Scoping Report for the Proposed Petrol Station

SPECIALIST STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED CAPE STRENGTHENING PROGRAMME – GAMMA-OMEGA 765kV TRANSMISSION LINE ON THE AFFECTED AESTHETIC ENVIRONMENT

Prepared by:

Cave Klapwijk and Associates P O Box 11651 HATFIELD

Submitted to:

P D NAIDOO AND ASSOCIATES

November 2001 REPORT TITLE : Specialist study of the potential impact of the proposed Cape Strengthening Programme, Gamma-Omega 765kV Transmission line on the affected aesthetic environment

CLIENT : PD Naidoo and Associates for Eskom Transmission

PROJECT NAME : Eskom Gamma-Omega 765kV Transmission line VIA

REPORT STATUS : Final

CKA PROJECT NUMBER : 01012

PLACE AND DATE : Pretoria, November 2001

Keywords and Phrases : Visual Impact Assessment, VIA, Cape Strengthening Programme, Gamma Substation, Omega Substation, 765kV Transmission line TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 3

2 BACKGROUND AND BRIEF 3

3 STUDY APPROACH 3

3.1 Method 3

3.2 Limitations, Constraints and Assumptions 3

4 STUDY AREA 3

4.1 Description of the Affected Environment 3

4.1.1 Description of the Works 3

4.1.2 Description of the Natural Physical Elements 3

4.1.2.1 The Swartland Region 3 4.1.2.2 The Mountain Region 3 4.1.2.3 The Ceres Karoo Region 3 4.1.2.4 The Moordenaars Karoo Region 3 4.1.2.5 The Great Karoo Region 3

5 IDENTIFICATION OF RISK SOURCES 3

5.1 Construction Phase 3

5.1.1 Negative Risk Sources 3

5.1.2 Positive Risk Sources 3

5.2 Operational Phase 3

5.2.1 Negative Risk Sources 3

5.2.2 Positive Risk Sources 3

6 IMPACT DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT 3

6.1 The Visual Analysis 3

6.1.1 The Viewshed 3

6.1.2 The Viewing Distance 3

6.1.3 Critical Views 3

6.1.4 The Visual Absorption Capacity 3 6.2 The Visual Impact 3

6.2.1 The View Distance 3

6.2.2 Critical Viewpoints 3

6.2.3 Extent 3

6.2.4 Duration 3

6.2.5 Intensity 3

6.2.6 The Probability of Occurrence 3

6.2.7 Significance 3

6.2.8 Status of the Impact 3

6.2.9 Degree of Confidence in Predictions 3

6.2.10 Legislation 3

7 RECOMMENDATIONS MITIGATION / MANAGEMENT MEASURES 3

7.1 Route alignment 3

7.2 Earthworks and Landscaping 3

8 ALTERNATIVES 3

9 DISCUSSION 3

9.1 Evaluation of the Eskom Gamma-Omega Transmission line 3

10 REFERENCES 3

APPENDIX ONE – PHOTO SURVEY CAPE STRENGTHENING PROGRAMME GAMMA-OMEGA 765KV TRANSMISSION LINE

VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

1 INTRODUCTION

Eskom Transmission, as the responsible institution for the supply and management of South Africa’s power resources, has commissioned P D Naidoo and Associates, in partnership with PBA International (SA) and Acer (Africa), to undertake the environmental investigation for the construction of some 520 km of 765kV Transmission line from a location (Gamma Substation Site) near Victoria West in the Northern Cape to a location near Koeberg (Omega Substation Site) in the Western Cape. See Figure 1, Locality Plan.

Due to the increasing pressure to provide a reliable medium and long-term electricity supply to the Western Cape, Eskom Transmission has proposed the Cape Strengthening Programme to improve the reliability and capacity of the transmission network to the Western Cape. As part of the strategy to do so, Eskom Transmission has proposed to develop the proposed Gamma- Omega line.

The two primary aims of the Cape Strengthening Programme are:

 to improve the reliability of the existing transmission network to the Western Cape; and

 to upgrade the electricity transmission capacity of the network in the short-term whilst providing for the longer term requirements.

2 BACKGROUND AND BRIEF

In order to address the aesthetic concerns, Cave Klapwijk and Associates were requested by Mr Stuart Dunsmore of PBA International to undertake a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) of the main components of the Gamma- Omega Transmission line.

The project components will consist of the Transmission lines, pylons and ancillary infrastructure, including access roads.

Although planning is still at an early stage, it was seen as important to begin the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to determine the possible impacts of the development and to identify methods to mitigate these impacts. The first stage in the EIA process is the preparation of a Scoping Report, which provides the mechanism to involve interested and affected parties (I&AP’s) to voice their opinion on the proposed development and to identify possible issues and concerns. The scoping phase of the EIA process is complete.

Cave Klapwijk and Associates 1 Visual Impact Assessment Eskom Gamma-Omega Transmission line

Figure 1: Locality Plan

The second stage in the EIA process is to undertake specialist studies to address the issues and concerns raised during the scoping stage.

This visual assessment is a specialist study to determine the visual effects of the proposed Gamma-Omega 765kV Transmission line Project on the surrounding environment and forms part of the overall study to assess the environmental impact.

The purpose of this Specialist Study is to determine the impact of the proposed project on the visual and aesthetic character of the proposed route. The rationale for this Study is that the placement of Transmission lines may fundamentally alter the landscape character and sense of place of the local environment. The primary objective of this Specialist Study is therefore to describe the potential impact of these structures on the visual character and sense of place of the area. This Specialist Study will have the following objectives:

 Determine the visual character of the areas along the proposed Transmission line routes by evaluating environmental components such as topography, current land use activities, surrounding land use activities, etc.;

 Identify elements of particular visual quality that could be affected by the proposed developments;

 Describe and evaluate the specific visual impacts of the proposed Gamma-Omega 765kV Transmission line and associated infrastructure from certain identified critical areas and view fields; and

 Recommend mitigation measures to reduce the potential visual impacts generated by the proposed power line.

3 STUDY APPROACH

3.1 Method

In order to address the objectives of the study the following method has been used:

 Site visits to determine the setting, visual character and land uses of the areas were undertaken;

 The setting, visual character and land use of the area surrounding the route, and the Genius Loci (sense of place) was determined;

 Discussions and meetings with the Client, specialist consultant team and I&AP’s were held to identify specific aspects of the construction and development which would affect the visual quality of a setting;

 The extent of the affected visual environmental, the viewing distance and the critical views was defined;

 The preparation of plans based on 1:250 000 and 1:50 000 topographical data, which identified the visual characteristics of the environment, important views, viewsheds, and existing land uses. A definition of the visual environment affected by the project components and an assessment of the visual impacts was made;

 The determination of the visibility of project components using a viewshed analysis of a digital terrain model.

The visual impact assessment statements in this report are based on the expert opinion of the authors and attitudes that are generally accepted worldwide.

It is important to note that the assessment is based on the field studies and on the preferred route (Figure 1) as determined at the integration workshops held in Ceres on 17 August 2001 and at Eskom Megawatt Park on 29 October 2001. The alternative routes (Maps 5d and 5e) were rejected earlier on in the process due to the obvious higher negative impact they exerted than did the preferred route.

3.2 Limitations, Constraints and Assumptions

The following assumptions and limitations are applicable to this study:

 The basis for this assessment is that scenic wilderness areas form the core of eco-tourism due to the high positive aesthetic appeal;

 The assessment does not consider the ancillary project infrastructure and components such as roads, borrow pits, spoil dumps, etc. These components will be assessed in detail during the design phase should the project be implemented;

 The assessment is based on assumed demographic data. No detailed study was done to determine accurate data on potential viewers of the project components. If necessary these studies could be undertaken during the design phase of the project;

 The location and extent of the construction and labour campsites, as well as material lay-down areas will only be determined during the

design and construction phases. These are, however, of a relatively temporary nature and can effectively be controlled through the Environmental Management Plan;

 Determining a visual resource in absolute terms is not achievable. Evaluating a landscape’s visual quality is both complex and problematic. Various approaches have been developed but they all have one problem in common: unlike noise or air pollution, which can be measured in a relatively simple way, for the visual landscape mainly qualitative standards apply. Therefore subjectivity cannot be excluded in the assessment procedure (Lange 1994). Individually there is a great variation in the evaluation of the visual landscape based on different experiences, social level and cultural background. Exacerbating the situation is the inherent variability in natural features. Climate, season, atmospheric conditions, region, sub-region all affect the attributes that comprise the landscape. What is considered scenic to one person may not be to another (NLA, 1997).

Localised visual perceptions of the economically depressed communities of the population have not been tested as these may be influenced rather by the economic and job opportunities that could exist rather than the direct visual perception of the project.

If the study, however, determined that the negative visual impact is of such a magnitude and significance that it will seriously influence the decision on whether or not to build, it will then be necessary to test and determine the visual perceptions of neighbouring communities. Such a study is involved, costly and time consuming.

A Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC) study was limited to the author’s field experience rather than through a full assessment due to budgetary constraints.

4 STUDY AREA

4.1 Description of the Affected Environment

4.1.1 Description of the Works

The proposed project comprises the following development components:

 Power Line and Pylons

The pylons that will support the 765kV Transmission lines will mostly consist of two steel support structures supported by guy wires (Figure 2 Cross-rope Suspension Pylon). The Transmission lines will be

suspended between the supports. These 44 m tall pylons use far less steel in their structure than the commonly seen self-supporting pylons. The self-supporting pylons will be used where the ground is unstable, where the line changes direction or where the terrain is too steep to accommodate the cross-rope suspension structures. The reduced steel quantity has the added benefit in that they are less visible and obtrusive within the landscape.

Self-supporting suspension pylons will be used where there is a change in direction greater than 3°, where space is limited or on steep slopes. These pylons contain considerably more steel than the cross-rope suspension pylons and are more visible in the landscape.

Figure 2 : 765kV Cross-rope Suspension Pylon

 Access Roads and Construction Camps

Access roads will be required to transport personnel to site and for maintenance purposes. In areas that are inaccessible materials are brought in by helicopter. During this period all gates are installed and the tower positions pegged.

Construction camps will need to be developed in strategic positions where they provide the optimum access to as much of the construction route as possible.

 Construction

Large scraper equipment will be used to establish the access roads. Backactors are generally used to excavate for the foundations.

Construction takes place in phases. The foundations of the towers are laid first, followed by the assembly of the towers on the ground, then the erection of the towers and finally the stringing of the conductors. These operations are not always continuous and each phase would involve a return to the site by the contractors.

Once the construction is complete, this same representative will ensure that all restoration work has been completed satisfactorily. The landowner will be asked to sign a release from, providing written confirmation that rehabilitation was completed to his satisfaction.

All areas that will be disturbed such as construction camps, access roads and the construction area around the pylons will be stripped of topsoil that is stockpiled for later use.

 Decommissioning

Decommissioning of a major Transmission line has yet to be undertaken in South Africa. It is assumed that the physical removal of the lines and pylons will be a reversal of the construction phase and that a rehabilitation programme of the land will need to be undertaken.

4.1.2 Description of the Natural Physical Elements

The natural physical elements under this section are described according to broad topographical regions (Figure 3) rather than the political boundary of the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape.

The proposed Transmission line traverses five distinct landscape types (Figure 3) and three biomes. These landscape types correlate closely with the vegetation types as described by Low and Rebelo (1996).

These landscape types are:

 The Swartland Region (Photos 1-4, Appendix 1)  The Mountain Region (Photos 5-9, Appendix 1)  The Ceres Karoo Region (Photos 10-11, Appendix 1)  The Moordenaars Karoo Region (Photos 12-13, Appendix 1)  The Great Karoo (Photos 14-17, Appendix 1)

Figure 3: Visual Landscape Types 4.1.2.1 The Swartland Region

 Landform

This landform lies to the west of the Cape folded Mountains such as the Great Winterhoekberge, Obiekwa, Voëlvlei, Elandskloof, Limiet and Slanghoek Mountains.

The route through the Swartland Region crosses a relatively uniform landscape that comprises a flat to gently rolling topography that slopes to the flat coastal plain in the west.

The only dominant features within the central part of the region are the relatively low Perdeberg and Porseleinberg.

 Vegetation

The vegetation falls within the Fynbos Biome. It consists of a mixture of West Coast Renosterveld and Sand Plain Fynbos.

Most of this vegetation has been ploughed up for wheat and viticulture.

 Views / Visibility

The views within this landscape are extensive and only interrupted in the east by the Cape Mountains. The rolling and undulating landscape interrupts these views at a local level when viewed from localised depressions. The landscape, however, creates a generally uninterrupted viewshed that extends often beyond a distance of five kilometres. Any vertical object within this viewshed is readily visible depending on its size and distance from the viewer.

 Genius Loci

The spirit, or sense, of place is that quality imparted by the aspects of scale, colour, texture, landform, enclosure, and in particular, the land use. According to K. Lynch (1992) “it is the extent to which a person can recognise or recall a place as being distinct from other places as having a vivid, or unique, or at least a particular, character of its own.”

The Genius Loci of this section of the route can be described as rural agriculture. The ‘spirit of place’ is provided by the flat to rolling open and extensive landscape, the lack of industrial images, the few scattered farmsteads and the small rural towns and villages.

These aspects impart a rural and visually monotonous character to the surrounding landscape. This character reinforces a timeless ambience of a rural / agricultural setting that is generally not associated with industry or industrial images.

 Visual Quality and Character

The visual quality is the visual significance given to a landscape determined by cultural values and the landscape’s intrinsic physical properties (Smardon, et el, 1986), while many factors contribute to a landscape’s visual quality. They can ultimately be grouped under three headings: vividness, intactness and unity.

The visual character of an area has different elements that provide an overall perceived ambience. In the consideration of the visual character it is important to include not only the immediate land use but also that of the surrounding land.

The visual quality of this landscape is considered to be moderate because although there is little visual interest within this relatively featureless landscape, the rural images are picturesque. The gently rolling landscape does not promote any specific visual feature. The scene is not vivid but the elements within the view help to unify the view.

Any vertical and linear object or structure within this region will be visually prominent and contrast with the surrounding landscape due to the lack of visual diversity and the uniformity of the visual elements.

 Land Use

The route is situated within a landscape utilised predominantly for arable agriculture such as wheat and viticulture with some pastoral farming.

On the Sand Plain Fynbos smallholdings are changing the natural vegetation to poor pasture, mainly for horses. The carrying capacity for grazing is low.

 The Scale of the Landscape

Visual scale is the apparent size relationships between landscape components or features and their surroundings (Smardon, et el, 1986).

The broad, extensive and horizontal scale of the landscape with little vertical definition is due, primarily, to the flat to gently sloping topography covered with arable lands, shrubs and grassland. Because

of this flatness, a tall structure would be visible for an extended distance. Low structures such as single storey buildings, roads, borrow pits, etc. would not be readily visible due to the lack of elevated viewpoints. This results in tall structures being viewed against the skyline.

4.1.2.2 The Mountain Region

 Landform

The landform consists primarily of the steep sided high mountains of the Cape Fold Belt with lower valleys between them. Soils are largely derived from sandstones of the Cape Supergroup.

 Vegetation

The vegetation falls within the Mountain Fynbos of the Fynbos Biome (Low and Rebelo, 1996). The vegetation is generally low except where it has been replaced with from orchards and agro-forestry.

The surrounding mountains can be considered as a major focal point when viewed from lower elevations. Any physical change to the surface of the slopes would be highly visible due to the elevated position. Objects placed at the foot of the mountains in the valley will be less visible due to the screening / blending of the object when viewed against the mountain backdrop. The areas of critical visibility are those where the route crosses the mountain ridges. The route will only be viewed by most viewers where it crosses main roads such as the Gydo Pass, this limiting their exposure to the line for a very short period.

Project structures, which are elevated, will become highly visible from viewpoints nearby because of the possibility of the project features breaking the skyline through silhouette or due to the visual contrast caused by the removal of existing vegetation for the clearing of servitudes, work space or access roads. These objects and change in landform would, however, blend with the landform at greater distances or from higher elevations of the diverse relief and colours, textures and shadows that assist in obscuring these changes.

 Genius Loci

The Genius Loci or spirit of place is created by the broad deep valleys surrounded by large steep sided mountains. The human intrusion is limited to the valleys that have been largely modified from natural vegetation to arable lands for grazing and fruit production.

The combination of these attributes can presently be described as a mixture of mountain wilderness and rural / agriculture.

The visual quality of this high lying region is considered high. It is a tourist destination, especially during the winter snow periods.

The high visual quality is due to the very diverse topography of the dramatic mountain ranges combined with the scenic passes, the diverse valleys of the Agter Witsenberg and the Warm Bokkeveld. This mix has resulted in a high visual interest.

These visual elements have created a quality that is vivid and one that unifies the visual landscape. The visual character along the routes is a mixture of rural agriculture and urbanisation.

 Land Use

The section of the route is located within a landscape that consists of highly developed agriculture within the valleys with grazing higher up in the mountain regions.

The area is punctuated by small towns such as Tulbach, Ceres and Prince Alfred Hamlet, Bella Vista and Wolseley.

The route is aligned for a larger part along existing infrastructure such as Transmission lines and roads.

The vertical scale of the area is largely due to the high surrounding mountains that flank the enclosed valleys.

When viewed from within the valleys relatively tall structures or changes to landform can be readily accommodated due to the presence of the backdrop of the mountains. Notwithstanding the blending effect of the massive mountains, critical points are those where the route crosses the crest or summit of the mountains.

4.1.2.3 The Ceres Karoo Region

 Landform

This landform is located east of the Kwarrieberg and north of the Bontberg. The route through the Ceres Karoo Region crosses a

relatively low lying and flat landscape that gently slopes from the east to the northwest.

 Vegetation

The vegetation consists of the Lowland Succulent Karoo of the Succulent Karoo Biome. This represents an extremely arid vegetation type. The very low vegetation is dominated by the Vygie family. The lack of summer rains results in almost no grasses being prevalent in the vegetation type (Low and Rebelo, 1996).

The views within the region are extensive and open for several kilometres. These are truncated by the mountains to the south and west. The Transmission line will be visible for a considerable distance as the route follows closely the existing road from Kwarrieberg to Perdekraal on the way to Matjiesfontein. However, the Transmission line route and existing 400kVA Transmission line route is backdropped by the southern Bontberg. The critical views are from the 355 road, particularly where it converges with the Kwarrieberg Pass, and the minor ground road to Matjiesfontein.

Views from the Bontberg are from an elevated position and at no point are the existing or proposed Transmission lines viewed in silhouette against the skyline when viewed towards the mountains.

 Genius Loci

The sense of place is created by the vast openness of the landscape, the low Karoo vegetation and the peripheral mountains.

The Genius Loci can be described as a timeless rural pastoral ambience.

These aspects impart a vast rural character typical of the open Karoo.

The visual quality of the landscape can be regarded as moderate due to the relatively visually undisturbed character. The only major visual intrusion is the existing 400kVA lines that introduce an industrial image. The extended views and the uniformity (lack of visual diversity) of the low Karoo vegetation provides a monotonous appearance. These attributes do not create a vividness but do assist in unifying the overall visual landscape.

The Transmission line is almost entirely visible for at least 5 km either side of the route.

The screening effect of the mountains help to reduce the cumulative effect of adding a 765kVA line to run parallel to the existing southern route.

 Land Use

The route passes through a landscape that is utilised predominantly for farming practices such as stock grazing and game farming.

It is not anticipated that this land use will change in the near future.

The broad, extensive horizontal scale of the landscape with little vertical definition is due to the flat to gently sloping landscape and the low vegetation. Tall structures would be visible for an extended distance (beyond 5 km). However, the vertical scale of the southern and western mountains helps reduce the vertical scale of the Transmission lines when viewed from the north and east.

4.1.2.4 The Moordenaars Karoo Region

 Landform

This region consists of gently undulating to steeply rolling topography at a higher elevation than the Ceres Karoo and is situated between the Great Escarpment to the north and the Swartberg to the south. The route passes through the steeply undulating topography of the Koedoesberge, the Klein Roggeveldberge and the lower lying Moordenaars Karoo.

Soils are generally very shallow and stony derived from Beaufort Group shales and sandstones within the Great Nama Karoo area. Soils of the Renosterveld are primarily clays and silts from the Karoo sequence.

 Vegetation

This section of the route consists mainly of the Escarpment Mountain Renosterveld of the Fynbos Biome, the Great Nama Karoo of the Nama Karoo Biome and the Upland Succulent Karoo of the Succulent Karoo Biome (Low and Rebelo, 1996).

The vegetation is generally very sparse and low throughout the region. The Great Nama Karoo is dominated by a wide variety of dwalf shrubs

with tree species such as Small-leaf Guarri and Kunibush being widespread but never dominant.

The vegetation of the Upland Succulent Karoo is characterised by the Quiver Tree and other succulent species, particularly of the Vygie family. The vegetation of the Escarpment Mountain Renosterveld is dominated by Renosterbos and Gumbush.

The existing topography of this region assists in visually screening the Transmission line route. This region offers more screening due to topography than the remainder of the route.

The route follows a line that is already modified visually by Transmission lines. The route is crossed by only one main road, the 354 road that links Matjiesfontein with Sutherland.

 Genius Loci

The spirit of place is created by the rolling topography, low vegetation and perceived absence of human intervention or intrusion. These aspects impart a rural character that is open, vast, expansive and rural – one that is typical of the Karoo.

The visual quality of the landscape can be regarded as moderate due to the relatively visual unspoilt setting. The only visual intrusions are the existing Transmission lines, the scattered farmsteads and the minor access roads.

The combination of these attributes can be described as a rural / pastoral character. The visual attributes have created a quality that is unified and vivid.

 Land Use

The land uses within this region consist mainly of small stock farming with some wheat oats and barely production. The wild flowers are central to the local tourism industry.

The existing land uses are relatively stable and should not change in the near future.

The horizontal scale is broken up by the rolling topography that has restricted the views of the Transmission line to less than 5 km for a large proportion of the route. The vertical scale of the surrounding hills and valleys will help to reduce the visibility of the structures when viewed from elevated positions.

4.1.2.5 The Great Karoo Region

 Landform

The region is the largest of the regions within the study area as it extends from the Klipfontein se Berge to the intersection of the R63 and the N-1 near Viktoria West.

The route consists of two components. The first extends from Klipfontein se Berge to Beaufort West and comprises the irregular plains of the large flat basin formed between the escarpment in the north and the Cape Fold Belt Mountains in the south. The second component stretches from Beaufort West to Victoria West where the landscape becomes more undulating and with more diverse features such as the low mountains of the Karoo National Park and the peaks around Renosterkop and Restvale.

The geology is predominantly sandstones and shales with the soils a bit deeper than the first section of the region.

 Vegetation

According to Low and Rebelo (1996) the vegetation of this region falls entirely within the Nama Karoo Biome and consists of the Eastern Mixed Nama Karoo, the Upper Nama Karoo, the Central Lower Nama Karoo and the Great Nama Karoo vegetation types.

The vegetation is generally low throughout the region varying from dwalf shrubs, succulents, and Acacia karroo trees in dry riverbeds in the Central Lower Nama Karoo to dwalf shrubs and a few trees in the Great Nama Karoo to mainly shrubs and grasses in the Upper Nama Karoo. The Eastern Mixed Nama Karoo is the ecotone between the Nama Karoo and the Grassland Biome. It is a complete mix of grass and shrub dominated vegetation types with a few Acacia karroo trees in the dry riverbeds.

The views within this region are open and extensive for a large part of the proposed route, especially that section which stretches from Klipfontein se Berge to Beaufort West.

The second section of the route from Beaufort West to Victoria West is more undulating and therefore the views are more restricted. Vertical elements within this section will be less visible due to the backdrop screening effect of the low mountains and hills.

The critical views are from the urban / settlement areas of Merweville, Beaufort West and Restvale as well as the N-1, the 353 Road and the R63 crossing.

 Genius Loci

The spirit of place can be considered as rural / pastoral. This is provided by the open and expansive landscape, the lack of industrial images, the few scattered farmsteads and the low uncultivated vegetation.

These aspects impart a rural and visually monotonous character on the surrounding landscape. This character reinforces a timeless ambience of a rural / agricultural setting.

The visual quality of this landscape is considered to be low because there is little visual interest within this relatively featureless landscape. The landscape does not promote any specific visual feature. The scene is not vivid but does have elements that unify the view.

 Land Use

The land uses of this region are limited to primarily small stock farming.

The horizontal scale is vast and extensive with little vertical scale to help visually screen the Transmission line. The section of the route from Beaufort West to Victoria West exerts a greater vertical scale due to the more undulation terrain and low mountains.

5 IDENTIFICATION OF RISK SOURCES

Various risk sources for the visual impact have been identified for the construction and operation phases and can be classified as both negative and positive.

5.1 Construction Phase

It is anticipated that the major risk source during construction would be:

5.1.1 Negative Risk Sources

 Excessive cleaning and stripping of topsoil for site offices, servitudes and temporary access road;  The relatively random and disorganised lay down of building materials, vehicles and offices;

 Cut and fill slopes of access roads become highly visible if not re- vegetated and shaped to blend in with the existing topography;

 The extent and intensity of the security and construction lighting at night;

 Dust from construction activities;

 Open and unrehabilitated landscape scarring;

 Uncontrolled exploitation of borrow pits and quarries without compliance to environmental controls related to aesthetic rehabilitation;

 High seed bank of alien species in the topsoil can lead to the uncontrolled spread of exotic invader plant species along the edges of the Transmission line servitude. This could create a treed edge that is visually contrary to the low vegetation; and

 Location and layout of construction workers camp if located in proximity of works area.

5.1.2 Positive Risk Sources

 Image of construction activity could lead to a perceived view of progress and benefit to the community.

5.2 Operational Phase

5.2.1 Negative Risk Sources

 Site engineering such as cuts and fills, could remain aesthetically incompatible with surrounding landscape. Edges may not blend in with the landscape or cut slopes may be too steep to be adequately re- vegetated; and

 Areas and / or specific sites of high aesthetic value may be disfigured by the introduction of project components such as pylons and power lines within the viewshed resulting in a permanent change to the existing visual quality of visually sensitive areas.

5.2.2 Positive Risk Sources

 The Gamma-Omega Transmission line could be the visual affirmation of progress and prosperity for the region.

6 IMPACT DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT

6.1 The Visual Analysis

This section describes the aspects that have been considered in order to determine the intensity of the visual impact on the area. The criteria includes the area from which the project can be seen (the viewshed), the viewing distance, the capacity of the landscape to visually absorb structures and forms placed upon it (the visual absorption capacity), and the appearance of the project from important or critical viewpoints within established and existing planned land uses.

The focus of this study is specifically on the main project components such as the power lines, pylons and access roads and not on the ancillary infrastructure.

6.1.1 The Viewshed

The viewshed is a topographically defined area that includes all possible observation sites from which the project will be visible. The boundary of the viewshed, which connects high points in the landscape, is the boundary of possible visual impact (Alonso, et al, 1986). Local variations in topography and man-made structures would cause local obstruction of views (Refer to Map 5c to 5f).

6.1.2 The Viewing Distance

Visual distance zones have been defined by distances of 500, 1 000, 2 500 and 5 000 metres from the project components (Map 5c to 5f).

The visual impact of an object in the landscape diminishes at an exponential rate as the distance between the observer and the object increases (Hull and Bishop, 1988).

Thus, the visual impact at 1000 metres would be approximately a quarter of the impact as viewed from 500 metres. Consequently, at 2000 metres, it would be one sixteenth of the impact at 500 metres. The view of the project components would appear so small from a distance of 5000 metres (5 km) or more that the visual impact at this distance is insignificant. On the other hand the visual impact of the project components from a distance of 500 metres or less would be at its maximum.

6.1.3 Critical Views

Due to the linear nature of the proposed project it is not possible to provide an adequate descriptive analysis of visibility by plotting sections to determine the line of sight from the observer towards the project components to indicate the extent to which the elements are not screened by the intervening landforms or structures. However, most critical views were those taken from major road intersections, towns, villages and tourist facilities.

A spatial analysis was undertaken utilizing 1:50 000 and 1:250 000 topographical mapping to determine the areas from which the Transmission line cannot be seen within the 5 km study zone.

6.1.4 The Visual Absorption Capacity

The visual absorption capacity (VAC) is a measure of the landscape’s ability to visually accept /accommodate or embrace a development. Areas that have a high visual absorption capacity are able to easily accept objects so that their visual impact is less noticeable. Conversely areas with low visual absorption capacity will suffer a higher visual impact from structures imposed on them. In this case the VAC has been defined as a function of three factors (Refer to Figure 4).

 Slope  Visual pattern (landscape texture) with regard to vegetation and structures  Vegetation height

Map 5c – Visual Eskom Visibility Analysis of Preferred Powerline

Map 5d – Visual Eskom Visibility Analysis of the Alternate North Alignment

Map 5e – Visual Eskom Visibility Analysis of the Alternate South Alignment

Map 5f – Visual Eskom Visibility Analysis of the Preferred Alignment (Section 2)

Three ranked categories are defined within each factor and each category has been assigned a numerical value to enable an arithmetic calculation of the VAC of different zones. The VAC factors, categories and their values are shown in Table 1).

The slope, vegetation and visual pattern are mapped and overlaid to define facets (areas) of particular visual quality. Numerical values (Table 1) of the three VAC factors are added (Figure 5) to give an overall value to each landscape facet.

Due to budgetary constraints a full VAC determination was not possible. It was therefore prudent to determine the VAC based on the author’s field experience.

It is therefore concluded that the VAC of the five regions are as follows:

 The Swartland Region is Low;  The Mountain Region is Moderate;  The Ceres Karoo is Low;  The Moordenaars Karoo is Moderate; and  The Great Karoo is Low.

Table 1 : VAC Factors And Their Numerical Values

VAC Factor Categories Range 0-3 % 3-7 % > 7 % Slope Numerical Value 3 2 1 VAC Low Moderate High Vegetation Range < 1 m 1-5 m 5 m Height Numerical Value 3 2 1 VAC Low Moderate High Description Uniform Moderate Diverse Visual Pattern Numerical Value 3 2 1 VAC Low Moderate High

Figure 4: Visual Absorption Capacity Criteria

Figure 5 : Overlay methodology to define landscape facets

6.2 The Visual Impact

The visual impact of the project and associated structures in the landscape is a function of many factors (Table 3). Some of the factors are measurable such as viewing distance, the visual absorption capacity of the surrounding landscape and the scale of the surrounding environment and landform. Other factors are subjective viewpoints, which are extremely difficult to consistently categorise the opinion of the community. Studies in the U.S.A. have shown that professionals and environmental groups view modification of the natural landscape more negatively than other groups (McCool, et al 1986).

The critical appraisal of the visual impact of the project and associated works on the landscape is presented from the viewpoint of the informed citizen and professional. To the community surrounding the proposed project, it may well be that they do not, or will not, object to the visual intrusion in their immediate environment.

It may be that they welcome it since they could perceive it as a symbol of prosperity and personal advancement opportunity.

6.2.1 The View Distance

The visual impact of the project and associated structures will reduce exponentially as the viewer moves further away from the proposed structures (Hull and Bishop, 1988).

The pylons will exert a high visual impact within the 500 m and 1 000 m zone. The Transmission line will be visible, due to the fact that the route that cuts across the landform. This creates a visible intrusion that lies in contrast with the landform.

The visibility analysis (Maps 5c to 5f) has indicated that the proposed project will be visible in certain areas beyond the 5 000 m zone.

The servitude, if cleared of vegetation, and the construction access road will be visible, especially where the vegetation is diverse, for an extended distance beyond the 5 000 m zone, if viewed from an elevated position. This scar will be visible until rehabilitation is complete.

6.2.2 Critical Viewpoints

Due to the linear nature of the proposed route specific viewpoints for the Transmission line were not selected. However, areas with high volume of traffic such as major roads within the 5 km study zone, areas with tourism potential and undeveloped rural areas of high scenic value were regarded as critical view zones against which the visual impact would be evaluated.

6.2.3 Extent

The visual impact for both the construction and operation phases will occur on a local to regional scale due to the considerable length of servitude and the view that extends to the edge of the viewshed or beyond a distance of five kilometres.

The visual impact extends beyond the 5 000 m zone for a considerable proportion of the route.

The general lack of effective screening, in the form of existing landform and trees, does not assist in limiting the extent of the impact. However, distance from the route is in itself a mitigation measure.

6.2.4 Duration

The duration of the impact during construction will be short term due to the relatively short duration of this period.

The duration of the impact during the operational phase will be long term, in other words greater than 15 years, with the impact terminating only after a possible decommissioning of the Transmission line.

Table 2 : Impacts on the Visual Environment (Sections 1-5)

Table 2.1 Section 1: The Swartland Region Theme Aesthetics Nature of impact Visual Environment Legal requirements None Stage Construction and Decommissioning Operation Extent of impact Local – Regional Local – Regional Duration of impact Short term Long term Intensity High Moderate Probability of occurrence Certain Certain Status of the impact Negative High Accumulation impact Negligible Low Level of significance Potentially moderate Potentially moderate Mitigation measures Align route to avoid a limit exposure to, as far as None possible, the high point of ridges and critical viewpoints (See Section 7.0 in Report). Level of significance after Potentially moderate Potentially moderate mitigation EMP requirements Limit permanent physical scarring. Rehabilitate None all disturbed areas. Discussion Pre-selection of the preferred route based on the recommended visual mitigation measures will reduce the negative impact. Due to the flat open landscape, the low Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC) and the uniformity of the low vegetation vertical elements such as transmission pylons will be visible. The Swartland Region currently exhibits visual intrusions of an infrastructure or industrial nature similar to Transmission lines. These do not necessarily detract from the spirit of place. The critical views are from the N-7, the 304 and 302 roads, the R45 and the R46 where these roads cross the proposed route.

Table 2.2 Section 2: The Mountain Region – Ridges and Peaks Theme Aesthetics Nature of impact Visual Environment Legal requirements None Stage Construction and Decommissioning Operation Extent of impact Local – Regional Local – Regional Duration of impact Short term Long term Intensity High High - Moderate Probability of occurrence Certain Certain Status of the impact Negative Negative Accumulation impact Low Low Level of significance Potentially high Potentially high to moderate Mitigation measures See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 None Level of significance after Potentially high Potentially high to moderate mitigation EMP requirements See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 None Discussion The preferred route does not add to the accumulative effect. However, the crossover points will remain highly visible and are through scenic areas. The critical views are those where the Transmission line crosses the mountain crests, where it crosses or runs parallel with main roads such as the R46, 303 and the 355 and views from the urban areas of Ceres, Bella Vista, Prince Alfred Hamlet and Tulbagh.

Table 2.3 Section 2: The Mountain Region – Valleys and Plains Theme Aesthetics Nature of impact Visual Environment Legal requirements None Stage Construction and Decommissioning Operation Extent of impact Local – Regional Local – Regional Duration of impact Short term Long term Intensity Moderate Moderate Probability of occurrence Certain Certain Status of the impact Negative Negative Accumulation impact Medium Medium Level of significance Potentially moderate Potentially moderate Mitigation measures See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 None Level of significance after Potentially moderate Potentially moderate mitigation EMP requirements See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 Discussion The route alignment within the valleys and at the foothills prevents the line being viewed in silhouette. The critical views are those where the Transmission line crosses or runs parallel with the main roads such as the R46, 303 and the 355 as well as the urban areas of Ceres, Bella Vista, Prince Alfred Hamlet and Tulbagh.

Table 2.4 Section 3: The Ceres Karoo Region Theme Aesthetics Nature of impact Visual Environment Legal requirements None Stage Construction and Decommissioning Operation Extent of impact Local – Regional Local – Regional Duration of impact Short term Short term Intensity High Moderate Probability of occurrence Certain Certain Status of the impact Negative Negative Accumulation impact Medium Medium Level of significance Potentially moderate Potentially moderate to low Mitigation measures See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 None Level of significance after Potentially moderate Potentially moderate to low mitigation EMP requirements See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 None Discussion As the route follows existing lines the accumulative effect increases but the visual impact is restricted by the visual intrusion of the existing line. The critical views are from the 355 road, particularly where it converges with the Kwarrieberg Pass and the minor gravel road to Matjiesfontein. The Bontberg helps to mitigate the impact by its backdrop effect. Although the route traverses an area of low VAC, flat and open landscape and low vegetation, the route is limited in its exposure to large numbers of viewers.

Table 2.5 Section 4: The Moordenaars Karoo Region

Theme Aesthetics Nature of impact Visual Environment Legal requirements None Stage Construction and Decommissioning Operation Extent of impact Local – Regional Local – Regional Duration of impact Short term Long term Intensity High High Probability of occurrence Certain Certain Status of the impact Negative Negative Accumulation impact Medium Medium Level of significance Potentially moderate Potentially moderate to low Mitigation measures See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 None Level of significance after Potentially moderate Potentially moderate to low mitigation EMP requirements See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 None Discussion The proposed route is through an area with a moderate VAC that helps reduce the visual intrusion. The topography is relatively diverse that helps blend the line, to a certain extent, with the landscape. Careful route selection through the valleys rather than on the hillcrests will help mitigate the impacts. The route is crossed by only one main road, the 354 road that links Matjiesfontein with Sutherland. The route follows a line that is already modified visually by Transmission lines.

Table 2.6 Section 5: The Great Karoo Region – Klipfontein se Berge to Beaufort West

Theme Aesthetics Nature of impact Visual Environment Legal requirements None Stage Construction and Decommissioning Operation Extent of impact Local – Regional Local – Regional Duration of impact Short term Long term Intensity High Moderate Probability of occurrence Certain Certain Status of the impact Negative Negative Accumulation impact Medium Medium Level of significance Potentially moderate Potentially moderate Mitigation measures See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 None Level of significance after Potentially moderate Potentially moderate mitigation EMP requirements See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 None Discussion The open and extended views result in the Transmission line being visible without the opportunity for screening by topography. The area has a low VAC that does not assist in limiting the visual intrusion. However, the proposed route is aligned with existing 400kV Transmission lines that have already altered or modified the visual environment. The critical viewpoints are from Merweville and the 353 road linking Leeu Gamka with Fraserburg.

Table 2.7 Section 5: The Great Karoo Region – Beaufort West to Victoria West

Theme Aesthetics Nature of impact Visual Environment Legal requirements None Stage Construction and Decommissioning Operation Extent of impact Local – Regional Local – Regional Duration of impact Short term Long term Intensity High Moderate Probability of occurrence Certain Certain Status of the impact Negative Negative Accumulation impact Medium Medium Level of significance Potentially moderate Potentially moderate to low Mitigation measures See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 None Level of significance after Potentially moderate Potentially moderate to low mitigation EMP requirements See ‘Swartland Region’ Table 2.1 None Discussion The largely open and extended views are restricted by the mountains of the Karoo National Park and the hills around Renosterkop and Restvale. The topography of this section is more varied and diverse and assists, to a certain extent, in reducing the impact. The low VAC results in any vertical object, such as the pylons, being highly visible. The low vegetation results in any landscape scar, such as access roads, being conspicuous. Critical viewpoints are the N-1 crossing near Three Sisters, Beaufort West and Restvale.

6.2.5 Intensity

The intensity of the visual impact during construction will be high within the 500 m zone wherever main roads and other points of viewer concentration are encountered either alongside or crossing the route due to the fact that the majority of viewers will be exposed to the impacts within this zone.

During the operational phase the visual impact of the Transmission line within the 500 m zone will be medium as the construction vehicles, camps and stockpiles will be removed and surfaces to disturbed areas will be rehabilitated.

It is not possible to screen the Transmission line from the majority of the viewers, namely the road users.

Beyond the 1 000 m zone the intensity of the impact becomes low due to the flat topography eliminating any significant viewpoints and thus diminishing the view of the line in the landscape. The severity diminishes significantly from the 2 500 m zone to the 5 000 m zone where the impact can be regarded as insignificant due to the flat topography and extended viewing distance.

The visual impact intensity remains medium to high for both the construction and operational phases within the scarp face area and across the high ridges. This is due to the fact that the route passes through a landscape of high scenic value.

6.2.6 The Probability of Occurrence

The construction and operational impact described is probable but can be ameliorated to a certain extent by a repositioning of the route alignment.

6.2.7 Significance

It is considered that the significance of the impact of the construction phase is medium due to the fact that it is of a short, but intense, duration. The extent, in terms of length, will be considerable in view of the width of the servitude and the disturbance to the landscape.

The significance of the operational phase will be low due to the fact that once the route is rehabilitated, it will become relatively unobtrusive in the landscape except where the route breaks the skyline and crosses or runs closely adjacent to major roads and urban settlements.

6.2.8 Status of the Impact

The impact status of the Transmission line is considered negative for the construction and operational phases.

6.2.9 Degree of Confidence in Predictions

The degree of confidence that the visual impacts will occur is high.

6.2.10 Legislation

There are no specific legal requirements related to the infringement of the visual attributes of the region.

7 RECOMMENDATIONS MITIGATION / MANAGEMENT MEASURES

7.1 Route alignment

Align the route along the footslopes of hills, mountains and ridges. This is to maximise the backdrop screening effect of the topography that will reduce presenting the Transmission line in silhouette.

Plan the route so that the route crosses existing main routes as close to 90° as possible as this will reduce the time that the line is in the viewshed of the passing motorist / viewer.

Align the route through areas of existing visual clutter and disturbance such as alongside railway lines, existing Transmission lines, roads and other visible infrastructure, rather than through pristine or undisturbed areas where possible. However, the cumulative effect of adding to the visual clutter prior to the final placement should be evaluated.

Avoid aligning the route along the top of ridges. Should it be necessary to cross a ridge it is preferable to cross directly over rather than at an angle. This will limit the extent that the Transmission line will be visible. Attempt to cross over at a depression such as a neck or saddle in the ridge. This will limit the visual effect of any pylon standing proud above the ridgeline.

Align the route away from any main road where the two are parallel in relative pristine areas to where distance will mitigate the impact or to where the topography will from a screening backdrop.

Avoid areas where the current land uses, such as game farm, lodges, etc. often rely on the absence of human visual intrusion.

It is important to note that many of these measures have already been implemented as far as possible in determining the preferred route.

7.2 Earthworks and Landscaping

The visual impact during construction will be moderately significant and little can be done about reducing the effect since the works cannot be screened.

The mitigation measures for the Transmission line during operation will need to focus on effective rehabilitation of the construction corridor and work sites. These specifications must be explicit and detailed and included in the contract documentation (Environmental Management Plan) so that the tasks can be costed and monitored for compliance and result.

The galvanising of the pylon should be allowed to weather to a matt grey finish rather than be painted silver, as is often the case. This allows the structures to blend in with the existing environmental colours more readily than the silver that is highly reflective especially early morning and late afternoon. Should it be necessary to paint, it is recommended that a neutral matt finish be used.

Sculpturing or shaping the cut and fill slopes of access roads to angles and forms that are reflected in the adjacent landscape can reduce the visual impact. By blending the edges of the disturbance with the existing landforms the visual impression being made, is one that the project component has followed a natural route provided by the landscape, rather than been ‘engineered’ through the landscape.

For access / service roads and servitudes avoid straight edges and corridors. These lines should complement the landscape through which they pass (Litton, 1980).

Special attention should be focussed on the width of servitude actually required for the construction and operational phases. There is a tendency to make these servitudes wider than necessary and access roads built to a higher engineering specification than required for a single lane 4x4 maintenance vehicle track.

Vegetation stripping should be done in a manner where the edges are organic (non-geometric) or curvilinear rather than straight or sharp edged as viewers tend to form positive visual impressions such as “gentleness” and “delicacy” and tend to object to negative visual impressions such as “rough”, “rugged” or “violent” (Ribe, 1989). When disturbances in the landscape are viewed from a distance, those with irregular lines, rather than straight lines appear to blend in with the natural configuration and lines in the landscape (Schaefer, 1967).

It is essential that all cut and fill slopes, as well as all areas disturbed by construction activity, are suitably topsoiled and vegetated as soon as is possible after final shaping. The progressive rehabilitation measures will allow the maximum growth period before the completion of the project.

All areas affected by the construction works will need to be rehabilitated and re-vegetated. This includes the areas beyond the works area such as temporary access roads, construction campsites, workers campsites, borrow pits, laydown areas, etc.

The special conditions of contract must include for the stripping and stockpiling of topsoil from the construction areas for later re-use. Topsoil is considered to be at leas the top 300 mm of the natural soil surface and includes grass, roots and organic matter. The areas to be cleared of topsoil should be all areas that will be covered by structures, roads and construction camps. The presence of degraded and disused roads and areas left over after development that are not rehabilitated, could present a high perceptual visual impact. These areas should be topsoiled and re-vegetated.

All existing large trees that fall outside the earthworks area must be retained. These will assist in softening the forms of the structures and obscure views to them.

Dust generated by construction activity and the haulage of materials and equipment will need to be suppressed by regular wetting.

The importance of suppressing the visual aspects of dust cannot be over- stressed since the visibility will generate the impression of a polluting industry.

8 ALTERNATIVES

Several alternative routes were investigated (see Figure 1) in order that a preferred route could provisionally be selected. In joint specialist workshops together with the Client a preferred route was developed based on identifying a route that had the least obvious major impacts.

The main criteria for the selection was the visual impact on both the physical environment and land use. The route was then tested against the impact on the biophysical, social and visual components such as ecologically sensitive areas, on land use such as towns, game farms / conservancies, farmsteads, airfields and infrastructure and on visually critical areas such as ridges and slopes.

This visual assessment deals essentially with the preferred route.

9 DISCUSSION

This study evaluated the visual impact of the Eskom Gamma-Omega Transmission line on the affected environment with a view to assessing its severity based on the author’s experience, expert opinion and accepted techniques.

9.1 Evaluation of the Eskom Gamma-Omega Transmission line

Table 3, Visual Assessment Criteria Ratings, rates each criteria from high, medium to low according to the specific characteristics of that criteria. Table 4 Site Evaluation, lists for each criteria the visual criteria rating and the visual impact rating on these criteria.

The Eskom Gamma-Omega Transmission line will exert a negative influence on the visual environment. This is largely due to:

 high visibility of construction and operation activity within a zone of uniform visual pattern;  the low visual absorption capacity of the setting which is attributable to: - relatively flat topography; - the low vegetation height (less than one metre); - the lack of visual diversity; and - a general lack of rising landforms as a backdrop for most of the route.  the length of the route will expose it to many viewers;  the need to cut across or expose the existing landform to accommodate the access road; and  the height of the pylons could be dominant in the landscape if mitigation is not built into the planning process.

The significance of the visual impact during construction is regarded as moderate due to the construction activities. This is of a short duration until the rehabilitation is complete.

The overall significance of the visual impact of the Transmission line during operation is regarded as moderate negative rather than high negative due to the implementation of the mitigation measures especially the route selection. Although it is not possible to screen the transmission, the placement of route where it is not readily seen in silhouette, is aligned away from towns and conservancies and planned to run parallel with existing visually intrusive infrastructure assists in minimising the visual impact. Furthermore the Transmission line is often viewed from extended distances that diminishes considerably the visual intrusion to where it becomes insignificant at distances beyond five kilometres.

Table 3 : Visual Assessment Criteria Ratings

CRITERIA HIGH MEDIUM LOW 1. Visibility Very visible from Visible from within Only partly visible many places the 1000 metre zone within the 1000 beyond 1000 but partially metre zone and metre zone obscured by beyond due to intervening objects. screening by intervening objects. 2. Genius Loci A particularly A place that projects A place having definite place with a loosely defined little or no an almost tangible theme or ambience. ambience with dominant which it can be ambience or associated. theme. 3. Visual Quality A very attractive A setting that has A setting that has setting with great some aesthetic and little aesthetic variation and visual merit. value. interest but no clutter. 4. Visible Social Housing and/or Housing and/or Housing and/or Structures other structures as other structures as a other structures a dominant visual partial visual as a minor visual element. element. element. 5. Surrounding Ideally suits or Can accommodate Cannot Landscape matches the the proposed accommodate Compatibility proposed development without proposed development. appearing totally out development of place. without it appearing totally out of place visually. 6. Character The site or The site or The site or surrounding area surrounding area surrounding area exhibits a definite exhibits some exhibits little or character. character. no character. 7. Scale A landscape that A landscape with Where vertical has horizontal and some horizontal and variation is limited vertical elements in vertical elements in and most high contrast to the some contrast to the elements are human scale. human scale. related to the human and horizontal scale.

CRITERIA HIGH MEDIUM LOW 8. Visual The ability of the The ability of the The ability of the Absorption landscape to easily landscape to less landscape not to Capacity accept visually a easily accepts visually accept a (VAC) particular visually a particular proposed development development development because of its because of a less because of a diverse landform, diverse landform, uniform texture, vegetation and texture and flat slope and texture. vegetation. limited vegetation cover. 9. View Distance If uninterrupted If uninterrupted view If uninterrupted view distances to distances are < 5 view distances the site are > than km but > 1 km. are >500 m and < 5 km. 1000 m. 10. Critical Views Views of the Some views of the Limited views to project are to be project from the project from seen by many surrounding main main roads, people passing on roads, towns / urban towns / urban main roads and areas and tourism areas and from prominent facilities. tourism facilities. areas i.e. towns / urban areas and tourism facilities.

Table 4 : Site Evaluation

Table 4.1: The Swartland Region

CHARACTERISTICS VISUAL CRITERIA VISUAL IMPACT RATING 1 Visibility High Moderate 2 Genius Loci Medium Moderate 3 Visual quality Medium Moderate 4 Social Medium Low 5 Surrounding landscape Medium Low – Moderate compatibility 6 Character High - Medium Moderate 7 Scale Low High 8 VAC Low High 9 View Distance High Moderate 10 Critical Views Medium Moderate

Table 4.2: The Mountain Region – Ridges and Peaks

CHARACTERISTICS VISUAL CRITERIA VISUAL IMPACT RATING 1 Visibility High Moderate 2 Genius Loci High High 3 Visual quality High Moderate 4 Social Medium Low 5 Surrounding landscape Low Moderate – High compatibility 6 Character High - Medium Moderate 7 Scale High Low 8 VAC Medium Moderate 9 View Distance High Moderate 10 Critical Views Medium – High High

Table 4.3: The Mountain Region – Valleys and Plains

CHARACTERISTICS VISUAL CRITERIA VISUAL IMPACT RATING 1 Visibility Medium Moderate 2 Genius Loci Medium Moderate 3 Visual quality Medium Moderate 4 Social Medium Low 5 Surrounding landscape Medium Moderate compatibility 6 Character Medium Moderate 7 Scale High Low 8 VAC Low Moderate 9 View Distance Medium Low 10 Critical Views High Moderate

Table 4.4: The Ceres Karoo Region

CHARACTERISTICS VISUAL CRITERIA VISUAL IMPACT RATING 1 Visibility High Moderate 2 Genius Loci Medium – Low Low 3 Visual quality Medium Low 4 Social Low Low 5 Surrounding landscape Medium Moderate compatibility 6 Character Medium Moderate 7 Scale Low High – Moderate 8 VAC Low High 9 View Distance High Moderate 10 Critical Views Medium – Low Low

Table 4.5: The Moordenaars Karoo Region

CHARACTERISTICS VISUAL CRITERIA VISUAL IMPACT RATING 1 Visibility Medium Moderate 2 Genius Loci Medium Moderate 3 Visual quality Medium Moderate 4 Social Low Low 5 Surrounding landscape Medium Moderate compatibility 6 Character Medium Moderate 7 Scale Medium Low 8 VAC Medium Moderate 9 View Distance Medium Low 10 Critical Views Medium Low

Table 4.6: The Great Karoo Region – Klipfontein se Berge to Beaufort West

CHARACTERISTICS VISUAL CRITERIA VISUAL IMPACT RATING 1 Visibility High Moderate 2 Genius Loci Medium – Low Moderate 3 Visual quality Low Moderate 4 Social Low Low 5 Surrounding landscape Medium Moderate compatibility 6 Character Low Moderate 7 Scale Low Moderate 8 VAC Low High 9 View Distance High Moderate 10 Critical Views Low Low

Table 4.7: The Great Karoo Region – Beaufort West to Victoria West

CHARACTERISTICS VISUAL CRITERIA VISUAL IMPACT RATING 1 Visibility High Moderate 2 Genius Loci Medium Moderate 3 Visual quality Medium Moderate 4 Social Medium Low 5 Surrounding landscape Medium Moderate compatibility 6 Character High - Medium Moderate 7 Scale Medium Moderate 8 VAC Low High 9 View Distance High Moderate 10 Critical Views Medium Low

Table 5: Summary of Impact Significance

EMP ISSUE DESCRIPTION ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS

Aesthetics Visual Environment 1. Swartland Region

Impact on sense of Significance rating is moderate. Significance rating is moderate. √ place Discussion Discussion

The Swartland exhibits a scenic Final route selection to avoid or rural / agricultural landscape that limit exposure to, as far as is visually intruded by possible, critical viewpoints such infrastructure and industrial type as the N-7, the 304 and 302 images. Due to the flat open roads, the R45 and R46 roads, landscape, the low VAC and the small towns such as Philadelphia, uniformity of the low vegetation, Kalbaskraal, Malmesbury and vertical elements such as Riebeek-Kasteel. transmission pylons will be visible.

2. Mountain Region

2.1 Ridges and Peaks

Significance rating is high. Significance rating is high. √

Discussion Discussion

The ridges and peaks form the Align the route across the √ basis of the tourism appeal of the mountain through natural low region. The route will be highly points to limit the silhouette effect visible at the crossover points of against the skyline. Align the these topographical elements. route away from tourist destinations such as the Gydo Critical viewpoints are those Pass. where the Transmission line crosses the mountain crests, where it runs parallel with or crosses main roads such as the R46, 303 and the 355 as well as views from urban areas such as Ceres, Bella Vista, Prince Alfred Hamlet and Tulbagh.

2.2 Valleys and Plains

Significance rating is moderate. Significance rating is moderate. √

Discussion

The route through the low lying Align the route to avoid running areas of the region will not be parallel to main roads or through viewed in silhouette due to the density populated areas such as

backdrop of the surrounding Bella Vista. mountains. The impact is tempered by the moderate Visual Absorption Capacity rating.

3. Ceres Karoo Region

Discussion

Although the route traverses an Align the route as far as possible area of low Visual Absorption to run alongside the southern Capacity, flat landscape and low existing Transmission line. vegetation, the route is limited in its exposure to large numbers of viewers. The impact is tempered by the alignment alongside an existing Transmission line rather than through an undisturbed area and by the backdrop effect of the Bontberg when viewed from the north.

Critical views are from the 355 road, particularly where it

converges with the Kwarrieberg Pass and the minor road to Matjiesfontein.

4. Moordenaars Karoo Region

Significance rating is moderate. Significance rating is moderate to √ low.

Discussion

The proposed route is through an Route selection should follow the area with a moderate Visual existing Transmission line Absorption Capacity that helps through the valleys rather than on reduce the visual intrusion. The the hillcrests. diverse topography blends the line, to a limited extent, with the landscape. The route is already modified visually by Transmission lines and is limited in its exposure to large numbers of viewers in that it is crossed by only one main road, the 354 road that links Matjiesfontein to Sutherland.

5. Great Karoo Region

5.1 Klipfontein se Berge to Beaufort West

Discussion

This section of the Karoo is open Align the route alongside the with extended views that results existing 400kV Transmission line. in the Transmission line being visible without the opportunity for screening by topography. The area has a low Visual Absorption Capacity. However, the route has already been visually altered or modified by the existing 400kV Transmission line.

The critical viewpoints are from Merweville and the 353 road linking Leeu Gamka with Fraserburg.

5.2 Beaufort West to Victoria West

Significance rating is moderate. Significance rating is moderate to √ low.

Discussion

The topography of this section is Align the route alongside the more varied and diverse and existing 400kV line. Rehabilitate assists, to a limited extent, in all landscape disturbances to reducing the impact. The low prevent permanent visual Visual Absorption Capacity scarring. Make use of existing results in any vertical object such access road wherever possible. as the pylons being visible. The low uniform vegetation results in any landscape scar, such as access roads being conspicuous.

Critical viewpoints are the N-1 crossing near Three Sisters, Beaufort West and Restvale.

10 REFERENCES

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Cave Klapwijk and Associates 52 APPENDIX ONE

PHOTO SURVEY Visual Impact Assessment Eskom Gamma-Omega Transmission line

Photo 1 Locality of Omega Substation

Photo 2 View towards Malmesbury looking east from the Waterberg

PHOTOS 1-2: THE SWARTLAND REGION

Photo 3 View north-east towards Gouda through the narrow gap between Porseleinberg and Kanonkop

Photo 4 View looking south-west towards Koeberg Hill

PHOTOS 3-4: THE SWARTLAND REGION

Photo 8 View west towards Ceres following the existing line from the Kwarrieberg through the gap into the Warm Bokkeveld

Photo 9 View east towards the Kwarrieberg. The route is proposed through the right gap

PHOTOS 8-9: THE MOUNTAIN REGION

Photo 10 View looking west towards the Kwarrieberg poort with the preferred route to the left of the existing Transmission lines through the far gap.

Photo 11 View looking north-east towards Komsberg Substation

PHOTOS 10-11: THE CERES KAROO REGION

Photo 12 View of proposed route to follow the existing route west of Komsberg Substation

Photo 13 View of Komsberg Substation looking east

PHOTOS 12-13: THE MOORDENAARS KAROO REGION

Photo 14 Droërivier Substation outside Beaufort West with the mountains of the Karoo National Park in the background

Photo 15 Point at which the existing northern and southern Transmission lines cross over the Rondekop ridge. Note the scarring of the access roads

PHOTOS 14-15: THE GREAT KAROO REGION

Photo 16 View looking south of proposed route alongside existing route at point of N-1 crossing near Three Sisters

Photo 17 View of existing Transmission line immediately south of Victoria Capacitor Station looking south

PHOTOS 16-17: THE GREAT KAROO REGION

Cave Klapwijk and Associates 61