior plateau from the lower-lying Lowveld and the Indian Ocean coastal plain to the east, and as such is very mountainous. The study area is characterised by a series of tall north-south aligned ridges and associated enclosed valleys. From a macro-geomorphological perspective, the incised terrain of valleys surrounded by hills reflects landscape-level erosional processes that have resulted in faster erosion of the softer shales, with the harder quartzites forming the ridges. Three such longitudinal valleys are present within the wider study area – the Steelpoort River Valley in the west (in which the Merensky Substation is located), the Watervals River Valley through which Alternative 3 is aligned, and the Spekboom / Dorps River valley lying just east of the ridge along which Alternative 1 is aligned. These valleys are enclosed on both sides by ridges, which on the western side of the Watervals valley form high cliffs which are visually prominent. A majority of the area of the alternative routes is thus characterised by steeply sloping, incised terrain. Flat ground is found in limited parts of the study area – within the above mentioned valley bottoms, as well as in another enclosed valley linking the Watervals and Steelpoort valleys (long which the D737 road and the northern parts of Alternative 2 are aligned) and in the area to the north of Mashishing. The town of Mashishing is located a much flatter plain or open valley bottom located to the west of the ridges associated with the Great Escarpment (lying between Lydenburg and Sabie as traversed by the Long Tom Pass). The Lydenburg Substation is located in this flatter terrain, and Alternatives 5A and 5B mostly traverse an area of flatter terrain that is located between the incised Steelpoort River valley and the west-facing back slope of the main escarpment. Certain of the ridge tops are also relatively flat or gently undulating, with an example of such higher-elevation terrain occurring within the Lapolosa Wilderness Reserve.

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Figure 3 – Buffelsvley Guest Farm situated in the Watervals River valley encircled by mountains

The nature of the topography has implications for views and the extent of the surrounding landscape that can be viewed: due to the enclosed nature of the valleys, viewers / viewing locations within those valleys will be exposed to a view that is limited to the valley. Objects placed in positions of relative elevation will be prominent, and if the viewer is located on a higher point (e.g. on a ridge line), the view to which they would be exposed would be more extensive than if they were located within the valley. In areas of flatter topography – such as in the area of cultivation traversed by Alternative 5A to the north-east of Mashishing views are not immediately constrained by topographical features. Topography thus performs a very important role in determining the extent of the view available in the study area, and in some cases large objects can be completely screened from view by topography at a nearby location, in spite of the relative proximity of the object and the viewing location.

The study area is rural in nature, and rural landuses largely predominate with the exception of the Steelpoort valley in which mining occurs, and in the vicinity of the town of Lydenburg where urban-related landuses occur. The nature of the mountainous topography (and as a result, very shallow, rocky soils) prohibits the practising of cultivation over much of the study area, and as such livestock raising or game farming occurs as the predominant rural landuse. This has allowed the natural vegetation to be retained over large parts of the study area. Cultivation only occurs in spatially limited areas, but is intensive where it occurs – mainly in the valley bottom of the Watervals River valley where irrigated cultivation of certain crop types and citrus orchards occur, and in the Krugerspos area to the north-east of Mashishing in which flat terrain and suitable soils allows the intensive cultivation of crops. An important component of the landuse in the study area is conservation, and three relatively large protected areas 1 occur in the study area – the Kudu Ranch Private Nature Reserve, Thaba Tholo Wilderness Area and the Enkosini / Lapolosa Wilderness area. In such areas conservation landuse has allowed

1 It should be noted that currently only the Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve is formally declared as a protected area – South African Protected Areas Database (http://egis.environment.gov.za/sapad_detail.aspx?m=73&amid=124) T01.JNB.000507 Page 7 Royal Haskoning DHV

the natural vegetation to be retained and there is limited (low density) or no development apart from the creation of ecotourism facilities.

Figure 4 – Flat terrain, transformed by agriculture (cultivation) along the Klipfontein Road

Vegetation cover is intrinsically related to land use as described above; the study area is located in a transition area between the grassland and savannah biomes and as such the natural vegetation varies between lightly wooded grasslands (or alternatively classified as very open, grassy woodland) that occur in the higher altitudes (e.g. ridge tops) and denser woodland and even thicket on the slopes and in the valley bottoms. Vegetation, especially taller woodland vegetation, can play an effective role in screening objects. In certain parts of the study area, landuse (especially irrigated cultivation) has resulted in the transformation of natural vegetation.

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Figure 5 – Dense riparian woodland vegetation in the Sharalumbi Estate that is highly effective in screening even large objects from view

2.2 Visual Character of the Study Area

The above physical and land use-related characteristics of the Study Area contribute to its visual character. Visual character is also influenced by the presence of built infrastructure such as buildings, roads and other objects such as electricity infrastructure. Visual character can be defined based on the level of change or transformation from a completely natural setting which would represent a natural baseline in which there is little evidence of human transformation of the landscape. Varying degrees of human transformation of a landscape would engender differing visual characteristics to that landscape, with a highly modified urban or industrial landscape being at the opposite end of the scale to a largely natural undisturbed landscape.

As described above the wider study area is largely rural in nature, and the mountainous terrain of the study area has limited for the transformative capacity of rural (agricultural) landuses, thus large parts of the study area have retained a natural visual character. Only in spatially limited areas do agricultural or other landuse engender a different visual character – i.e. in the Watervals River valley and in the Klipfontein / Krugerspos area where intensive irrigation and orchards have partially altered the visual character of the valley, the northern-most extent of the line where mining and urban infrastructure around Steelpoort is prominent, and in the area to the south of the Lydenburg Substation where the presence of smallholdings and electricity infrastructure has altered the visual baseline. The study area thus displays a largely natural character with small areas that display a stronger rural aspect to the visual character.

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2.3 Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC)

Visual absorption capacity (VAC) is an important factor relating to the visual character of the area and relating to the potential visual impact resulting from a new development. The visual absorption capacity of an area / landscape refers to ability of that area / landscape to absorb development without noticeable intrusion or change to the visual character of the area. Visual absorption capacity can be measured on a scale from high (an area which has a high capacity to absorb new development) to low (an area in which a new development would be highly visible and would alter the visual character of the area). Visual absorption capacity is a function of a number of factors including topography (including slope and aspect) and the nature of landuse and land cover (such as vegetation cover and height), and most importantly the degree of human-induced transformation of the area). Urbanised or industrial areas typically have a high visual absorption capacity in the context of the type of development that is proposed, especially where industrial-type structures already occur. Conversely highly natural or rural areas with a low human footprint would have a very low VAC for the development of a large structural component.

As described above, the wider study area is mostly highly natural in character, with limited existing anthropogenic influence in the landscape. There are relatively few power lines and other large structures – an existing distribution line runs between the Lydenburg and Merensky Substations (along which Alternative 1 is aligned) but it should be noted that large section of this power line traverse mountainous areas away from general public access. Another set of distribution lines occur in the area to the north-east of Mashishing (along which part of Alternative 5A is aligned). Along with some smaller reticulation power lines that occur in the Watervals River valley and along the R536 to the north-east of Mashishing, a few communication / cell phone towers on the ridge to the west of the Watervals River Valley and some mining infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of the Merensky Substation at Steelpoort, there is generally an absence of large-scale and prominent human infrastructure in the areas traversed by the power line alternatives. This factor and the largely natural character of most of the study area imbue the study area with a low visual absorption capacity. It should be noted that where existing infrastructure does exist, the VAC would be slightly higher, e.g. along the existing 132kV power lines mentioned above. The overall low VAC of the study area is an indication that the development of a large, visually-prominent structure such as a power line could be associated with a high degree of visual intrusion in terms of the landscape context.

Although visual absorption capacity has a strong bearing on the visual sensitivity of an area as discussed below, the presence of sensitive receptors of visual impact and the potential perception of a new power line development as a visual intrusion is not necessarily dependent on a landscape / area having a low VAC.

2.4 Visual Sensitivity

Visual Sensitivity is an important factor in gauging whether a new development would be perceived to be an impact or not. Visual sensitivity can be defined as the degree to which anthropogenic change within a landscape would be perceived negatively by the people that inhabit or frequent that area. The degree of visual sensitivity of an area is closely related to the aesthetic quality of the area, as well as to the value placed in the aesthetic quality of the landscape.

It is important to note that the presence of natural / perceived natural and rural elements or areas within the landscape as viewed from the surrounds of the site can engender perceptions of aesthetic quality or value to the landscape. Many studies of landscape conservation have highlighted the value placed by people in rural or natural landscapes. In this context it is worthwhile to briefly explore how landscape, and particularly natural and rural landscapes, are valued in order to contextualise and understand responses to the proposed development that stress the potential impact of the proposed development on the surrounding landscape and views of it.

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A rural landscape can be defined as an where an interaction between humans and nature over time has led to the development of a landscape that has its own characteristics, and which is a middle ground between an urban landscape and wilderness, consisting of human activities that are related to the natural environment, such as agriculture and pastoral activities (Mazehan et al , 2013). A natural landscape, as defined in this report is close in appearance to how the landscape would appear without human alteration – i.e. mimicking or closely resembling that of a wilderness.

Placing value in a landscape is a psychological and cultural practice; values and meanings are not intrinsic to the landscape, but rather they are phenomena created by humans through their cultural practices (Pun, 2004). It is thus important to note that perceptions of landscape may not be universally shared and different individuals or groups of people may perceive or treat the same landscape differently, in turn ascribing different values and meanings to it (Pun, 2004). Values and meanings ascribed by local people may not be evident to an outsider. Indeed, differing values may be in competition among themselves (Pun, 2004).

There are different types of values that can be placed on a landscape; i.e. economic values (e.g. the relevancy of the landscape for business enterprises, or the market possibility of products from landscape), amenity values (values related to the non-material benefits associated with it) and security values (Pun, 2004). Amenity values can be subdivided into different sub-categories; “intrinsic” ecological value, scientific and educational value, aesthetical and recreational value, and orientational and identity value. Landscapes and the viewing of landscapes has also been shown to have positive psychological and health benefits; Velarde et al (2007), have shown through an examination of various environmental psychology studies that visual exposure to natural landscapes (e.g. by means of viewing natural landscapes during a walk, or viewing from a window) generally has a beneficial impact on human health (e.g. reduced stress, facilitating recovery from illness, and behavioural changes that improve mood and general well-being). Landscape as a source of beauty is prevalent within the arts and is strong draw card for recreational activities. In addition, landscape is an element in the ability of people to orient themselves, and is strongly related to people’s cultural identity and sense of place. It is in this context that value is placed in natural or rural landscapes, and it follows that such value would be placed on views in an area such as the study area which is largely natural, and which has high aesthetic value by virtue of its scenic nature.

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Figure 6 – Highly natural, scenic landscape in the Thaba Tholo Wilderness Reserve

The above values can be interlinked, but can also be conflicting, e.g. amenity values associated with a landscape held by a certain group of people as described above may conflict with economic values associated with the market or development possibility of the landscape that are held by others. It is in this context that visual impact associated with a potential development often arises as an issue in environmental impact assessments.

The latter three sub-categories of amenity value described above – aesthetic, identity and psychological health value are typically involved in the perception of visual impact and constitute the elements of the ‘visual sensitivity’ associated with that landscape, as development within a landscape can change the landscape to the degree to which the amenity value associated with a landscape is considered to be degraded or no present.

In the context of the present study, the responses of certain Interested and Affected Parties to the initial public participation process being undertaken for the BA studies indicate that there are individuals across the study area who place value in the natural landscape elements that are present within the study area 2. These values are predominantly amenity values, but have an economic element in that commercial ecotourism activities are practiced in certain parts of the study area. The amenity values appear to be based to a significant degree on the aesthetic quality of the landscape; the study area is particularly mountainous and scenic quality or visual quality of a landscape typically increases with greater relief, as well as with increasing complexity of visual elements; as stated by Porteous, (1996), the greater the topographical variation, the greater the scenic quality (see also the references quoted in Wu et al, 2006). The natural characteristics of the landscapes in the wider study area and the aesthetic quality has allowed the relatively recent development of ecotourism as an important landuse in the area, and the development of low density ‘eco-estates’ in certain localities within the area. Although the study

2 It should be noted that at the time of compilation of this draft, no public participation had been undertaken in the areas traversed by the new Alternatives 5A and 5B and thus no feedback from people inhabiting this area has been able to be considered. T01.JNB.000507 Page 12 Royal Haskoning DHV

area is not located within the traditional and longer-established ecotourism nodes nearby such as the Mpumalanga Lowveld and escarpment (Panorama route) or the Mpumalanga Highlands (Dullstroom area), the study area is increasingly being marketed as an area for ecotourism, with landuse on a number of properties changing to reflect such activities.

It is in this context of the existence of amenity and economic values associated with landscapes within the study area that the visual sensitivity of the study area can be defined. The feedback expressed by a number of property owners indicates that value is placed in the natural elements of the landscape, indicating a sensitivity to change within the landscape that may be caused by a development such as a power line (as proposed).

A similar aspect of visual sensitivity of parts of the study area that is based on such amenity values is related to the concept of ‘wilderness’. This concept has been stressed by certain Interested and Affected Parties, particularly by the owners and management of the Lapolosa Wilderness Reserve. Although many differing definitions of ‘wilderness’ exist, wilderness can essentially be defined as place with a very limited, or an absence of human influence or footprint, where natural processes are predominant. Values associated with wilderness are a human construct and can be either negative or positive, but in a positive realm wilderness values are associated with the ability of the wilderness to improve physical and mental well-being, the protection of a natural environment, and spiritual aspects. Such wilderness areas are valued for the opportunity for people to escape from densely populated, built-up and transformed urban environments in which many people live. The concept of wilderness is closely linked to the establishment of protected areas, with the Wilderness Movement having assisted in the creation of the first formally protected areas in the world in the late Nineteenth Century (Kalamandeen and Gillson, 2007), a concept which is still present today, and which has been a factor in the establishment of certain of the (informal) protected areas in the study area. The concept of wilderness, and the protection and enjoyment of it has a strong visual element to it, in that the landscape of the wilderness is one without visible human influence and into which anthropogenic landscape change cannot be tolerated if the essence of the wilderness is to be preserved. The presence of certain parts of the study area from which little human infrastructure is present or can be viewed has led to these parts of the area being classified as wilderness areas by their owners and the cultivation of wilderness values by these parties, as well as the management of such properties to preserve their wilderness characteristics. The definition of such areas as wilderness by their owners is the core of the visual sensitivity of these parts of the study area.

This degree of visual sensitivity may not be universally shared by all inhabitants; nonetheless this aspect of the visual sensitivity of the area needs to be taken into account in this visual impact assessment study.

2.5 Location of Visual Receptors and Key Observation Locations

Visual Impact is related to the presence of human receptors / viewers, thus visual impact is typically experienced from locations inhabited by humans. Accordingly an understanding of the areas inhabited / occupied by humans (even transiently) is important in the classification of potential visual impacts. Sites of human habitation (e.g. residential areas, farmsteads and homesteads) typically make up the bulk of the receptor locations within an area. However lodges and other accommodation facilities, as well as recreational sites are other static locations that are typically considered receptor locations. However not only ‘static’ locations can be termed as receptor areas; areas or routes of human movement such as roads can also be considered to be receptor locations, as well as wider areas in which certain activities that would be considered visually sensitive are practiced. This could include areas where tourism activities such as hiking trails or 4X4 routes, or hunting are practiced.

Due to the size of the area traversed by the five power line alternatives there are a number of receptor locations. From these receptor locations a number of sensitive receptor locations can be identified. These locations are those where viewers are most likely to perceive a visual impact due to the nature of landuse practiced or activities practiced at that location. The receptor types included as key observations include ( inter alia ) game lodges and T01.JNB.000507 Page 13 Royal Haskoning DHV

other ecotourism facilities, homesteads within eco-estates, farmsteads as well as viewpoints or scenic picnic sites. It should be noted that only receptor locations within 5km of each of the alternatives have been included as sensitive receptor locations. The table below lists the sensitive receptor locations within the study area.

Table 2 - Sensitive Receptor Locations in the Study Area Receptor Name Type Closest Line Alternative Olifantspoortjie Lodge Accommodation Facility Alternative 2 Lapeng Lodge Accommodation Facility Alternative 1 Buffelvley Guest Farm Accommodation Facility Alternative 3 Buffelsvlei Farm - River Cottage Private Accommodation Facility Alternative 3 Ithaba Falls Guest Farm Accommodation Facility Alternative 3 Valencia Lodge Accommodation Facility Alternative 3 Sharalumbi Estate - Phase One Private Homestead Alternative 3 Housing Units Sharalumbi Estate - Phase Two Private Homestead Alternative 3 Housing Unit Sharalumbi Farmstead Private Homestead Alternative 3 Thaba Tholo Stakeholders Lodge Private Homestead Alternative 3 Thaba Tholo Game Drive Lookout Lookout Point / Sundowner Location Alternative 3 Point (Dam) Thaba Tholo - Blesbok Ridge Lookout Point / Sundowner Location Alternative 3 Viewpoint (North) Thaba Tholo - Blesbok Ridge Lookout Point / Sundowner Location Alternative 3 Viewpoint (South) Thaba Tholo Game Drive Eastern Lookout Point Lookout Point / Sundowner Location Alternative 3 Black Leopard Camp Accommodation Facility Alternative 3 Lapolosa – Volunteer Accommodation Facility Alternative 2 Accommodation Units Lapolosa – Volunteer Eating House Accommodation Facility Alternative 2 Lapolosa Ranger’s Household Private Homestead Alternative 2 Kudu Ranch Residential Private Homestead Alternative 1 / Alternative 5A Homesteads Spekboom River Lodge Accommodation Facility Alternative 1 Kudu Ranch Lydenburg Waterfall Lookout 3 Lookout Point Alternative 1 George’s View Lookout Point and Picnic Site Alternative 1 (Alternative 4) Alternative 4

Restaurant and Accommodation Oppiberg Restaurant Facility

3 Note the Lydenburg Waterfall Lookout Point is no longer open to the public, as per a previous T01.JNB.000507 Page 14 Royal Haskoning DHV

Receptor Name Type Closest Line Alternative Restaurant and Accommodation Impangele Inn Facility Alternative 5A Potloodspruit Smallholdings Private Homestead Alternative 5A Klipfontein Farmsteads Private Farmsteads Alternative 5A

It should be noted that not all receptor locations are static – i.e. fixed locations such as a household or other structures. Visual impacts can be experienced from other areas in which certain types of activities take place. As many of the properties in the study area have been set aside for conservation or the practicing of ecotourism activities, the parts of properties in which such activities take place can also be considered to be visually sensitive. This includes game drive routes, cycle trails, hiking routes and 4X4 routes. Due to the amenity values placed in the landscape in this area and the emphasis on aesthetic value, these areas can be considered to be transient receptor locations.

Figure 7 – Lattice tower of the existing 132kV line in the Kudu Ranch Reserve

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Figure 8 – Sensitive Receptor Locations in the northern part of the Study Area

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Figure 9 – Receptor locations in the western part of the study area

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Figure 10 – Receptor locations in the South-western part of the Study Area

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Figure 11 – Sensitive Receptor locations in the South-eastern part of the Study Area

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3 VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

3.1 Generic aspects of visual impacts associated with developments and structures

Before exploring the site-specific impacts associated with the proposed development, it is necessary to explore some generic aspects of visual impact as associated with new developments such as the proposed housing development.

• Size and footprint of an object/ development Size of a new object / series of objects placed into a landscape are an important determinant in terms of visibility. The larger a structural feature, the more it is likely to be visible. Spatial footprint is also an important factor, as the larger the spatial footprint of a development, the more it will be likely to occupy a large portion of a landscape, thus having a greater potential to alter the visual character of the landscape.

• Viewing distance The distance of the viewer / receptor location away from an object is the most important factor in the context of the experiencing of visual impacts. Beyond a certain distance, even large structural features tend to be much less visible, and are difficult to differentiate from the surrounding landscape. The visibility of an object is likely to decrease exponentially with increasing distance away from the object, with maximum impact being exerted on receptors at a distance of 500m or less. The impact decreases exponentially as one moves away from the source of impact, with the impact at 1000m being a quarter of the impact at 500m away (see the figure below). At 5000m away or more, the impact would be negligible.

Figure 12 - Diagram Illustrating Diminishing Visual Exposure over Distance

• Presence of receptors It is important to note that visual impacts are only experienced when there are receptors present to experience the impact; thus in a context where there are no human receptors or viewers present there are not likely to be any visual impacts experienced.

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• Viewer perception As described above, value can be placed in a landscape in terms of its aesthetic quality, or in terms of its sense of identity or sense of place with which it is associated. If no such values are held with respect to a landscape, there is less likely to a perception of visual impact if the landscape is visually altered. On the opposite side of the scale, development within a landscape may not be perceived negatively at all if the development is associated with progress or upliftment of the human condition. The perception of visual impacts is thus highly subjective and thus involves ‘value judgements’ on behalf of the receptor. The context of the landscape character, the scenic / aesthetic value of an area, and the types of land use practiced tend to affect the perception of whether new developments are considered to be an unwelcome intrusion into that landscape. Sensitivity to visual impacts is typically most pronounced in areas set aside for the conservation of the natural environment (such as protected natural areas or conservancies), or in areas in which the natural character or scenic beauty of the area acts as a draw card for visitors (tourists) to visit an area, and accordingly where amenity and utilitarian ecological values are associated with the landscape.

When landscapes have a highly natural or scenic character, amenity values are typically associated with such a landscape. Structural features such as high voltage power lines are not a feature of the natural environment, but are rather representative of human (anthropogenic) change to a landscape. Thus when placed in a largely natural landscape, such structural features can be perceived to be highly incongruous in the context of the setting, especially if they affect or change the visual quality of a landscape. It is in this context of incongruity with a natural setting that new developments are often perceived to be a source of visual impact. .

• Landform (topographical) and micro-topographical context The landform context of the environment in which the object is placed is an important factor. The location of the feature within the landform setting – i.e. in a valley bottom or on a ridge top is important in determining the relative visibility of the feature. In the latter case, the feature would be much more visible and would ‘break’ the horizon, if a viewer was located ‘inferior’ to the object in the topographical context. Similarly the landform context in which the viewer is located is important in that topography can inherently block views towards an object if the viewer is located in a setting such as a steep-sided valley or on an aspect facing away from the object. The morphological character of a slope is important in determining visibility of objects from other parts of the slope; typically where slopes are concave topography does not screen objects from view, but convex slopes reduce the visibility of the objects on the same slope.

The micro-topography within the landscape setting in which the viewer and object are located is also important; the presence of micro-topographical features and objects such as buildings or vegetation that would screen views from a receptor position to an object can remove any visual impact factor associated with it.

• Landscape development context The presence / existence of other anthropogenic objects associated with the built environment may influence the perception of whether a new development is associated with a visual impact. Where buildings and other infrastructure exists, the visual environment could be considered to be already altered from a natural context and thus the introduction of a feature into this setting may be considered to be less of a visual impact than if there was no existing built infrastructure visible.

• Receptor type and nature of the view Visual impacts can be experienced by different types of receptors, such as people driving along roads, or people living / working in the area in which the structural feature is visible. The receptor type in turn affects the nature of the typical ‘view’ of a potential source of visual impact, with views being permanent in the case of a residence or other place of human habitation, or transient in the case of vehicles moving along a road. The nature of the view experienced affects the intensity of the visual impact experienced.

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• Weather and visibility Meteorological factors, such as weather conditions (presence of haze, or heavy mist) which would affect visibility can impact the nature and intensity of a potential visual impact associated with a structural feature.

3.2 Visual Issues associated with each alternative alignment

3.2.1 Visual Issues potentially associated with Alternative 1

Alternative 1 runs north from the Lydenburg Substation, and importantly runs parallel to an existing 132kV line for its entire length. North of the Lydenburg Substation the alignment runs across farming land (of expected low visual sensitivity), before entering the Kudu Ranch Private Nature Reserve. In spite of the presence of an existing line, the nature reserve is associated with a high degree of visual sensitivity, as evidenced by the public participation submissions from owners and management of the reserve that have expressed opposition to the development of a new (additional) power line across the property. There are a number if shareholder’s households that are located close to the (existing power line and) proposed alignment, that could be visually exposed to the proposed line, as well as roads, paths and other areas of human activity that could similarly be affected. These receptor locations are concentrated in the central part of the reserve, with the northern part of the reserved being designated as a ‘wilderness area’ with a much lower human presence (however this is still considered visually sensitive).

To the north of the Kudu Ranch the alignment traverses very mountainous terrain in rangeland. No sensitive receptors have been identified in this area with the exception of the Spekboom River Lodge that is located to the east of the lines and which would have no visual exposure to the lines. The alignment passes through a property designated as a private nature reserve as designated under the DEA Protected Areas Database (Kasma Private Nature Reserve) but it is not known whether there are sensitive receptor locations in this reserve.

The alignment crosses the R37 and runs parallel to the D737 Road, passing close to two identified sensitive receptor locations (commercial accommodation facilities). In the case of the Lapeng Lodge, intervening vegetation would partly screen the power line from view, thus reducing the visual exposure context of the existing and proposed power lines (refer to section 3.4.3 below). The remainder of the route to the Merensky Substation is dealt with under Alternative 2 below.

3.2.2 Visual Issues potentially associated with Alternative 2

Alternative 2 is associated with Alternative 3 that commences at the Lydenburg Substation; it commences close to the point at which the R37 enters / exits the Watervals River pass and the intersection with the Beetgekraal District Road. In this area the alternative alignment traverses an area of intense agricultural production with a few farmsteads close to the proposed alignment.

After crossing the Watervals River the alignment climbs up the steep terrain of the western / northern side of the Watervals River valley, entering the property of the Lapolosa Wilderness Reserve. This is a (non-formally proclaimed) protected area, and the submissions received from the owners have detailed the visual sensitivity of the area. The proposed alignment would route the power line over flat terrain on top of the escarpment to the west Watervals River, entailing that the towers and lines would be highly visible from receptor locations in the Lapolosa Wilderness Reserve and causing a high degree of visual exposure and associated visual impact.

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To the north of the property boundary of the Lapolosa Reserve the alignment would traverse a property that has been subject to land restitution, and the mountainous terrain over which the alignment is routed is largely uninhabited, being used for livestock grazing. The alignment drops down into the valley in which the D737 Road runs, and runs roughly parallel to this road, joining the existing 132kV power line alignment to the Merensky Substation. The landuses in the valley consist of livestock ranging and game farming, with two static sensitive receptor locations identified in this area. Close to the Merensky Substation the visual environment is not sensitive, due to the presence of mining and commercial landuses.

3.2.3 Visual Issues potentially associated with Alternative 3

Alternative 3 runs north-west from the Lydenburg Substation, crossing the R37 in an area of relatively flat terrain in the Boomplaats area. There are no identified visual sensitive receptors in this area to the north-west of the substation. The alignment climbs up onto the hills to the north-west of Mashishing, passing over one of the high points on the ridge line. The alignment enters the Thaba Tholo Wilderness Reserve (Black Leopard Camp), and passes in close proximity to a number of static sensitive receptors (including passing directly over the Black Leopard Camp) and non-static receptor areas. This property is highly visually sensitive as it is operated as an ecotourism reserve on which there is very little anthropogenic footprint, and if routed along this route, the line would be associated with a high degree of visual impact.

The alignment leaves the reserve and crosses the Beetgekraal Road after entering the Watervals River valley. The alternative is aligned in a northwards orientation, running parallel to the Watervals River and crossing it in a few locations. The valley is highly cultivated with citrus orchards and irrigated fodder crops, but there are a number of sensitive receptors, including a handful of commercial accommodation facilities. The alignment would also pass through a low density, high value ‘Wildlife’ residential estate (the Sharalumbi Estate), which due to the low housing density and specific retention of natural vegetation is highly visually sensitive. The alignment would pass in close proximity to a number of houses on this estate and the visual exposure potential and associated visual impact of the alignment would be high.

To the north of Sharalumbi the alignment passes through more areas of intense cultivation with no sensitive receptors in direct proximity to the lines. Two sensitive receptor locations (commercial accommodation establishments) located to the east of the alignment and the R37 are well-shielded by vegetation, and are unlikely to be adversely affected. Near the intersection of the R37 and the D737, the alignment intersects Alternative 1.

3.2.4 Visual Issues potentially associated with Alternative 4

Alternative 4 runs north from the Lydenburg Substation, running parallel to the R37 for its entire length. To the north of the Substation, the alignment traverses farming land in gently undulating terrain in the vicinity of the Boomplaats farm property. No sensitive receptors are located in this part of the route and the rangeland is not considered to be visually sensitive.

The alignment enters the Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve property, as it runs to the east of the R37 in this area. Before the R37 and alignment start climbing into the hilly, higher elevation terrain of the Watervals River Pass, the alignment passes through gently undulating terrain in the reserve; it passes close to the main entrance to the reserve. Very little of the infrastructure (roads and buildings) on the property are located close to the R37, and a combination of terrain and intervening woodland vegetation in the reserve would screen much of the line from view, and the visual intrusion factor associated with the alignment on the southern part of the reserve is likely to be low.

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The alignment continues to run in parallel to the R37, crossing the R37. A sensitive receptor location (the Oppiberg Restaurant and Accommodation Facility) is located in close proximity to the alignment. The visual focus of the sensitive receptor location is in an eastward arc, but the alignment would not run within this view focus, rather running to the west (back) of the facility and the visual intrusion and visual impact potential of the alignment from this facility would thus be limited. The alignment would pass through the northern parts of the property (which are designated as a low usage ‘wilderness’ area), with limited visual exposure potential opportunities.

Figure 13 – View up the Watervals River Pass along which Alternative 4 is aligned

In this area the alignment would run in very close proximity to the main entrance to the Thaba Tholo Reserve (Black Leopard Camp), and would run directly in front (to the west) of the reserve caretaker’s household. Visitors to the Reserve whom are collected at Oppiberg would be exposed to clear views of the towers which would be highly prominent on the high ground of this location as they enter and exit the property and the visual exposure potential and associated visual impact potential of the alignment at this location would be high, but considering the that the existing microwave tower at this location is highly prominent. It is important to note however that analysis of the viewshed of the alignment (as it runs on the eastern boundary of the Thaba Tholo Reserve) indicates that the alignment would not be visible from the valley within the reserve to the west (in which the Dam Game Drive Lookout Point is located), or from the Leopard Research Camp, due to the screening effect of intervening mountainous terrain. The towers and line would only become visible on the main entrance route into the reserve from the point at which the track enters the flatter terrain on the hilltops. The alignment would be more visible (parts of the alignment would be visible) from the Blesbok Ridge drive and viewpoints to the west, but the visibility of the line and towers would be greatly reduced by the distance factor.

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The question of whether the presence of a power line along this alignment that runs closely in parallel to the R37 and Watervals River Pass would be associated with a visual impact along this pass needs to be explored. The Pass is highly scenic, passing over mountainous terrain with a relatively low human presence in the landscape, with numerous vistas present. It is important to note, however that there are no formal scenic viewpoints along the pass (apart from the privately-owned Oppiberg establishment discussed above) that have been created in order to allow motorists to stop and enjoy the vistas, in spite of the recent and on-going upgrading of the pass (this can be contrasted with the Abel Erasmus or Long Tom Pass on which there are more than one such scenic overlooks). Thus although the power line towers would be highly visible from most of the length of the pass, the views would be transient at least, with no formal opportunity for the motorist to stop and enjoy the view.

At the northern end of the pass and alignment, the alignment passes the entrance to the Riet Valey Game Farm, but no information regarding this property and associated activities and visual sensitivities has been able to be acquired. At its northern end, the alignment passes in close proximity to a farmstead before joining Alternative 1.

3.2.5 Visual Issues potentially associated with Alternative 5A

Alternative 5A runs eastwards from the Lydenburg Substation, crossing the Dorps River and an access track leading from the Water Treatment Works through an area of livestock farming. There are no households in this area and the area is not considered visually sensitive. The alignment bends north-eastwards, crossing the existing power line servitudes close to the cemetery. At this point the alignment enters an area of smallholdings to the north of the cemetery access road. The visual environment in this location is not considered to be visually sensitive due to the presence of a number of existing power lines and the close proximity of the Exarro Lydenburg Smelter.

The alignment continues to run north-eastwards and continues to traverse a number of smallholdings, crossing the shallow Potloodspruit valley to the point at which the terrain becomes very incised within the Spekboom River valley. This area (Potloodspruit smallholdings) has a partly rural, partly natural character (related to the presence of open grassy woodland in certain of the smallholdings), but the presence of smallholdings does mean that there is a presence of human-related infrastructure. The partial natural character of this area is likely to provide it with a moderate degree of visual sensitivity. The visual intrusion potential of the proposed alignment varies, being dependent on the proximity to the households / farmsteads and the screening effect of vegetation surrounding these locations. A few households are located very close to the proposed power line alignment and the visual intrusion factor would be high. The degree of visual sensitivity may be highest in the northern part of this area where the alignment would span the deep Spekboom River valley, and from where the northern-most smallholdings have a scenic view into the valley.

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Figure 14 – Households in the vicinity of Alternative 5A where the proposed alignment crosses the Spekboom River valley. Note the existing reticulation power line.

To the north of the Spekboom River crossing, the alignment turns north-westwards to follow the course of the Spekboom River, running on the lip of the valley where the terrain flattens. Apart from the Klipfontein settlement, this is an area of intensively cultivated farmland, with the relatively flat terrain on the eastern side of the Spekboom valley facilitating cultivation. Due to the rural nature of the study area and the landuse-focus on cultivation, this area is only expected to have a low-moderate visual sensitivity. Most of the receptor locations are partially or fully screened by mature vegetation surrounding the farmstead. The visual impacts associated with the proposed power line in this area are not expected to be significant.

A portion of the alignment that would run along the eastern lip of the Spekboom River valley would be visible from the eastern-most row of the cluster of households within the Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve on the western side of the same valley. The analysis undertaken in section 3.4.2 below indicates that the line (towers) would be visible from this location, but the distance factor would entail that the visual intrusion potential of the alignment from this location would be lowered.

To the north of the Klipfontein farms the alignment passes to the west of a closed mine, with this portion of the alignment being shielded from view from Kudu Ranch by an intervening ridge. To the north-west of the mine the alternative passes through an uninhabited area of steep terrain, crossing the Spekboom River valley before joining Alternative 1. No visual issues have been identified with this section of the alternative.

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3.2.6 Visual Issues potentially associated with Alternative 5B

Alternative 5B runs north-eastwards from the Lydenburg Substation, alongside a number of existing power lines . This factor is important as the visual environment in the vicinity of these power lines is already altered by the presence of three lines running in parallel. The alignment crosses the Dorps River and runs up the gentle eastern slopes of the Dorps valley over an area of livestock farming. There are a number of homesteads located to the west of the cemetery, as well as a number of smallholdings along the cemetery access road, but this area is not considered to be visually sensitive due to the presence of the existing power lines, and no visual impact associated with the proposed alignment in this area would be likely. The alternative joins Alternative 5A to the north of the cemetery.

Figure 15 – The existing power lines along which Alternative 5B is aligned close to the Lydenburg Substation

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3.3 Selection of Key Observation Points and Zones of Visual Exposure

Certain of the above sensitive receptor locations will not be visually exposed to any of the power line alternatives. This is important in the determination of visual impacts as those receptors not exposed to the lines will not be subject to any visual impact at the particular location. The table below lists the sensitive receptor locations in the area and details the likely level of visual exposure to the proposed power line alternatives. The assessment of visual exposure (likely visibility of the lines) has been based on field assessment as well as analysis using Google Earth. The maps below indicate the spatial distribution of degrees of screening of sensitive receptor locations relative to the proposed alignments.

Figure 16 – Households in the Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve that are visually exposed, and partially visually exposed to the existing power line servitude; note the screening effect of vegetation at certain of these

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Table 3 – Degree of Visibility of nearest line alternative from sensitive receptor locations Receptor Name Distance Level of visibility of Factors affecting visual exposure of closest line alternative closest point of line to receptor location Olifantspoortjie 170m Line partly visible from Trees surrounding receptor location partially obscure views Lodge receptor location Lapeng Lodge 635m Line partly visible from Natural bushveld vegetation would screen lines to a large receptor location degree; however the lines would be partly visible down a cleared (existing) reticulation power line servitude Buffelvley Guest 170m Line fully visible from Vegetation (orchards) may obscure the lower parts of the Farm receptor location towers; otherwise the towers would not be obscured as the receptor location is in an elevated location on a valley side on a concave slope Buffelsvlei Farm - 70m Line only partially visible Dense riparian bush, including thickets and tall trees would River Cottage from receptor location largely screen the line from view, although removal of vegetation within the servitude may counteract this screening effect of vegetation Sharalumbi 0m Lines would be highly The dense and often tall natural riparian and bushveld Estate - Phase visible at receptor vegetation would be effective in shielding the lines from One Housing (0m- locations where the lines receptor locations not located immediately adjacent to the Units 215m) are in close proximity, and proposed line partially to not visible at other receptor locations. Sharalumbi 550m Line partially visible from The dense and often tall natural riparian located on the Estate - Phase receptor location western side of the proposed servitude would be effective in Two Housing shielding the lines from receptor locations in phase 2, in spite Units of their elevation in relation to the lines. The top of the towers may be visible from this location. Sharalumbi 235m Line partly visible from Trees surrounding receptor location partially obscure views Farmstead receptor location Ithaba Falls 860m Line partially visible from Vegetation surrounding the receptor location would partially Guest Farm receptor location screen the lines from view 665m Line partially visible from Vegetation surrounding the receptor location would largely Valencia Lodge receptor location screen the lines from view Thaba Tholo 475m Line fully visible from Receptor location in an open grassland setting with lines on Stakeholders’ receptor location the opposite side of the same enclosed valley would make the House lines highly visible Thaba Tholo 2,300m Line partially visible from The line would be largely shielded by topography, and only a Game Drive receptor location small portion of the line would be visible over the ridge on the Lookout Point western horizon (Dam) Thaba Tholo - 450m Line fully visible from Receptor location is in an open grassland setting with lines Blesbok Ridge receptor location located relatively close on similar high ground, thus making the Viewpoint (North) lines highly visible Thaba Tholo - 365m Line fully visible from Receptor location is in an open grassland setting with lines Blesbok Ridge receptor location located relatively close on the same ridge, thus making the Viewpoint (South) lines highly visible

Thaba Tholo 480m Line would be fully visible The line would be fully visible as it would run close to the peak Game Drive from receptor location of a high point to the south-east in an open grassland setting. Eastern Lookout

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Receptor Name Distance Level of visibility of Factors affecting visual exposure of closest line alternative closest point of line to receptor location Point 0m 4 Line would be fully visible The line would span the deep valley in which the lodge is from receptor location located. The lines would thus be visible directly above the receptor location. As a tower would likely be placed on the edge of the western ridge (visible from the lodge), this tower Black Leopard would be fully visible from the receptor location. Topography Camp would however block more than one span of the power line. Lapolosa 1850m Line partially visible from A part of the line and one tower would likely be visible on a Volunteer’s receptor location distant ridge framing the valley along which the view from the Accommodation chalets is directed. Vegetation at the receptor location would Units partly screen the line from view. Lapolosa 2050m Line partially visible from The line (representing a single long span) and one or two Volunteer Eating receptor location towers would be partially visible as they cross the edge of the House Watervals Valley to the east between two higher-lying spurs. Vegetation at the receptor location would however effectively screen the line from view Lapolosa 1130m Line partially visible from The line (representing a single long span) and one or two Ranger’s House receptor location towers would be visible as they cross the edge of the Watervals Valley to the east between two higher-lying spurs. Vegetation at the receptor location would partially screen the line Kudu Ranch 130m The lines would be Natural bushveld vegetation in the nature reserve is effective Residential partially visible from the in screening much of the (existing) power line from view, even Homesteads (130m – closest receptor locations, for the closest receptor locations. 2,620m) although intervening bushveld vegetation would Topography is a significant factor that would prevent a majority largely screen a large of the receptor locations from viewing the (existing and portion (the lower parts) of proposed) power line at all. Most of the houses are located on the towers from view. the eastern-facing slopes of the Spekboom River valley, with a low ridge or the convex valley side located in the intervening From many of the receptor area between the houses and the line. locations, intervening topography (a low ridge and convex valley side) would completely screen the line from view 2,670m The location of the lodge within the Spekboom Valley Bottom Spekboom River The line would not be entails that it the intervening valley side (ridge) completely Lodge visible. screens the existing and proposed line from view. Kudu Ranch 1,890m The location of the viewpoint within the Spekboom Valley Lydenburg The line would not be Bottom entails that the intervening valley side completely Waterfall Lookout visible. screens the existing and proposed line from view. 820m Line would be partially Topography would shield part of the line to the north, and George’s visible from receptor intervening vegetation would have a partial screening function, Viewpoint location but certain spans and towers would be visible.

4 - The proposed alignment would be aligned immediately above the Black Leopard Camp, as they are proposed to span a valley in which the lodge is located, thus the horizontal distance between the lines and the lodge is 0m. However the Black Leopard Camp is located in a deeply incised valley and the vertical distance between the lines and the lodge would be much greater T01.JNB.000507 Page 30 Royal Haskoning DHV

Receptor Name Distance Level of visibility of Factors affecting visual exposure of closest line alternative closest point of line to receptor location 2,400m Line would be partially Trees and bushveld vegetation in front of the receptor location visible from receptor would partly screen the view into the valley in which the Oppiberg location (existing) lines are located. They would be partly visible, but at Restaurant a significant distance. 390m The line would not be visible from the receptor The line would not be visible from the buildings on the property Impangele Inn location. as there is dense intervening vegetation. 90m- The lines would be 670m partially visible from the closest receptor locations, For certain of the homesteads, the distance of the line from the although mature receptor location would diminish the visual exposure potential vegetation (trees) planted of the lines. around the homesteads would screen the line to The most significant screening factor from the homesteads varying degrees. Due to would be trees that are typically planted around the the largely flat or very homestead ‘compound’. The topography is typically flat to undulating topography, gently undulating; twinned with the largely open grassy nature Potloodspruit terrain is not a significant of the vegetation on these smallholdings, the lines would Smallholdings screening factor. typically be fully visible from other parts of the smallholdings. 340m- The lines would be 1,775m partially visible from certain of the receptor locations, although mature vegetation (trees) planted around the homesteads would screen the line to The proposed alignment is located on the northern ‘lip’ of the varying degrees. Due to Spekboom River valley on mostly flat ground. The intervening the largely flat topography terrain between the alignment and the farmsteads is flat, or in the area occupied by very gently sloping, with the farmsteads located at slightly the farmsteads and higher elevation that the alignment. The nature of landuse proposed alignment, entails that vegetation performs little to no screening function, Klipfontein terrain is not a significant except for mature trees that are planted around the farmsteads Farmsteads screening factor. that screen the lines from view to varying degrees. .

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Figure 17 – Degree of screening of sensitive receptor locations by vegetation and topography – northern part of study area

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Figure 18 - Degree of screening of sensitive receptor locations by vegetation and topography – middle part of study area

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Figure 19 - Degree of screening of sensitive receptor locations by vegetation and topography – southern part of study area

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Figure 20- Degree of screening of sensitive receptor locations by vegetation and topography – south-eastern part of study area

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3.3.1 Implications for Development

The above table indicates that a certain number of receptor locations, although located within a spatial zone of visual influence from the nearest proposed line alternative, would not be exposed to views of the lines either due to the screening effects of intervening topography, or to vegetation (either located around the receptor location itself or in the intervening area). This means that a number of receptor locations would not be subject to visual impacts. This is important in the context of certain of the receptor locations – e.g. the households at the Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve (Estate); most of these households would not be exposed to views of the proposed line (and existing line) running to the west through the reserve property due to the nature of the topography that entails that most of the houses are located on an eastern-facing aspect and terrain sloping down (away from) the power line. It should be noted however that certain parts of the other properties on which receptor locations are located may nonetheless be exposed to views of the proposed power line. This is significant in the context of the numerous nature reserves and other properties on which eco-tourism-related activities are conducted on the properties, with visually-sensitive areas not only being restricted to static receptor locations.

3.4 Visual Contrast Rating – Key Observation Locations

In order to better understand the visual impacts associated with the proposed power line on receptor locations in the surrounding areas, a visual contrast assessment has been undertaken. This is done in order to quantify the degree of visual contrast or change that would be caused by the proposed ash disposal facility at certain key observation locations. Assessing the degree of visual change at key observation points will allow a judgement of the degree of ‘acceptability’ of the visual change to be made, and to suggest further mitigation measures.

In order to allow the effect of the visual contrast at the key observation locations within the study area to be assessed, the visual baseline of the landscape at these locations needs to be established. As prescribed by the US Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management’s Visual Resource Management Methodology, it is important to describe the visual baseline of the landscape at each key receptor location in order to allow the objective assessment of the degree of change in visual contrast that would result from the proposed facility. This study has used a methodology to establish the degree of visual contrast that is largely based upon the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) visual contrast rating methodology. This methodology prescribes that a number of basic structural elements of different physical components of the landscape at a key observation location be assessed. These basic elements include:

• Form • Line • Colour • Texture

According to the methodology the landscape is divided into three components of which landscapes are typically comprised:

Land form (Topographic units)
Vegetation (including natural vegetation and planted vegetative features such as fields)
Human Structures (e.g. buildings, power lines, etc.).

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A table indicating the structural elements of different physical components of the landscape that can be individually described to allow an accurate understanding of the visual baseline at each key observation location is presented to give an indication of the visual landscape baseline. This is followed by a table which assesses these components of the landscape under a scenario where the power line has been developed. The degree of visual change / visual contrast that will be created is thus able to be examined. The visual contrast rating methodology requires that a landscape be assigned a tolerance level relating to the degree of acceptable visual change of that landscape (named visual resource management classes in the BLM methodology). This assessment follows the comparative tables. The tolerance levels applicable to the study area are examined below.

The following list of sensitive receptor locations has been selected for assessment using the visual contrast rating methodology in order to determine the degree of visual exposure to which these receptor locations would be exposed. These key observation locations have been selected based on whether the lines would be visible from the location (see above section), and receptor locations were selected that were representative of a number of similar receptor locations. The Key Observation Locations are:

Buffelsvley Guest Farm (Alternative 3)
Sharalumbi Phase 1 - northern household (Alternative 3)
Black Leopard Camp (Alternative 2)
Thaba Tholo Stakeholder’s House (Alternative 2)
Lapolosa Ranger’s House (Alternative 2)
Lapolosa Volunteer’s Accommodation Unit (Alternative 2)
North-western households – Kudu Ranch (Alternative 1)
South-western households – Kudu Ranch (Alternative 1)
North-eastern households – Kudu Ranch (Alternative 5A)
George’s View – Kudu Ranch (Alternative 4)

3.4.1 Tolerance Levels relating to degree of acceptable change

As described above, the study area has a largely natural visual character, with only limited parts displaying a slightly different rural character. In the parts of the study area that have retained their natural characteristics, the nature of certain types of land use practiced and the likely value placed in the natural characteristics of such a landscape entail that emphasis would thus likely to be on preserving the natural character of the landscape, in which human objects have spatially limited and non-intensive visual characteristics and prominence. Accordingly, the associated objective would be to create as little visual change and contrast to the landscape as possible, by limiting the degree of visual intrusion caused by a development such as the proposed power line. Put in another way, the objective would be to only allow development that did not degrade the visual context.

However it should be noted that there are parts of the study area in which a large-scale power line (i.e. a 132kv line) already exists, and which forms part of the visual baseline. The proposed power line would run alongside the existing power line along Alternative 1, and in the area between where Alternative 1 ends and the Merensky Substation, along Alternative 3 and Alternative 2. In these areas with a slightly altered visual baseline, the tolerance level for further development and visual change of the landscape could be higher due to the existing presence of a power line which is a visually dominant part of the existing landscape. However responses from certain Interested and Affected Parties indicate opposition to a second power line running alongside the existing one. However the presence of an existing power line is significant in a visual context, and needs to be taken into

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account in the assigning of a visual tolerance level for areas from which the existing power line is visible. Accordingly the following visual objectives, and thus tolerance levels have been identified for the differing areas of visual character:

Table 4 - Visual Change Objective and Tolerance level for the study area Landscape Context Visual Change Objective Tolerance Level Natural / largely natural Maintain the natural character as far No, to weak degree of change in environment – largely natural as possible and limit intrusion of visual contrast permitted landscapes with little to no human large-scale human structural infrastructure present features Visual baseline in which the existing Allow developments similar in visual Weak to moderate change, or no 132kV power line is clearly visible character to existing infrastructure, change in visual contrast (from the clustering infrastructure where existing visual baseline) permitted. possible

The above visual change objectives are a very important component of the visual contrast assessment, as undertaken below, and the tolerance levels allow a judgment to be made of whether the degree of visual contrast created by the proposed development (and thus the likely degree intrusion of the development) is acceptable in terms of its visual setting.

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3.4.2 Visual Contrast Rating at Key Observation Locations 3.4.2.1 Buffelsvley Guest Farm

Visual / Landscape Context: Natural / partly Rural Visual character ( no anthropogenic alteration of the landscape visible except for the presence of citrus orchards in the foreground ) Closest Line Alternative: Alternative 3 Direction of view towards the proposed power line: Full westward arc of view

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Pre-Construction (Current Visual Baseline) Landform Vegetation Structures Form High mountains (escarpment) that stretch across Due to the bulk and vertical dominance of the escarpment, No structural effect on form the entire western horizon, with the presence of and due to the distance factor, vegetation does not affect prominent vertical cliffs dominate form in the form in a significant manner. landscape. The escarpment provides the greatest dimensional mass – the bulk of the mountains However the uniformity of the orchards in the near ground frames the visual envelope of the valley. helps to emphasise the distinction between the near ground valley floor, the riparian corridor of the Watervals The bulk of the escarpment landform is relatively River and the much steeper slopes beyond the river. simple, but spurs and the presence of valley to the north-west increase the complexity of form in the The bold distinction between the cliffs and underlying landscape. slopes is emphasised by the absence of bushveld vegetation on the cliffs. Line The lines of the escarpment (mountains) to the Difference in vegetation between the slopes and the cliffs No structural effect on form west are the most prominent aspect of line within accentuates the cliffs as a prominent feature in the the landscape. Line orientation is horizontal (top of landscape. the cliffs) that form the horizon, as well as angular (slope elements). The vertical line elements in the The trunks of the stand of tall poplar trees along the river cliffs are highly prominent. provide a strong vertical line element in the foreground. The strip of riparian vegetation provides a band effect separating the valley bottom from the steeper slopes behind Colour Colour based on vegetation (refer to column to A range of greens are present in the landscape. The bright No structural effect on colour right) - the colour of the slopes (brown to green – green of the foreground orchards provides a year-round varying seasonally) is distinct from the yellow green colour feature on the valley bottom. The darker colouration of the cliffs. green hues of the large riparian trees provide a strong contrast with the orchards and slopes behind, accentuated Brown-yellow-green colours of the escarpment by bright purple of Jacaranda trees in the spring. The provide a strong contrast with the blue of the sky riparian vegetation provides a strong natural focal point due to this colour distinction. The hillside woodland varies seasonally from browns in the winter to greener hues in the summer Texture Texture is based on vegetation (refer to column to The evenly-spaced, ordered texture of rows of orange trees No structural textural effect right). provides a strong contrast to the band of riparian vegetation and the more uneven, random, coarse-grained texture of natural vegetation on the hillside above it.

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Post Construction (Landscape Context if power lines are developed) Landform Vegetation Structures Form High mountains (escarpment) that stretch Due to the bulk and vertical dominance of the escarpment, Power line towers and line will be across the entire western horizon, with the and due to the distance factor, vegetation does not affect visible immediately in front of the presence of prominent vertical cliffs form in a significant manner. riparian corridor, and although dominate form in the landscape. The prominent in the foreground will be escarpment provides the greatest However the uniformity of the orchards in the near ground dwarfed in terms of dimensional dimensional mass – the bulk of the helps to emphasise the distinction between the near mass by the slopes and sheer bulk mountains frames the visual envelope of the ground valley floor, the riparian corridor of the Watervals of the escarpment behind. They will valley. River and the much steeper slopes beyond the river. not break the horizon and will not be dominant over natural features. The bulk of the escarpment landform is The bold distinction between the cliffs and underlying relatively simple, but spurs and the presence slopes is emphasised by the absence of bushveld of valley to the north-west increase the vegetation on the cliffs. complexity of form in the landscape. Line The lines of the escarpment (mountains) to Difference in vegetation between the slopes and the cliffs The towers placed in the foreground the west are the most prominent aspect of accentuates the cliffs as a prominent feature in the will introduce a vertical line element line within the landscape. Line orientation is landscape. that will draw attention due to their horizontal (top of the cliffs) that form the proximity to the viewer. This will horizon, as well as angular (slope elements). The trunks of the stand of tall poplar trees along the river contrast with the horizontal line of The vertical line elements in the cliffs are provide a strong vertical line element in the foreground. the band of riparian vegetation, but highly prominent. The strip of riparian vegetation provides a band effect will accentuate the vertical lines of the stand of poplars. The lines will separating the valley bottom from the steeper slopes behind. not affect the prominence of the lines of the escarpment and cliffs. Colour Colour based on vegetation (refer to column A range of green hues are present in the landscape. The The bright silver colour of the newly to right) - the colour of the slopes (brown to bright green of the foreground orchards provides a year- built towers and lines will provide a green – varying seasonally) is distinct from round green colour feature on the valley bottom. The strong contrast with the natural the yellow colouration of the cliffs. darker green hues of the large riparian trees provide a (green-brown) hues in the strong contrast with the orchards and slopes behind, landscape that will draw the Brown-yellow-green colours of the accentuated by bright purple of Jacaranda trees in the attention of views to the foreground escarpment provide a strong contrast with spring. The riparian vegetation provides a strong natural of the landscape. the blue of the sky focal point due to this colour distinction. The hillside woodland varies seasonally from browns in the winter to greener hues in the summer Texture Texture is based on vegetation (refer to The evenly-spaced, ordered texture of rows of orange trees The evenly spaced towers will column to right). provides a strong contrast to the band of riparian contrast slightly with the vegetation and the more uneven, random, coarse grained characteristics of the riparian texture of natural vegetation on the hillside above it. corridor and more randomly spaced hillside vegetation.

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Degree of Visual Contrast Caused

Pre -rehabilitation Strong Moderate Weak None Form X Line X Colour X Texture X Degree of Visual WEAK Contrast:

The distance between the receptor location and the proposed power line is not great which entails that the power line will be visible. Under the current alignment the power line towers would be placed ‘in front of’ the tall trees of the riparian corridor of the Watervals River. As such the power lines will be set against a background of trees and may not be as prominent as if they were set against an open background. Nonetheless the lines are likely to be visible above the riparian corridor tree line and will be prominent due to their position relative to the receptor location. The power lines will not break the horizon and will not disrupt views upwards towards the escarpment. As they will not ‘break the horizon’, the visual intrusion factor associated with the power lines is lessened.

Degree of acceptability of visual contrast created and visual intrusion factor: The proposed power line alignment would place the lines within the scenic view of a range of mountains and cliffs (that stretches across the 180 o arc of view to the west of the guest house) and the underlying trees of the Watervals River riparian corridor and adjacent citrus orchards. The degree of visual intrusion of the power lines is minimised by their location ‘low down’ within the view (due to the elevated position of the lodge relative to the valley bottom), and the power lines will not intrude significantly into upward views of the mountains behind the riparian corridor. Due to this factor and as the visual contrast has assessed the degree of contrast overall to be weak, the development of power lines would be consistent with the tolerance level for this location.

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3.4.2.2 Sharalumbi Estate Phase 1 northern household 5

Visual / Landscape Context: Natural Visual character ( no human industrial infrastructure visible except for an adjacent household ) Closest Line Alternative: Alternative 3 Direction of view towards the proposed power line: North / NNE from the front of the house 6

5 This location within the estate has been selected for assessment as it represents a worst case scenario as the lines would be aligned immediately adjacent to (over) the house. The current alignment places the lines over the house but as this is not practical (electricity servitudes are not developed over permanent structures such as houses), thus it has been assumed that the power line would be realigned to run along the property boundary to the east. It should be noted that certain of the other houses in the estate would be less visually exposed to the power line due to the presence of dense, tall intervening vegetation. 6 It should be noted that due to the varying location of households and stands in relation to the lines, the direction of views towards the alignment from different stands / households varies. T01.JNB.000507 Page 43 Royal Haskoning DHV

Pre-Construction (Current Visual Baseline) Landform Vegetation Structures Form The high ridge that frames the north-eastern side The vegetation in the foreground (tall, trees and a dense understorey No structural effect of the valley is partially visible above and behind of low trees and shrubs) is the most prominent expression of form in on form the large riparian trees of the Watervals River the view, with the very large acacia specimens and other large tree riparian corridor. The distant ridge thus has strong types dominating the view due to their relative proximity to the dimensional shape but weaker dimensional mass. household. Landform-based form in the landscape (the outlines of other parts of the valley in the eastern arc of view) is otherwise mostly shielded from view by tall, dense riparian vegetation. Line Where visible, the distant ridge that frames the The trunks of the large trees in the foreground provide a vertical line No structural effect valley provides distinct near horizontal and element that is the most dominant line element in the view due to the on line angular lines that contrast with the vertical lines of relative visual prominence of the trees. the trees in the foreground.

Colour Distance of the ridge framing the valley renders The colours of the large trees in the foreground are the dominant No structural effect the colours associated with the vegetation and colour factor in the landscape – in summer they present a vibrant on colour underlying rock indistinct, and depending on the emerald green hue. In winter loss of leaves of certain of the deciduous position of the sun, the distant ridge takes on a species may lessen the green of the trees. dull green to blue colour. The green hues of the trees are accentuated by the green colour of the lawn in the immediate foreground. Texture Texture is based on vegetation (refer to column to The trees are the dominant feature in the landscape, and as such the No structural right). trunks provide an evenly spaced textural element in the foreground of textural effect the view

Post Construction (Landscape Context if power lines are developed) Landform Vegetation Structures Form The high ridge that frames the north- The vegetation in the foreground (tall, trees and a A tower placed in the arc of view in front of the eastern side of the valley is partially visible dense understorey of low trees and shrubs) is a house would be prominent due to the short above and behind the large riparian trees prominent expression of form in the view, with the distance (c80m) between the house and the of the Watervals River riparian corridor. very large acacia specimens and other large tree line. The tower would rise above the trees and The distant ridge thus has strong types being highly visible due to their relative would be a dominant structural feature in the dimensional shape but weaker dimensional proximity to the household. However this may be view due to its size. mass. Landform-based form in the lessened if the trees are felled to create a power landscape (the outlines of other parts of the line servitude. Should the large riparian trees be felled in valley in the eastern arc of view) is order to accommodate the power line servitude otherwise mostly shielded from view by tall, the tower would be even more prominent. dense riparian vegetation. Line Where visible, the distant ridge that frames The trunks of the large trees in the foreground A tower placed in the arc of view in front of the

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the valley provides distinct near horizontal provide a prominent vertical line element due to house would introduce a strong vertical line and angular lines that contrast with the the relative visual prominence of the trees. element that would accentuate the vertical vertical lines of the trees in the foreground. lines of the tree trunks (if these were not This factor may be lessened if trees are felled to felled). make way for a servitude. The horizontal alignment of the actual cables (lines) would introduce a horizontal line factor, which would be highly prominent if viewed against the backdrop of the open sky above the distant ridge Colour Distance of the ridge framing the valley The colours of the large trees in the foreground The bright silver colour of the newly built tower renders the colours associated with the are the dominant colour factor in the landscape – and lines will provide a strong contrast with the vegetation and underlying rock indistinct, in summer they present a vibrant emerald green naturally green hues of the trees that will make and depending on the position of the sun, hue. In winter loss of leaves of certain of the it highly prominent. the distant ridge takes on a dull green to deciduous species may lessen the green of the blue colour. trees. The green hues of the trees are accentuated by the green colour of the lawn in the immediate foreground. Texture Texture is based on vegetation (refer to The trees are the dominant feature in the No structural textural effect, as only one tower column to right). landscape, and as such the trunks provide an would be likely to be visible evenly spaced textural element in the foreground of the view

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Degree of Visual Contrast Caused

Pre -rehabilitation Strong Moderate Weak None Form X Line X Colour X Texture X Degree of Visual STRONG – MODERATE Contrast:

The relatively short distance between the lines and the receptor location in this case would entail that the power line would be highly visible, especially if a tower were placed close to the household, and the tower would rise above the large existing trees and dominate the view. The visual prominence of the power line and degree of visual contrast created would be greatly increased if the large riparian trees and other woody vegetation on the property boundary were felled as part of the development of a power line servitude. The degree of contrast created would be moderate if existing vegetation was retained and strong if the existing riparian vegetation was to be felled.

Degree of acceptability of visual contrast created and visual intrusion factor: The Sharalumbi Housing Estate has been developed as a location in which low density development can occur in a very natural setting, indicated by the distance between the stands and the retention of natural vegetation in between the stands. Very little human infrastructure is visible and the estate thus has a highly natural visual character. The introduction of a power line into this setting, especially in an alignment that would make the lines and towers highly visible and prominent would be associated with a high degree of visual intrusion. The high to moderate degree of visual contrast that would be created by the power line in this setting would entail that the development of power lines as proposed (aligned) would be inconsistent with the tolerance level for this location.

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3.4.2.3 Black Leopard Lodge

Visual / Landscape Context: Natural Visual character ( no human industrial infrastructure visible ) Closest Line Alternative: Alternative 3 Direction of view towards the proposed power line: North-west 7

7 The proposed alignment runs directly over the lodge, as the lodge is located in a steep valley which is proposed to be spanned by the proposed power line. The lines and presumably a tower placed on the edge of the ridge would be able to be viewed to the northwest, and the line will also stretch overhead to the south-east T01.JNB.000507 Page 47 Royal Haskoning DHV

Pre-Construction (Current Visual Baseline) Landform Vegetation Structures Form The steep valley side (ridge) frames the western-north-western side of the Landform is dominant in terms of form in the No structural effect valley and is prominent as it towers vertically above the lodge, having landscape, although the presence of trees on form enormous dimensional shape and mass. This landform is relatively simple, and other vegetation on the steep scree although the cliffs the form the crest of the valley side are clearly slopes beneath the cliffs helps to accentuate differentiated from the underlying scree slopes. the difference between the cliffs and the slopes below. However the trees surrounding The view to the north down the valley is enclosed by the steep, angular the lodge screen the western valley side to a valley sides, revealing a more complex vista of successively distant and certain degree. higher ridges in the background of the view. Line The location of the lodge within a steep valley entails that the surrounding Due to the distance of the vegetation on the No structural effect landform creates stark and bold lines; where visible above the vegetation valley sides, vegetation plays an insignificant on line surrounding the lodge, the cliffs that cap the valley side create a highly role in defining line in the landscape. visible horizontal band that draws the attention of the viewer and accentuates the horizon above the viewer. To the north the steep valley sides starkly enclose the valley and present two bold angular lines to the viewer. The far vista consists of a number of parallel (stacked) large horizontal lines. Colour The colour of the valley sides varies seasonally, and colours are The colour of the slopes below the cliffs is a No structural effect accentuated or alternatively muted according to the time of day and dark grey-green (colour of the grassy on colour direction of the sun. The cliffs that cap the valley side are a yellow colour, substrate) in winter, punctuated with the highlighted with the morning sun. Refer to the right for effect of vegetation greens of evergreen trees. In summer the on colour. whole slope takes on a greener hue with the new growth of trees and grassy understorey The colour of the distant slopes also varies according to time of day and that accentuates the difference between cliffs changes over distance. The closest slope is a green colour – that of the and underlying slopes. hillside woodland vegetation, but the slopes and mountains further afield take on a dull blue hue. Texture The cliffs are visually prominent and the structural lines (blocky texture) of The trees on the valley side lower slope No structural the exposed rock give the impression of an evenly-spaced texture on the provide an uneven, medium-grained textural effect cliff face. randomly ordered texture that contrasts with the evenly ordered (blocky) texture of the Texture is also partly based on vegetation (refer to column to right). overlying cliffs.

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Post Construction (Landscape Context if power lines are developed) 8

Landform Vegetation Structures Form The steep valley side (ridge) frames the western-north- Landform is dominant in terms of form in the The tower on top of the ridge western side of the valley and is prominent as it towers landscape, although the presence of trees and would be visible and although vertically above the lodge, having enormous dimensional other vegetation on the steep scree slopes not having significant shape and mass. This landform is relatively simple, although beneath the cliffs helps to accentuate the dimensional mass, would be a the cliffs the form the crest of the valley side are clearly difference between the cliffs and the slopes visual focal point as it would differentiated from the underlying scree slopes. below. However the trees surrounding the ‘break’ the currently unbroken lodge screen the western valley side to a horizontal skyline of the cliffs, The view to the north down the valley is enclosed by the certain degree. thus creating a contrast. steep, angular valley sides, revealing a more complex vista of successively distant and higher ridges in the background of the view. Line The location of the lodge within a steep valley entails that the Due to the distance of the vegetation on the The presence and high visibility surrounding landform creates stark and bold lines; where valley sides, vegetation plays an insignificant of a tower on the horizon would visible above the vegetation surrounding the lodge, the cliffs role in defining line in the landscape. introduce a bold vertical line that cap the valley side create a highly visible horizontal band element that, although not that draws the attention of the viewer and accentuates the having significant dimensional horizon above the viewer. To the north the steep valley sides mass, would contrast with the starkly enclose the valley and present two bold angular lines horizontal line (band) of the to the viewer. The far vista consists of a number of parallel cliffs. (stacked) large horizontal lines. The lines (cables) would ‘drop’ into the valley, and would accentuate this vertical line Colour The colour of the valley sides varies seasonally, and colours The colour of the slopes below the cliffs is a The new tower’s silver colour are accentuated or alternatively muted according to the time dark grey-green (colour of the grassy (and that of the lines), would of day and direction of the sun. The cliffs that cap the valley substrate) in winter, punctuated with the create a strong visual contrast side are a yellow colour, highlighted with the morning sun. greens of evergreen trees. In summer the with the yellow of the cliffs and Refer to the right for effect of vegetation on colour. whole slope takes on a greener hue with the the green hues of the underlying new growth of trees and grassy understorey vegetation. The silver lit up by The colour of the distant slopes also varies according to time that accentuates the difference between cliffs the morning sun would be of day and changes over distance. The closest slope is a and underlying slopes. particularly prominent against green colour – that of the hillside woodland vegetation, but this backdrop. slopes and mountains further afield take on a dull blue hue. Texture The cliffs are visually prominent and the structural lines The trees on the valley side lower slope As only one tower would be (blocky texture) of the exposed rock give the impression of provide an uneven, medium-grained randomly visible, this would be unlikely to an evenly-spaced texture on the cliff face. ordered texture that contrasts with the evenly have a textural effect. ordered (blocky) texture of the overlying cliffs. Texture is also partly based on vegetation (refer to column to right).

8 Note: due to the large distance of the required span across the valley, it is assumed that a tower would need to be placed at the edge of, or close to the edge of the valley (on top of the ridge), and as such this tower would be visible from within the valley T01.JNB.000507 Page 49 Royal Haskoning DHV

Degree of Visual Contrast Caused

Pre -rehabilitation Strong Moderate Weak None Form X Line X Colour X Texture X Degree of Visual STRONG Contrast:

The absence of any human alteration of the landscape from this location engenders it with a highly natural visual character. The presence of lines stretching vertically above the lodge and the relative visibility of a tower that would be likely to be placed on top of the valley side above the lodge would detract from the natural characteristics of the surrounding mountain slopes. The tower would ‘break the horizon’ and would thus be associated with a strong degree of visual contrast in spite of the relatively small dimensional mass of the tower on the top of the valley side. The presence of lines (cables) stretching directly overhead would be highly visually prominent and would intensify the visual intrusion factor of the power line at this location.

Degree of acceptability of visual contrast created and visual intrusion factor:

The Black Leopard Camp has been placed in a location that ensures that the surrounding topography shields any anthropogenic influence / alteration of the surrounding landscape. This is a strong factor in the ambience of the lodge and strong amenity values are associated with the natural landscape at this location and in the context of a protected area. The development of a power line that would span directly overhead, with the lines and a tower likely to be visible on top of the valley side directly above the lodge would represent a strong visual intrusion, as indicated by the strong degree of visual contrast that would be caused. This would have a strong bearing on the sense of place at the lodge. The development of power lines as proposed (aligned) would be inconsistent with the tolerance level for this location.

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3.4.2.4 Thaba Tholo Stakeholders Household

Visual / Landscape Context: Natural Visual character ( no human industrial infrastructure visible ) Closest Line Alternative: Alternative 3 Direction of view towards the proposed power line: North and north-east

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Pre-Construction (Current Visual Baseline) Landform Vegetation Structures Form The house is located on the western side of a high-elevation valley head, Although landform is the dominant feature of No structural effect and the slopes of the opposite valley side frames the view to the east. form in the landscape, a number of tall trees on form Natural landform dominates the view, with flat ground in the foreground, in the foreground of the view have and the eastern valley side framing the view – with form being relatively dimensional mass due to their size and simple. To the north the valley opens up to reveal a much more complex proximity to the household. set of landforms – increasingly distant spurs and ridges enclosing the lower parts of the valley. Line The valley side that forms the skyline presents a very simple horizontal and The foreground trees present a vertical line No structural effect angular line in the view, and the viewer is drawn to the horizon. This is element in the landscape, but the horizontal on line accentuated by the largely horizontal lines that are visible as the break in and angular lines associated with landform slope between the streamline below the house and the start of rising are more dominant. ground on the opposite side of the valley. A colour differential on the opposite valley The more complex parts of the far landscape to the north present angular side due to a firebreak is visible and draws lines of the spurs, but these are less dominant due to their lesser the attention of the viewer; however this is dimensional mass. likely to be a temporary (seasonal) line element in the landscape. Colour The colour of the grassland on the opposite valley side varies seasonally, The dominant colours in the landscape are No structural effect and colours are accentuated or alternatively muted according to the time of based on vegetation; on colour day and direction of the sun. Refer to the column to the right for seasonal vegetative colour factors. The grassland on the surrounding slopes of the valleyhead varies seasonally in colour, The colour of the distant spurs and peaks is a factor of the greater distance being a dull yellow in winter and changing to of these features from the viewer – slopes and spurs further afield take on bright green hues in spring and summer. The a dull blue hue. green colours of the trees in the valley accentuate the green hues of the grassland in winter. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to vegetation due to the relatively The trees on the valley side provide an No structural simple nature of landform. uneven, randomly ordered and coarse textural effect grained texture that contrasts with the very fine texture of the grassland.

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Post Construction (Landscape Context if power lines are developed)

Landform Vegetation Structures Form The house is located on the western side of a Although landform is the dominant feature of form in A few towers would be highly visible and high-elevation valley head, and the slopes of the landscape, a number of tall trees in the prominent as they would cross over the the opposite valley side frames the view to the foreground of the view have dimensional mass due ridge forming the opposite side of the east. Natural landform dominates the view, to their size and proximity to the household. valley (thus at least one tower would with flat ground in the foreground, and the break the horizon), and would then run eastern valley side framing the view – with down the opposite valley slope, spanning form being relatively simple. To the north the across the valley to the north. Although valley opens up to reveal a much more distant from the viewer, the tower complex set of landforms – increasingly distant breaking the horizon would be important spurs and ridges enclosing the lower parts of in terms of overall form, attracting the the valley. attention of the viewer. Line The valley side that forms the skyline presents The foreground trees present a vertical line element The tower that would be placed on, or a very simple horizontal and angular line in the in the landscape, but the horizontal and angular close to the top of the opposite valley view, and the viewer is drawn to the horizon. lines associated with landform are more dominant. side would be prominent in spite of the This is accentuated by the largely horizontal distance and would introduce a vertical lines that are visible as the break in slope A colour differential on the opposite valley side due line element that would contrast with the between the streamline below the house and to a firebreak is visible and draws the attention of horizontal line of the horizon. the start of rising ground on the opposite side the viewer; however this is likely to be a temporary of the valley. (seasonal) line element in the landscape. The lines (cables) would be visible, especially as the cross in front of the view The more complex parts of the far landscape The introduction of a servitude that would run down of the far valley, introducing an angular to the north present angular lines of the spurs, the opposite valley side could create a visible band and horizontal line element into the but these are less dominant due to their lesser in the landscape due to the clearing of trees and landscape. dimensional mass. clearing of grass in the servitude that will be seasonally enhanced. Colour The colour of the grassland on the opposite The dominant colours in the landscape are based Depending on the time of day, the silver valley side varies seasonally, and colours are on vegetation; colour of new towers and lines (cables) accentuated or alternatively muted according would be prominent against the backdrop to the time of day and direction of the sun. The grassland on the surrounding slopes of the of the natural hues of the grassland and Refer to the column to the right for seasonal valleyhead varies seasonally in colour, being a dull woodland, and for the tower protruding vegetative colour factors. yellow in winter and changing to bright green hues above the horizon, against the open sky, in spring and summer. The green colours of the providing a strong, but spatially localised The colour of the distant spurs and peaks is a trees in the valley accentuate the green hues of the colour contrast. factor of the greater distance of these features grassland in winter. from the viewer – slopes and spurs further afield take on a dull blue hue. The cleared servitude running down the opposite valley side may create a slight colour differential from the surrounding grassland, accentuating the servitude as a band in the landscape Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to The trees on the valley side provide an uneven, No structural textural effect vegetation due to the relatively simple nature randomly ordered and coarse grained texture that of landform. contrasts with the very fine texture of the grassland.

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Degree of Visual Contrast Caused

Pre -rehabilitation Strong Moderate Weak None Form X Line X Colour X Texture X Degree of Visual STRONG – MODERATE Contrast:

The introduction of a power line that would run across most of the width of the view in an eastern and northern arc would be associated with a relatively high degree of contrast, especially in the context of the setting, that would detract from this natural characteristics of the surrounding mountain slopes and which would be associated with a high degree of visual intrusion. The tower(s) that would ‘break the horizon’ and would thus be associated with a strong degree of visual contrast in spite of the relatively small dimensional mass would enhance this sense of visual intrusion.

Degree of acceptability of visual contrast created and visual intrusion factor:

This receptor location is in an extremely natural location, with the topographical setting ensuring that no human infrastructure is visible. Strong amenity values are associated with the natural landscape at this location in the context of being in a protected area. The development of a power line that would span the valley in which the household is located, and which would run directly across the view from the receptor location would represent a strong visual intrusion, as indicated by the relatively high degree of visual contrast that would be caused. This would have a strong bearing on the sense of place at the household. The development of power lines as proposed (aligned) would be inconsistent with the tolerance level for this location.

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3.4.2.5 Lapolosa Ranger’s House

Visual / Landscape Context: Natural Visual character ( no human industrial infrastructure visible ) Closest Line Alternative: Alternative 2 Direction of view towards the proposed power line: East

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Pre-Construction (Current Visual Baseline) Landform Vegetation Structures Form The ranger’s house is located in the context of a high plateau on a ridge Although landform is the dominant feature of No structural effect top, with the view from the house oriented eastwards through an ‘opening’ form in the landscape, a number of tall trees on form in the fringing ridge tops of the valley sides in the middle of the view in the foreground of the view have towards a distant ridge on the opposite side of the wider valley. Landform is dimensional mass due to their size and dominant in defining form, with the fringing spurs in the middle part of each proximity to the household, and ‘frame’ the side of the view, as well as the distant ridge providing the greatest view, screening distant rising ground that dimensional shape and mass in the landscape. The presence of the distant would be visible in the right of the view. ridge in the background of the view provides complexity and dimension to the landscape. Line The lines formed by natural landforms are the most prominent expression Vegetation accentuates natural lines in the No structural effect of line in the landscape. Horizontal lines are predominant, in particular the landscape through natural vegetation on line horizontal line of the far ridge that form the horizon, and complemented by differentials between grassland and the horizontal line of the break of slope between the visible terrain in the woodland that are based on slope in the foreground and the more distant ridges. A number of diagonal lines are landscape. This is evident in the left of the also visible that introduce an element of complexity to the landscape view where the differential between woody vegetation on the convex hillock and the foreground grassy vegetation accentuates the break of slope line, and on the far ridge where this differential accentuate a brow-like break of slope near the top of the ridge. Colour Colour in the landscape is predominantly based on vegetation, however the The dominant colours in the landscape are No structural effect colour of the distant spurs and peaks is a factor of the greater distance of based on vegetation. Trees and shrubs in on colour these features from the viewer – slopes and spurs further afield take on a the foreground and middle ground of the dull blue hue, as well as of the time of day and associated angle of the sun view provide a differing set of green hues. that either dulls or accentuates colour of these distant features. More distant wooded vegetation in the middle ground and background of the view is a dark olive green that contrasts strongly with the surrounding areas of open grassland that are an alternating green or yellow hue, depending on the season. This contrast accentuates line in the landscape as discussed above. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to vegetation due to the relatively Where woody vegetation is present in the No structural simple nature of landform. middle ground of the landscape, it has a textural effect much coarser, densely-packed texture than the surrounding grassland vegetation which is finer grained (or textureless with distance). These textural differences accentuate the colour and line differences of vegetation discussed above.

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Post Construction (Landscape Context if power lines are developed)

Landform Vegetation Structures Form The ranger’s house is located in the context of Although landform is the dominant feature of form in the A tower would be likely to be visible a high plateau on a ridge top, with the view landscape, a number of tall trees in the foreground of (not shielded by topography) in the from the house oriented eastwards through an the view have dimensional mass due to their size and right of the view from this area, ‘opening’ in the fringing ridge tops of the valley proximity to the household, and ‘frame’ the view, although vegetation at the receptor sides in the middle of the view towards a screening distant rising ground that would be visible in location would block it. In the right distant ridge on the opposite side of the wider the right of the view. light conditions (when lit from behind valley. Landform is dominant in defining form, the viewer) the lines (cables) would with the fringing spurs in the middle part of be visible crossing the valley, each side of the view, as well as the distant although not being likely to be visible ridge providing the greatest dimensional shape against the open sky. The distance and mass in the landscape. The presence of factor would however make these the distant ridge in the background of the view features less distinct against the provides complexity and dimension to the context of the landscape vista within landscape. the field of view. Line The lines formed by natural landforms are the Vegetation accentuates natural lines in the landscape If not shielded by vegetation, the most prominent expression of line in the through natural vegetation differentials between tower on the ridge top in the middle landscape. Horizontal lines are predominant, in grassland and woodland that are based on slope in the ground of the view would not be particular the horizontal line of the far ridge landscape. This is evident in the left of the view where prominent, thus having no bearing on that form the horizon, and complemented by the differential between woody vegetation on the line. The lines, when most visible (due the horizontal line of the break of slope convex hillock and the foreground grassy vegetation to lighting) will be a horizontal line between the visible terrain in the foreground accentuates the break of slope line, and on the far ridge feature, that although complimenting and the more distant ridges. A number of where this differential accentuate a brow-like break of the horizontal skyline will be a visual diagonal lines are also visible that introduce an slope near the top of the ridge. focal point. element of complexity to the landscape Colour Colour in the landscape is predominantly The dominant colours in the landscape are based on The distant tower (where visible) will based on vegetation, however the colour of the vegetation. Trees and shrubs in the foreground and not have a bearing on colour, but the distant spurs and peaks is a factor of the middle ground of the view provide a differing set of lines (cables) spanning the valley, greater distance of these features from the green hues. More distant wooded vegetation in the especially when new and when lit up viewer – slopes and spurs further afield take middle ground and background of the view is a dark by backlight, will be visible and on a dull blue hue, as well as of the time of day olive green that contrasts strongly with the surrounding contrast with the surrounding natural and associated angle of the sun that either areas of open grassland that are an alternating green or landscape by virtue of their silver / dulls or accentuates colour of these distant yellow hue, depending on the season. This contrast grey colouration. features. accentuates line in the landscape as discussed above. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to Where woody vegetation is present in the middle No structural textural effect vegetation due to the relatively simple nature ground of the landscape, it has a much coarser, of landform. densely-packed texture than the surrounding grassland vegetation which is finer grained (or textureless with distance). These textural differences accentuate the colour and line differences of vegetation discussed above.

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Degree of Visual Contrast Caused

Pre -rehabilitation Strong Moderate Weak None Form X Line X Colour X Texture X Degree of Visual MODERATE TO WEAK Contrast:

A few factors including the relative distance of the line from the receptor location, the screening of the tower by vegetation at the receptor location, and the non-breaking of the horizon by the lines entails that the visual contrast factor associated with the lines is reduced. Nonetheless, in the right lighting conditions (time of day) the lines would still be visible within the view and associated with a certain degree of contrast.

Degree of acceptability of visual contrast created and visual intrusion factor:

This receptor location is in an extremely natural location, with the topographical setting ensuring that no human infrastructure is visible. Strong amenity values are associated with the natural landscape at this location in the context of being in a protected area (defined by the owners as a wilderness). Although the line is associated with a moderate to weak degree of visual contrast and thus a relatively low degree of visual intrusion, the presence or introduction of a large anthropogenic structural element into this landscape context would be perceived to be an unacceptable visual intrusion. This would have a strong bearing on the sense of place at the household, and especially in parts of the property located closer to the line. The development of power lines as proposed (aligned) would be inconsistent with the tolerance level for this location.

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3.4.2.6 Lapolosa Volunteer Accommodation

Visual / Landscape Context: Natural Visual character ( no human industrial infrastructure visible ) Closest Line Alternative: Alternative 2 Direction of view towards the proposed power line: East

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Pre-Construction (Current Visual Baseline) Landform Vegetation Structures Form Due to the completely natural state of the landscape, natural The natural hillside woodland vegetation covers the No structural effect landform is the dominant form element in the landscape. The slopes in the foreground and background of the view, on form receptor location looks out onto a relatively steeply-sloping valley and influence the viewing of form by blocking out within a high plateau, and this limits the lateral extent of the parts of the landscape in the left of the view. landscape as visible. The slopes of the valley provide the greatest dimensional mass in a simple landscape context, with the tops of the ridge s on the edge of the escarpment to the east providing an element of complexity. Line The lines formed by natural landforms are the most prominent Vegetation accentuates natural lines in the landscape No structural effect expression of line in the landscape. The diagonal lines formed by through natural vegetation differentials between on line the slopes of the valley sides in the middle ground of the view and grassland and woodland that are based on slope in the edge of the escarpment on the left of the view are most the landscape. This is evident in the background of prominent, with the less distinct horizontal line of the more distant the view where the differential between woody ridges in the right of the view being less prominent. vegetation on the scarp faces and the grassy vegetation on the crests accentuates the break of Lines of more resistant outcropping rock on the scarp faces on the slope line between the scarp face and the crest. far valley side emphasise these diagonal lines. Colour Colour in the landscape is predominantly based on vegetation. The dominant colours in the landscape are based on No structural effect vegetation. The woodland vegetation on the slopes in on colour the foreground of the view is a mix of light green hues. A contrast in colour is provided by the more grassy vegetation on the crests in the background of the view which is a lighter yellower green, with the hues becoming more yellow in winter. This colour contrast accentuates landform-related line in the landscape as discussed above. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to vegetation due to the The predominant woody vegetation in the landscape No structural relatively simple nature of landform. provides a coarse-grained dense texture to the textural effect landscape. The distant ridges in the background of the view have a finer texture due to the more open woodland and distance factor.

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Post Construction (Landscape Context if power lines are developed)

Landform Vegetation Structures Form Due to the completely natural state of the The natural hillside woodland vegetation covers the Two distant towers would be visible landscape, natural landform is the dominant slopes in the foreground and background of the view, on the far side of the valley in the form element in the landscape. The receptor and influence the viewing of form by blocking out parts background of the view; however location looks out onto a relatively steeply- of the landscape in the left of the view. these would be indistinct due to the sloping valley within a high plateau, and this distance factor. The tower placed limits the lateral extent of the landscape as near the top of the crest, is likely to be visible. The slopes of the valley provide the on or break the skyline. In the right greatest dimensional mass in a simple light conditions (when lit from behind landscape context, with the tops of the ridge s the viewer) the lines (cables) would on the edge of the escarpment to the east be partially visible crossing the visible providing an element of complexity. gap in the valley (but would be screened by the intervening valley slope). Line The lines formed by natural landforms are the Vegetation accentuates natural lines in the landscape The towers on the ridge top in the most prominent expression of line in the through natural vegetation differentials between background of the view would not be landscape. The diagonal lines formed by the grassland and woodland that are based on slope in the prominent due to the distance factor, slopes of the valley sides in the middle ground landscape. This is evident in the background of the thus having little bearing on line. The of the view and the edge of the escarpment on view where the differential between woody vegetation lines would be unlikely to be the left of the view are most prominent, with on the scarp faces and the grassy vegetation on the prominent, and would only introduce a the less distinct horizontal line of the more crests accentuates the break of slope line between the weak diagonal line element. distant ridges in the right of the view being less scarp face and the crest. prominent. Lines of more resistant outcropping rock on the scarps on the far valley side emphasise these diagonal lines. Colour Colour in the landscape is predominantly The dominant colours in the landscape are based on The distance factor would make the based on vegetation. vegetation. The woodland vegetation on the slopes in tower and lines (cables) indistinct, not the foreground of the view is a mix of light green hues. influencing colour in the landscape. A contrast in colour is provided by the more grassy vegetation on the crests in the background of the view which is a lighter yellower green, with the hues becoming more yellow in winter. This colour contrast accentuates landform-related line in the landscape as discussed above. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to The predominant woody vegetation in the landscape No structural textural effect vegetation due to the relatively simple nature provides a coarse-grained dense texture to the of landform. landscape. The distant ridges in the background of the view have a finer texture due to the more open woodland and distance factor.

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Degree of Visual Contrast Caused

Pre -rehabilitation Strong Moderate Weak None Form X Line X Colour X Texture X Degree of Visual WEAK Contrast:

The distance factor and the only limited lateral spatial extent of the spans within the landscape due to the screening of the line by intervening topography would reduce the visual contrast potential, and thus the visual intrusion potential of the power line from this location.

Degree of acceptability of visual contrast created and visual intrusion factor:

This receptor location is in an extremely natural location, with the topographical setting ensuring that no human infrastructure is visible. Strong amenity values are associated with the natural landscape at this location in the context of being in a protected area (defined by the owners as a wilderness). Although the line is associated with a weak degree of visual contrast and thus a relatively low degree of visual intrusion due to the distance of the line from the receptor location, the presence or introduction of a large anthropogenic structural element into this landscape context would be perceived to be an unacceptable visual intrusion. This would have a negative perceived influence on the sense of place at this and the other accommodation units, and especially in parts of the property located closer to the line. The development of power lines as proposed (aligned) would be inconsistent with the tolerance level for this location.

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3.4.2.7 Kudu Ranch – North-western Households 9

Visual / Landscape Context: Largely Natural Visual character ( low degree of human infrastructure visible ) Closest Line Alternative: Alternative 1 Direction of view towards the proposed power line: North-west

9 The north-western and south-western households on the western edge of the housing component of Kudu Ranch have been selected for assessment as these are the only parts of the housing component of the estate that will be visually exposed to views of the proposed line. The majority of existing households (stands) will not be able to view the new power line (and are not exposed to views of the existing power line alongside which the line runs), due to the screening effect of vegetation and their topographical position relative to the alignment. T01.JNB.000507 Page 63 Royal Haskoning DHV

Pre-Construction (Current Visual Baseline) Landform Vegetation Structures Form The view north-westwards / northwards from the house Landform is the dominant feature of form in the landscape, No structural effect presents a view of relatively hilly terrain sloping up to a high although trees close to the receptor location block part of the on form ridge to the north-west. A series of spurs provides a degree foreground landscape from view. of complexity to the landscape, with the sloping ground in the foreground having the greatest dimensional mass. Line Landform features provide the strongest expression of form The woodland vegetation is too distant to provide line No structural effect in the landscape, with the lines of spurs and ridges being features in the landscape and is rather amorphous. on line most prominent as near-horizontal, slightly angular lines. Colou r Colour in the landscape is largely dependent on vegetation, The dominant colours in the landscape are based on No structural effect as described in the column to the right. vegetation which is broad-leafed woodland, most of which is on colour evergreen (as opposed to deciduous), thus the dominant colour on the spurs is the green hue of the vegetation. There will be a seasonal effect on colour in that in winter the underlying grassy understorey will provide a yellow hue to the landscape, and in summer the colour of the understorey will match that of the woodland vegetation. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to vegetation, as The density of the trees on the wooded slopes provides the No structural described in the column to the right. landscape with a medium to coarse-grained texture with an textural effect even-random textural effect.

Post Construction (Landscape Context if power lines are developed) Landform Vegetation Structures Form The view north-westwards / northwards from Landform is the dominant feature of form in the A few of the structures of the new power line the house presents a view of relatively hilly landscape, although trees close to the receptor will be visible, presumably placed alongside terrain sloping up to a high ridge to the north- location block part of the foreground landscape the towers of the existing line. Although visible, west. A series of spurs provides a degree of from view. these will be screened to a certain degree by complexity to the landscape, with the sloping the surrounding vegetation, and importantly ground in the foreground having the greatest will not break the horizon, thus creating little dimensional mass. contrast. Line Landform features provide the strongest The woodland vegetation is too distant to A few towers will be visible, but due to the expression of form in the landscape, with the provide line features in the landscape and is distance factor these will not be prominent. lines of spurs and ridges being most prominent rather amorphous. These will introduce a very weak vertical line as near-horizontal, slightly angular lines. element. It is unlikely that any band due to the clearing of vegetation in the servitude would be visible, as the lower part of the towers and servitude would be screened by intervening woodland vegetation. Colour Colour in the landscape is largely dependent The dominant colours in the landscape are As power lines will be relatively indistinct and on vegetation, as described in the column to based on vegetation which is broad -leafed partly screened by vegetation, there will be

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the right. woodland, most of which is evergreen (as little colour contrast created. opposed to deciduous), thus the dominant colour on the spurs is the green hue of the vegetation. There will be a seasonal effect on colour in that in winter the underlying grassy understorey will provide a yellow hue to the landscape, and in summer the colour of the understorey will match that of the woodland vegetation. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to The density of the trees on the wooded slopes As power lines will be relatively indistinct and vegetation, as described in the column to the provides the landscape with a medium to partly screened by vegetation, there will be right. coarse-grained texture with an even-random little change to the texture of the landscape. textural effect.

Degree of Visual Contrast Caused Pre -rehabilitation Strong Moderate Weak None Form X Line X Colour X Texture X Degree of Visual WEAK Contrast:

The relatively large distance between the receptor location and the lines and the partial screening of the towers by the woodland vegetation and the likely complete screening of the cleared servitude, greatly minimises the potential for creation of visual contrast by the new lines in terms of the landscape elements assessed above. The proposed power line would at most create a weak degree of contrast.

Degree of acceptability of visual contrast created and visual intrusion factor:

An existing power line (four towers) is visible from this location, with the nearest towers being largely screened from view by vegetation. The farthest tower is fully visible on a spur, but the distance factor makes it indistinct, and the tower does not break the horizon. Although the landscape context is highly natural and within the setting of a protected area (thus a power line would be an unwelcome intrusion in this context of amenity values being placed in the largely natural landscape), there is an existing power line, alongside which the new power line would be routed. The presence of the existing power line and the factor of the towers and lines (cables) of the new tower being indistinct in the landscape setting would entail that a weak T01.JNB.000507 Page 65 Royal Haskoning DHV degree of visual contrast would be created, and the landscape as visible from this location would remain largely natural. The development of power lines as proposed (aligned) would be consistent with the tolerance level for this location.

3.4.2.8 Kudu Ranch – South-western Households 10

Visual / Landscape Context: Largely Natural Visual character ( low degree of human infrastructure visible ) Closest Line Alternative: Alternative 1 Direction of view towards the proposed power line: Westward

10 The north-western and south-western households on the western edge of the housing component of Kudu Ranch have been selected for assessment as these are the only parts of the housing component of the estate that will be visually exposed to views of the proposed line. The majority of existing households (stands) will not be able to view the new power line (and are not exposed to views of the existing power line alongside which the line runs), due to the screening effect of vegetation and their topographical position relative to the alignment. T01.JNB.000507 Page 66 Royal Haskoning DHV

Pre-Construction (Current Visual Baseline) Landform Vegetation Structures Form Landform in the view in the direction of the power line is The natural woodland vegetation that has been The top part of one power line very poorly defined due to the presence of trees retained (except for the immediate footprint of the tower (the existing line) is immediately adjacent to the receptor locations and in households) surrounds the houses and effectively partly visible through the the intervening area to the existing power line. Where limits any medium-or long-distance views. Vegetation vegetation, but is indistinct visible, only the tops of the ridges to the south-west are is thus the dominant element of form in the landscape partially visible. Line Landform features are largely screened and therefore The woodland vegetation dominates the view that is The tower of the existing do not provide strong line elements. limited to the foreground, thus the most prominent line power line is only partly visible, elements are the vertical and angular lines of tree but does provide an element of trunks and branches. vertical line. Colour Colour in the landscape is largely dependent on As colour in the landscape is dominated by No structural effect on colour vegetation, as described in the column to the right. vegetation, seasonal factors determine colour in the landscape. In winter the thatching grass is yellow and the acacia trees lose their leaves, hence the dominant colour is a bleached yellow hue. This changes in spring and summer with the regrowth of acacia leaves (a green hue) and the greening of the grass. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to vegetation, Too little of the landscape to the west and south-west No structural textural effect as described in the column to the right. is visible to provide texture, but the foreground trees are randomly spaced and coarse-grained.

Post Construction (Landscape Context if power lines are developed) Landform Vegetation Structures Form Landform in the view in the direction of the The natural woodland vegetation that has been Assuming that the towers of the new line power line is very poorly defined due to the retained (except for the immediate footprint of the are placed alongside those of the existing presence of trees immediately adjacent to the households) surrounds the houses and effectively line, the tower(s) of the new line that are receptor locations and in the intervening area to limits any medium-or long-distance views. visible will be largely screened by existing the existing power line. Where visible, only the Vegetation is thus the dominant element of form in vegetation (more so in summer when the tops of the ridges to the south-west are partially the landscape acacia trees have foliage), with little visible. degree of contrast from the existing visual baseline created. Line Landform features are largely screened and The woodland vegetation dominates the view that The tower of the existing power line is therefore do not provide strong line elements. is limited to the foreground, thus the most only partly visible, but does provide an prominent line elements are the vertical and element of vertical line. The new tower angular lines of tree trunks and branches. will compliment this vertical effect, but as most lines in the visible landscape are The clearing of a new servitude for the proposed vertical, this will create little contrast. line will be unlikely to reduce the effectiveness of the screening effect of vegetation, as vegetation within 50m of the receptor locations is largely

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responsible for screening the lines. Colour Colour in the landscape is largely dependent on As colour in the landscape is dominated by No structural effect on colour vegetation, as described in the column to the vegetation, seasonal factors determine colour in right. the landscape. In winter the thatching grass is yellow and the acacia trees lose their leaves, hence the dominant colour is a bleached yellow hue. This changes in spring and summer with the regrowth of acacia leaves (a green hue) and the greening of the grass. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to Too little of the landscape to the west and south- No structural textural effect vegetation, as described in the column to the west is visible to provide texture, but the right. foreground trees are randomly spaced and coarse-grained.

Degree of Visual Contrast Caused

Pre -rehabilitation Strong Moderate Weak None Form X Line X Colour X Texture X Degree of Visual WEAK Contrast:

The effective screening of the towers and line by the woodland vegetation surrounding the receptor locations and in the intervening area greatly minimises the potential for creation of visual contrast by the new lines in terms of the landscape elements assessed above. The proposed power line would at most create a weak degree of contrast.

Degree of acceptability of visual contrast created and visual intrusion factor:

One existing tower is only partially visible from this location, with the tower(s) of the new line being likely to be similarly screened. Although the landscape context is highly natural and within the setting of a protected area (thus a power line would be an unwelcome intrusion in this context of amenity values being placed in the largely natural landscape), there is an existing power line, alongside which the new power line would be routed. The T01.JNB.000507 Page 68 Royal Haskoning DHV presence of the existing power line and the factor of the towers and lines (cables) of the new power line likely to be largely screened would entail that a weak degree of visual contrast would be created, and the landscape as visible from this location would remain largely natural. The development of power lines as proposed (aligned) would be consistent with the tolerance level for this location.

3.4.2.9 Kudu Ranch – North-eastern Households 11

11 Note – due to the households being private, the view was taken from the access road that services the eastern-most houses in this part of the reserve. Due to its slightly more elevated position as compared to the households, this view represents a ‘worst-case scenario’. T01.JNB.000507 Page 69 Royal Haskoning DHV

Visual / Landscape Context: Largely Natural Visual character ( low degree of human infrastructure visible ) Closest Line Alternative: Alternative 5A Direction of view towards the proposed power line: Eastward

Pre-Construction (Current Visual Baseline) Landform Vegetation Structures Form Landform in the view in the direction of the power line is The natural woodland vegetation is relatively sparse, The top of one of the dominated by the eastern side of the Spekboom River but dominates the near ground view and partially households (thatched roof) is valley, and the distant hills of the escapement, both of shields the surrounding landform associated with the partially visible, as well as the which respectively comprise the horizon. Landform is Spekboom valley. associated lightning conductor partially shielded by vegetation, but is dominant in the pole, but is not a dominant part view and largely defines form in the landscape view. of the view. Line The predominant line in the landscape is horizontal – as The woodland vegetation dominates the near-side The pale ‘cap’ of the thatched formed by the flat top of the opposite valley side and view, and thus the most prominent line elements are roof is visible and compliments the far hills of the escarpment. The spurs within the the mostly vertical and angular lines of tree trunks and the horizontal landscape lines. valley sides provide an element of angular line in the branches. The lightning conductor landscape. provides contrast, being strongly vertical, but is not prominent in the view Colour Colour in the landscape is largely dependent on As colour in the landscape is dominated by There is no prominent vegetation, as described in the column to the right. vegetation, seasonal factors determine colour in the structural effect on colour, but landscape. In winter the dry grassy substrate in the the grey of the thatched roof woodland, especially in more distant parts of the that is visible tends to blend in landscape provides it with a dominant pale yellow with the natural colour in the colour. This changes in spring and summer with the landscape. regrowth of acacia leaves (a green hue) and the greening of the grass to provide a greener hue. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to vegetation, Foreground trees are randomly spaced and coarse- No structural textural effect as described in the column to the right. grained.

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Post Construction (Landscape Context if power lines are developed) Landform Vegetation Structures Form Landform in the view in the direction of the The natural woodland vegetation is relatively The top of one of the households power line is dominated by the eastern side of sparse, but dominates the near ground view and (thatched roof) is partially visible, as well the Spekboom River valley, and the distant hills partially shields the surrounding landform as the associated lightning conductor of the escapement, both of which respectively associated with the Spekboom valley. pole, but is not a dominant part of the comprise the horizon. Landform is partially view. shielded by vegetation, but is dominant in the view and largely defines form in the landscape The power line towers and lines would be view. visible in the landscape, running on top of the (flat) eastern edge of the Spekboom valley, but would be a distant feature (at 2,15km distant), and thus relatively small in the landscape, although they would break the horizon in places. This factor would make the towers able to be partially screened by vegetation in the near ground of the view. Line The predominant line in the landscape is The woodland vegetation dominates the near-side The pale ‘cap’ of the thatched roof is horizontal – as formed by the flat top of the view, and thus the most prominent line elements visible and compliments the horizontal opposite valley side and the far hills of the are the mostly vertical and angular lines of tree landscape lines. The lightning conductor escarpment. The spurs within the valley sides trunks and branches. provides contrast, being strongly vertical, provide an element of angular line in the but is not prominent in the view. landscape. The power line towers and lines (cables) would be visible as distant features. The monopole towers would be vertical features that would contrast with the largely horizontal landform-dominated lines, but which would not be dominant due to the distance factor. Similarly the lines would be a distant factor, and being horizontal would not overly contrast with the landform lines. Colour Colour in the landscape is largely dependent on As colour in the landscape is dominated by There is no prominent structural effect on vegetation, as described in the column to the vegetation, seasonal factors determine colour in colour, but the grey of the thatched roof right. the landscape. In winter the dry grassy substrate that is visible tends to blend in with the in the woodland, especially in more distant parts of natural colour in the landscape. the landscape provides it with a dominant pale yellow colour. This changes in spring and summer The towers and lines would be a silver with the regrowth of acacia leaves (a green hue) colour, especially when newly developed. and the greening of the grass to provide a greener The time of day and season would affect hue. the visibility of these features (considering their distance from the viewer, however). The colours of these features would not become dominant in

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the landscape. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to Foreground trees are randomly spaced and The towers will be evenly spaced across vegetation, as described in the column to the coarse-grained. the far valley line, but the distance factor right. will render the effect on texture in the overall landscape not dominant.

Degree of Visual Contrast Caused

Pre -rehabilitation Strong Moderate Weak None Form X Line X Colour X Texture X Degree of Visual WEAK Contrast:

In spite of the location of the towers on top of the far valley side, and breaking the horizon on places, the distance factor and the screening effect of vegetation would greatly minimise the potential for creation of visual contrast by the new lines in terms of the landscape elements assessed above. The proposed power line would at most create a weak degree of contrast.

Degree of acceptability of visual contrast created and visual intrusion factor:

Although the landscape context is highly natural and within the setting of a protected area (thus a power line would be an unwelcome intrusion in this context of amenity values being placed in the largely natural landscape), the distance of the lines from the receptor locations (2.15km at their nearest point) would greatly minimise the degree of visual contrast caused, in spite of the lines potentially breaking the horizon in places. The lines would also be partially screened by vegetation in the near ground of the view, where present. The landscape would still be largely natural and the newly-developed power lines would be a minor anthropogenic element in what would remain as a natural landscape. The development of power lines as proposed (aligned) would be consistent with the tolerance level for this location.

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3.4.2.10 Kudu Ranch – George’s View

Visual / Landscape Context: Largely Natural Visual character ( low degree of human infrastructure visible ) Closest Line Alternative: Alternative 1 (Alternative 4 is also assessed) Direction of view towards the proposed power line: South-eastwards (Alt 1) / South-westwards (Alt 4)

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Pre-Construction (Current Visual Baseline) Landform Vegetation Structures Form George’s View has a south-facing orientation. Form in There are a few shrubs in the near ground of the The towers of the existing the view is dominated by landform features, comprised view, but otherwise vegetation is distant and does not distribution line are visible in of a low ridge in the middle ground and much more perform a significant role in impacting form in the the left of the view, but due to distant ridges (of the escarpment to the east) and the landscape. the distance factor as not broken, incised terrain of the Spekboom valley that prominent, and structure does frame the horizon. not largely affect form. Line The predominant line in the landscape is horizontal – as The trees that are visible in the near ground of the Structure is not prominent in formed by the flat tops of the middle ground ridge and view provide a vertical and angular line element (of the landscape and thus does by the far hills of the escarpment to the east. The ridge tree trunks and branches). not greatly influence line that drops down in to the Spekboom valley provides an elements. A distant stretch of element of angular line in the landscape. The existing power line servitude is made more the R37 road does not greatly prominent in the landscape by the vegetation change influence line. within the servitude, with the clearing of woody vegetation within the linear servitude creating a visible line element in part of the view. The line of the servitude runs roughly in parallel to the ridge lines, however and thus tends to blend in with the landform- related lines. Colour Colour in the landscape is largely dependent on As colour in the landscape is dominated by There is no prominent vegetation, as described in the column to the right. vegetation, seasonal factors determine colour in the structural effect on colour landscape. In winter the dry grassy substrate in the woodland, especially in more distant parts of the landscape provides it with a dominant pale yellow colour, twinned with the darker green hues of trees. This changes in spring and summer with the regrowth of acacia leaves (a green hue) and the greening of the grass to provide an overall greener hue. A small (spatially limited) area of colour contrast occurs in the part of the landscape where the existing power line servitude is present; the yellow colour of the grassy in the servitude contrasts with the more overall greener hues of the surrounding woodland vegetation, creating a ‘band’. Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to vegetation, The woodland vegetation in the near ground view is No structural textural effect as described in the column to the right. randomly spaced, with the distance factor giving this part of the landscape a coarse-grained appearance.

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Post Construction (Landscape Context if power lines are developed) Landform Vegetation Structures Form George’s View has a south-facing orientation. There are a few shrubs in the near ground of the The towers of the existing distribution line Form in the view is dominated by landform view, but otherwise vegetation is distant and does are visible in the left of the view, but due features, comprised of a low ridge in the middle not perform a significant role in impacting form in to the distance factor as not prominent, ground and much more distant ridges (of the the landscape. and structure does not largely affect form. escarpment to the east) and the broken, incised Alternative 1 – the towers of the new terrain of the Spekboom valley that frame the horizon. servitude will be visible in the stretch of the servitude that is visible from the viewpoint, but in a similar way for the existing towers, these will be distant and will not affect form in the landscape. Alternative 4 – Certain of the towers along a portion of the route would be partially visible, as their lower portions would be screened by vegetation. Higher- lying topography to the east and vegetation close to the viewpoint would shield the closest parts of the line from view. Line The predominant line in the landscape is The trees that are visible in the near ground of the Structure is not prominent in the horizontal – as formed by the flat tops of the view provide a vertical and angular line element landscape and thus does not greatly middle ground ridge and by the far hills of the (of tree trunks and branches). influence line elements. A distant stretch escarpment to the east. The ridge that drops of the R37 road does not greatly down in to the Spekboom valley provides an The existing power line servitude is made more influence line. element of angular line in the landscape. prominent in the landscape by the vegetation change within the servitude, with the clearing of Alternative 1: The new tower structures woody vegetation within the linear servitude would be distant and would not greatly creating a visible line element in part of the view. influence line in the landscape. The line of the servitude runs roughly in parallel to the ridge lines, however and thus tends to blend in Alternative 1: The new tower structures with the landform-related lines. would be distant and would not greatly influence line in the landscape. The lines Alternative 1: The second servitude would run in may be partially visible above the valley parallel to the portion of the existing servitude, line in the right of the view, but would run thereby accentuating the band (as described roughly parallel to the valley line, thus not below). creating a significant degree of contrast.

Colour Colour in the landscape is largely dependent on As colour in the landscape is dominated by There is no prominent structural effect on vegetation, as described in the column to the vegetation, seasonal factors determine colour in colour right. the landscape. In winter the dry grassy substrate in the woodland, especially in more distant parts of The new tower structures would be too the landscape provides it with a dominant pale distant, and in the case of Alternative 4 yellow colour, twinned with the darker green hues would be partially screened, thus not of trees. This change s in spring and summer with T01.JNB.000507 Page 76 Royal Haskoning DHV

the regrowth of acacia leaves (a green hue) and influencing colour in the landscape. the greening of the grass to provide an overall greener hue. A small (spatially limited) area of colour contrast occurs in the part of the landscape where the existing power line servitude is present; the yellow colour of the grassy in the servitude contrasts with the more overall greener hues of the surrounding woodland vegetation, creating a ‘band’. Alternative 1: The second servitude would run in parallel to the portion of the existing servitude, thereby accentuating the band; however this would only occupy a portion of the view and would not create a significant degree of visual contrast. Alternative 4: As intervening vegetation would screen the lower-most parts of the servitude and towers, no colour contrast of the servitude that is cleared of woody vegetation would become visible Texture Texture in the landscape is mainly related to The woodland vegetation in the near ground view No structural textural effect. vegetation, as described in the column to the is randomly spaced, with the distance factor giving right. this part of the landscape a coarse-grained The new power line structures would be appearance. too distant to have an effect on texture in the landscape.

Degree of Visual Contrast Caused

Pre -rehabilitation Strong Moderate Weak None Form X Line X Colour X Texture X Degree of Visual WEAK to NONE Contrast:

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Two potential alignments are visible from this location. In spite of the wide-ranging nature of the view from this point, limited sections of each of the alignments would be visible from the view point. A portion of the Alignment 1 would be visible to the left of the view, and although the servitude-related band would be widened, this would have a limited spatial extend in the context of the wider view, and would at most create a weak degree of contrast. Similarly topography and intervening vegetation would screen much of Alignment 4 from view, and only portions of the towers along a section of the proposed alignment to the south-west would be visible. Similarly this alignment would at most create a weak degree of contrast.

Degree of acceptability of visual contrast created and visual intrusion factor:

Although the landscape context is highly natural and within the setting of a protected area (thus a power line would be an unwelcome intrusion in this context of amenity values being placed in the largely natural landscape), the distance of the lines from the receptor locations (2.15km at their nearest point) twinned with the shielding effect of vegetation and topography would greatly minimise the degree of visual contrast caused. For alternative 1, an existing power line is already present, thus there is an existing visual impact (banding relating to the absence of woody vegetation in the servitude) that forms part of the visual baseline. The landscape as visible from the view point would still be largely natural and the newly-developed power lines would be a minor anthropogenic element in what would remain as a natural landscape. The development of power lines as proposed along either alignment would be consistent with the tolerance level for this location.

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The table below provides a summary of the results of the visual contrast assessment at the key observation locations in the study area:

Table 5 - Comparative Assessment of Degree of Visual Contrast and Consistency with Tolerance Level for each alternative Key Observation Degree of visual contrast Consistency with visual Location in key view (landscape) change tolerance level Pre-rehabilitation Buffelsvley Guest Weak Consistent with tolerance Farm level Sharalumbi Estate Strong – Moderate Inconsistent with tolerance Northern Household level Black Leopard Camp Strong Inconsistent with tolerance level Thaba Tholo Strong – Moderate Inconsistent with tolerance Stakeholders Lodge level Lapolosa Ranger’s Moderate to Weak Inconsistent with tolerance House level Lapolosa Volunteer Weak Inconsistent with tolerance Accommodation Unit level Kudu Ranch North- Weak Consistent with tolerance western Households level Kudu Ranch South- Weak Consistent with tolerance western Households level Kudu Ranch North- Weak Consistent with tolerance eastern Households level George’s View Weak to None Consistent with tolerance (Kudu Ranch) level

3.4.3 Discussion and Implications for Visual Impact

Although the visual contrast rating has only been undertaken for selected receptor locations, the examination of the wider locations reveals a number of trends in terms of the visibility of the proposed alignment along the various line alternatives, as influenced by topography and vegetation. Portions of certain of the line alternatives traverse significant extents of both formal and informal protected areas (nature reserves and wilderness areas), and receptors in these locations would logically be assumed to be sensitive to visual intrusion caused by power lines due to the amenity values associated with the natural / largely natural landscapes and the high scenic value of the landscapes. In this context however, the visual intrusion factor associated with the proposed power line over different alternatives varies depending not only on distance between the alignment and the receptor location, but (as importantly) on the screening effects of topography and vegetation. Vegetation is important, as in contexts where natural woodland has been retained as the primary landcover; the vegetation in the area presents a highly effective screening function that would assist with the screening of power lines from view, especially where the vegetation surrounds the receptor location. This is well-illustrated for example, at the Lapeng Game Lodge where bushveld vegetation in the area between the receptor location and the existing line effectively screens the power line from view in the flat setting (i.e. in which topography would perform little to no screening function). This is also true for much of the Kudu Ranch residential area (although topography is more important as discussed below), in which vegetation performs an important role in screening the towers of the existing line from view from the

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residential properties closest to them. In grassland-dominated settings, however, the proposed power line would be much more visible if topography performs no screening role. This is illustrated by the high potential visibility of the proposed alignment along Alternative 3 that would be associated with a high degree of visual intrusion at most of the receptor locations within the higher-elevation grassland areas within the Thaba Tholo Reserve.

Topography (topographical setting of the viewer) can assist in the screening of the lines from view, or can alternatively not assist in screening the lines at all. The former case is valid for most of the residential receptor locations within Kudu Ranch with respect to Alternative that runs parallel to the existing power line servitude. The residential households occur on the slopes of the Spekboom River valley that are increasingly steeply sloping as one approaches the valley bottom. A low ridge lies to the west of many of the households that are located closest to the existing power line (and Alternative 1) and thus the line is not visible from these locations which are located closest to the alignment. The concave nature of the western side of the Spekboom River valley results in all of the residential properties on the Kudu Ranch property located further east not being exposed to the power line at all, with the dense woodland on the slopes acting as a further screening factor.

For those few households on the nature reserve that are exposed to views of the existing power line, and for the parts of the reserve that are exposed to views of the lines as they cross the reserve, the presence of the existing lines is arguably an important factor in mitigating / ameliorating the potential visual intrusion factor of the proposed power line if developed along the Alternative 1 alignment. The existing power lines precede the creation of the estate and its proclamation as a nature reserve, and are part of the visual baseline of the area in which the estate is located. There is thus an existing presence of human infrastructure in this reserve that has altered the visual baseline from a purely natural setting, and which has accordingly heightened the visual absorption capacity for the development of a (further) power line. The development of a new power line would thus arguably be associated with a lesser degree of visual intrusion than a situation in which there are no power lines present. The Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve is already exposed to views of a power line, thus arguably the development of a second power line alongside the existing line would not constitute a significant visual impact, although a number of interested and affected parties resident in the reserve have expressed opposition to the development of a second power line through the reserve (e.g. response received as part of the public participation process from one of the reserve’s directors). The response points out that the static receptor locations (households, as well as viewpoints) are not the only visually sensitive parts of the reserve, but that many parts of the reserve are used for activities such as game viewing on foot, cycle and by 4 x 4 vehicles. The response cites that views within the reserve are ‘tarnished’ by the presence of the existing power line on the reserve. The response also cites that views of the power line are psychologically detrimental to people on the reserve viewing the power lines. The current perceived visual impact of the power line is acknowledged, however it is highly likely to remain a part of the visual baseline of the reserve, and importantly pre-dates the establishment of a nature reserve on the property.

The presence of the power line as part of the existing visual baseline is an important factor in the selection of a preferred alternative, as explored in the next section. The presence of the existing 132kV power line arguably engenders the Kudu Ranch property with a higher VAC, and for this reason, the developing of a new power line alongside an existing power line is not considered to be a visual fatal flaw, in spite of the negative perception of the existing power line on the property. Developing the power line along Alternative 1 would promote the principle of the consolidation of existing visual impacts, but with the introduction of Alternative 5A and Alternate 4, this principle needs to be contrasted against the principle of routing the alignment through areas of arguably lower visual sensitivity, as explored in Section 3.5.

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Figure 21 – Existing power line spanning a deep valley in the northern part of the Kudu Ranch property

The Thaba Tholo Reserve is traversed by Alternative 3, which is aligned across the high ground that makes up much of the property before descending into the Watervals River Valley. The alignment of the power line along this alternative through the reserve means that it crosses a large area of high elevation and a series of parallel- running ridges. There are a number of receptor locations along this high ground, including a stakeholders’ household and a number of viewpoints / ‘sundowner’ locations for game drives conducted on the reserve, in which guests to the Black Leopard Camp are taken to appreciate the extensive scenic vistas of the surrounding mountainous terrain (largely unaffected by any visible anthropogenic factors) from these viewpoints. Accordingly a number of game drive routes also traverse this area and there are a few locations where guests are taken to view archaeological sites (petroglyphs). The power line alignment of Alternative 3 would cross this high-lying ground in which these receptor locations are located and would be highly visible, arguably being highly obtrusive as it would introduce a strong element of human structural development to this area which is currently highly natural, thus significantly altering the sense of place and degrading the amenity values associated with the natural landscape. Although the Black Leopard Camp is not located on this high ground, the alignment of Alternative 3 entails that the power line would pass directly above it, and due to the significant length of span across the deep valley in which it is located, it is highly likely that a tower would need to be placed at the edge of the cliff that towers above the lodge, making it highly visible and visually intrusive, as the tower and lines (cables) would significantly alter the completely natural surroundings of the lodge. From a visual perspective, the alignment of the power line along the section of Alternative 3 that crosses this part of the route can be considered a visual fatal flaw – i.e. a visual impact that would be unlikely to be able to be adequately mitigated as it is unlikely that a realignment of the line in other parts of the reserve would reduce the level of visual intrusion.

The Lapolosa Wilderness Reserve is located in a similar landscape and terrain setting too much of the Thaba Tholo Reserve, with its core area being located on the undulating plateau on the crest of the escarpment that forms the western side of the Watervals River valley. As such most of the property is not visually exposed to

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areas of human habitation and landscape change (that occur primarily to the east within the valley). The communally owned area to the north of the Enkosini Reserve to which access was possible is very remote with very little human development and visible impact 12 . The property and reserve is perceived and is managed as a wilderness, with the removal of as much human infrastructure as possible. As an example land beyond the boundaries of the reserve has been purchased so that the fencing on the property boundaries is not able to be viewed by the people visiting / inhabiting the property (Kelcey Grimm, pers. comm.). This imbues the property with a high degree of visual sensitivity and a low degree of VAC respectively. In this context the introduction of a large structural development such as a power line is likely to be highly negatively perceived, effectively being perceived as irreversibly altering the sense of place and wilderness characteristics of the reserve (Kelcey Grimm, pers. comm.). Although the degree of visual contrast likely to be created by the proposed Alternative 2 alignment at the static receptor locations within the reserve would be moderate at most, the degree of visual contrast and visual intrusion associated with the line in parts of the reserve located closer to the alignment would be much higher, in particular along parts of the access road (from the Watervals valley in the vicinity of the Buffelskloof Dam) and adjacent parts of the reserve in which the line would be highly visually prominent due to the flatter nature of the terrain and presence of grassveld vegetation types. The degree of visual sensitivity of this part of the study area is such that merely the viewing of part of the power line would be perceived to be unacceptable. Accordingly the development of Alternative 2 across this wilderness reserve can also be considered to be a visual fatal flaw as discussed above.

Alternative 5A traverses an area of smallholdings in the Potloodspruit area. The degree of visual sensitivity of these smallholdings can be discussed; no public participation had yet been undertaken at the time of writing this draft, and thus no feedback had been received from residents of this area regarding visual issues. The degree of visual alteration of the landscape changes as one moves north from Mashishing. The visual environment in the southern part of the smallholdings area (closer to the town’s cemetery and the smelter) is more transformed by large structures such as power lines and the smelter itself. Moving northwards from this area the impact of development around Mashishing lessens and the landscape is more natural, with the presence of areas of open ‘veld’ on these properties. The smallholdings are bounded by the deeply incised valley of the Spekboom River to the north, and with the south-eastern part of the Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve to the north-west. Thus there are areas of effectively natural visual character in the immediate vicinity of the northern part of these smallholdings. The northern parts of Potloodspruit smallholdings are thus likely to be more visually sensitive than the southern parts, and may perceive the development of a new power line servitude to be a visual impact.

3.5 Comparative Assessment of Alternative Alignments

Five alternative alignments have been presented for comparative assessment, and each specialist study has been tasked with selecting a preferred alignment from the perspective of that particular specialist discipline. A number of different factors can be assessed in comparing the three alignments, as presented in the table below.

12 A number of hiking trails, including two backpacking trails and a number of day trails – the Rooi Ivoor Hiking Trail formerly existed on the property to the north of the Lapolosa Reserve. The trails appear to have fallen into disuse as the backpackers hut (Stamvrug Hut) on the top of the escarpment to the west of Buffelsvley is in a state of disrepair. T01.JNB.000507 Page 82 Royal Haskoning DHV

Table 6 – Factors to be considered in the comparative assessment of alternative alignments Alternative Number of Existing Fatal Flaw Other Factors Alignment Sensitive Presence Receptors of Existing within 2km of Power line the alignment 13 >88kV Alternative 1 53 Yes -No – Although the alignment -Of the 70 households and other passes through the Kudu Ranch static receptor locations in the (& Alternative Nature Reserve, the presence of Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve, 2) an existing 132kV line along which the vast majority (~60) will not the alignment is proposed to run be visually exposed to the ensures the proposed line is not a proposed alignment due to fatal flaw as the presence of an screening effect of topography existing 132kV line would mitigate the visual intrusion factor associated with the new line. Alternative 2 7 No -YES – A significant portion of the line runs through the Lapolosa (& Alternative Wilderness Reserve in which 3) there is no large-scale human infrastructure. The presence of a power line in this context is likely to be perceived as an irreversible and immitigable visual impact. Alternative 3 22 No -YES – A significant portion of the -Certain of the households and line runs through the Thaba Tholo residential stands within the (& Alternative Reserve in which there is no Sharalumbi Estate will be 1/2) large-scale human infrastructure, effectively screened by and the alignment runs across the vegetation, but the alignment high ground and directly overhead passes directly across a number the Black Leopard Camp of households in the phase 1 component of the Estate. Alternative 4 11 No -No – The alternative is aligned - The location along a major closely parallel to the R37 road (existing arterial corridor) (& Alternative (Watervals River Pass) and does reduces the visual sensitivity of 3/1/2) not run in immediate proximity to the affected area. any sensitive receptor locations except for the Oppiberg Restaurant (running behind it). Alte rnative 8 No -No – The alternative traverses an The alternative does not 5A area of low human habitation and physically traverse any formally low visual sensitivity, in its or informally protected / (&Alternative southern-most parts, then conserved areas. 1/2) traverses an area of smallholdings and farmland (that has believed to be unlikely to display a high degree of visual sensitivity). Alternative 8 Yes - No – The visual environment of -The alternative runs along (in 5B the area traversed by the parallel to) a set of three alternative is transformed from a existing power lines, thus the (& Alternative natural context or is not visually surrounding area is exposed to 5A/1/2) sensitive. the associated visual impact of these lines.

13 It should be noted that for the purposes of comparative assessment, receptor locations located along sections of the proposed route which are common to all alternatives – i.e. the section of Alternative 2 to the south-east of the Merensky Substation – have not been counted. T01.JNB.000507 Page 83 Royal Haskoning DHV

The above table reveals that the largest number of sensitive receptor locations is located along Alternative 1, households within the Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve. However examining numbers of sensitive receptors potentially affected is simplistic, and is arguably biased towards residential estates in which there is a higher density of properties. It also does not take into account factors such as the presence of existing electricity infrastructure and the relative exposure to the lines, as well as use (traversing) of protected areas and other such conserved properties in undertaking visually-sensitive activities. A number of such factors are presented in the table above; most importantly: • Alternative 1 and Alternative 5B are the only alternatives along which an existing (large-scale) power line exists, and which forms part of the visual baseline. • The vast majority of the households within the Kudu Ranch Reserve will have no visual exposure to the alternative alignment located closest to Alternative 1 due to the screening effect of topography, although there may be visual exposure to other alternatives (Alternatives 4 and 5A). • The nature of the alignment of Alternative 3, crossing ridge tops and high ground, and being aligned in very close proximity and thus creating a very high degree of visual contrast and thus visual intrusion to all receptor locations within the Thaba Tholo Reserve entails that this part of the alignment is considered a fatal flaw • The presence of a power line traversing the entire extent of the Lapolosa Wilderness Reserve property and high degree of visual exposure to the line across much of the reserve in a context of the reserve being managed as a wilderness area is considered a fatal flaw. • The only alternatives that do not traverse any formally protected or informally protected areas (nature reserves / wilderness areas) in which ecotourism activities are undertaken are Alternatives 5A and 5B.

Essentially four routing options are now available for comparative assessment. Prior to the introduction of Alternatives 5A and 5B, Alternative 1 was selected as the preferred alignment, due to its alignment along an existing power line. However it is important to note that all three of the earlier alternatives had significant parts of their length that traversed protected areas, or land that has been set aside for the conservation of biodiversity and for the enjoyment / appreciation of the natural environment. In this context the selection of an alternative already associated with power line-related visual impacts was preferable, as opposed to the impacting of such conserved areas with a hitherto low / absent level of human intrusion into the landscape. The introduction of Alternatives 5A and 5B entail that a route that does not traverse a significant area of conservation management and ecotourism landuses now can be selected for development (although it is recognised that two smaller formally protected areas are crossed by Alternative 1 and thus by the Alternative 5A/B option). The selection of the Alternative 5A/B option would avoid traversing the Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve (although certain parts of the reserve may be exposed to a low degree of visual intrusion due to the development of the line), and importantly the highly visually sensitive parts of the study area to the west of the R37 and the Watervals River valley would be completely avoided.

Alternative 5A/B would traverse a number of areas that are visually altered from a natural baseline, and which have a low to moderate visual sensitivity. The alignment may result in a visual impact on a handful of smallholdings to the west of the R36 in the Potloodspruit area, but there is an existing human presence in the form of existing smaller reticulation lines, stands of exotic vegetation and other human infrastructure has introduced a human element to the landscape. Similarly the landscape has been altered in the parts of the route closer to Mashishing (especially for Alternative 5B that runs parallel to three existing power lines) and to the north of the Spekboom crossing in the Klipfontein area due to intensive cultivation and the presence of a mine. To the west of the (more northerly) second crossing of the Spekboom River the alternative runs through an area of very low human habitation, and importantly alongside an existing power line servitude where it joins Alternatives 1 and then 2 to the Merensky Substation.

Accordingly this option is most preferred from a visual perspective, and it is recommended that the Alternative 5B sub-alternative be selected for development as the power line alignment would be in parallel to a number of existing power lines.

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In summary the alternatives are preferred in the following order from most preferred to least preferred: • Alternative 5B (with sections of Alternatives 5A,1&2) – route recommended for development • Alternative 5A (with sections of Alternatives 1&2) – route can be developed • Alternative 1(with sections of Alternative2) – route not preferred for development due to the impact on the Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve • Alternative 4 (with sections of Alternatives 3,1&2) – route not preferred due to the high degree of impact on the Sharlalumbi Estate • Alternative 3 (with sections of Alternatives 1&2) – route considered a fatal flaw due to the high degree of impact on the Thaba Tholo Wilderness Reserve • Alternative 2 ((with sections of Alternative3) – section of route to the south of the D737 road considered a fatal flaw due to the high degree of impact on the Lapolosa Wilderness Reserve

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The Impact rating matrix for the project appears below.

Phase Potential Aspect and or Significance rating of Mitigation Significance rating Impact impacts before mitigation of impacts after mitigation

Construction • Site (Servitude) clearing and removal of Extent: Local ( -2) • Phased, rather than indiscriminate clearing of Extent: Local ( -2) vegetation could partially alter the Duration: Medium- the site to be undertaken. Duration: Short-term landscape as viewed from the surrounds term (-2) • Vegetation clearing to be limited to the (-1) of the site, with the emergence of an Intensity: Low (-1) servitude, and to be limited to species Intensity: Low (-1) exposed strip of bare soil. Probability: specimens presenting a fire danger or Probability: • Construction equipment such as cranes Possible (-2) clearance danger to the Improbable (-1) could be visually intrusive, albeit for a

short time period Significance: Significance: Low Medium (-7) (-5) Operation • By virtue of their size (height), power line Extent: Local ( -2) • Avoidance of visually sensitive areas through Extent: Local ( -2) towers and lines would be highly visually Duration: Long term the selection of Alternative1, and that would Duration: Long term intrusive, especially in areas with a highly (-3) consolidate impacts by aligning the proposed (-3) natural character. In this case the power Intensity: High (-3) power line adjacent to an existing power line Intensity: Moderate line would be highly incongruous in the Probability: (that is part of the visual baseline in this part of (-2) setting and could alter the sense of place Possible (-2) the study area). Probability: by altering the visual baseline. • Improbable (-1) Significance: Medium (-10) Significance: Medium (-8) Decom - • Removal of towers and rehabilitation of Extent: Local (2) • If housing and other infrastructure is to be missioning the (cleared) servitude could constitute a Duration: removed, the area should be rehabilitated positive visual impact as the landscape Permanent (4) back to a site of natural appearance with could be returned to a more natural Intensity: Moderate adequate vegetating of the site to ensure the appearance, especially in the context of (2) aesthetic quality of the area is retained. • conserved / protected areas. Probability: If housing is to be upgraded or altered in design or density, the design should ensure Possible (2) that the development adheres to the aesthetic quality of the surrounding urban environment Significance: as viewed from the areas surrounding the site. Medium (+10) Cumulative • The proposed development could result • Refer to activity / phase specific mitigation in a cumulative impact if Alternative 1 is measures above selected as the preferred alternative as the new power line will be aligned alongside an existing 132kV power line.

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4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This report has assessed the potential visual impacts associated with the proposed establishment of a new power line between Mashishing (Lydenburg) and Steelpoort in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces. The wider study area is predominantly rural in terms of landuse, and due to the mountainous nature of terrain over much of the area displays a largely natural visual character. There are a number of static receptors located within 5km of the five alignment alternatives that have been presented for assessment.

There are a number of protected areas or properties in the study area which are set aside for the conservation of biodiversity, and on which ecotourism-related activities take place. Due to the prevalence of such areas in the study area, high amenity values are placed in the landscapes in the study area and much of the wider study area has been assessed to be visually sensitive to the development of large-scale human structures such as power lines. Many of the landscapes in the study area are almost completely or largely natural, in which little human infrastructure is currently visible. Only in the eastern part of the study area is the visual baseline altered by a large structural feature in the form a 132kV power line that runs between the Lydenburg and Merensky Substations, as well as by other human-induced landcover changes and structural feature developments relating to mining, industry and agriculture.

The visual issues associated with each of the five primary alternative routings have been assessed. The visual contrast rating methodology has been utilised to assess the impact of the degree of visual contrast and level of visual intrusion of the proposed power line at selected key observation locations. The assessment has identified that certain locations located close to the proposed alignments where topography and vegetation would not help to screen the power lines from view would be subject to a high level of visual intrusion. Certain other locations located relatively close to the power line will conversely not be exposed to views of the proposed power line due to the screening effects of vegetation, and in particularly, topography.

The assessment has revealed that static receptor locations in the Thaba Tholo Reserve and Lapolosa Wilderness Reserve along Alternative 3 and Alternative 2 respectively and certain sensitive receptor locations in the Watervals River Valley along Alternative 3 would be subject to a high level of visual intrusion and thus visual impact. The visual impact associated with Alternatives 2 and 3 as they traverse the Lapolosa Wilderness Reserve and Thaba Tholo Wilderness Area is considered a visual fatal flaw due to the alignment of the power line and the highly natural state of these reserves. Alternative 1 traverses another nature reserve – the Kudu Ranch Nature Reserve (Estate) in which the majority of households would not be visually exposed to the proposed power line alternatives due to topographical features. This alternative was preferred for development in an earlier draft of this report, as all routing options traversed significant areas or conservation land management, but Alternative 1 would run alongside an existing 132kV power line entailing that a high voltage power line is already part of the existing visual baseline of the reserve. However Alternative 5A/B avoids large expanses of protected areas and traverses areas of visual alteration. For this reason Alternative 5B (along with the respective sections of Alternatives 5A, Alternative 1 and Alternative 2) is recommended for development from a visual perspective.

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5 REFERENCES

Kalamandeen, M., and Gillson, L., 2007, Demything ‘‘wilderness’’: implications for protected area designation and management, Biodivers. Conserv. 16:165–182
Mazehan, S.M., Shuib, B.K., and Hashim, H., 2013, Value of Rural Landscape from Public Perspectives, Proceedings of the International Conference on Social Science Research, ICSSR 2013 (e-ISBN 978-967- 11768-1-8). 4-5 June 2013, Penang, Malaysia
Najafi, M., and Shariff, M.K.B.M, 2011, The Concept of Place and Sense of Place In Architectural Studies, International Journal of Human and Social Sciences 6:3 2011
Porteous, 1996. Environmental Aesthetics: Ideas, politics and planning, Routlege
Pun, D.P., 2004, Rural Landscape Change: Landscape Practices, Values and Meanings. The Case of Jagatpur VDC, Chitwan Nepal, Master of Philosophy in Social Change - Department of Geography, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
USA Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land Management, Manual 8431 - Visual Resource Contrast Rating.
Wu, Y., Bishop, H.H., & Sposito, V., 2006. Using GIS in Landscape Visual Quality Assessment, Applied GIS, Volume 2, Number 3, Monash University Express

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