Duvha Mine Water Recovery Project at Duvha Power Station, Mpumalanga

DUVHA MINE WATER RECOVERY PROJECT AT DUVHA POWER STATION, MPUMALANGA

SCOPING REPORT

PREPARED FOR:

Eskom Generation Group P. O. Box 1091 Johannesburg 2157

Eskom purchase order number: 4500025763

Tel: (011) 800-2465 Fax: (011) 800-3917 E-mail: [email protected]

COMPILED BY: P D Naidoo & Associates / GFJ Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd P O Box 7707 P O Box 74785 Johannesburg Lynnwood Ridge 7000 0040

Tel: (011) 877-0000 Tel: (012) 349-1307 Fax: (011) 482-4717 Fax: (012) 349-1229 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.pdna.co.za Website: www.sefsa.co.za

DATE: October 2003 SEF reference no: 0413 DEAT reference no: A 24/16/3/462

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With very few exceptions the copyright of all text and presented information is the exclusive property of Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd. It is a criminal offence to reproduce and/or use, without written consent, any information, technical procedure and/or technique contained in this document. Criminal and civil proceedings will be taken as a matter of strict routine against any person and/or institution infringing the copyright of Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd. i Environmental Scoping Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. INTRODUCTION

Eskom Transmission Group appointed Strategic Environmental Focus (SEF) in association with PD Naidoo & Associates, as independent consultants to undertake the appropriate environmental impact assessment (EIA) process for the proposed installation of a water supply pipeline between Driefontein Dam and the Duvha Power Station near Middelburg in the Mpumalanga Province. The project is known as the “Duvha Mine Water Recovery Project”. The EIA process is undertaken on behalf of Eskom Generation.

The process that was followed is in compliance with the requirements of Sections 21, 22 and 26 of the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No.73 of 1989). The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the construction and operation of the proposed pipeline on the environment.

2. GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project is located between the Driefontein Dam and the Duvha Power Station about 25km south of Middelburg in the Mpumalanga Province.

The activity entails the installation of a water pipeline from the Driefontein Dam to the ash dams of the Duvha Power Station. The water is to be used in the power station’s ashing system. The length of the pipeline will be approximately 6km, depending on the final alignment that is chosen. The pipeline will be approximately 300mm in diameter and the general depth of the pipeline will be 500mm, except for places where is crosses underneath roads, where it will be laid deeper.

There are several existing servitudes for electricity transmission lines between Driefontein Dam and the power station. It is proposed that the majority of the pipeline will fall within these existing servitudes. Alternative alignments in the different servitudes have been proposed.

The application is urgent due to the water shortage that the power station is currently experiencing.

3. RISKS AND KEY ISSUES

Risks and key issues were identified and addressed through the following: . Consultation with the interested and affected parties; . Through an internal process based on similar developments; . Identification of environmental impacts; and . A site visit.

The risks and key issues identified include:

 Surface and ground water contamination;  Unstable soil conditions;  Traffic safety;  Visual impact; and  Safety and security. Duvha Mine Water Recovery Project Prepared by Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd ii Environmental Scoping Report

Each issue was assessed and mitigatory measures have been proposed so that impacts can be minimised or negated.

4. IMPACT EVALUATION

Each issue identified was evaluated in terms of the most important parameters applicable to environmental management. These include the nature, extent, duration, intensity, probability and significance of the possible impact on the environment.

5. RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

Several mitigation measures have been identified that could manage the impacts. Guidelines have been recommended that must be used in the final design and construction phases of the project. Mitigation guidelines during the operational phase of the development have also been recommended. These management measures are incorporated in an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that must be made binding on the contractor who installs the pipeline. The EMP has been appended to this report.

6. CONCLUSIONS

Our recommendation, based on the assessment of the environmental impacts caused by the pipeline, is that the construction of the pipeline along the western alternative route should be authorised for construction. The analysis of alternatives shows that this is the only feasible alternative for the project and that the environmental impacts are of such a nature that they are acceptable from an environmental point of view and can be effectively mitigated. It is important that the authorisation of the proposed pipeline must, however, be subject to the condition that the Environmental Management Plan included in this report be made binding for the construction and operational phases of the pipeline.

Duvha Mine Water Recovery Project Prepared by Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd iii Environmental Scoping Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... i TABLE OF CONTENTS...... iii LIST OF FIGURES...... iv LIST OF TABLES...... iv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS...... v Section 1: INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Introduction...... 1 1.2 Terms of reference...... 1 1.3. Project Aims and Objectives...... 2 1.3.1. Project Goals...... 2 1.3.2. Project Objectives...... 2 1.4. Assumptions and Limitations...... 3 1.5. Administrative, Legal and Policy Requirements...... 3 SECTION 2: PROJECT DESCRIPTION...... 5 2.1 Locality...... 5 2.2 Site layout and surrounding features...... 5 2.2.1 General layout and design...... 5 2.2.2 Surrounding land-uses, infrastructure and natural features...... 9 2.2.3 Servitudes...... 9 2.2.4 Conclusion...... 9 2.4 Services...... 9 2.5 Motivation and desirability...... 10 SECTION 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS...... 11 3.1 Introduction...... 11 3.2 Public participation process...... 11 3.3 Conclusion...... 12 SECTION 4: STATUS QUO OF THE ENVIRONMENT...... 14 4.1 Natural environment...... 14 4.1.1 Climate...... 14 4.1.2 Topography & hydrology...... 14 4.1.3 Geology...... 15 4.1.4 Soils...... 15 4.1.5 Vegetation...... 15 4.1.6 Fauna...... 15 4.2 Social Environment...... 16 4.2.1 Population concentrations...... 16 4.2.2 Places of Archaeological and Cultural Importance...... 16 4.3 Aesthetic Environment...... 16 4.3.1 Noise...... 16 4.3.2 Light...... 16 4.3.3 Sensitive landscapes...... 16 SECTION 5: IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVES...... 17 5.1 Introduction...... 17 5.2 Alternatives identified...... 17 5.2.1 Demand alternatives...... 17 5.2.2 Activity alternatives...... 17 5.2.3 Location (route) alternatives...... 17 5.2.4 Process alternatives...... 18 Duvha Mine Water Recovery Project Prepared by Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd iv Environmental Scoping Report

5.2.5 Input alternatives...... 18 5.2.6 The no-go alternative...... 18 5.2.7 Conclusion...... 18 SECTION 6: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT...... 19 6.1 Introduction...... 19 6.2 Key issues...... 19 6.2.1 Introduction...... 19 6.2.2 List of key issues...... 19 6.3 Assessment of impacts...... 19 6.3.1 Introduction...... 19 6.3.2 Assessment criteria...... 20 6.4 Assessment of issues...... 22 6.5 Cumulative impacts...... 31 SECTION 7: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 32 7.1 Conclusion...... 32 7.2 Comparison of alternatives...... 32 7.3 Recommendations...... 33 SECTION 8: REFERENCES...... 34

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Regional locality map

Figure 2: Locality Map

Figure 3: Alternative pipeline routes

Figure 4: Dust clouds from the ash dams at Duvha Power Station

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Comments on the proposed pipeline

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Correspondence with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT)

Appendix 2: Documentation regarding the public participation process

Appendix 3: Motivation memorandum for the proposed pipeline

Appendix 4: Environmental Management Plan

Appendix 5: Water Use License application to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

Appendix 6: Photographs

Duvha Mine Water Recovery Project Prepared by Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd v Environmental Scoping Report

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

DEAT Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

DWAF Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

ECA Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989)

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment as defined in the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989)

EMP Environmental management plan

I&AP’s Interested and affected parties

IEM Integrated environmental management procedure km Kilometre m Metres m.a.s.l metres above sea level

MDACE Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture Conservation and Environment

M Megaliter (ten thousand litres)

SEF Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd

Duvha Mine Water Recovery Project Prepared by Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd 1 Environmental Scoping Report

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Eskom Transmission Group appointed Strategic Environmental Focus (SEF) in association with PD Naidoo & Associates, as independent consultants to undertake the appropriate environmental impact assessment process for the proposed installation of a water supply pipeline between Driefontein Dam and the Duvha Power Station near Middelburg in the Mpumalanga Province. The project is known as the “Duvha Mine Water Recovery Project”.

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) process that was followed is in accordance with the requirements of Sections 21, 22 and 26 of the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989) (ECA) and the EIA regulations in terms of the ECA (Government Notice R 1182, 1183 and 1184 of 1997, as amended).

The proposed pipeline construction falls within the ambit of the following activities listed in Government Notice R 1182 of 1997: . Canals and channels, including structures causing disturbances to the flow of water in a river bed, and water transfer schemes between water catchments and impoundments; and . Schemes for the abstraction or utilisation of ground or surface water for bulk supply purposes. The pipeline is therefore identified as an activity that could have a significant detrimental effect on the environment and must undergo an EIA process prior to being authorised.

The purpose of this study is to provide the relevant environmental decision- making body with sufficient information about the environmental impacts of the proposed pipeline for the decision-making regarding the authorisation of the project.

1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE

SEF, as independent environmental consultants, undertook to facilitate the implementation of the IEM process by adopting the following terms of reference:

1.2.1 Registering the project with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT); 1.2.2 Compiling a plan of study for scoping; 1.2.3 Undertaking a site evaluation facilitated by a site visit; 1.2.4 Advertising in The Star, the Middelburg Observer and on site to request that I&APs indicate their concerns; 1.2.5 Identifying the possible interested and affected parties (I&APs); 1.2.6 Providing information letters to these I&APs; 1.2.7 Assessing the issues, impacts and alternatives, and 1.2.8 Compiling a scoping report and Environmental Management Plan.

The scoping report includes a description of the environment, as well as the possible issues and impacts that may result from the proposed development. Consultation with the I&APs and the relevant authorities was used to identify issues that are of particular concern. Furthermore, the experience SEF has

gained through working on similar applications, required that the following issues be assessed:

1. Ecological impacts; 2. Social impacts; and 3. Cumulative impacts.

The Scoping Report has been prepared on the strengths of the information available at the time of the assessment. Care has been taken to provide an objective document that will ensure that the decision-making authority will be in a position to make an informed decision without requesting any further information.

1.3. PROJECT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

A scoping report functions as an indication of the important environmental issues and the scope and approach to the environmental assessment. Taking the locality and condition of the site into consideration, the aims of the scoping report are:

 Sourcing sufficient information to determine whether the proposed project will result in significant adverse impacts;  Identifying a range of management actions which could mitigate the potential adverse impacts to acceptable levels; and  Providing sufficient information to the national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) to make an informed decision regarding the proposed development.

1.3.1. Project Goals

The primary goal of the development is to provide sufficient water for the functioning of the ashing process at the Duvha Power Station.

It is intended that the development should not unnecessarily compromise any aspect of the physical and biological environments of special conservation, scientific or educational value throughout the construction and operation phases of the development, but rather to improve the current situation.

1.3.2. Project Objectives

The following objectives are set in support of the project goals:

1) Ecological objectives

To minimise the negative impacts of the development on the ecological processes.

2) Social objectives

To minimise the generation of dust pollution that is due to the current deficiency of water in the ashing process of Duvha Power Station.

3) Safety objectives

To ensure that the site does not pose any direct or indirect effect on the safety of the community on or adjacent to the site.

1.4. ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS i) Stage of project

Adequate timing has been allowed for the scoping exercise. Particular note should however be made of the fact that this scoping report has been compiled during the conceptual stages of the development. Therefore, few references to the specific site layout and design components are possible at this stage. ii) Availability of baseline information

The majority of baseline information was readily available. iii) Time constraints

Although the application was urgent and the client requested that the application and submission of the scoping report be finalised as soon as possible, sufficient time was available for all the tasks in the scoping process.

1.5. ADMINISTRATIVE, LEGAL AND POLICY REQUIREMENTS

The aim of this component of the report is to provide a brief overview of the pertinent policy, legal and administrative requirements that are applicable to the proposed project. i) Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989)

Environmental Regulations were promulgated on 5 September 1997 in Government Gazette No 5999, in terms of sections 21, 22 and 26 of the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989) and came into effect on or before 1 April 1998. Schedule 1 of Government Notice R1182 identifies activities, which may have substantial detrimental effect on the environment, while Government Notice R1183 provides regulations regarding the environmental impact assessment process for these activities. The relevant sections of the ECA and the EIA regulations provide the framework for conducting of this project’s scoping process. ii) National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)

The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) [NEMA] was enacted in November 1998. NEMA strives to legislate the National Environment Management Policy (CONEPP) and will repeal a number of the provisions of the Environment Conservation Act. NEMA is focused primarily on co-operative governance, public participation and sustainable development. The principles of NEMA and the requirements of NEMA’s IEM chapter must be complied with in the scoping process for this project.

iii) Integrated Environmental Management

Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) is a philosophy and procedure for ensuring that environmental considerations are fully integrated into all stages of the development process. This philosophy aims to achieve a desirable balance between conservation and development (Department of Environmental Affairs, 1992). The aim of the IEM guidelines is to ensure a pro-active approach to sourcing, collating and presenting information at a level that can be interpreted at all levels. iv) National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)

The National Heritage Resources Act Act identifies various activities that require the submission of a heritage impact assessment to provincial heritage resource authorities, if an evaluation of the impact of such development on heritage resources is not required in terms of any other legislation. v) National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998)

The National Water Act aims to manage the national water resources to achieve sustainable use of water for the benefit of all water users. This requires that the quality of water resources is protected and also requires integ- ration of the management of water resources with the delegation of powers to institutions at the regional or catchment level.

Section 21 of the Act requires the licensing of certain “water uses” with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. In the case of this particular project, the pumping of water from the Driefontein Dam qualifies as “taking of water from a water source” which is listed as a water use in section 21(a) of the National Water Act.

Eskom has already made a formal application for the granting of a water use license to the DWAF. This application and relevant correspondence between Eskom and DWAF are included in Appendix 5.

SECTION 2: PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 LOCALITY

The pipeline will be laid from the Driefontein Dam in the south (which belongs to Eskom) to Duvha Power Station in the north. Duvha Power Station is located approximately 20km south of the town of Middelburg, Mpumalanga and 15km east of Witbank. The site is located along the R 575 provincial road that is aligned north-south and ends up in Middelburg further north (See Figures 1 and 2). Co-ordinates for the power station are 25.959541000ºS and 29.340946000 ºE (decimal degrees). Another east-west aligned provincial road on the southern side of the power station provides access to the power station and meets the R 575 east of the power station.

The Lesedi mine village, which provides staff housing for the employees of the Middelburg South Mine, is located 200m north of the Driefontein Dam. Driefontein dam is built in the valley of the Boesmankransspruit and is fed by water that is pumped out of the pits of the Middelburg South opencast coal mine, which is located east of Lesedi village. The Boesmankransspruit drains westwards towards the Witbank Dam, which is located approximately 2,5km distant.

2.2 SITE LAYOUT AND SURROUNDING FEATURES

2.2.1 General layout and design

It is proposed that the pipeline will be aligned on the edge of the servitudes of two high voltage electricity transmission lines that cross each other north of Lesedi village. The pipeline will follow a northeasterly direction from Driefon- tein Dam past Lesedi. It then changes direction towards the northwest until it reaches the provincial road along the southern side of the power station. The pipeline then changes direction towards the north until it reaches the ash dams. The alternative proposed routes for the pipeline are shown in Figure 3.

The pipeline will be a 300mm diameter plastic pipe that will in general be laid 500mm below ground level. The pipe trench will not be lined, with the exception of where the pipe is located underneath a road, in which case the pipeline will be lined in concrete and will be laid 1m below the surface.

A pump station is required below the wall of the Driefontein Dam to pump the water up to the power station. The pump will be housed in a building of 66m2 with a concrete roof, which is to be constructed together with the pipeline. No detailed design drawings for the pump station building were available at the time of writing this report.

Power for the pump will be supplied from an existing power supply to the coal conveyor belt that is situated 150m north of Lesedi. An overhead power line on wooden poles will be installed from this point to the pump station. The power line will, as far as possible, be routed along existing Eskom servitudes for high voltage power lines.

Insert Figure 1

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The pipeline will be designed to last for the operational life span of the power station.

Photographs of the pipeline location and routes are shown in Appendix 6.

2.2.2 Surrounding land-uses, infrastructure and natural features

The predominant land uses in the area are agricultural, mining and power generation. Middelburg South Mine is an active mine that is situated less than 1km east of the site. The Duvha Power Station is located approximately 5km north of the Driefontein Dam and dominates the skyline, since it is located at the top of a rise in the landscape. Several high-voltage electricity transmission lines radiate outwards from the power station, including one line that passes southwards from the power station past the Lesedi Village and the Driefontein Dam.

Apart from Lesedi village, the only other residential land use in the area is the staff village for employees of Duvha Power Station located west of the power station.

A conveyor belt transports coal from the Middelburg South Mine in the southeast to the power station in the northwest. This conveyor belt crosses the R 575 east of Lesedi.

The slimes dams, for which the additional water is required, are located on the northern side of the power station.

2.2.3 Servitudes

Eskom has servitudes for all its high voltage electricity transmission lines that originate at the power station. The servitudes for each transmission line is 64m wide. No structures may be built in these servitudes. There are dirt roads along the servitudes that Eskom uses for maintenance purposes.

A servitude is also registered for the coal conveyor belt from Middelburg South Mine to Duvha Power Station.

2.2.4 Conclusion

There are no significant limiting factors in the surrounding areas that may constrain the construction of the proposed pipeline. The availability of existing power line servitudes means that it is not necessary to create additional disturbed areas for installation of the pipeline, thus reducing the potential environmental impact. The pipeline is compatible with the surrounding land uses.

2.4 SERVICES

The only service that is necessary for the pipeline is the supply of electricity. ESKOM will supply electricity for the pipeline from an existing substation that is located along the coal conveyor belt north of Lesedi. Power will be transmit- ted via aboveground lines mounted on wooden poles. These lines will be installed within the servitude for the high voltage transmission lines.

2.5 MOTIVATION AND DESIRABILITY

The ash disposal process of coal fired power stations in South Africa, including the Duvha Power Station, is a wet process that depends on large volumes of water for operation of the turbines and for cooling purposes. Based on average climatic conditions, it has been calculated that the power station currently experiences an average deficiency of 2504M per year in the supply of water for its ashing system. This deficiency can increase to 3374M in a dry year and decrease to 1671Min a wet year.

The deficiency in the water supply to the ashing system is resulting in exces- sive dust generation from the ash dams north of the power station (see Figure 4 below), resulting in a nuisance to farmers and residents of the surrounding areas such as the staff villages for the coal mines.

Figure 4. Dust clouds from the ash dams at Duvha Power Station

The power station currently uses additional clean cooling water to make up for the deficiency in its water supply to the ashing system, and this is regarded as an unnecessary wastage of good quality water. This water is obtained from the Komati Water Scheme. An alternative supply of suitable polluted water is, however, available from the Driefontein Dam.

Middelburg South Mine discharges between 5 and 10Mof excess water per day from its open pits into the catchment of Boesmanskransspruit (a tributary of the Olifants River system) south of the power station. This water, which is stored in the Driefontein Dam, is contaminated with magnesium and calcium sulphates, but is suitable for augmenting the water losses from the power station’s ashing system. If the power station were to use this water it could reduce its reliance on clean water for the ashing system, and this will have the additional benefit of preventing the release of polluted water into the Olifants River system.

SECTION 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Public Participation is of great importance in the compilation of a scoping report as well as the planning, design and implementation of the proposed development. SEF conducted the public participation activities to involve the necessary potential Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs). The comments received and issues raised from the public participation exercise have been incorporated into the scoping report and used in determining mitigation measures for the project. Public participation achieves the following:

. It is a vehicle for public input and facilitates negotiated outcomes; . It creates trust and partnerships; . Negative impacts are minimised; . Positive impacts are maximised; and . It provides an up-front indication of issues that may prevent project continuation, that can cause costly delays at a later stage, or result in enhanced and shared benefits.

3.2 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

The public participation process, undertaken by SEF, for the proposed project, started on 21 October 2003 and ended on 4 November 2003. This process entailed the following:

1. The project was advertised in the following newspapers: . Middelburg Observer on 17 October 2003; and . The Star on 21 October 2003.

2. Notice boards were erected on 21 October 2003 in order to inform surrounding communities and adjacent landowners of the proposed development at the following areas on site: . At the entrance of Dhuva Power Station; and . At the entrance of Lesedi residential township.

3. Direct notification of interested and affected parties (I&AP’s) of the proposed development by fax on 21 October 2003, which included the following sectors: . Authorities . Local municipality . Adjacent landowners . Non-governmental organisations

Subsequent to the completion of the above process, the comments could be summarised as follows:

a) Information to clarify the location of the Driefontein Dam; b) Clarification about who Driefontein Dam belongs to; c) Who’s water rights will be utilised; d) A Clear indication of pipeline route; and e) General request for more information.

The comments received and the sections addressing it in the EIA report are detailed in Table 1 below.

Proof of the public participation process can be found in Appendix 2 and includes the following: . Invited Interested and Affected Parties . Letters sent to I&AP’s; . Newspaper Advertisements; . Text of advertisement on site and site notice affidavit; . Comments received from I&AP’s; and . Registration forms received from I&AP’s.

3.3 CONCLUSION

The public participation process was addressed adequately. All interested and affected parties were identified and notified of the proposed development in order for the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to make an informed decision. Comment received from interested and affected parties were assessed and addressed in the Scoping Report.

Table 1: Comments on the proposed pipeline

Section Organisations Contact Person Comment received Addressed

Mpumalanga Department of Roads Mr Ben Viljoen No comments received n.a. and Transport On whose property is Driefontein Dam? Section 2.1 Section 1,5; Whose water right would be utilised? Department of Water Affairs and Ms Elmarie Mienie Appendix 5 Forestry Interested in information regarding quantity, availability and Appendix 5 quality of Driefontein Dam Ms Adele Steyn No comments received n.a. Mishack Mahamba No comments received n.a. Middelburg Municipality Mr Kobus Swart Need more detailed information regarding the project n.a. Mr Erald Kabinde No comments received n.a. Mr Vic Cogho No comments received n.a. Middelburg Mining Services Mr K Dippenaar Driefontein Dam is situated on MMS property Section 2.1 Current supply of water is from Komati Water Scheme and Eskom (Duvha Power Station) Mr Marthinus Biemond Section 2.5 not from Witbank Dam Adjacent landowner Mr Neels van Dyk No comments received n.a. Site notice: Lesedi mine village No comments received n.a. Site notice: Duvha Power Station No comments received n.a. Newspaper advertisement: Middelburg n.a. No comments received n.a. Observer Newspaper advertisement: The Star n.a. No comments received n.a.

SECTION 4: STATUS QUO OF THE ENVIRONMENT

4.1 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

4.1.1 Climate

Temperature

The climate of the site is typical of Highveld conditions, with high summer temperatures and moderate to cold winters. Temperature statistics for the climatically similar Bethal was obtained from the South African Weather Service website (www.weathersa.co.za). During the summer months (October to March) average daily maximum temperatures are between 24ºC and 26ºC and average daily minimum temperatures are between 10ºC and 14ºC. In the winter months (April to September) average daily maximum temperatures vary between 17ºC and 23ºC and average daily minimum temperatures are between 1ºC and 9ºC. Frost occurs frequently during the winter months.

Rainfall

The area experiences thunderstorms during the summer months, which usually occur in the late afternoons. The annual average precipitation (recorded over a period of over 26 years) is 711mm, while the average monthly precipitation varies between 146mm in January and 6mm in July.

The area is subject to winds predominantly from the north and northwest, with greatest frequency during the months of August to December. During the remainder of the year, the wind remains generally in a north/north westerly direction, but with a lesser frequency.

4.1.2 Topography & hydrology

The site is situated in a gently undulating landscape at an altitude ranging between 1520m and 1600m above sea level. The power station is situated at a high point between 1580m and 1600m on a minor watershed, which is orientated from northwest to southeast. The ash dams are located on the northern side of the watershed on a northeast-facing slope.

The valley of the Boesmanskransspruit drains in a westerly direction towards the Witbank Dam on the southern side of the watershed. The Driefontein Dam is built in this valley with its dam wall at an altitude of 1520m above sea level. Middelburg South Mining Services completed the building of this dam with the purpose of pollution control in early 1999 (Ecosun, 2000). Several more of the mine’s dams are built further upstream in the valley of the Boesmanskransspruit. There is also a minor drainage line with a non- perennial watercourse that stretches southwards from the power station and enters the Boesmanskransspruit directly downstream of the Driefontein Dam.

Eskom’s use of the water from the Driefontein Dam is the subject of a water use license application from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The license application is contained in Appendix 5 of this report.

Data for water quality just downstream of Driefontein Dam indicates that dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids and pH all fall within the water quality

Duvha Mine Water Recovery Project Prepared by Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd 15 Environmental Scoping Report guidelines for this catchment. The values for these three parameters in October 2000 were respectively 8.3, 520 and 7.1 (Ecosun, 2000).

4.1.3 Geology

The area is underlain by the Ecca Formation of the Karoo sedimentary se- quence. The Ecca Formation consists of a mixture of shale, shaly sandstone, grit, sandstone, conglomerate and coal. Along the pipeline route, the geology is dominated by shale in the low-lying areas close to the Driefontein Dam and higher up near the power station the geological formation is sandstone. There are sandstone outcrops along the western boundary of the power station close to the ash dams.

4.1.4 Soils

The soils in the area belong to a plinthic catena, which means that they are characterised by concretions of iron and/or manganese caused by fluctuating water tables. The soils are generally dystrophic and/or mesotrophic, implying that nutrients in the soils are moderately to very well leached. The soil texture varies from clayey to sandy, depending on the parent material.

4.1.5 Vegetation

The natural vegetation of the area, which forms part of the Mpumalanga highveld, falls in the grassland biome. This vegetation is virtually devoid of trees, with the exception of rocky outcrops where bush clumps or small areas of open woodland may be found.

According the vegetation classification by Low & Rebelo (1996) the vegetation of the area is regarded as Moist Sandy Highveld Grassland. Bredenkamp and van Rooyen (1996) describe this vegetation type as being widespread over the southern and eastern part of Gauteng, the central eastern part of the highveld in the Free State and a small part of the Mpumalanga highveld. This vegetation type is dominated by redgrass Themeda triandra when it is in good condition.

Much of the natural vegetation of the area has been disturbed due to past and present coal mining activities. It does not, however, appear as if the area has been previously ploughed. There are extensive stands of exotic invasive trees (Acacia mearnsii and other exotic Acacia species), especially in the northern part of the study area close to the power station. The vegetation is not in pristine condition and no red data or endangered species are thus expected to occur on the site.

4.1.6 Fauna

No detailed survey has been undertaken to determine the status of terrestrial fauna, but it is not expected that abundant faunal species occur on the site due to its relatively disturbed nature and the proximity to mines, residential areas and the power station.

The aquatic fauna in the Boesmanskransspruit is poor due to the polluted state of the water, although it has improved in recent years. At a monitoring site just downstream of the Driefontein Dam, the biotic integrity of the aquatic fauna was classified as “poor” (Integrity Class E) in September 1999, with only pollutant tolerant aquatic macroinvertebrate species being present (Eco- sun, 2000: 40). However, by October 2000 the biotic integrity of the aquatic

fauna had increased to Integrity Class B, with moderately pollution sensitive aquatic macroinvertebrate species being present (Ecosun, 2000: 40).

4.2 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

4.2.1 Population concentrations The site is located in a predominantly agricultural area and there are, therefore, no major population concentrations within 5km of the site. The largest population concentrations are the Lesedi village (a staff village for Middelburg South Mine) and Ikageng, a staff village for the Duvha Power Station on the western boundary of the power station. The closest large settlement to the site is Witbank, which lies approximately 15km to the west. The site lies within the area of jurisdiction of the Amalahleni Local Municipality, which includes Witbank.

4.2.2 Places of Archaeological and Cultural Importance

No places of archaeological or cultural importance were identified on the site or in the immediate surroundings.

No sites of historical or archaeological importance in the surrounding environment (e.g. the Botshabelo Mission Station about 10km north of Middelburg) are close enough to the site to be affected by the pipeline.

4.3 AESTHETIC ENVIRONMENT

4.3.1 Noise

Very limited noise generation takes place on the site due to its location in a rural area. The greatest sources of noise in the area originate from the opera- tions in the open cast coal mines to the east of the R575 road. These activities are, however, more than 1km from the site and the noise from the mines is therefore minimal at the site. Noise from the R 575 is not significant since it does not carry large volumes of traffic.

4.3.2 Light

Intensity of light around the site is relatively low owing to the undeveloped nature of the area and the surroundings. The greatest source of light in the area in is Duvha Power Station and the mine activities to the east of the site, as well as the Lesedi residential area to a lesser extent. The pipeline will have not impact on light levels.

4.3.3 Sensitive landscapes

There are no sensitive landscapes in close proximity to the site.

SECTION 5: IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVES

5.1 INTRODUCTION

The IEM procedure and the EIA regulations require that the environmental investigation should consider feasible alternatives for any proposed development. Alternatives are defined as “a possible course of action, in place of another, that would meet the same purpose and need (of proposal”) (DEAT 1998). Therefore, a number of possible courses of action or means of accom- plishing the same objectives should be investigated. The focus of this section of the report is to identify what feasible alternatives need to be considered.

5.2 ALTERNATIVES IDENTIFIED

5.2.1 Demand alternatives

Demand alternatives are alternative ways of addressing the demand for a certain service or resource. An example of a demand alternative is, for instance, using water more efficiently instead of building more dams to cater for water demand.

The demand in this instance is for additional water that can be used in Duvha Power Station’s ashing system. A demand alternative in this case would imply improving the efficiency of water use in the power station’s ashing system instead of obtaining more water. This is not a feasible alternative in this instance.

5.2.2 Activity alternatives

An activity alternative in this instance would involve an alternative manner of providing the power station with additional water.

Although Witbank Dam is a feasible source within a reasonable distance, the use of water from the Driefontein Dam is preferred because the use of this water removes polluted water from the Olifants River system. Obtaining water from boreholes is not a feasible alternative since the volumes that are needed (5 to 10Mper day) are too large to be obtained from boreholes and this would also negatively affect groundwater levels.

5.2.3 Location (route) alternatives

A location alternative is an alternative option for the location of an activity or part of an activity. In this instance, the alternatives are for different alignments (routes) for the proposed pipeline.

Eskom has provided several alternative alignments for the pipeline (See Figure 3). The two major alternatives are: . A route in the servitude of the coal conveyor belt and through the power station (the Eastern Alternative); . A route in the power line servitude and around the western side of the power station (the Western Alternative).

The western route then has sub-alternatives from where the pipeline crosses the road: . Alternative 1 crosses the road to the east of the entrance to the power station, from where it runs all the way along the western boundary of the power station to the ash dams.

. Alternative 2 crosses the road to the west of the power station and passes to the west of a disused nursery area, before following a route along the power station boundary to the ash dams.

5.2.4 Process alternatives

Process alternatives relate to design configurations of industrial and service facilities and are not applicable on this project. The power generation process in the power station is already fixed and cannot be re-evaluated at this stage. It is also not feasible to consider alternative ways of conveying water from the Driefontein Dam to the power station.

5.2.5 Input alternatives

Input alternatives refer to alternative inputs into the process. There are no relevant input alternatives in this case.

5.2.6 The no-go alternative

The no-go option is this case would imply that the status quo would be maintained and that Duvha Power Station would continue with its current practice of using clean water to augment its ashing system.

5.2.7 Conclusion

Location (route) alternatives are in this case the only feasible alternatives that can be investigated. None of the other mentioned alternatives are feasible considering the nature of the project.

SECTION 6: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

6.1 INTRODUCTION

Previous experience has shown that it is often not feasible or practical to only identify and address possible impacts. The rating and ranking of impacts is often a controversial aspect because of the inherent difficulties involved in attaching values to impacts. It was therefore decided to concentrate on addressing key issues. The methodology employed in this report thus results in an iterative process, which allows for the evaluation of the efficiency of the process itself. The assessment phase actions were conducted in the following order:

a) Identification of key issues; b) Analysis of the activities relating to the proposed development; c) Assessment of the potential impacts arising from the activities, without mitigation; and d) Investigation of the relevant mitigatory actions;

6.2 KEY ISSUES

6.2.1 Introduction

The key issues listed in the following section have been determined through an internal process based on similar developments, environmental impact assessment, a scoping and public participation process as well as a site visit.

6.2.2 List of key issues

Key issue 1:

It must be ensured that there is no aspect of the physical and biological environments, having special conservation, scientific or educational value that will be destroyed or damaged during the construction and operational phases of the development. This is to ensure that optimum use is put to the site without detrimentally and significantly changing the character of the area.

Key Issue 2:

It must be ensured that the environment surrounding the development is safe.

6.3 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

6.3.1 Introduction

Activities within the framework of the proposed development and their respective construction and operational phases, give rise to certain impacts. For the purpose of assessing these impacts, the project has been divided into three phases from which impacting activities can be identified, namely:

a) Construction phase

All the construction and construction-related activities on site, until the contractor leaves the site.

b) Operational phase

All activities during the operation of the project (including maintenance).

c) Decommissioning phase

All activities relating to the project when it is no longer in use.

The activities arising from each of these phases have been included in impact tables. This is to identify activities that require certain environmental management actions to mitigate the impacts arising from them. The criteria against which the activities were assessed are given in the next section.

The decommissioning phase will have an impact on certain activities that will require mitigation measures. This phase has been included as an impact in Section 6.

6.3.2 Assessment criteria

The assessment of the impacts has been conducted according to a synthesis of criteria required by the integrated environmental management procedure.

a) Nature of impact

This is an appraisal of the type of effect that the proposed activity could have on the affected environmental component. It’s description should include what is being affected, and how.

b) Extent

The physical and spatial size of the impact. This is classified as:

i) Local The impacted area extends only as far as the activity, eg a footprint.

ii) Site The impact could affect the whole, or a measurable portion of the above-mentioned properties.

iii) Regional The impact could affect the area including the neighbouring farms, transport routes and the adjoining towns.

c) Duration

Duration refers to the lifetime of the impact. This is measured in the context of the lifetime of the proposed pipeline.

i) Short term The impact will either disappear with mitigation or will be mitigated through natural process in a time span shorter than any of the phases of the project.

ii) Medium term The impact will last up to the end of one of the phases of the project, where after it will be entirely negated.

iii) Long term The impact will continue or last for the entire operational life of the pipeline, but will be mitigated by direct human action or by natural processes thereafter.

iv) Permanent This is the only class of impact that will be non-transitory. Mitigation either by people or natural process will not occur in such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be considered transient. d) Intensity

This will be a relative evaluation within the context of all the activities and the other impacts within the framework of the project. Is the impact destructive, or benign? Does it destroy the impacted environment, alter it’s functioning, or slightly alter it. This will be a relative evaluation within the context of all the activities and the other impacts within the framework of the project.

Intensity is rated as:

i) Low The impact alters the affected environment in such a way that the natural processes or functions are not affected.

ii) Medium The affected environment is altered, but function and process continues, albeit in a modified way.

iii) High Function or process of the affected environment is disturbed to the extent where it temporarily or permanently ceases. e) Probability

This describes the likelihood of the impacts actually occurring. The classes of probability are rated as follows:

i) Improbable The possibility of the impact occurring is very low, due either to the circumstances, design or experience.

ii) Probable There is a possibility that the impact will occur to the extent that provisions must be made therefore.

iii) Highly probable It is most likely that the impacts will occur at some or other stage of the development. Plans must be drawn up before the undertaking of the activity.

iv) Definite The impact will take place regardless of any prevention plans, and there can only be relied on mitigatory actions or contingency plans to contain the effect.

f) Determination of significance

Significance is determined through a synthesis of the above impact characteristics. Significance is an indication of the importance of the impact in terms of both physical extent and time scale, and therefore indicates the level of mitigation required.

The classes are rated as follows:

i) No significance The impact is not substantial and does not require any mitigatory action.

ii) Low The impact is of little importance, but may require limited mitigation.

iii) Medium The impact is of importance and therefore considered to have a negative impact. Mitigation is required to reduce the negative impacts to acceptable levels.

iv) High The impact is of great importance. Failure to mitigate, with the objective of reducing the impact to acceptable levels, could render the entire development option or entire project proposal unacceptable. Mitigation is therefore essential.

6.4 ASSESSMENT OF ISSUES

The purpose of this section is to identify potential impacts and to suggest possible mitigation measures to minimise detrimental environmental impacts.

The assessment is presented in the following format: . The issue is listed; . The activities during any of the project phases that give rise to the impact are listed; . The impact is listed . The impact statement provides a description of the impact and the linkage between the environmental elements and the activities that cause the impact. Where relevant, separate impact statements are provided for the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the project. . Mitigation: recommended measures to prevent impacts or to reduce their significance are discussed. Where relevant, separate mitigation measures are discussed for the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the project.

Issue 1: Aesthetic / visual impacts

Activity: Removal of vegetation from the pipeline route Moving of vehicles along the pipeline route during construction Construction of roads Removing material from the pipeline trench

Impact: Changing the appearance of the landscape

Impact statement

Construction phase The activities during construction could affect the visual and aesthetic environment. This will be caused by a variety of activities including the following: . The removal of vegetation from the pipeline route and from the access road prior to digging the pipeline trench, which will result in a bare (vegetation free) strip along the pipeline route. . The repeated movement of construction vehicles over the pipeline route, resulting in destruction of vegetation. . Soil and rock will be dug out of the pipeline trench and deposited on the side of the pipeline route. Not all this material can be returned to the trench once the pipeline has been laid, and the excess material (spoil) could therefore remain on the surface, disrupting the natural appearance of the landform.

Impact table

Impact: Visual / aesthetic impacts Development Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Signific- Phase ance

WM WOM

Removal of Local Medium Medium Definite Low Medium vegetation

Vehicle Short Construction Local Medium Definite Low Medium movement term

Medium Spoil material Local Medium High Low Medium term WM = With mitigation WOM = Without mitigation

Mitigation measures

Construction phase  Remove vegetation only within the minimum width necessary for the digging of the pipeline trench and the construction road.  Prevent unnecessary removal of vegetation outside the width of the working area by clearly demarcating the working area. A total working area of not more than 10m wide should be allowed.  In the areas where the pipeline is to be laid within the power line servitudes, continue to use the existing tracks or roads for the power lines as maintenance and inspection roads for the pipeline instead of clearing an additional road for the pipeline.  Remove spoil material from the area once the trench has been filled and transport to the adjacent mine for use as fill material in the mine.  Work the surface of the filled pipeline trench to the surrounding natural contours to maintain the appearance of the natural topography.

 Remove vegetation and topsoil and stockpile separately from subsoil prior to construction of access roads or excavation of the pipeline trench.  Revegetate disturbed ground in the working area by seeding and spreading of vegetation that has been removed from the trench at the start of construction.

Operational phase  Regularly inspect the rehabilitating vegetation and take corrective action for areas where vegetation is not establishing satisfactorily. This may include scarifying the soil, reseeding and spreading a layer of mulch or straw to protect emerging seedlings.  Vehicles must remain on existing maintenance tracks in the pipeline or power line servitude and should not make new tracks through the veld.

Issue 2: Erosion

Activity: Removal of vegetation Moving of vehicles along the pipeline route during construction Construction of access roads

Impact: Erosion

Impact statement

Construction phase Vegetation will be removed from the soil surface during construction prior to excavation of the pipeline trench. Lack of vegetation over these areas leaves the soil unprotected against rain, which can cause erosion of the soil in the form of sheetwash or the formation of gulleys and dongas. The repeated movement of vehicles over vegetated areas also causes destruction of the vegetative layer, soil compaction and resultant increased runoff during rain events.

Operational phase Should the re-establishment of vegetation at the end of construction not be successful, erosion will continue during the operational phase.

Impact table

Impact: Erosion

Development Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Signi- Phase fic- ance

WM WOM

Removal of Medium Local Medium Definite Low Medium vegetation term

Vehicle Medium Local Medium Definite Low Medium Construction movement term

Construction Medium Medium Low Medium of access Local term High roads

Removal of Medium Operation Local Medium Medium Low Medium vegetation term WM = With mitigation WOM = Without mitigation

Mitigation measures

Construction phase  Remove vegetation only within the minimum width necessary for the digging of the pipeline trench and the construction road.  Prevent unnecessary removal of vegetation outside the width of the working area by clearly demarcating the working area. A total working area of not more than 10m wide should be allowed.  In the areas where the pipeline is to be laid within the power line servitudes, continue to use the existing tracks or roads for the power lines as maintenance and inspection roads for the pipeline instead of clearing an additional road for the pipeline.  Remove vegetation and topsoil and stockpile separately from subsoil prior to construction of access roads or excavation of the pipeline trench.  Revegetate disturbed ground in the working area by seeding and spreading of vegetation that has been removed from the trench at the start of construction.  Construct humps at regular intervals along dirt access roads to channel water away from the road onto well-vegetated areas.

Operational phase  Regularly inspect the rehabilitating vegetation and take corrective action for areas where vegetation is not establishing satisfactorily. This may include scarifying the soil, reseeding and spreading a layer of mulch or straw to protect emerging seedlings or bringing in additional topsoil for areas where the topsoil depth is insufficient.  Vehicles must stick to existing maintenance tracks in the pipeline or power line servitude and should not make new tracks through the veld.  Maintain road humps and rehabilitate areas (e.g. gulleys) where erosion has started due to activities associated with the pipeline.

Issue 3: Road safety

Activity: Construction of pipeline across roads

Impact: Reduced road safety due to construction activities at roads

Impact statement

Construction phase The pipeline will cross a provincial road that passes the southern boundary of the power station. The road is aligned east-west and the pipeline is aligned roughly north-south. Construction activities at the point where the pipeline will cross the road will result in reduced road safety, due to the presence of construction vehicles and construction workers on the roadside and in the road reserve. Although this is not a busy road, the potential impact on road safety must be addressed.

Operational phase There will be no impact during the operational phase.

Impact table

Impact: Road safety Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Sig Development ni- Phase fic- anc e

WM WOM

Medium Construction Reduced road safety Local High Medium Low Medium term WM = With mitigation WOM = Without mitigation

Mitigation measures

Construction phase  It is preferable not to do any excavations across the road surface. The pipeline should be “pipejacked” underneath the road. Eskom has indicated that this is their preferred method of construction.  Maintain clear construction hazard signs at the road crossing point during the construction of the road crossing;  The construction contractor must liaise with the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport with regards to erection of hazard warning signs prior to starting construction.

Issue 4: Destruction of flora and displacement of fauna

Activity: Construction activities

Impacts: Disturbance of indigenous vegetation Loss of species diversity

Impact assessment

Construction phase During construction vegetation will be removed from the width of the working area along the pipeline route. If it is assumed that the area affected will be 10m wide (over a length of 6km), then the total area of vegetation affected will be approximately 60000m2 or 6ha. Due to the small width of the disturbed area, the disruption to faunal and floral communities should, however, not be significant. Once the pipeline trench has been covered up and rehabilitated, then re-colonisation of the disturbed areas should take place and normal biotic processes should be able to continue. The vegetation in this area is also not pristine due to mining and farming activities that have occurred here over the years. Especially the areas close to the power station have been severely infested with alien woody species (e.g. Acacia mearnsii) and the conservation value of the vegetation is therefore not high.

The removal of vegetation may cause a secondary impact, in the form of invasion by alien vegetation species. Soil disturbance causes favourable conditions for the germination of the seeds of alien species, due to reduced competition from indigenous species.

Operational phase No additional impact will be caused during the operational phase, but the impacts caused during the construction phase will continue unless proper mitigation

(rehabilitation of the disturbed areas) is carried out at the end of the construction phase.

Impact table

Impact: Development Destruction of flora and displacement of fauna phase Significance Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability WM WOM Faunal & floral Medium Construction Local Medium Medium Low Medium displacement term Faunal & floral Medium Operation Local Medium Low Low Low displacement term WM = With mitigation WOM = Without mitigation

Mitigation measures

Construction phase  Vegetation clearance should be kept to the minimum. The minimum possible working width should be cleared of vegetation.  The time of disturbance should be as short as possible. It is preferable to lay the pipeline and fill in the trench progressively rather than digging the entire pipeline and filling in the trench only after the entire pipeline has been laid. This will minimise the length of the pipeline trench that forms a barrier to the movement of small faunal species.  No insecticides or any form of pesticides should be used during the construction phase.  Prior to the start of construction vegetation and topsoil should be scraped from the pipeline trench as well as any areas that are likely to become compacted by vehicle traffic. The vegetation / topsoil mixture should be stockpiled separately from the subsoil or other spoil material. The topsoil / vegetation mixture should be replaced on the surface of the filled-in pipeline trench. This will ensure that vegetation indigenous to the site re-establishes in the disturbed areas.  The disturbed are must be seeded with a mixture of indigenous grasses to expedite the rehabilitation process.

Operational phase  Regularly inspect the rehabilitating vegetation and take corrective action for areas where vegetation is not establishing satisfactorily. This may include scarifying the soil, reseeding and spreading a layer of mulch or straw to protect emerging seedlings or bringing in additional topsoil for areas where the topsoil depth is insufficient.  Regularly inspect the disturbed areas for the seedlings of invasive plants and remove these plants by mechanical or chemical means as soon as possible.

Issue 5: Dust generation

Activity: Movement of construction vehicles along pipeline route Removal of vegetation and creation of bare areas

Impact: Dust nuisance to residents of surrounding areas

Impact statement

Construction phase Digging of the pipeline trench and the movement of construction vehicles on the pipeline route will lead to the generation of dust during dry conditions. Wind will also generate dust when it blows over non-vegetation soils. Stockpiles of topsoil and uncovered sand loads on construction vehicles could be additional dust sources. The dust will cause a nuisance to nearby residential areas (e.g. Lesedi mining village). The dust nuisance may be particularly significant for the first section of the pipeline route from the dam wall to the first turning point of the pipeline where the two high voltage power line routes intersect, because this section of the route is along the boundary of Lesedi. The magnitude of the impact on the residents will depend on the wind direction.

Operational phase The dust nuisance will continue during the operational phase if rehabilitation of the disturbed areas is not done properly.

Impact table

Impact:

Development Dust nuisance Phase Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance WM WOM Short Construction Dust nuisance Local Medium Probable Low Medium term Short Operational Dust nuisance Local Medium Probable Low Medium term WM = With mitigation WOM = Without mitigation

Mitigatory measures

Construction phase  Bare construction areas close to residential areas must be wetted at least twice per day during dry and windy periods to minimise the formation of dust.  Ensure proper rehabilitation of disturbed areas in order to minimise bare patches.

Operational phase  Regularly inspect the rehabilitating vegetation and take corrective action for areas where vegetation is not establishing satisfactorily. This may include scarifying the soil, reseeding and spreading a layer of mulch or straw to protect emerging seedlings or bringing in additional topsoil for areas where the topsoil depth is insufficient.

Issue 6: Water quality

Activity: Potential leakage of pipeline

Impact: Contamination of groundwater

Impact statement

Construction phase No impacts are expected during the construction phase.

Operational phase During the site visit with the authorities on 16 October, the officials from Mpumalanga Province raised the possible contamination of groundwater from leaks in the pipeline as an issue. If the pipeline leaks during the operational phase, the leakage of polluted water that is transported by the pipeline could pollute underground water supplies. The probability of this occurring is, however, very low and the magnitude of the impact would also be very low compared to the contamination of groundwater that currently takes place from the Driefontein Dam itself. The pumping of water from the Driefontein Dam would in fact reduce this contamination by lowering the volumes of water in the Driefontein Dam.

It can be assumed that the pipeline will be properly tested for leakages prior to the operational phase since any leakage from the pipeline would result in a loss of water that is necessary for the ashing system.

Impact table

Impact:

Development Contamination of groundwater Phase Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance WM WOM Contamination of Short Operation Local Medium Improbable Low Low groundwater term WM = With mitigation WOM = Without mitigation

Mitigation measures

Operational phase  Undertake regular inspections of the pipeline route to check for wet patches that could indicate pipeline leaks.  Undertake periodic comparisons of the water volumes handled by the pumping station and water volumes released at the ash dams to check for discrepancies.  Repair the pipeline is leakages are evident.

Issue 7: Noise Pollution

Activity: Construction activities Operation of pump

Impact: Increased noise levels

Impact statement

Construction phase The construction period will result in a temporary increase of the noise levels due to construction and delivery vehicles moving to and from the site as well as general building activities.

Operational phase The only aspect of the development that will generate noise is the pump. The amount of noise will, however, be minimal because the pumphouse will dampen noise from the pump and because of the long distance to the Lesedi residential area.

Impact table

Impact: Noise pollution

Development Phase Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance WM WOM

Construction Construction activities Site Short Low Probable Low Medium Operation Operation activities Site/Regional Low Improbable Low Low Decommissioning Demolishing activities Site/Regional Short Low Probable Low Medium WM = With mitigation WOM = Without mitigation

Mitigation measures

Construction phase  Institute noise control measures throughout the construction phase for all applicable activities, including the construction times.  Working hours must be in accordance with the national laws and local bylaws.  Limit the working hours during the construction phase between at least 07:00 and 18:00 during weekdays. No construction work should occur during weekends.

Operational phase  Ensure that the activities of the pipeline abides by the national noise laws and the municipal noise bylaws with regard to the abatement of noise caused by mechanical equipment.  Ensure that noise from the site does not negatively impact on the surrounding properties.

Issue 8: Safety and Security

Activity: Construction personnel and equipment on the site

Impact: Harm to persons

Impact statement

Construction phase Construction activities could lead to injuries to staff or the public. Where heavy equipment is used, dangerous situations are created and the risk of injury increases. Activities like excavating trenches, the movement of delivery and construction vehicles, the use of equipment and the congregation of workers and staff on site further increase the risk of injury. The contractor will need to arrange for the safety of his staff and equipment while working on the project.

Operational phase There should be no impacts of safety and security during the operational phase.

Impact Table Impact:

Development Safety & Security Phase Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance WM WOM Construction Safety of personnel & Site Medium Medium Probable Low Medium equipment WM - With Mitigation WOM - Without Mitigation

Mitigation measures

Construction phase  Ensure that the handling of equipment and materials is supervised and adequately instructed.  Ensure the use of relevant personal protective equipment (e.g. safety shoes) by construction personnel.  The contractor must provide his own security arrangements while on site.  Ensure that construction vehicles are under the control of competent personnel.  Provide adequate facilities on site to treat emergencies to staff.  Limit access to the site to the workforce.  Adhere to the prescribed safety precautions in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act no. 85 of 1993).

6.5 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Cumulative impacts result from actions which may not be significant on their own but which are significant when added to the impact of other similar actions. There are currently no other known construction projects of similar nature of the vicinity of the Duvha Power Station and the probability of cumulative impacts is therefore negligible.

SECTION 7: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 CONCLUSION

This report is intended to offer an objective assessment on the concerns that were raised during the scoping phase of the study as well as the technical expertise that lies within Strategic Environmental Focus. The purpose of this report is to identify and assess the potentially significant environmental issues and environmental impacts. Ultimately the report should allow the relevant environmental authority the opportunity to make an informed decision regarding the development and its various alternatives.

The construction and operation of the proposed pipeline can result in a variety of impacts on the natural environment as well on the residents in the vicinity of the pipeline route. The issues related to the development were identified, discussed and assessed in terms of various criteria such as extent, duration, intensity and significance. Mitigation measures were listed and the possible alternatives reviewed.

A summary of the alternatives is given below. As stated in the alternatives analysis earlier in this report, the only feasible alternatives in this case would be the location or route alternatives. There are no feasible demand, activity, process or input alternatives in this instance.

7.2 COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES

Alternative 1: The “No Go” alternative

The no-go alternative would imply no change to the current status quo of using clean water for the power station’s ashing system.

The most important difference between the no-go alternative and the Eskom’s preferred alternative of installing a pipeline to convey water from the Driefontein Dam to Duvha Power Station is the effect on aquatic systems. The no-go alternative has environmental impacts of its own, since it would mean that Duvha power station would continue to use clean water for its ashing process and would not remove polluted water from the Driefontein Dam, resulting in this polluted water continuing to be released into the Olifants River System. The proposed pipeline alternative would, however, imply that polluted water that would normally be released into the Olifants River system would instead be prevented from entering this system. Therefore, even though the volumes of water used in the no-go alternative and the pipeline alternative may be similar, the pipeline alternative has a lower environmental impact because it will remove polluted water from an important river system.

Alternative 2: Eastern route (along the coal conveyor belt and through the power station)

The easterly route alternative follows a route northwards from Lesedi and then follows the route of the coal conveyor belt, through the power station and then from the northern boundary of the power station to the ash dams. The eastern route follows a shorter distance through natural vegetation, since a significant portion of the route is through the already disturbed power station grounds.

Although the eastern route is the shortest and crosses the least distance of natural vegetation, this route is not considered feasible for technical reasons. There are large numbers of roads, other pipelines, electrical cables and signaling cables to be crossed in the relatively short length of the power station, and this increases the risks and cost associated with this route. This route would share some of the existing piping in the power station, and consequently it would also be necessary for the pump at Driefontein Dam to start and stop up to four times a day, negatively affecting the reliability of the pump (Mario Neves, 2003, e-mail communication).

Alternative 3: Western route (along a power line servitude and around the western side of the power station)

From the point where the routes of two high voltage power lines cross each other adjacent to Lesedi, the western route will follow a power line servitude in a nortwesterly direction to the entrance of the power station. The pipeline route will then roughly follow the western boundary of the power station up to the ash dams. The western route crosses a longer distance of natural vegetation than the eastern route.

There are no environmental impacts of high significance along the Western Alternative route that cannot be mitigated, and the Western Alternative is therefore acceptable from an environmental point of view.

Both sub-alternatives 1 and 2 of the Western Route follow similar terrain, and from an environmental point of view either of these alternatives can therefore be constructed.

The management of the negative impacts will require the implementing of the necessary mitigatory measures detailed within Section 6 of this document as well as the detailed EMP (Appendix 4). With adequate management of impacts, as required by the EMP, the environmental risks and impacts of the proposed development can be minimised to within acceptable levels.

7.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

Our recommendation, based on the assessment of the available information is that the Western Alternative route of the proposed pipeline be authorised for construction.

Furthermore, it is recommended that the mitigatory action detailed in the Environmental Management Plan be made binding for the construction and operation of the pipeline. This will ensure that environmental impacts are minimised and properly monitored during construction and operation and that unnecessary incidents and accidents are avoided.

SECTION 8: REFERENCES

Bredenkamp, G. & van Rooyen, N. 1996. Moist Cool Highveld Grassland. In: Low, A. B. & Rebelo, A. G. (eds.) 1996. Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria. 85p.

Department of Environmental Affairs. 1992. The Integrated Environmental Management Procedure. Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. 1998. Guideline Document. EIA regulations. Implementation of sections 21, 22 and 26 of the Environment Conservation Act. Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria

Ecosun. 2000. Biological Monitoring. Witbank Dam and Middelburg Dam Catchment Managed Release Scheme. October 2000 Survey. (Report number E 167/99/D). Unpublished report for the Mining and Power Generation Industries in the Witbank Dam and Middelburg Dam catchments. 55p.

Low, A. B. & Rebelo, A. G. (eds.) 1996. Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria. 85p.

Neves, M. (Mechanical Engineer for Eskom). 3 November 2003. E-mail message.

1:250 000 Landtype Map 2528, Pretoria

1:250 000 Geological Series Map, 2528 Pretoria.

1:50 000 Topographical Map. 2529 CD Middelburg (Mpumalanga)

Weather Bureau. 2003. www.weathersa.co.za

Duvha Mine Water Recovery Project Prepared by Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd Environmental Scoping Report

Appendix 1: Correspondence with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

1.1 Application for Authorisation 1.2 Plan of Study for Scoping 1.3 Declaration of Interest by the Consultant 1.4 Acknowledgement of receipt 1.5 Approval of Plan of Study for Scoping

Appendix 2: Documentation regarding the public participation process

2.1 Proof of advertising in the newspaper 2.2 Proof of advertising on the site 2.3 Copy of the letters sent to Interested and Affected Parties 2.4 Comments received during the scoping process

Appendix 3: Motivation memorandum for the proposed pipeline

Appendix 4: Environmental Management Plan

Appendix 5: Water use license application to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

Appendix 6: Photographs

Duvha Mine Water Recovery Project Prepared by Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd